url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scott-applauds-200-million-rural-health-care-investment-for-south-carolina/,Sen. Tim Scott Applauds $200 Million Rural Health Care Investment for South Carolina,2025-12-29,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"CHARLESTON, S.C. — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) today released the following statement on the Trump administration’s announcement that South Carolina will receive more than $200 million through the Rural Health Transformation Program:

“Access to health care should not be determined by one’s ZIP code. The $50 billion investment in rural health care established through the Working Families Tax Cut, which was advanced by Republican Members of Congress and signed into law by President Trump, demonstrates our commitment to improving life for every American,” said Sen. Scott. “I was proud to champion this historic funding that will benefit South Carolinians by ensuring rural families in the Palmetto State and nationwide have access to life-saving care closer to home.”

The Working Families Tax Cut authorized the Rural Health Transformation Program, and all 50 states will benefit from the $50 billion initiative, marking the largest federal investment in rural health care in American history.

The funds allocated to South Carolina will support initiatives such as expanding telehealth and improving chronic disease management, including Sickle Cell Disease, both issues that Sen. Scott has long championed.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-tim-scott-releases-2025-year-in-review/,Senator Tim Scott Releases 2025 Year in Review,2025-12-26,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) released his 2025 Year in Review, highlighting major legislative accomplishments and continued efforts to expand opportunity, strengthen American security, and deliver results for the people of South Carolina and families across the nation.

“I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished this year for the people of South Carolina and Americans nationwide, and I’m looking forward to building on that momentum,” said Senator Scott. “Whether it’s expanding school choice, securing tax relief for families, or strengthening our national security, my mission remains the same: to champion hope, protect opportunity, and ensure every American has the chance to achieve their version of the American Dream. I look forward to building on this progress in the year ahead.”

This year, Senator Scott led the introduction of 38 bills, 8 resolutions, and 14 amendments as well as cosponsored 79 bills and 42 resolutions.

Putting South Carolinians First

The Senator and his team completed casework for nearly 6,000 South Carolinians.

Maintaining a direct line of communication with constituents remained a priority for the Senator and allowed him to respond to more than 200,000 emails and letters from South Carolinians in 2025.

Energy and American Competitiveness

In an effort to restore American energy dominance and strengthen U.S. energy security, Senator Scott reintroduced the Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2025. The legislation removes red tape by eliminating the requirement for the Department of Energy (DOE) to approve exports of American liquefied natural gas and streamlining the approval process. In November, the House companion bill, led by Representative August Pfluger (R-Texas-11), passed by a vote of 217-188, moving Congress closer to expanding U.S. energy production, supporting jobs, and lowering energy costs.

Environmental Oversight and Regulatory Accountability

Senator Scott also led efforts to rein in federal regulatory overreach by introducing a Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Rubber Tire Manufacturing National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP) rule. The Biden administration finalized the rule in November 2024 despite the EPA’s own risk review concluding it was unnecessary for protecting public health or the environment and unable to quantify any public health benefit. The CRA passed the Senate and was signed into law in May, reversing a burdensome mandate and protecting American manufacturers and workers.

Standing with South Carolina and Honoring Its History

This year marked 10 years since the tragic shooting at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina – an attack that shook the nation and forever changed the Palmetto State. Senators Scott and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) led the introduction of a Senate resolution honoring the lives of the nine innocent worshippers murdered in the attack. The resolution passed unanimously, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to combating hatred and preserving the legacy of the Mother Emanuel Nine.

Supporting Small Businesses and Disaster Recovery

Following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, Senator Scott led efforts to ensure small businesses and homeowners received timely assistance by reintroducing the SBA Disaster Transparency Act. The legislation requires the Small Business Administration (SBA) to publish regular reports on the status of its disaster loan fund, providing Congress and communities clear insight into the availability of critical recovery resources.

Senator Scott also continued his work to protect small businesses from unnecessary federal overreach by reintroducing the Protecting Access to Credit for Small Businesses Act. This legislation pushes back against a Biden-era rule that would allow the SBA to make direct loans, ensuring that community banks and credit unions – that know the communities they serve – remain the primary source of credit for local businesses.

Empowering Families Through Education

Throughout 2025, Senator Scott continued advancing educational freedom and expanding school choice for families across the country. He introduced the National School Choice Week resolution and led the introduction of the High-Quality Charter Schools Act, legislation designed to grow and support charter schools, ensuring that more students, regardless of background, race, or ZIP code, have access to high-quality education.

In response to the rise of antisemitism on college campuses, Senator Scott partnered with Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) to introduce the Antisemitism Awareness Act. The legislation directs the Department of Education (ED) to use the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism when enforcing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. This provides schools and investigators clear guidance for addressing antisemitic incidents, protecting Jewish students, and ensuring a safe learning environment for all students.

Through the Working Families Tax Cut, signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025, Senator Scott secured major wins for students and families, including the Educational Choice for Children Act becoming law. This provision encourages charitable contributions to scholarship programs and helps families access quality K–12 education, further empowering parents and communities with meaningful educational options.

Strengthening Families Through Quality Health Care

In 2025, Senator Scott continued leading efforts to expand health care access, improve patient outcomes, and strengthen the nation’s health care system. He reintroduced the Pregnant and Postpartum Women Treatment Reauthorization Act, which was signed into law as part of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Reauthorization Act, ensuring that pregnant and postpartum women across the country have access to vital mental health and substance use disorder care.

Senator Scott has prioritized modernizing health care delivery and expanding patient access to high-quality care by working across the aisle to implement innovative solutions that meet the needs of families and communities. He partnered with Senator Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) to extend the Acute Hospital Care at Home Waiver program, passed by the House in December, giving patients the option to receive hospital level care at home, reducing costs, improving outcomes, and modernizing the delivery of care.

As a champion for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), Senator Scott introduced legislation reauthorizing the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Demonstration Program. SCD is an inherited blood disorder that disproportionately affects African Americans, Latinos, and other minority groups, affecting approximately 100,000 individuals in the United States and significantly reducing life expectancy. The legislation expands access to research and treatment, trains more clinicians in SCD care, improves care during the transition from pediatric to adult services, and strengthens coordination among health care providers. Additionally, Senator Scott hosted a roundtable in Charleston, South Carolina to highlight emerging gene therapies and drive innovation in treatment options for patients living with the disease.

Senator Scott further led Senate resolutions recognizing National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Month, underscoring his commitment to health equity, protecting vulnerable populations, and advancing access to high-quality, patient-focused care for Americans.

Supporting America’s Workers and Families

Senator Scott continued leading efforts to strengthen America’s workforce and protect the rights of workers across the country. He introduced the Modern Worker Empowerment Act to provide independent workers greater flexibility, helping them thrive in the modern day economy. He also championed stronger retirement security through the Strengthening Benefit Plans Act, which allows employers to use overfunded pension accounts to maintain health benefits amid rising costs. Additionally, Senator Scott reintroduced the Employee Rights Act of 2025, reinforcing fairness, privacy, and choice in the workplace and ensuring that all Americans have the protections and opportunities they need to succeed.

Tax Relief and Pro-Growth Reform

Senator Scott delivered major tax wins for hardworking Americans in 2025 aimed at lowering costs, encouraging investment, and strengthening communities. Through the Working Families Tax Cut, Opportunity Zones were made permanent and expanded upon, providing lasting incentives for investment in distressed areas. The legislation also established an extended educator tax deductions to coaches and athletic staff and delivered critical disaster relief and protections for South Carolina’s farmers.

Beyond this landmark legislation, Senator Scott introduced and supported key tax reforms to support families, infrastructure, and economic growth. These initiatives include the Adoption Tax Credit Refundability Act, expanded tax credits for short line railroads essential to South Carolina’s port economy, the IRS Accountability and Taxpayer Protection Act, and incentives to strengthen American clean energy and advanced nuclear production.

Bolstering Our National Security

Throughout the year, Senator Scott advanced policies to strengthen U.S. national security, secure the southern border, and support those who serve our nation. He introduced the Securing Our Border Act to redirect unobligated International Revenue Service (IRS) enforcement funds toward border security priorities, including nonintrusive inspection systems, border wall construction, and Border Patrol recruitment and retention efforts. He also introduced the Alan Shao II Fentanyl Public Health Emergency and Overdose Prevention Act to accelerate the processing and removal of migrants illegally entering the country to protect American lives in response to the fentanyl crisis.

Senator Scott secured a key provision in the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) directing the Department of Defense (DOD) to support recruitment, training, and retention of top cyber talent to ensure the U.S. military remains prepared for evolving threats. During the government shutdown, he introduced the Pay Our Capitol Police Act to guarantee continued pay for Capitol Police officers, civilian staff, and essential contractors, and supported similar legislation to pay our military personnel during the shutdown.

Supporting our veterans remained a key priority of Senator Scott’s. Last month, the Senator joined Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) in introducing the Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation (NOPAIN) for Veterans Act. The legislation would expand veteran access to non-opioid alternatives by providing pathways for FDA-approved non-opioid treatments to be included in the VA National Formulary (VANF), the list of available prescriptions at VA facilities.

Earlier this year, Senator Scott joined Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Republican colleagues in introducing the No Official Palestine Entry (NOPE) Act to cut off U.S. assistance to entities that give additional rights and privileges to the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO). Current U.S. law prohibits funding to organizations, such as the United Nations, which gives the PLO full membership or standing as a member state. The NOPE Act updates the existing funding prohibition to organizations that offer the PLO “any status, rights, or privileges beyond observer status.”

Preserving the American Dream

Senator Scott, as Chairman of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee, led the inclusion of key provisions in the Working Families Tax Cut to cut waste, eliminate duplication, and protect hardworking taxpayers. These reforms rein in the unaccountable Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), defund wasteful Green New Deal spending, and eliminate the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) slush fund.

Senator Scott also played a leading role in advancing the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act, which President Trump signed into law in July. The legislation established the nation’s first regulatory framework for payment stablecoins, strengthening consumer protections and national security. Under Senator Scott’s leadership, the bill passed the Senate Banking Committee with the support of every Republican and five Democrats. He further led the release of a discussion draft on digital asset market structure, as well as a Request for Information (RFI) for stakeholders to submit feedback on the draft and on a wide range of related issues.

To combat the debanking of federally legal businesses and law-abiding Americans, Senator Scott introduced the Financial Integrity and Regulation Management (FIRM) Act to eliminate all references to reputational risk as a measure to determine the safety and soundness of financial institutions. The bill advanced out of the Senate Banking Committee during its first legislative markup of the 119th Congress, prompting federal regulators to remove this arbitrary standard from their oversight practices.

President Trump also signed into law Chairman Scott’s Congressional Review Act resolution overturning a Biden-era CFPB rule that imposed government price controls on overdraft fees, preserving access to short-term liquidity for millions of Americans.

In the Committee’s first bipartisan housing markup in more than a decade, Chairman Scott led the unanimous passage of the Renewing Opportunity in the American Dream (ROAD) to Housing Act of 2025. The comprehensive package passed the Banking Committee 24-0 and was later included in the Senate-passed version of the National Defense Authorization Act. Senator Scott will continue to build on this momentum in 2026, reinforcing his priorities: expanding housing supply, lowering costs, and making the American Dream of homeownership within reach for more Americans.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://fry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1021,Rep. Fry’s Trafficking Survivors Relief Act Passes the United States Senate,2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,Russell Fry,F000478,fry.house.gov,fry,https://fry.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Russell Fry celebrates the passage of his bill, the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act in the United States Senate, marking a significant step forward in ensuring justice for survivors of human trafficking who were forced or coerced into committing non-violent crimes as a direct result of their exploitation.

Human trafficking remains a pervasive crisis across the United States, with victims often compelled by traffickers to engage in criminal activity such as fraud, drug offenses, or identity theft. Too often, survivors are arrested, prosecuted, and left with permanent criminal records—while their traffickers evade accountability.

At the outset of a prosecution, this legislation establishes an affirmative defense to provide survivors with the opportunity to defend against only those charges that arose directly from their trafficking victimization. It also provides critical relief for survivors who have already been convicted as a result of their trafficking victimization through vacatur, expungement, and sentencing mitigation.

Specifically, for a court to grant a motion to vacate a conviction or expunge an arrest, a defendant must show by a preponderance of the evidence that the offense was committed as a direct result of having been a victim of trafficking. Additionally, the defendant must establish, by clear and convincing evidence, that the defendant was a victim of human trafficking at the time the offense was committed.

The bill only allows for non-violent offenses that were committed as a direct result of trafficking to be eligible for vacatur and expungement. Additionally, this bill clarifies that any crimes eligible for expungement are crimes that do not involve a child as a victim.

“No survivor of human trafficking should carry a criminal record for non-violent crimes they were forced to commit under threat, abuse, or coercion,” said Congressman Fry. “This bill recognizes a simple truth: victims are not criminals. Too often, survivors are punished for their exploitation, instead of receiving the support they need to rebuild their lives. Passing the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act is a critical step toward restoring justice, dignity, and a real second chance to those who endured unimaginable exploitation.”

Supporting groups of the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act include South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, 3Strands Global Foundation, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, AHLA, CPAC, Engage Together, Hope for Justice, survivor leader Hollie Nadel, Justice Restoration Center, Major County Sheriffs of America, the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), PACT, Paving the Way Foundation, Pearl at the Mailbox, Raven, Right On Crime, Rights4Girls, Shared Hope International, Street Grace, The Moore & Van Allen Human Trafficking Pro Bono Project, Thistle Farms, the UPS Foundation, and World Without Exploitation.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-reintroduces-bill-crack-down-illegal-foreign-fishing-and,Rep. Nancy Mace Reintroduces Bill To Crack Down On Illegal Foreign Fishing And Protect American Fishermen,2025-12-19,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 19, 2025) — Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) reintroduced the Protect American Fisheries Act of 2025 to strengthen protections for U.S. fisheries and coastal communities against foreign interference and illegal fishing.

The bill modernizes the Magnuson-Stevens Act to include economic harm caused by foreign actors as a valid trigger for disaster declarations, giving the federal government the power to intervene when American fishing communities are put at risk.

This is especially critical for South Carolina, where coastal fishermen have been undercut by unfair foreign competition and alleged mislabeling of foreign shrimp as “local.”

“South Carolina’s fishing industry is the backbone of our coastal economy and our way of life,” said Congresswoman Mace. “For far too long, foreign actors have cheated the system with illegal fishing, forced labor, and this bill finally brings real accountability. It defends the livelihoods of hardworking American fishermen instead of leaving them to pay the price.”

South Carolina’s Lowcountry fisheries support thousands of jobs, from shrimpers and captains to processors and marine service industries. Foreign interference threatens those jobs and the coastal economy depending on them.

The legislation expands the definition of a fishery disaster to include economic harm caused by foreign activity, such as:

Market distortion by foreign producers,

Disruptions to sustainable harvests, and

Threats to the operational or economic viability of U.S. fisheries.

It also directs the Secretary of Commerce to consider evidence of:

Illegal, unreported, or unregulated (IUU) foreign fishing, including operations using forced labor,

Predatory pricing from foreign competitors, and

Subsidies that undercut U.S. seafood prices or distort markets.

The United States Shrimpers Coalition provided the following letter in support of Congresswoman Mace’s bill:

South Carolina fishermen, along with industry leaders nationwide, expressed strong support for Congresswoman Mace’s bill:

“This is a common-sense bill that provides a critical support to our industry when we need it most. Our fishermen are some of the hardest working small business owners in the country, and they shouldn't be forced out of business because of the actions of bad actors on the other side of the world. We wholeheartedly support Congresswoman Mace in her fight to get this bill passed and signed into law. To support this bill is to support the preservation and continuity of the American Dream,” said Rocky Magwood, President of the South Carolina Shrimpers Association.

“Fishermen are, by nature, a community that comes to the aid of anyone in trouble on the water. This bill isn't a handout, but a lifeline for our industry when we find ourselves in stormy economic seas. It’s a matter of economic justice, and we appreciate Congresswoman Mace for her tireless efforts to support the American seafood industry,” said Bryan Jones, Vice President of the South Carolina Shrimpers Association.

“When we lose our fishing industry to unethically produced supply chains, we lose our food security. Representative Mace understands that supporting American fishermen in a crisis means protecting America’s ability to feed itself. We’re grateful she’s fighting for our food independence and the hardworking families that support coastal economies by sustainably harvesting wild-caught shrimp,” said John Williams, Executive Director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance.

""No other U.S. fishery has suffered greater harm from having to compete in the U.S. market with illegal and unfairly traded imports than the Atlantic pelagic longline fishery. NOAA needs to recognize that the failure to effectively enforce U.S. trade laws has enabled imports from IUU fisheries, through the abhorrent use of forced labor, and with the benefit of foreign government subsidies, to continue to enter our market placing our fishermen at a severe competitive disadvantage. It's become a total disaster for our fishery. We really need help and thankfully, Rep. Mace's bill would provide it,” said Marty Scanlon, President of the Blue Water Fishermen's Association.

""Currently the only way fishermen and seafood support businesses can get disaster relief assistance is when there is a resource disaster. While this is important and valuable to the industry when there is a resource collapse, there is no assistance available in the event of an infrastructure or market related disaster. The hurricane that devastated the industry in southwest Florida did not qualify because the resource was intact but the whole harvesting infrastructure was destroyed. Likewise, the shrimp resource in the southeast USA is robust, however, the market price has collapsed due to over importation of farm-raised shrimp, typically below the cost to produce. More shrimp was imported over the last few years than this country can consume. This leaves the wild-caught, American shrimp industry very little market space at prices too low to cover the expense to harvest. This is a fisheries disaster created by unregulated importation but does not qualify for fisheries disaster funding. We need to protect American seafood food producers for the people of the United States or we will have no domestic food to choose from,” said Mike Merrifield, President, Southeastern Fisheries Association.

""For far too long domestic seafood producers have been harmed by the anti-competitive practices of foreign interests, the Protect American Fisheries Act of 2025 is a timely lifeline to level the playing field for fishermen providing wild, American seafood to the public,” said Ryan Bradley, Director, Mississippi Commercial Fisheries United, Inc.

“This bill aims at making the fishery disaster determination process more comprehensive and helps ensure the longevity of the seafood industry and the communities that it supports,” said Dave Donaldson, Executive Director, Gulf States Marine Fisheries Commission.

""NOAA's fishery disaster program must finally come to terms with the reality that imports completely dominate the U.S. market including for cod, haddock and other New England groundfish. As covered by this bill, such imports distort the market for our fishery, disrupt our sustainable harvest of groundfish stocks, and hinder the operational or economic viability of our fishery. All that on top of the dysfunctional management of our fishery has led us to the brink of disaster. Like so many U.S. fisheries, we need Rep. Mace's bill,” said Jackie Odell, Executive director of the Northeast Seafood Coalition.

“The Texas Shrimp Association strongly endorses the Protect American Fisheries Act of 2025 re-introduced by South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace which will amend the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management (MSFCM) Act. This bill will add an economic cause as an allowable criterion to declare a fishery resource disaster. This provision is much needed to help the Texas and United States shrimp industry with recovery from financial disaster as a result of the overabundance of largely uninspected farm-raised shrimp being imported into the U.S. The passage of this bill will allow fishery disaster provisions of the MSFCM to go into effect to provide immediate and critical relief to the many struggling fishermen who are on the brink of financial ruin and in need of recovery assistance for survival,” said Chris Londrie, President of Texas Shrimp Association.

""Since the 1990s, America’s commercial fishermen have set the global gold standard for sustainability, delivering wild-harvested U.S. seafood to our nation’s kitchen and restaurants. Yet they’ve many times been undercut by container-ship-sized imports from nations with zero environmental safeguards, often caught or processed by modern-day slave labor. Despite following some of the strictest rules in the world, U.S. fishermen have never had the backing of their own government against foreign price-dumping. The Protect American Fisheries Act changes that, placing them at the bow and reeling in long-overdue protection from predatory importers. We are deeply appreciative of Congresswoman Mace’s efforts to bring this bill to fruition,” said Bonnie Brady, executive director, Long Island Commercial Fishing Association.

""The Protect American Fisheries Act strengthens protections for U.S. fishermen against unfair foreign practices. By recognizing economic harm as a disaster, it ensures swift federal support when foreign subsidies or illegal fishing threaten our industry. This act defends American jobs, seafood supply, and coastal communities,” said Acy Cooper, President, Louisiana Shrimp Association.

""For far too long domestic seafood producers have been harmed by the anti-competitive practices of foreign interests, the Protect American Fisheries Act of 2025 is a timely lifeline to level the playing field for fishermen providing wild, American seafood to the public,” said Ryan Bradley- Director, Mississippi Commercial Fisheries United.

""American fisheries are under constant threat in the USA seafood market from cheaper, less regulated foreign imports. Economic safeguards such as those provided in the bill are necessary to respond to financial disasters due to unfair market competition from subsidized foreign produced seafood,” said Eric K. Kingma, Executive Director, Hawaii Longline Association.

“There is a lack of awareness by the American consumer of the origin of most seafood, this Bill will assist in protecting the hard working American Fishermen sustainability into the future,” said Fred Mattera, Executive Director, Commercial Fisheries Center of Rhode Island.

""The Port Arthur Area Shrimper's Association is supportive of the ""Protect American Fisheries Act of 2025."" We will do anything that we can to help the U.S. legislators in their passage of this bill. We are fighting for the survival of not just the shrimp industry, but the American fisheries as a whole. We are brothers and sisters in the shrimping community and we pray that all fishermen from all states are successful and we stand in solidarity with them. Although this legislation does not cure all of the ills in our industries, it is the start of a conversation and I hope that this conversation will continue into the future as we address the many issues of the shrimp industry and other fisheries as well in their fight for survival. All that we ask for is a level playing field and fair prices for our catches without interference from foreign countries,” said Tricia Kimball, Vice President, Port Arthur Area Shrimpers Association.

""The New England Fishermen’s Stewardship Association stands firmly behind the Protect American Fisheries Act. This critical legislation empowers our fishermen and seafood businesses to combat the deleterious effects of foreign market manipulation and unfair competition. By recognizing economic factors as valid grounds for declaring a federal fishery resource disaster, we are not only protecting our livelihoods but also maintaining the integrity and sustainability of our local fishing communities. We are proud to support the Protect American Fisheries Act as it represents a vital step toward ensuring a level playing field for American fishermen. The act addresses the urgent need to confront the challenges posed by subsidized foreign competitors who jeopardize our industry with their substandard, low-priced seafood. By endorsing this legislation, we are advocating for the future of our fisheries and the economic stability of our coastal communities,” said Jerry Leeman, CEO, New England Fishermen's Stewardship Association.

“The unfair trade practices allowing foreign shrimp to flood our markets at artificially low prices have made it increasingly difficult for our watermen to sustain their livelihoods. When chicken feet cost more than shrimp, it highlights the urgent need for action. The Protect American Fisheries Act addresses these issues by including economic disasters—such as shrimp dumping and the ongoing trade imbalances—as part of the Magnuson-Stevens Act. This inclusion is a critical piece of the puzzle needed to keep our domestic commercial fishing industry functioning and sustainable,” said H. Huger McClellan, President of the McClellanville Watermen’s Association.

“Disaster relief for watermen needs to be done in a timely manner. This relief comes at a time that watermen need it the most. If disaster hits, most watermen are hit pretty hard, and being self-employed they need immediate relief. Thanks to everyone involved in supporting this bill,” said J.C. Hudgins, President of the Virginia Waterman’s Association.

###

For press inquiries, please contact SC01Press@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-nancy-mace-reintroduces-bill-designate-taliban-foreign-terrorist,Congresswoman Nancy Mace Reintroduces Bill To Designate Taliban As Foreign Terrorist Organization,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 18, 2025) — Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace reintroduced the Preventing the Recognition of Terrorist States Act of 2025, legislation which would formally designate the Taliban as a foreign terrorist organization, designate the Taliban-led government of Afghanistan as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, and prohibit federal agencies from recognizing the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

Since taking control of Afghanistan following the Biden administration’s botched withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan in August 2021, resulting in the deaths of 13 American service members, the Taliban have only further proven themselves to be a terrorist organization. The regime has systematically stripped away the rights of Afghan women and girls, banning them from schools and most workplaces. Despite pledging in the 2020 Doha Agreement to sever ties with terrorist organizations, the Taliban have continued to harbor al-Qaeda, a fact confirmed by the July 2022 U.S. strike which killed al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in central Kabul.

Introduced in the 118th Congress with Rep. Mace serving as House lead and then-Sen. Marco Rubio leading the companion effort in the Senate, the Preventing the Recognition of Terrorist States Act of 2025 comes amid the Taliban’s continued consolidation of power following their 2021 takeover of Afghanistan.

""The Taliban are terrorists, and any effort to legitimize them is reckless and dangerous,"" said Congresswoman Mace. ""They harbor America's enemies, oppress women and girls, and represent every value our nation stands against. The United States must never legitimize terrorists or terrorism.""

The Preventing the Recognition of Terrorist States Act would:

Designate the Taliban as a Foreign Terrorist Organization under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

Designate the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, subjecting the regime to significant sanctions and restrictions.

Prohibit federal agencies from taking any action which states or implies recognition of the Taliban's sovereignty over Afghanistan.

Block federal funding from being used to extend diplomatic recognition to the Taliban-led government.

The bill establishes as U.S. policy the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan was a coup d'état and therefore illegitimate, and acknowledges U.S.-designated terrorists, including Sirajuddin Haqqani, play key roles in the Taliban regime.

“We’ve seen what happens when America sends mixed signals to our enemies,” continued Congresswoman Mace. “This legislation draws a bright line in the sand and makes clear—now and forever— the Taliban will never be treated as a legitimate government by the United States.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=8B7BCE0A-ABB1-48A7-A93C-0C27D92ABE34,Graham Statement on Bryan Stirling Confirmation as South Carolina’s U.S. Attorney,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after the Senate voted to confirm Bryan Stirling to be the U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina.

“Congratulations to Bryan Stirling on his confirmation as the U.S. Attorney for the District of South Carolina.

“Bryan is a motivated individual who is highly qualified for this position. He will fiercely fight crime and make South Carolina safer.

“I appreciate President Trump nominating him.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=B877A1D9-4586-4B0B-8E24-1B5C9309BAAE,Graham Statement on the Passage of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made this statement after the Senate passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) by a vote of 77-20. Senator Graham noted that the legislation includes several important priorities for South Carolina.

“The Senate’s passage of the annual defense authorization bill ensures a pay raise for our troops and the authorization of several important projects for South Carolina,” said Graham.

Highlights of Provisions Included in the FY26 NDAA:

Wins for South Carolina.

Authorizes millions for South Carolina military construction projects, including:

$51 million for construction at Fort Jackson in Columbia.

$65.4 million for the Nuclear Power Training Facility Simulation Expansion project at Joint Base Charleston.

$33 million for the construction of a Medical Facility Addition for the Air Force Reserve based in Joint Base Charleston.

Authorizes billions for the Savannah River Site (SRS) to help advance critical programs like Plutonium Pit Production and Environmental Cleanup and codifies the two-site strategy to produce no fewer than 50 war reserve plutonium pits annually at SRS.

Supports our Men and Women in Uniform.

Authorizes a 3.8 percent pay raise for military members.

Supports the Modernization of the U.S. Military.

Authorizes billions for key priorities including shipbuilding, Golden Dome, and munitions production.

Improves the budget and acquisition process of the Pentagon to help advance key priorities faster and in a fiscally responsible manner.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=EAB84A63-C9AC-4F14-97E3-BE0582B221BA,"Graham, Blumenthal Introduce Resolution Calling on Trump Administration to Seize Shadow Fleet Vessels That Transport Sanctioned Russian Oil",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) introduced a resolution calling on the Trump Administration to seize ships carrying sanctioned Russian oil. These ships, known as “shadow fleet” vessels, are skirting sanctions and contributing to the illicit financing of the war in Ukraine.

As the world’s third-largest oil producer, Russia’s cheap oil exports have generated massive amounts of revenue that have been used to fund Vladimir Putin’s aggression against Ukraine. Over the past several months, this shadow fleet has been responsible for transporting between 60 and 80 percent of Russia’s illegal exports.

“Without a shadow fleet of oil tankers willing to illegally transport cheap sanctioned Russian oil, Putin’s war machine would grind to a halt. Seize the ships. Help stop the war,” said Graham.

“Our bipartisan resolution is an urgent call for action—the Trump Administration must take steps to seize tankers in Russia’s shadow fleet to stop the sales and shipments of oil that fuel Putin’s war machine,” said Blumenthal. “Putin’s slaughter in Ukraine could be stymied by stopping outlaw vessels from carrying cheap Russian oil to China, India, and others who prop up Putin’s economy. The Administration must act without delay and lead coordinated action to seize these illicit tankers and end Putin’s murderous assault.”

The Shadow Fleet Vessel Resolution:

Condemns the use of shadow fleet vessels to transport sanctioned oil from the Russian Federation and views the transport of such oil as conduct that undermines United States national security interests and sanctions regimes

Urges the Trump Administration to seize shadow fleet vessels transporting sanctioned oil from the Russian Federation

Recognizes that seizing shadow fleet vessels engaged in such transport is a lawful and appropriate measure to take against the Russian Federation’s evasion of sanctions and illicit financing of its war in Ukraine

Calls on allies and partners to also seize shadow fleet vessels transporting sanctioned oil from the Russian Federation

Read the full text of the resolution HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=EFABDC2A-7EC5-43D2-9C51-E2D5F16C7FAB,"Graham Leads Bill to Sunset Section 230 Immunity, Protect Americans Online",2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Dick Durbin (D-Illinois), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-Rhode Island), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Ashley Moody (R-Florida) and Peter Welch (D-Vermont) introduced the Sunset Section 230 Act.

“I am extremely pleased that there is such wide and deep bipartisan support for repealing Section 230, which protects social media companies from being sued by the people whose lives they destroy. Giant social media platforms are unregulated, immune from lawsuits and are making billions of dollars in advertising revenue off some of the most unsavory content and criminal activity imaginable,” said Senator Graham. “It is past time to allow those who have been harmed by these behemoths to have their day in court.”

“Children are being exploited and abused because Big Tech consistently prioritizes profits over people. Enough is enough. Sunsetting Section 230 will force Big Tech to come to the table take ownership over the harms it has wrought. And if Big Tech doesn’t, this bill will open the courtroom to victims of its platforms. Parents have been begging Congress to step in, and it’s time we do so. I’m proud to partner with Senator Graham on this effort, and we will push for it to become law,” said U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“For nearly 30 years, Section 230 has provided Big Tech cover as they turn a blind eye to heinous crimes committed on their platforms,” Senator Grassley said. “As Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, I’m glad to join my bipartisan colleagues in this effort to update our nation’s laws, rein in Section 230 and hold Big Tech accountable.”

“When Section 230 was enacted 30 years ago it was intended to give small tech companies space to innovate. But today many of these companies are now worth billions and even trillions of dollars yet the law still shields them from accountability from harms that occur on their platforms including child exploitation and illegal fentanyl sales,” said Senator Klobuchar. “Parents and victims should be able to hold these companies accountable by suing for damages, the same way they can sue if injured by nearly any other product.”

“For too long, Big Tech giants have hidden behind the outdated shield of Section 230 to censor conservative voices and silence viewpoints they don't agree with,” said Senator Blackburn. “We must repeal Section 230 to finally hold Big Tech accountable and restore true freedom of speech and fairness online for the American people.”

“Big Tech hides behind Section 230 to dodge accountability while their platforms exploit children and inflict harm on the American people. Mark Zuckerberg and others have spent a decade claiming to support Section 230 reforms in public, while their lobbyists and lawyers fight tooth-and-nail behind the scenes. Our bipartisan measure would force Big Tech to the table with a bold demand: either negotiate sensible reforms now or lose your absolute immunity forever,” said Senator Blumenthal.

Senator Ashley Moody said, “As a former prosecutor and the mother of a school aged child I know firsthand the dangers our children face online. We are the first generation of parents having to deal with predators getting to our children under our own roofs through their devices. The old rules — stranger danger, don’t get in the van — aren’t enough to protect them anymore. That is why I am throwing my full support behind the Sunset Section 230 Act, and I urge my colleagues to get off the sidelines and finally do something to protect our kids.”

“The internet has dramatically transformed since the Communications Decency Act was passed in 1996. Nearly 30 years later, Section 230 has been used by America’s biggest tech giants not as a tool but as a shield, providing immunity from legal consequences when their platforms harm consumers,” said Senator Welch. “Our bipartisan bill to sunset Section 230 is an important step forward in a bipartisan effort to hold Big Tech accountable. It will protect children and other vulnerable communities from harm, misinformation, and exploitation.”

This bill is endorsed by Less Than 3, Enough Is Enough, Zero Abuse Project, National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), Institute for Family Studies, American Principles Project, Bull Moose Project, Protect Young Eyes, Concerned Women for America Action, Fairplay for Kids, ParentsSOS, David’s Legacy Foundation, Digital Progress Institute, Rights4Girls and Digital Childhood Alliance.

Background on the Sunset Section 230 Act:

Section 230 was created in 1996, as a part of the Communications Decency Act, to allow then-fledgling social media companies to grow without fear of lawsuits. Those days have long since passed, as these companies are now some of the most powerful in the history of the world.

In the digital era, thousands of Americans, many of whom are children, have been targeted by online perpetrators who engage in harassment, bullying, the dissemination of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), and sextortion—a type of online blackmail using nude or sexually explicit images. In certain cases, victims of these crimes are driven to suicide within mere minutes or hours after being abused online, long before their loved ones ever knew they were victimized. Surviving victims and their families are unable to sue the social media companies that criminals use to commit these heinous acts due to protections under Section 230.

This legislation would repeal Section 230 two years after the date of enactment so that those harmed online can bring legal action against the companies, and finally hold them accountable for the harms that occur on their platforms.

The full text of the bill is HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scott-thanks-south-carolina-national-guard-serving-in-washington-during-holidays/,Sen. Tim Scott Thanks South Carolina National Guard Serving in Washington During Holidays,2025-12-18,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) this week met with members of the South Carolina National Guard, who just began their deployment in Washington, D.C. to help keep the nation’s capital safe.

“The men and women of the South Carolina National Guard embody courage, dedication, and sacrifice. They’re spending the holidays away from their families and loved ones so the rest of us can be safe,” said Sen. Scott. “Americans are truly blessed by their commitment to service. Let’s continue to pray for their protection as they carry out their mission, especially in the wake of the horrific attack on their fellow guardsmen from the West Virginia National Guard. I’m committed to making sure that those who wear our nation’s uniform have the support, resources, and care they need to continue their work with utmost safety.”

“We appreciate Senator Scott’s visit and the time he dedicated to engaging with our Soldiers,” said Lt. Col. Brunson DePass, commander, 1st Battalion 178th Field Artillery Regiment, South Carolina National Guard. “It truly makes a difference when leaders make an effort to connect with those who serve.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-nancy-mace-backs-protect-childrens-innocence-act-calls-end,"Congresswoman Nancy Mace Backs Protect Children’s Innocence Act, Calls To End Irreversible Procedures On Minors",2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 17, 2025) — Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) delivered remarks on the House floor in strong support of the Protect Children’s Innocence Act, legislation which would make it a felony under federal law to perform chemical or surgical gender-transition procedures on minors, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

Mace condemned what she described as efforts to normalize irreversible medical procedures on children and urged swift action to protect minors from permanent harm.

“There is a lie at the heart of this debate we have to correct — no child is born in the wrong body,” Mace said. “There are only two biological sexes, male and female. They are assigned at birth, and cannot be changed.”

Congresswoman Mace’s full remarks are below:

Thank you, Madam Speaker.

I rise in strong support of the Protect Children’s Innocence Act.

And when we’re talking about shameful – shameful is castrating a kid.

Shameful is chopping off the breasts of an underage girl, and that is what the Democrats are doing today.

It is obscene. It is disgusting. You’re seeing in real time Democrats wanting and defending grooming of children. And it is abhorrent.

There is a lie at the heart of the debate we’re having today that I have to correct – no child is born in the wrong body.

There are only two sexes – male and female. There are no others.

Every child is created in the Lord’s image, and we cannot remain silent while demonic forces are here today on the floor.

The Left, here to groom children and defend it.

Children are innocent, and for too long Democrats have tried to mainstream satanic, irreversible procedures which DESTROY the bodies of young children and often lead to kids being sterilized for life.

It leads to disease. Leads to cancer. Leads to suicide.

Democrats say protect trans kids. I came here today to the floor of the House of Representatives to say there is no such thing as a trans kid.

Transgenderism is a mind virus perpetrated by the far-left to groom young children.

This is not gender-affirming care, it is genital-destroying child abuse.

This chemical and surgical mutilation of children has devastating consequences on their physical and mental health and so many live to regret it. Many live to detransition if they make it out at all.

This is sick. This is disgusting. And we cannot allow the left to prey on underage kids any longer.

I yield back.

LINK TO WATCH REMARKS: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7u0ESIqH8-c

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-nancy-mace-introduces-bill-force-transparency-healthcare-costs,Congresswoman Nancy Mace Introduces Bill To Force Transparency On Healthcare Costs For Illegal Aliens,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 17, 2025) – Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace introduced the American Citizenship Healthcare Integrity Act of 2025, legislation to force transparency and accountability for the immense cost and burdens illegal aliens place on our healthcare system.

""While hardworking Americans struggle to pay their medical bills and insurance premiums, illegal aliens are getting FREE healthcare on the American taxpayer's dime,"" said Congresswoman Mace. ""The free-loading must end.""

The American Citizenship Healthcare Integrity Act ends the era of turning a blind eye to the massive costs illegal aliens impose on American healthcare. Under this legislation, hospitals participating in Medicare must ask the citizenship status of patients during the intake process and report the number of illegal aliens receiving care and the total cost of uncompensated care provided to illegal aliens to the Department of Health and Human Services.

The legislation also requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to publicly release an annual report detailing exactly how much uncompensated care is provided to illegal aliens and the cost to taxpayers of this uncompensated care.

""For years, politicians have allowed illegal aliens to exploit our healthcare system while American families foot the bill,"" Mace continued. ""Hospital emergency rooms are overwhelmed. Insurance premiums keep rising. American citizens are rationing their medications, delaying care, and going without coverage because they can't afford it, while illegal aliens are receiving care for free. This madness has to end, and it starts with forcing transparency and accountability with our bill.""

The legislation addresses a crisis facing hospitals and American families daily: the unsustainable financial burden of providing uncompensated care to millions of illegal aliens who violated U.S. law. Americans deserve full transparency on healthcare costs affecting insurance premiums and hospital bills, and the amount of their tax dollars spent to foot the bill.

Key Provisions:

Requires hospitals who participate in Medicare to ask the citizenship status of patients during the intake process

Requires hospitals who participate in Medicare to report to the Department of Health and Human Services on the number of illegal aliens receiving care and the total cost of uncompensated care for illegal aliens

Requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to publish an annual report on the total cost of uncompensated care for illegal aliens and the amount of taxpayer dollars spent to cover uncompensated care for illegal aliens

Establishes a 180-day implementation timeline to ensure compliance

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-nancy-mace-responds-occs-confirmation-completely-unverified,Congresswoman Nancy Mace Responds to OCC's Confirmation: Completely Unverified Documents,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"December 17, 2025
Press Release
Image
Image
Image
Image",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T15:11:15Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scott-secures-defense-wins-for-south-carolina-in-ndaa/,Sen. Tim Scott Secures Defense Wins for South Carolina in NDAA,2025-12-17,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) today voted to pass the final version of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which is now headed to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.

“I voted to pass this year’s national defense bill, which refocuses America’s military on strength and readiness while ensuring South Carolina continues to play a vital role in defending the homeland,” said Sen. Scott. “This bill strengthens our ability to counter threats from adversaries like China, supports our service members by making sure their children have access to safe, reliable child care centers while they serve our country, and builds on South Carolina’s leadership in our national defense. Coupled with the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the FY26 NDAA will help make sure the United States remains the strongest fighting force in the world.”

Sen. Scott successfully secured the following provisions to support national defense and South Carolina’s military families in the FY26 NDAA:

Expansion of the Nuclear Power Training Facility Simulation at Joint Base Charleston

Improves training for those working with nuclear power, supports national security, and maintains South Carolina’s leadership in developing the nuclear workforce for both military and civilian careers.

Child Development Center at Fort Jackson

Provides high-quality child care for military families, allowing service members to focus on mission readiness while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of their children.

Recruit Barracks at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in Parris Island

Extends construction projects for new recruits at Parris Island.

Defense Operations at the Savannah River Site (DOE/NNSA)

Supports essential national security missions including environmental cleanup, nuclear security, workforce development, and critical infrastructure investments.

Aircraft Maintenance Hangar at the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort

Extends the construction project of a new hangar for maintaining F-35B aircraft at the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort.

Cyber Workforce Recruitment and Retention

Supports America’s cyber workforce by improving recruitment and retention of cyber talent, boosting national cybersecurity readiness.

Protecting Sensitive U.S. Defense Installations

The Protect Our Bases Act included in the FY26 NDAA strengthens the review process of foreign land purchases near sensitive military, intelligence, and national laboratory sites. Specifically, the legislation:

Requires government agencies that are members of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to annually update records on sensitive national security sites;

Improves the usability of those records for national security reviews; and

Strengthens transparency and accountability through annual reporting to Congress.

The legislation was introduced following the attempted 2022 land purchase near Grand Forks Air Force Base by a Chinese-owned company, which exposed shortcomings in the existing review process.

Extending the Defense Production Act

The Defense Production Act (DPA) helps U.S. industries produce goods quickly during times of national emergency. Sen. Scott led efforts in this year’s NDAA to reaffirm and strengthen the DPA’s focus on its core mission:

Defense production: Supporting the defense industry, including weapons manufacturing and advanced technologies.

Emergency preparedness: Making it easier to respond quickly to natural disasters and other national emergencies.

Critical domestic supply chains: Reducing dependence on adversaries like China for rare earth minerals, medicines, and essential defense materials.

The DPA has been used effectively in the past, from supplying personal protective equipment during COVID to ramping up disaster relief, and it remains a key part of keeping America safe and prepared.

The FY26 NDAA authorizes $900.6 billion in discretionary defense spending and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes an additional $150 billion in mandatory funding to strengthen our national defense all while saving taxpayers $20 billion by rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://fry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1020,House Passes Congressman Russell Fry’s Kayla Hamilton Act to Prevent Violent Crimes by Unaccompanied Alien Children,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,Russell Fry,F000478,fry.house.gov,fry,https://fry.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Kayla Hamilton Act, critical legislation introduced by Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) aimed at closing dangerous gaps in the federal government’s handling of unaccompanied alien children (UACs) and preventing tragedies like the murder of Kayla Hamilton, a 20-year-old autistic woman from Maryland. Original cosponsors of the legislation include Congressmen Troy Nehls (TX-22) and Barry Moore (AL-01).

Kayla Hamilton was brutally murdered by Walter Javier Martinez, a UAC who had been released to a sponsor by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) before background checks were completed. Martinez, who had a criminal history and gang affiliation with MS-13, later admitted to multiple murders, rapes, and other violent crimes.

The Kayla Hamilton Act implements a series of reforms to strengthen oversight of UACs, including:

Requiring HHS to consider whether a UAC poses a danger to themselves or the community when determining placement.

Mandating HHS contact the consulate or embassy of a UAC’s home country for criminal history or gang affiliation for minors aged 12 and older.

Screening for gang tattoos during standard medical assessments and requiring UACs with such indicators to be housed in secure HHS facilities.

Prohibiting placement of UACs with sponsors who are in the United States illegally.

Requiring HHS to collect and share background information on all potential sponsors and adult household members, including immigration status and FBI fingerprint check results, with the Department of Homeland Security.

Removing discretionary authority that allowed HHS to ignore risk factors, such as gang activity or criminal history, during placement decisions.

“Kayla’s story is heartbreaking, and it exposed a catastrophic failure in our federal system,” said Congressman Fry. “This bill is not about politics—it is about learning from a preventable tragedy and making sure the federal government never again releases a known gang-affiliated individual into an American community without basic safeguards. Kayla Hamilton should still be alive, and no child should ever be placed in harm’s way or subjected to exploitation because the government failed to do its job. Kayla was a vibrant young woman with a future, and her life mattered. By passing the Kayla Hamilton Act in the House, we are taking a decisive step to protect families, ensure children are placed with safe sponsors, and prevent tragedies like this from ever happening again.”

“The tragedy that took the life of Kayla Hamilton was a senseless and predictable consequence of President Biden’s wide open border and dangerous, morally indefensible policies,” said Speaker Mike Johnson. “The Kayla Hamilton Act puts an end to this madness so no future administration can make such reckless decisions. House Republicans worked to honor Kayla’s memory today with the passage of this bill and our efforts will continue to ensure a tragedy like this never happens again.”

“The murder of Kayla Hamilton was a tragedy and entirely preventable,” said Chairman Jim Jordan. “The Biden-Harris Administration’s radical open-borders policies failed to protect American communities and allowed dangerous MS-13 gang members to roam our streets. The Kayla Hamilton Act puts public safety first, restores accountability, and protects American citizens.”

“Kayla Hamilton should still be alive today,” said Congressman Nehls. “Tragically, due to the Biden-Harris Administration’s negligence, Kayla’s murderer was let into our country with no background check completed. I’m extremely pleased to see the Kayla Hamilton Act pass the United States House of Representatives, which would ensure that no administration can do the same. I’m proud to support this America first legislation that prioritizes the safety of not only American citizens but also prevents the exploitation of UACs.”

“Congressman Fry’s bill puts the safety of children first, plain and simple,” said Congressman Moore. “Kayla Hamilton’s tragic story is a stark reminder of what happens when the government fails to do its most basic job - protect innocent children. The Kayla Hamilton Act closes dangerous loopholes that have allowed traffickers, gang members, and illegal aliens to exploit vulnerable children, and it requires background checks, gang screenings, and accountability before a child is placed with a sponsor. Protecting Americans is non-negotiable, and this bill ensures that stricter requirements are in place for both the unaccompanied minors and the sponsors they are placed with.”

Endorsing groups include NumbersUSA, Eagle Forum, and the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), Immigration Accountability Project (IAP), and the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).

“The Kayla Hamilton Act will go a long way to protecting unaccompanied alien children who are sent across the border or found in the United States, preventing their placement with sponsors who are criminals, traffickers, sex offenders and child abusers,” said NumbersUSA. “More than 500,000 children were encountered at our borders under the Biden administration and put in harm’s way, many released to be exploited and many others lost because of poor management. This bill will drive down illegal border crossings of children and strengthen vetting of sponsors while at the same time ensuring that children, while they await their court proceedings, are placed in secure and safe settings. It also makes sure illegal aliens are properly screened for any criminal history, strengthening the safeguards that should have prevented the horrific crime committed against Kayla Hamilton.”

“The Kayla Hamilton Act will put more stringent vetting and placement processes in place for minors who cross our borders illegally and their sponsors, and will require HHS to conduct thorough background and criminal record checks on UACs and potential sponsors prior to their placement and detain those with dangerous backgrounds until proceedings end,” said Eagle Forum President Kris Ullman. “We are proud to endorse this legislation, which ensures children are placed in safe, responsible homes, protects families and communities from preventable harm, and holds the federal government accountable for keeping our citizens safe.”

""The Kayla Hamilton Act is a crucial measure to protect Americans and restore integrity to our immigration system by strengthening vetting for unaccompanied alien children and their sponsors,” said FAIR Director of Government Relations Joe Chatham. “Under the Biden administration, over half a million unaccompanied alien children poured across our borders as safeguards were dismantled, allowing traffickers and violent criminals like the MS-13 gang member who tragically murdered Kayla Hamilton to exploit our laws. FAIR is proud to support this critical bill to ensure those failed policies are never repeated and applauds Congressman Fry’s fight to keep American communities safe.""",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-mace-introduces-accountable-leadership-veterans-act-improve-va,Congresswoman Mace Introduces Accountable Leadership For Veterans Act To Improve VA Care And Protect Taxpayer Dollars,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 16, 2025) — Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, introduced the Accountable Leadership for Veterans Act, legislation aimed at improving care for veterans by strengthening leadership accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Developed in coordination with the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, the bill is part of a broader VA reform package designed to modernize the department, reduce delays in care, and ensure taxpayer dollars are directed where they matter most—serving veterans.

The Accountable Leadership for Veterans Act increases the allowable percentage of non-career Senior Executive Service (SES) employees at the VA from 5 percent to 10 percent, bringing the VA to the same standards as other federal agencies. This change gives VA leadership greater flexibility to fill critical management roles quickly and hold senior officials directly accountable for performance, and outcomes for veterans.

The bill also reforms the current, overly complex process for appointing the Under Secretary for Health and the Under Secretary for Benefits by requiring both positions simply be appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate. These reforms streamline the appointment process so these critical roles don’t sit vacant and ensure leaders overseeing veterans’ health care and benefits delivery are directly accountable.

“When veterans need care, every second counts, and VA leadership must be able to act without bureaucratic slowdowns,” said Congresswoman Mace. “This bill brings the VA in line with the rest of the executive branch by clarifying chains of command and ensuring leaders responsible for health care, benefits delivery, and modernization are accountable to appointed leadership. Veterans who served our nation with decisive action deserve a VA that can respond with equal urgency.”

House Committee on Veterans' Affairs Chairman Mike Bost praised the legislation as part of his comprehensive VA reauthorization strategy:

“Veterans have earned a system that works with them – not against them,” said Chairman Bost. “For far too long too many VA programs have gone unchecked and too many employees who don’t have VA’s core mission of serving veterans well in mind have flown under the radar. During the Biden administration we uncovered real problems that were directly impacting the delivery of care and services. The VA reauthorization strategy I am leading is to build on the changes Secretary Collins and the Trump administration are doing to right the ship and make VA programs work better.”

The Accountable Leadership for Veterans Act supports the Trump Administration’s efforts on making the VA more accountable while improving efficiency, oversight, and outcomes for veterans and taxpayers alike.

As a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Congresswoman Mace continues to advance reforms to put veterans first and ensure the VA delivers results worthy of those who served. The legislation builds on Congresswoman Mace’s record of delivering results for veterans, including her work to help approve the authorization of more than $30 million for a new VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in Beaufort County, bringing critical health care services closer to home for nearly 17,000 Lowcountry veterans.

The full legislative text of the Accountable Leadership for Veterans Act can be found below:

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://timmons.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=213,Timmons Announces House Passage of the Federal Supervisor Education Act of 2025 (H.R. 5810),2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,William R. Timmons IV,T000480,timmons.house.gov,timmons,https://timmons.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5810, the Federal Supervisor Education Act of 2025, legislation introduced by Representative William Timmons (R-S.C.) to reform federal workforce procedures, increase efficiency, and reduce wasteful spending.

H.R. 5810 directs federal agencies to strengthen existing, legally required training programs to enhance supervisory competencies and support mission execution. By requiring agencies to improve development initiatives for future managers, the bill ensures government processes run more smoothly and effectively for the American people.

""Taxpayers deserve a federal workforce that is well managed, accountable, and focused on results,"" said Rep. William Timmons. ""H.R. 5810 restores basic expectations for leadership by requiring real training, clear standards, and accountability for federal supervisors. This bill strengthens the federal workforce and ensures government works better for the American people.""

The bill was passed as part of a package of reform measures approved by the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform aimed at modernizing federal operations, increasing productivity within agencies, and eliminating barriers that block Americans from fully engaging in their government.

By fostering professional development and establishing higher standards for management, H.R. 5810 works to ensure federal agencies are technologically up-to-date and sufficiently serving the American public. The legislation now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scott-expresses-support-for-grieving-jewish-communities-following-antisemitic-terror-attack-at-bondi-beach/,Sen. Tim Scott Expresses Support for Grieving Jewish Communities Following Antisemitic Terror Attack at Bondi Beach,2025-12-16,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) spoke on the Senate floor today to express support for Jewish communities grieving the terror attack at Bondi Beach, Australia, and to honor the victims whose lives were lost.

Sen. Scott’s remarks below (as delivered):

In light of the Sunday attack in Australia on the Jewish community, I wanted to read a letter sent by my friend, Scott Rechler, to his family – he is Jewish – in response to the Jewish communities’ pain and misery that they were feeling, experiencing.

This is a real-time letter that he sent to his family on Sunday, and I thought it would be appropriate for us to hear these powerful words written to Scott’s family.

“So each year, we light our own menorahs to remember that light can triumph over darkness, that courage and faith can outlast oppression, and that the smallest spark can ignite hope for generations.

“Tonight is the first night of Chanukah. It arrives during a moment that feels heavy and unsettling – a time when antisemitism is surging in ways I have never experienced in my lifetime.”

[Scott is 58 years old.]

“I had hoped that the recent movement toward peace in the Middle East and a reduction in protests might cool the temperature. Instead, it feels as though the ancient and ugly beast of antisemitism has been unleashed again, and it will not be easily forced back into the bottle.

“Earlier today [he’s talking about Sunday of course], that reality became heartbreakingly clear. Jews gathered at Bondi Beach in Australia to celebrate what would have been the first public Chanukah menorah lighting of 2025 anywhere in the world – a moment meant to symbolize light, unity, and hope. Instead, it became a scene of unimaginable horror. Two armed men opened fire on the gathering. At least 11 people were killed simply for being Jewish. Dozens more were wounded, including police officers. One attacker was killed, the other apprehended, but none of that changes the devastation left behind.

“The pain is overwhelming. The shock, the sadness, the anger – all of it sits heavily. But history has taught us something essential: our response matters just as much as our grief.

“The Jewish answer to darkness has never been retreat. It has always been light.

“Our response does not need to be loud or performative. It needs to be intentional, dignified, and deeply rooted in who we are. Let us [each] take on an extra mitzvah in memory of our holy brothers and sisters who were murdered simply because they were Jewish. A small act of goodness. A moment of kindness. An affirmation of life.

“If I may suggest one simple but powerful act: tonight, when we gather with family and friends, let us be especially mindful as we light the Chanukah menorah. The single candle we light on [this] first night represents more than tradition. It represents oneness. It represents resilience. It represents the unbroken chain of a people who refuse to let darkness define them.

“That small flame projects a message – quietly but unmistakably – that we are still here, that we are proud of who we are, and that we will continue, unapologetically, to share light with the world.

“Let us be who we are in the most beautiful way: proud Jews, joyful Jews, strong Jews – committed to goodness, justice, and life.

“Light does not diminish when it is shared. Light only grows.”

This Chanukah season, let those of us – my words, not his – who are Christians, light a candle for our Jewish communities. For the strength of our Jewish communities. For the protection of our Jewish communities. And for God’s favor to shine on our Jewish communities.

Finally, remembering the words of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that.”

May 2026 be the year that people of good intent stand strong with those who should not have to stand by themselves. May we as a nation, we as a people, and specifically we as Christians stand not just with the Jewish community but when possible and necessary, may we stand in front of the Jewish community.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-nancy-mace-opens-hearing-technology-combat-human-trafficking,Congresswoman Nancy Mace Opens Hearing On Technology To Combat Human Trafficking; Slams Attorney General Alan Wilson’s Failure To Act,2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 15, 2025) — Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation Chairwoman Nancy Mace opened a congressional hearing on modern technological tools to combat human trafficking, while sharply criticizing South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson for presiding over skyrocketing trafficking rates and failing to prosecute offenders.

In her opening remarks, Chairwoman Mace underscored Wilson’s alarming record, noting reports showing a more than 400 percent increase in human trafficking under his 16-year tenure and zero prosecutions of pedophile cases last year. Mace emphasized while state leaders like Wilson have failed to act, Congress must embrace innovative law enforcement technologies and update outdated systems to protect victims and hold traffickers accountable.

The hearing, titled “Using Modern Tools to Counter Human Trafficking,” examined how artificial intelligence, digital forensics, and advanced data analytics can help law enforcement identify trafficking networks, rescue victims faster, and build stronger cases against predators.

WATCH Subcommittee Chairwoman Mace’s opening remarks:

https://youtu.be/Ir5W2KtugG4

Below are Subcommittee Chairwoman Mace’s opening remarks:

Good afternoon.

Thank you all for being here today for this important hearing on using technology to counter human trafficking.

Human trafficking is not an abstract crime. It is happening right now, everywhere—on the phones in our teenagers’ pockets, on the websites we scroll past without thinking, and in the hotel rooms just off the interstates which run through all of our districts all across the country.

The average age a victim is first trafficked in the United States could be as low as twelve to fourteen years old.

Let that sink in. When you look at the Epstein victims for example, they were 14, many of them.

While we’re sitting here, children are being bought and sold online like commodities.

These websites and communications platforms allowed traffickers to operate in unimaginable ways.

But—and this is why we are here today—technology also provides us with a huge opportunity to fight this terrible crime with 21st-century tools.

Artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital forensics are no longer science fiction. They are recovering victims in hours instead of months, identifying networks once hidden in plain sight, and building courtroom-ready cases against predators who thought the internet made them untouchable.

But here’s the hard truth: we’re still fighting this fight with one hand tied behind our backs.

Law enforcement is drowning in more than twenty million Cyber Tipline reports a year while task forces are understaffed and underfunded and sometimes stuck using tools that were considered cutting-edge 20 years ago.

Tech companies are generating mountains of raw data, requiring increased resources to sort through it all. And well-meaning initiatives with the best intentions have, in some cases, driven trafficking deeper into the dark corners of the Internet, making it harder for our investigators to follow.

According to South Carolina’s corrupt Attorney General, Alan Wilson, in the state of South Carolina, a position he’s held for 16 years, human trafficking is up over 400%. And he’s proud of it.

It’s obscene. It’s disgusting.

And Alan, if you're listening or watching this right now, I’ve got it coming for you.

We can do better.

We must do better.

I am hoping to learn from our witnesses today what is working, what is not, and—most importantly—what Congress needs to do next.

Because many in our states, like Attorney General Alan Wilson, aren’t doing anything.

In fact, I just learned recently, Alan Wilson prosecuted zero pedophile cases last year in the state of South Carolina. Zero.

Are our current laws helping or hurting?

Do we have the funding, the data-sharing authorities, and the public-private partnerships we need to turn good technology into rescued lives?

And how do we make sure innovation outpaces the criminals who adapt overnight?

Congress has both the responsibility and the ability to remove bureaucratic roadblocks, fund proven solutions, and write smarter laws which actually protect the vulnerable, instead of just making us feel like we did something.

There is no issue more urgent, and there is no excuse for inaction.

I look forward to the testimony of our witnesses and to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to turn today’s conversation into tomorrow’s results.

Thank you.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-maces-samosa-act-passes-house,Rep. Nancy Mace’s SAMOSA Act Passes House,2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 15, 2025) – Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC-01) announced the House passage of the Strengthening Agency Management and Oversight of Software Assets (SAMOSA) Act. This bipartisan legislation modernizes how the federal government purchases and manages software, strengthens accountability, and saves taxpayer dollars.

The SAMOSA Act requires federal agencies to conduct comprehensive reviews of their software licensing and management practices, helping streamline government purchasing and cut unnecessary costs. The legislation previously passed the House with bipartisan support in December 2024.

""We need to end wasteful, unchecked spending on software. The federal government spends over $100 billion annually on IT, cybersecurity, and software licenses, yet agencies often lack basic visibility into the software they have already purchased,” said Congresswoman Mace. “With House passage of the nonpartisan SAMOSA Act, we're one step closer to improving oversight of software procurement, eliminating waste and duplicative purchases, and ensuring the federal government serves as a faithful steward of taxpayer dollars.""

Under the SAMOSA Act, federal agencies would:

Conduct independent assessments of software license inventories and management practices

Develop consolidation and modernization plans to reduce duplication and improve oversight

Empower Chief Information Officers (CIOs) to negotiate enterprise-wide licensing agreements that strengthen purchasing power and transparency

Require the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue a governmentwide software modernization strategy

Submit annual progress reports and savings results as part of their budget submissions to Congress

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://sheribiggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-biggs-leads-push-bring-faith-based-mental-health-tools-va,Congresswoman Biggs Leads Push to Bring Faith-Based Mental Health Tools to the VA,2025-12-15,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,Sheri Biggs,B001325,sheribiggs.house.gov,sheribiggs,https://sheribiggs.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Sheri Biggs (SC-03), who holds a degree in Christian Ministries and has served veterans firsthand as a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, is leading the charge in Congress to expand veterans’ access to faith-based mental health care. In a letter sent to VA Secretary Doug Collins, Congresswoman Biggs called on the agency to evaluate and implement faith-based mental health resources, such as those provided by Pray.com, as optional tools for veterans facing trauma, moral injury, and other invisible wounds.

“Veterans need more than another prescription. They need healing that acknowledges the spiritual wounds of service and points them toward the hope only God can provide,” said Congresswoman Biggs. “Faith‑based tools are already helping restore peace and purpose, and the VA should act now to make these options accessible to the veterans who need them most.”

The letter, led by Congresswoman Biggs and signed by 16 other Members of Congress, urges the VA to move beyond conventional care models and embrace proven, spiritually grounded alternatives. These tools are accessible, scalable, and aligned with the beliefs of millions of veterans seeking a path to healing.

Congresswoman Biggs’s letter is supported by a nationwide wave of momentum, including two aligned advocacy letters:

One signed by over 20 Veterans Service Organizations, such as the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Independence Fund.

Another signed by more than 20 state-based Family Policy Councils, including the Palmetto Family Council in South Carolina.

Signers of the Letter:",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:31:39Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scott-urges-rigorous-antitrust-review-of-netflixs-proposed-acquisition-of-warner-bros-discovery/,Sen. Tim Scott Urges Rigorous Antitrust Review of Netflix’s Proposed Acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery,2025-12-13,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) sent a letter to Department of Justice Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division Gail Slater and Federal Trade Commission Chairman Andrew Ferguson urging a rigorous antitrust review of Netflix’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery.

In the letter, Sen. Scott wrote: “I write to express serious concerns about Netflix’s agreement to buy the streaming and studio assets of its competitor Warner Bros. Discovery. Such a transaction raises the prospect of significant antitrust problems in streaming and for the movie industry more broadly. The transaction warrants rigorous antitrust review under all applicable antitrust merger and monopolization laws and, to the extent appropriate, a lawsuit to block it.

“In streaming, Netflix is already dominant, and its proposed acquisition of a key competitor (HBO) may be a pathway to increase prices for everyday Americans, reduce choice, and obtain or entrench monopoly power. Netflix currently outpaces all rivals in subscribers, viewing time, and monthly visits, and seems to have the power to increase prices regularly.”

Read the full letter here or below:

Dear Assistant Attorney General Slater and Chairman Ferguson,

I write to express serious concerns about Netflix’s agreement to buy the streaming and studio assets of its competitor Warner Bros. Discovery. Such a transaction raises the prospect of significant antitrust problems in streaming and for the movie industry more broadly. The transaction warrants rigorous antitrust review under all applicable antitrust merger and monopolization laws and, to the extent appropriate, a lawsuit to block it.

In streaming, Netflix is already dominant, and its proposed acquisition of a key competitor (HBO) may be a pathway to increase prices for everyday Americans, reduce choice, and obtain or entrench monopoly power. Netflix currently outpaces all rivals in subscribers, viewing time, and monthly visits, and seems to have the power to increase prices regularly.

In addition to the apparent harms to paid streaming customers, this transaction also could raise serious concerns for a host of constituencies—moviegoers, on-camera talent, writers, producers, and everyone who loves the entertainment industry. For example, Netflix’s acquisition of a major studio eventually may lead to Warner Bros. films being solely available on Netflix, which could create a crisis for brick-and-mortar movie theatres. Also, there are real questions about how the transaction and its resulting power will negatively impact content creators, who will have fewer options for the talents and one less path to the big screen.

Finally, it deserves serious consideration whether the very act of entering into the agreement to buy Warner Bros. Discovery—in and of itself—constitutes a form of monopolization under the antitrust laws. The proposed acquisition is so facially problematic that one must ask whether Netflix entered into the agreement knowing that the deal would likely be blocked, but it nonetheless did so with the expectation that the costs and other burdens of a years-long antitrust fight would cause Warner Bros. Discovery to wither on the vine into a severely weakened competitor. Any evidence that a dominant player like Netflix even considered that the merger review process might benefit itself by hobbling a competitor would be deeply concerning and could render the act of entering into the agreement itself potentially unlawful.

I am aware that key voices in the industry share these concerns, such as (i) a Hollywood group that wrote a letter to Congress, saying the deal would “hold a noose around the theatrical marketplace”;[1] (ii) the Writers Guild of America saying the deal “must be blocked” because “the world’s largest streaming company swallowing one of its biggest competitors is what antitrust laws were designed to prevent”;[2] (iii) Michael O’Leary from Cinema United, who called it “an unprecedented threat” because “theaters will close, communities will suffer, jobs will be lost”;[3] (iv) Lindsay Dougherty, Head of Teamsters’ Motion Picture Division, who said that Netflix “consolidating its power over the streaming video market not only kills jobs but also raises prices and hurts the U.S. entertainment industry”;[4] and (v) The International Documentary Association, which said the deal “immediately threatens documentarians’ creative opportunities and their freedom to tell stories that need to be told.”[5]

Therefore, given the level of concern and the potential for harm to competition, I urge you to carefully evaluate the proposed deal involving Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery and to act decisively to prevent anticompetitive conduct in this vital sector.

Sincerely,

/X/

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-nancy-mace-calls-third-denial-bond-after-new-reports-escalating,Congresswoman Nancy Mace Calls For Third Denial Of Bond After New Reports Of Escalating Threats Against Her Life,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CHARLESTON, S.C. (Dec. 12, 2025) — Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace submitted a formal victim impact statement to the 13th Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office urging the Court to deny bond for the third time to Samuel Theodore Cain, who previously threatened to murder the Congresswoman.

Due to active House business, Congresswoman Mace was unable to attend the hearing in person and requested the Solicitor’s Office read her statement aloud on her behalf before Judge G.D. Morgan, Jr. at the Greenville County Courthouse.

Cain originally threatened to shoot the Congresswoman, prompting law enforcement to increase security around her home and offices and forcing immediate changes to her daily schedule, staff operations, and family safety planning. Since his arrest, the threat has continued and escalated.

According to new information provided to authorities, a jailhouse informant reported during a discussion about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Cain was asked directly whether he would kill Congresswoman Mace if given the opportunity. The informant stated Cain responded “yes.” The informant later came forward to law enforcement after being released from custody.

Congresswoman Mace’s statement, delivered by the Solicitor’s Office, is below:

Your Honor,

Thank you for allowing this statement to be presented. I offer it today knowing this is now the third bond hearing for the defendant, Samuel Theodore Cain. I respectfully urge the Court to consider not only the threat which brought us here initially, but the pattern of conduct which has continued and escalated since his arrest.

Earlier this year, Mr. Cain issued a direct, explicit threat to murder me. He threatened to shoot me. His statement was not ambiguous, emotional, or made in passing, it was targeted and violent.

At the first and second bond hearings, the Court denied bond because of the seriousness of this threat. Since then, the danger has not diminished. In fact, it has grown.

I have been informed since the defendant has been in jail, Mr. Cain continued to make threats against my life. More alarming, during a discussion about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a jailhouse informant asked him:

“If you had the opportunity to kill Congresswoman Nancy Mace, would you?”

According to the informant, Mr. Cain answered, “yes.”

The informant later came forward after his release and reported this to law enforcement.

This is not the behavior of someone who has reconsidered his actions, who regrets what he said, or who can be trusted to abide by conditions of release. This is the behavior of someone who remains a danger to society – someone who has reaffirmed an intent to carry out violence if given the chance.

When the original threat came in, my staff urged me to seek immediate shelter in a secure location. Law enforcement had to increase patrols around my home and offices. My daily routines, my children’s safety planning, and my staff’s operations all changed instantly. This disruption continues today.

As a Member of Congress, I accept scrutiny. I do not accept credible threats on my life. No elected official — regardless of party or position — should have to live or serve under ongoing, escalating threats of violence.

Your Honor, this is now the third time the question of bond has been brought before the Court. Each time, the evidence of danger has only increased. Mr. Cain’s own words confirm he continues to pose a threat, even from within a secure facility.

During this time of political violence, especially after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, we cannot afford even one mistake. One mistake is the difference between life and death.

For these reasons, I respectfully ask the Court to deny bond for the third time, or, if bond must be considered, to set it at the highest level permitted under South Carolina law.

Releasing a defendant who has twice been denied bond and has since escalated his threats — including confirming he would kill me if given the chance — would put me, my family, my staff, and the public at unacceptable risk.

This is a serious crime. It must continue to be treated as such.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Congresswoman Nancy Mace

Member of the United States House of Representatives

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/judge-denies-bond-third-time-after-defendant-reaffirms-threats-assassinate,Judge Denies Bond For Third Time After Defendant Reaffirms Threats To Assassinate Congresswoman Nancy Mace,2025-12-12,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CHARLESTON, S.C. (Dec. 12, 2025) — A South Carolina judge denied bond for the third time to Samuel Theodore Cain, the defendant charged with threatening to murder Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01), ordering Cain remain in custody at the Greenville County Detention Center.

The ruling came after a bond hearing before Honorable G.D. Morgan, Jr. in the 13th Judicial Circuit, where the Solicitor’s Office strongly opposed Cain’s release and presented a formal victim impact statement submitted by Congresswoman Mace.

Cain was previously denied bond twice after issuing a direct and explicit threat to shoot and kill the Congresswoman earlier this year, a threat which required immediate law enforcement response, increased security around her home and offices, and significant changes to her family’s safety planning and staff operations.

According to information provided to authorities, the threat continued and escalated while Cain was in custody. A jailhouse informant later reported during a discussion about the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, Cain was asked whether he would kill Congresswoman Mace if given the opportunity.

The informant stated Cain responded “yes.”

The informant came forward after being released from custody and reported the exchange to law enforcement.

In her statement to the Court, Congresswoman Mace urged denial of bond, warning Cain’s conduct demonstrated an ongoing and credible danger to public safety.

Following the Court’s ruling, Congresswoman Mace issued the following statement:

“I want to express my deepest appreciation for the work of our law enforcement officers who acted swiftly, professionally, and decisively from the moment this threat was made. Their vigilance, judgment, and commitment to public safety quite literally saves lives.

“I also want to thank the jailhouse informant who had the courage to come forward. Speaking up was not easy, but it was the right thing to do. This bravery provided critical information to law enforcement and the Court and helped prevent a potentially deadly outcome.

“Threats against elected officials are not just politics, they are crimes. Thanks to strong law enforcement, a diligent Solicitor’s Office, Judge Morgan’s responsible ruling, and a justice system willing to take these threats seriously, this dangerous individual remains where he belongs.

“In a time of escalating political violence, we cannot afford even one mistake.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-introduces-vamosa-act-crack-down-waste-va,Rep. Nancy Mace Introduces VAMOSA Act To Crack Down On Waste At The VA,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 11, 2025) — Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC 01) introduced the Veterans Affairs Management and Oversight of Software Assets (VAMOSA) Act, a reform bill to fix how the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) manages the $1 billion it spends each year on software and digital services. The bill has strong support from veterans’ leaders, technology watchdogs, and House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost.

The VA currently lacks a complete inventory of its software, leading to duplicate purchases, unused licenses, overbilling, and cybersecurity risks. The VAMOSA Act requires the VA to track what it buys, eliminates waste, and adopts basic accountability standards. The VAMOSA Act requires the VA to create a complete software inventory, eliminate duplicative spending, and ensure every dollar goes toward serving veterans, not paying for unused programs.

""The VA spends nearly a billion dollars on software with no tracking system, leading to duplicate licenses and millions in wasted taxpayer funds,"" said Congresswoman Mace. ""This is basic fiscal responsibility to safeguard taxpayer dollars, and supports President Trump's commitment to cutting waste, fraud, and abuse.""

House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mike Bost praised the legislation’s focus on modernization and fiscal responsibility.

“Every year, VA spends nearly a billion dollars on software and related services – it is up to Congress to ensure software purchases are coordinated and cost effective to protect the taxpayers’ investment in VA,” said Chairman Bost. “I am proud of my colleague, Rep. Mace’s new bill, which would require VA to manage its software strategically, improve cybersecurity safety, and modernize its digital infrastructure to give veterans the best possible systems to delivery care and services.""

The legislation has also been endorsed by key stakeholders in the technology and software accountability community.

""The Coalition for Fair Software Licensing applauds Representative Nancy Mace for championing long-overdue transparency in federal software spending,”said Ryan Triplette, Executive Director of the Coalition. “By requiring cost-effective and competitive software asset management strategies, the VAMOSA Act will help the VA strengthen security, reduce waste, and protect taxpayer dollars. We urge swift, bipartisan passage of the VAMOSA Act.”

Key Reforms in the VAMOSA Act

The legislation requires the VA to do the following:

Establish a complete, department-wide inventory of every software product, license, and cloud subscription.

Eliminate duplication and inefficiencies, including unused licenses and vendor billing inconsistencies.

Coordinate major software acquisitions through the VA Chief Information Officer to improve accountability and prevent unnecessary overlap.

Adopt cost-effective licensing strategies, including enterprise-wide agreements where appropriate.

Ensure full compliance with software license terms and identify underutilized or unauthorized licenses.

Mandate annual training for VA employees involved in software procurement or management.

Report annually to Congress on cost savings, progress toward implementation, and improvements in oversight.

Undergo an independent GAO audit within three years to evaluate implementation, savings, and reductions in duplication.

The bill uses no new spending and relies entirely on existing VA personnel and systems, reinforcing its commitment to efficiency and responsible governance without expanding bureaucracy.

Without modern oversight, the VA cannot guarantee taxpayer dollars are safeguarded or veterans receive the reliable, secure technology they depend on for healthcare, benefits, and essential services. The VAMOSA Act moves the VA toward a mature, accountable software management ecosystem, one which reduces waste, promotes transparency, strengthens cybersecurity, and supports more efficient outcomes for veterans.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3304,Congressman Norman Introduces the Rural Depositories Revitalization Study Act,2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,Ralph Norman,N000190,norman.house.gov,norman,https://norman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Ralph Norman (R-SC) introduced H.R. 6536, the Rural Depositories Revitalization Study Act, legislation directing federal banking regulators to identify concrete solutions to strengthen rural banks, protect small-town depositors, and keep local credit flowing.

Across the country, rural depository institutions are facing growing pressures — from consolidation in the banking sector to burdensome regulations and rising compliance costs. As these pressures mount, smaller banks serving rural communities are finding it harder to compete and to keep essential credit within reach for local families and employers.

“When a community loses its local bank, it loses far more than a storefront. It loses a lifeline,” said Congressman Norman. “Whether it’s a family trying to secure a mortgage, a farmer needing seasonal credit, or a small business dealing with tight margins, rural banks keep these communities moving.”

This legislation directs the Federal Reserve, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and Office of the Comptroller of the Currency to examine ways to improve the growth, capital adequacy, and profitability of rural depository institutions, as well as identify laws and regulations that limit de novo banking activity.

“As the representative of a district filled with proud, hardworking rural communities, I’m committed to ensuring federal regulators take this threat seriously,” Norman continued. “Rural America deserves a strong, stable banking system — not one governed by one-size-fits-all rules built for Wall Street.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://timmons.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=212,Timmons Announces House Passage of the ICAN Act (H.R. 4431),2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,William R. Timmons IV,T000480,timmons.house.gov,timmons,https://timmons.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"The U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 4431, the Improving Capital Allocation for Newcomers (ICAN) Act. The ICAN Act is a straightforward fix that updates the Qualifying Venture Capital Fund Exemption under Section 3(c)(1) of the Investment Company Act by raising the cap on permissible fund size from $10 million to $50 million and increasing the allowable number of investors from 250 to 500.

These changes are designed to help venture capital funds raise more investor capital and improve access to funding for startups and growing businesses—especially outside traditional financial hubs.

“Three-quarters of venture capital supports entrepreneurs in just three states: California, Massachusetts, and New York,” said Rep. William Timmons. “Congress must ensure that all Americans have greater access to the capital they need to keep our nation at the forefront of innovation. The ICAN Act is a commonsense, bipartisan step toward making it easier for American startups to grow, hire, and build here at home.”",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-04T05:30:10Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=BB23F45C-043C-4958-9F0C-FBA6E6B8056D,"Graham Votes For Affordable Health Care and Against Extending Fraud-Riddled, Broken Obamacare Subsidies",2025-12-11,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after he voted in favor of the Crapo-Cassidy plan, the Health Care Freedom for Patients Act, a proposal to make health care more affordable. Graham also voted against the Senate Democrats’ plan to extend Covid-era Obamacare subsidies, which would have continued to send taxpayer dollars directly to insurance companies that are making record profits while providing expensive and inadequate health care coverage to Americans.

“Extending Covid-era Obamacare subsidies without reform was an easy ‘no’ vote. These subsidies have exploded in cost over the past few years, padding the pockets of large health insurance companies instead of helping patients.

“I would like to help deliver better health care to Americans. It doesn’t help anyone by continuing to send taxpayer dollars to insurance companies instead of patients or to have a program that’s riddled with fraud and lacks income caps.

“The three-year Schumer extension does not include any necessary common sense reforms. That should be offensive to people who are rightfully demanding more affordable health care and better government.

“To that end, I proudly voted for Senators Crapo and Cassidy’s proposal that made needed reforms and allows for the reinstatement of income caps. People making $300,000 a year should not be getting subsidies from the government. The Crapo-Cassidy plan will take taxpayer dollars away from insurance companies to give to patients via health savings accounts. This proposal would lower costs and improve quality of care.

“I hope we can find a bipartisan solution before the end of the year. But that will depend on if Senate Democrats are so wedded to Obamacare that they insist on the status quo.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-nancy-mace-issues-statement-house-passage-fy26-national-defense,Congresswoman Nancy Mace Issues Statement On House Passage Of FY26 National Defense Authorization Act,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 10, 2025) – Congresswoman Nancy Mace issued the following statement after the House passed the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act:

“The House passage of the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act reflects 19 hard-fought wins our office secured to strengthen national security and deliver results for South Carolina,” said Congresswoman Nancy Mace. “This legislation incorporates the reforms we led — from ending DEI bureaucracy and protecting women and service members to banning painful dog and cat testing. The FY26 NDAA also includes critical authorizations, and extensions of authorizations, of over $387 million for Joint Base Charleston, MCAS Beaufort, and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. These victories reinforce the Lowcountry’s strategic role in defending the homeland and ensuring our military is focused on readiness, lethality, and mission success.”

Read more about the amendments and authorizations secured by Congresswoman Mace in the FY26 NDAA at:

https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-nancy-mace-secures-major-wins-lowcountry-and-national-security

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-introduces-charlie-kirk-freedom-speech-plaza-act-three-month,Rep. Nancy Mace Introduces Charlie Kirk Freedom Of Speech Plaza Act On Three-Month Anniversary Of His Death,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CHARLESTON, S.C. (Dec. 10, 2025) — Today, on the three-month anniversary of the assassination of American patriot Charlie Kirk, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) introduced the Charlie Kirk Freedom of Speech Plaza Act, legislation which would redesignate the area of 16th Street Northwest between H Street Northwest and K Street Northwest in Washington, D.C. as ""Charlie Kirk Freedom of Speech Plaza.”

""Three months ago, we lost a champion of free speech and a voice for millions of young Americans,"" said Congresswoman Nancy Mace. ""Charlie Kirk's assassination was an attack not just on one man, but on the fundamental American principle declaring every citizen has the right to speak freely and engage in civic discourse. By designating this plaza in the heart of our nation's capital, we ensure Charlie's legacy and his unwavering commitment to the First Amendment will never be forgotten.”

The area was previously symbolically designated as “Black Lives Matter Plaza” by the D.C. Government under the Black Lives Matter Plaza Designation Act of 2020, following the death of George Floyd. This period in America’s history became defined not by unity, but by chaos and destruction. After Floyd’s death, America watched criminals burn cities while police officers were ordered to stand down. The men and women in uniform who tried to keep the peace were attacked, vilified, and abandoned by leaders who should have supported them.

Prior to his death, Charlie Kirk himself visited the site and called for an end to what he termed ""mass race hysteria,"" stating ""Make America Great Again, get rid of Black Lives Matter Plaza,"" while characterizing the plaza's designation as part of divisive policies under former D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.

The contrast between these two moments in history is unmistakable, and it underscores why renaming this plaza matters. George Floyd’s death triggered unrest which divided the nation and devastated the law enforcement community: more than $2 billion in property damage, more than 2,000 officers injured, and at least 25 Americans killed.

After Charlie Kirk was assassinated in cold blood, the nation responded with zero riots, zero looting, zero injuries, and zero destruction. Americans gathered in prayer, peace, and unity, exercising the very free speech rights Charlie spent his life defending.

Renaming this plaza in Charlie Kirk’s memory reflects those values: peace over violence, dialogue over destruction, and the First Amendment over mob rule.

“Our officers were assaulted, vilified, and abandoned in 2020,” added Congresswoman Nancy Mace. “This redesignation sends a clear message: we will always stand for American values and fiercely defend the brave men and women who wear the badge.”

The bill designates a prominent location in the nation's capital and mandates the installation of signs similar in design to those used by the District of Columbia to mark Metro stations, ensuring high visibility of the plaza's new name.

Under the legislation, any reference in federal law, maps, regulations, or other official records to this area would be updated to reflect the ""Charlie Kirk Freedom of Speech Plaza"" designation.

The full text of the bill is below:

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://sheribiggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-biggs-leads-push-firearm-reform,Congresswoman Biggs Leads Push for Firearm Reform,2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,Sheri Biggs,B001325,sheribiggs.house.gov,sheribiggs,https://sheribiggs.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Sheri Biggs is marking progress in the fight to defend Second Amendment rights after the ATF responded to a letter she led, joined by 27 of her House colleagues, urging reform of outdated firearm travel regulations. Just days after receiving the letter, the Trump administration opened a public rulemaking process to examine and modernize how the ATF handles interstate travel with short-barreled firearms.

The move reflects growing momentum to ease unnecessary burdens on law-abiding gun owners and modernize a decades-old system that no longer serves the public or law enforcement effectively.

“Law-abiding citizens in South Carolina and across the country should not have to register their firearm every time they cross a state line,” said Congresswoman Biggs. “This process is outdated, it doesn't improve safety, and it infringes on constitutional rights. We’ve gotten this issue moving in the right direction, and now we’ll keep pushing until these reforms are finalized.”

National Firearm Rights Groups Applaud the Effort

“NRA-ILA applauds Representative Sheri Biggs for leading this letter. Americans should not have to ask the government for permission to travel with their lawfully owned firearms,” said John Commerford, Executive Director of NRA-ILA. “The Second Amendment does not stop at the state line. It is long past due for the ATF to amend the notification requirement for the interstate transportation of short-barreled firearms.”

“Gun owners should not have to beg a bureaucrat's permission each time they wish to cross state lines with their lawfully owned firearms to go hunting, compete in a shooting event, or protect themselves while traveling,” said Aidan Johnston, Director of Federal Affairs at Gun Owners of America. “We thank Congresswoman Sheri Biggs for urging the ATF to reform its outdated and unnecessary process by allowing a gun owner to automatically receive lifetime approval to travel with their short-barreled firearms when they first acquire the firearm.”

The lawmakers argue that the current rule is legally unnecessary, administratively burdensome, and technologically outdated. Lawful NFA firearm owners already undergo enhanced vetting, including fingerprinting, federal tax payments, and background checks under 26 U.S.C. § 5812 and § 5841.

The letter requests that the ATF allow lifetime travel approval for legally owned SBRs and SBSs at the time of registration, avoiding repetitive use of Form 5320.20 for each trip. It also cites recent Supreme Court rulings (Heller, Bruen) that emphasize historical traditions and constitutional protections for firearms ownership.

Following the lawmakers’ letter, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives opened a 60-day public comment period to review and revise the current process for transporting short-barreled firearms across state lines. The proposed changes would modernize Form 5320.20 by allowing full digital submission through ATF’s eForms platform, eliminating mailing delays and paperwork redundancies. While the underlying registration requirement remains in place, the agency’s action signals a willingness to modernize an outdated system; a step aligned with concerns raised in the letter led by Congresswoman Biggs.

Signers of the Letter:

Sheri Biggs, Jeff Crank, Scott DesJarlais, Tony Wied, Clay Higgins, Pat Harrigan, Mary E. Miller, W. Gregory Steube, Ben Cline, David J. Taylor, Cory Mills, Lance Gooden, Kat Cammack, Brian Babin, Mike Haridopolos, Wesley Hunt, Ralph Norman, Andy Ogles, Derek Schmidt, Lauren Boebert, Rich McCormick, John Rose, Richard Hudson, Mike Collins, Abraham Hamadeh, Diana Harshbarger, Riley Moore.",1,2026-06-10T06:36:00Z,2026-06-10T06:37:32Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-scott-joins-sens-cruz-cornyn-speaker-johnson-rep-roy-in-defending-ten-commandments-displays-in-public-schools/,"Sen. Scott joins Sens. Cruz, Cornyn, Speaker Johnson, Rep. Roy in Defending Ten Commandments Displays in Public Schools",2025-12-10,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.-04), and Representative Chip Roy (R-Texas-21) in filing an amicus brief defending the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools. The brief argues that the Ten Commandments are part of the United States’ historical foundation and contends that displaying the Commandments is consistent with longstanding national traditions and with the First Amendment. The brief further maintains that the government may acknowledge religion’s role in American life without establishing a state religion or coercing religious observance.

Sen. Scott said, “Our nation was founded upon Judeo-Christian principles, the key reason America has been so blessed. From my time serving on the Charleston County Council to now, I have been resolute in defending the display of the Ten Commandments in our public schools. These universal principles have built the historical and moral foundation of the United States and protecting this heritage in our schools helps students understand the values, laws, and civic culture that have guided our nation for generations.”

Sen. Cruz said, “As the Supreme Court has repeatedly acknowledged, the Ten Commandments were foundational to Western legal tradition, including the common-law system that shaped American law, and this case is critical to reaffirming our commitment to the principles that have guided America since our founding. I was proud to represent Texas in successfully defending the Texas Ten Commandments Capitol monument in Van Orden v. Perry (2005). Public displays of the Ten Commandments reinforce the founding principles for current and future generations, and are crucial to shaping a shared civic culture. I hope the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals will uphold the ruling.”

Sen. Cornyn said, “I’m proud to stand with Senator Cruz in supporting Texas’ law mandating the display of the Ten Commandments in public schools across the Lone Star State. The Ten Commandments ensure students are reminded of the Judeo-Christian values that have shaped our state and nation.”

Speaker Johnson said, “While some states have sought to erase American history and the motivations that have undergirded our Republic, others, like Louisiana and Texas, took bold action to ensure schoolchildren are taught the history and traditions of the United States. The Ten Commandments – adorned both inside and outside the U.S. Supreme Court – served as essential building blocks for Western Civilization and are deeply embedded in the history of this country. I am grateful to my colleagues for joining me in filing this amicus brief, and we hope the Court follows well-established precedent and affirms the importance of teaching the fundamental foundations of our country.”

Rep. Roy said, “America was founded as a nation grounded in a distinctly Christian understanding, and the Ten Commandments are intertwined with America’s legal, moral, and historical heritage. Christianity and the rule of law have been under attack by radical progressives who dare to upend Western civilization and steer America’s youth away from the morals that made our country great. Placing the Ten Commandments in every classroom in Texas affirms that we are a Judeo-Christian nation, upholding our historical and moral heritage and proclaiming the Ten Commandments as a guiding path for a righteous way of life.”

Read the amicus brief text here.

Joining the brief were Sens. Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Reps. Brian Babin (R-Texas-36), Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.-05), Sheri Biggs (R-S.C.-03), Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.-04), Josh Brecheen (R-Okla.-02), Eric Burlison (R-Mo.-07), Ben Cline (R-Va.-06), Michael Cloud (R-Texas-27), Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.-09), Eli Crane (R-Ariz.-02), Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas-02), Monica De La Cruz (R-Texas-15), Byron Donalds (R-Fla.-19), Pat Fallon (R-Texas-04), Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho-01), Brandon Gill (R-Texas-26), Tony Gonzales (R-Texas-23), Lance Gooden (R-Texas-05), Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.-09), Morgan Griffith (R-Va.-09), Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.), Andy Harris (R-Md.-01), Mark Harris (R-N.C.-08), and Diana Harshbarger (R-Tenn.-01).

Background

The Senate amicus brief is in support of Texas’s S.B. 10 in Rabbi Nathan v. Alamo Heights Independent School District, now before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

The Texas law directs public schools to display a copy of the Ten Commandments in each classroom using the same text upheld by the Supreme Court in Van Orden v. Perry.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-nancy-mace-introduces-60th-piece-legislation-2025,Congresswoman Nancy Mace Introduces 60th Piece Of Legislation In 2025,2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CHARLESTON, S.C. (Dec. 9, 2025) — Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) just introduced her 60th piece of legislation in 2025, reinforcing her commitment to delivering results for South Carolina and the country.

“These 60 pieces of legislation place our office in the top 2% of the House in terms of legislation introduced this year – more than any other member of the South Carolina delegation by far. Despite the gridlock in Washington, we are putting forward meaningful, commonsense solutions to the issues South Carolinians tell us matter most, from defending the homeland and supporting our veterans to protecting women and girls and our coastal communities,” said Congresswoman Nancy Mace. “Serving the Lowcountry is the honor of my life. No one will work harder for South Carolina – and we are just getting started.”

Rep. Mace's most recent legislation, the Food Assistance Integrity and Responsibility (FAIR) Act and the Tax Fairness for Abuse Survivors Act, exemplify her focus on accountability and protecting vulnerable Americans. The FAIR Act requires photo identification on EBT cards to prevent fraud, while the Tax Fairness for Abuse Survivors Act provides critical relief for domestic violence survivors facing unfair tax liability from their abusers.

Throughout 2025, Rep. Mace has secured significant legislative victories, including two bills which passed out of the Committee with unanimous bipartisan support—the Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act and the Veterans Affairs Distributed Ledger Innovation Act of 2025. Additionally, her Federal Contractor Cybersecurity Vulnerability Reduction Act and Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act have both passed the House and are currently awaiting consideration in the Senate.

Complete List of Legislation Introduced by Rep. Mace in 2025:

Passed the House:

H.R. 30 – Preventing Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act

H.R. 872 – Federal Contractor Cybersecurity Vulnerability Reduction Act of 2025

Advanced Out of Committee:

H.R. 5235 – Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act

H.R. 3455 – Veterans Affairs Distributed Ledger Innovation Act of 2025

Continued List of Introduced Legislation in 2025:

H.R. 6457 – Food Assistance Integrity and Responsibility (FAIR) Act

H.R. 6362 – Tax Fairness for Abuse Survivors Act

H.R. 6150 – Protect American Fisheries Act of 2025

H.R. 5324 – No More Missing Children Act

H.R. 3984 – Expedited Removal Expansion Act of 2025

H.R. 3920 – Lawless Cities Accountability Act of 2025

H.R. 3883 – Muslim Brotherhood Is a Terrorist Organization Act of 2025

H.R. 3724 – No Amnesty for Hamas Sympathizers Act

H.R. 3550 – No Resettlement Without Representation Act

H.R. 2606 – Stop Importing Terrorism Act

H.R. 2374 – American Students First Act

H.R. 1879 – No Tax Breaks for Sanctuary Cities Act

H.R. 1619 – No Funds for Fascists Act

H.R. 1485 – Alien Removal Not Resort Stays Act

H.R. 5149 – Protecting Girls' Sports for Military Kids Act

H.R. 5090 – HONOR Act

H.R. 6209 – American Hemp Protection Act of 2025

H.R. 5047 – No Woke Indoctrination of Military Kids Act

H.R. 5046 – Restoring Merit in the Military Service Academies Act

H.R. 5025 – Restoring Merit in the Military Act

H.R. 4188 – VA Flood Preparedness Act

H.R. 2864 – Veterans for Mustangs Act

H.R. 2730 – Military Moms Act

H.R. 443 – Parris Island Protection Act

H.R. 4953 – Gender-Affirming Child Abuse Prevention Act

H.R. 4698 – PAAW Act

H.R. 4600 – RESPECT Act

H.R. 3596 – Rape Shield Enhancement Act of 2025

H.R. 3246 – Violet's Law

H.R. 2564 – Protect Victims of Digital Exploitation and Manipulation Act of 2025

H.R. 2373 – Increased Accountability for Nonconsensual Pornography Act of 2025

H.R. 1205 – Safe Shelters Act of 2025

H.R. 1204 – Sue VOYEURS Act

H.R. 1203 – Stop VOYEURS Act of 2025

H.R. 1017 – Stop the Invasion of Women's Spaces Act

H.R. 1016 – Protecting Women's Private Spaces Act

H.R. 1015 – Prison Rape Prevention Act of 2025

H.R. 688 – Standing with Moms Act

H.R. 5592 – Childhood Genital Mutilation Prevention Act

H.R. 5474 – No DEI in DC Act

H.R. 5405 – Government Shutdown Prevention Act of 2025

H.R. 5000 – Cybersecurity Hiring Modernization Act

H.R. 4984 – No Appointments by Rogue Judges Act

H.R. 4138 – Restoring Biological Truth in Government Act

H.R. 3775 – AI Training Extension Act of 2025

H.R. 2985 – Modernizing Government Technology Reform Act

H.R. 4512 – TRANS MICE Act

H.R. 4374 – American Homeowner Crypto Modernization Act of 2025

H.R. 4340 – Tyler's Law

H.R. 3516 – Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2025

H.R. 3403 – SEAT Act of 2025

H.Con.Res. 48 – Honoring Charles James Kirk

H.Res. 893 – Censuring Representative Cory Mills

H.Res. 713 – Censuring Representative Ilhan Omar

H.Res. 439 – Expulsion of Representative LaMonica McIver

H.Res. 132 – Censuring Representative Robert Garcia

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-nancy-mace-secures-major-wins-lowcountry-and-national-security,Congresswoman Nancy Mace Secures Major Wins For The Lowcountry And National Security In FY26 NDAA,2025-12-09,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 9, 2025) — Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) announced a series of major victories she helped secure in the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), delivering major policy wins and securing major investments for the Lowcountry’s military installations.

Rep. Mace helped deliver over $387.93 million in authorizations, or extensions of authorizations, for critical infrastructure projects in the Lowcountry at Joint Base Charleston, MCAS Beaufort, and MCRD Parris Island.

""Our wins in the NDAA represent a victory for taxpayers and our national security – ending DEI distractions, recognizing biological reality, protecting women and girls, and refocusing our military on readiness and lethality by making consequential defense investments in South Carolina,"" said Congresswoman Nancy Mace. ""From Joint Base Charleston to MCAS Beaufort to Parris Island, the over $387 million in authorizations and extensions will strengthen our national security, ensure South Carolina continues to play a crucial role in defending the homeland, and support the thousands of military families who call the Lowcountry home.""

“White Coat Waste is proud to partner with Congresswoman Mace, whose leadership is delivering the first-ever law to defund the Pentagon’s painful pet experiments,” said Justin Goodman, Senior Vice President at non-profit watchdog White Coat Waste. “Our watchdog's investigations uncovered how the Defense Department has been forcing taxpayers to bankroll wasteful and cruel experiments on dogs and cats worldwide—and thanks to Rep. Mace, that ends now.”

MAJOR POLICY VICTORIES

Protecting Women and Service Members:

Sec. 559A – Protects women's sports at Service Academies. See press releaseHERE

Sec. 564 – Revises Military Sexual Trauma Response Training to include available VA resources

Sec. 702 – Provides rape kits be furnished to American DoW civilian workers and contractors at military medical treatment facilities overseas

Sec. 587 – Expands maternal health care resources on Military OneSource

Reforming the Department of War:

Sec. 901 – Prohibits DEI practices in DoW, eliminating DEI offices and trainings

Sec. 525 – Advances merit-based principles in military promotions (modified provision addressing command selection)

Animal Welfare:

Sec. 732 – Prohibits painful dog and cat research. See press release HERE.

Strengthening U.S.-Israel Security Cooperation:

Sec. 1231 – Authorizes U.S.-Israel anti-tunneling cooperation

Sec. 1232 – Authorizes U.S.-Israel counter-unmanned aerial systems cooperation

Sec. 1234 – Authorizes U.S.-Israel emerging technology cooperation

Additional Key Provisions:

Sec. 1048 – Authorizes an Eastern Regional Range Complex

Sec. 831 – Advances Buy American Seafood principles for Countries of Concern.

Sec. 563 – Requires analysis of potential UCMJ modifications regarding revenge porn and deepfakes

Sec. 4201 – Authorizes $2.5 million for Talent and Technology for Navy Power and Energy Systems

Sec. 319 – Establishes Advanced Nuclear Transition Working Group

LOWCOUNTRY INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENTS

Rep. Mace secured over $387.93 million in military construction authorizations, or extensions of authorizations, for the Lowcountry:

Joint Base Charleston:

$65.4 million in FY26 authorization ($357.9 million authorized overall) for a Nuclear Power Training Facility Simulation Expansion. See press release HERE.

$33 million in FY26 authorization for an Aeromedical Evacuation Facility.

MCAS Beaufort:

Extension of $122.6 million FY22 authorization for Aircraft Maintenance Hangar.

MCRD Parris Island:

Extension of $81.89 million and $85.04 million (total of $166.93 million) FY23 authorizations for Recruit Barracks.

""Joint Base Charleston, MCAS Beaufort, and Parris Island are strategic assets for our nation, and this funding will ensure they remain at the cutting edge of military readiness for decades to come,” added Congresswoman Nancy Mace.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-helps-secure-over-400-million-federal-grants-south-carolina,Rep. Nancy Mace Helps Secure Over $400 Million In Federal Grants For South Carolina,2025-12-08,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CHARLESTON, S.C. (Dec. 8, 2025) — Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC-01) today announced she has helped local governments, nonprofits, small businesses, and organizations secure over $400 million in federal grants since the start of 2024. These competitive awards span infrastructure, public safety, education, veterans, and economic and workforce development across South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District.

“Over the past two years, we've helped bring home more than $400 million in federal funding for the Lowcountry,” said Congresswoman Nancy Mace. “We move fast, coordinating with agencies and delivering letters of support within 24 to 48 hours, because when South Carolina is competing, every hour matters. No one will outwork us to bring your tax dollars back home.”

Federal grants are among the most competitive forms of funding in the nation, typically taking six to nine months from application to award. Mace’s office has supported or submitted letters for 25 successful federal grant applications since 2024 totaling over $401 million, with additional requests under review.

Infrastructure and Economic Development – $381 Million+

SCDOT Multimodal Project (I-526 Long Point Interchange): $195,000,000

Hilton Head Island Bridge Project: $120,000,000

Lowcountry Rapid Transit (BCDCOG): $25,900,000

Dorchester County BUILD Grant: $24,000,000

BCDCOG Round 2 Clean Fuels Infrastructure Grant: $6,602,400

Hilton Head Island Airport Terminal Program: $5,000,000

Beaufort Cyber Center: $1,300,000

Town of Moncks Corner Transportation Alternatives Program: $1,248,000

City of North Charleston RCE Grant: $1,000,000

Humanities Foundation Low-Income Housing Tax Credit: $1,000,000

Hilton Head Island Airport ATCT Grant: $300,000

Deveaux Bank NFWF Coastal Resilience Study: $209,400

Wassamasaw Tribe Community Development Block Grant: $75,000

Education and Workforce Development – $18 Million+

Beaufort County School District MSAP Grant: $14,300,000

University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB) Nurse Retention HRSA Grant: $3,870,000

Peculiar Pigs Farm VAPG (Value-Added Producer Grant): $250,000

Public Safety and Law Enforcement – $2.3 Million+

City of Charleston Fire Department PSGP: $832,600

Hopeful Horizons DOJ LAV Grant: $500,000

Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office COPS Hiring Program: $500,000

Hanahan Police Department Officer Safety Equipment (GSA Program): Approved

Animal Welfare, Veterans and Community Support – $45,000+

Dorchester Paws Adoption Staff Grant: $30,000

Towns4Troops Summerville Grant: $10,000

Dorchester Paws Veterinary Services Grant: $5,000

Lowcountry Food Bank (GSA Surplus Generator Program): Approved

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=59280A33-CE0D-4FDE-A966-DC0F7E4ECF21,Graham Helps Introduce Back the Blue Act,2025-12-08,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"Strengthens Criminal Penalties for Violent Attacks on Law Enforcement

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and 35 of his Senate Republican colleagues introduced the Back the Blue Act, which would increase penalties for criminals who target law enforcement officers and provide new tools for officers to protect themselves.

“Over this year, we’ve seen a dramatic spike in attacks on police officers, ICE agents and other law enforcement officials. It’s time for Congress to stand with the very people who put their lives on the line to keep us safe,” said Graham. “The Back the Blue Act gives federal prosecutors additional tools to hold criminals accountable and would assist the Trump Administration in their effort to crack down on violent crime in our nation’s capital and across the country.”

Background on the Back the Blue Act:

Strengthens Laws to Protect Police Officers

Creates a new federal crime for killing, attempting to kill, or conspiring to kill a federal judge, federal law enforcement officer, or federally funded public safety officer. The offender would be subject to the death penalty and a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years if death results; the offender would otherwise face a minimum sentence of 10 years.

Creates a new federal crime for assaulting a federally funded law enforcement officer with escalating penalties, including mandatory minimums, based on the extent of any injury and the use of a dangerous weapon. However, no prosecution can be commenced absent certification by the Attorney General that prosecution is appropriate.

Creates a new federal crime for interstate flight from justice to avoid prosecution for killing, attempting to kill, or conspiring to kill a federal judge, federal law enforcement officer, or federally funded public safety officer. The offender would be subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years for this offense.

Creates a Specific Aggravating Factor for Federal Death Penalty Prosecutions

Clarifies that the murder or attempted murder of a law enforcement officer or first responder is a statutory aggravating factor for purposes of the federal death penalty.

Limits Federal Habeas Relief for Murders of Law Enforcement Officers

Imposes time limits and substantive limits on federal courts’ review of challenges to state-court convictions for crimes involving the murder of a public safety officer, when the public safety officer was engaged in the performance of official duties or on account of the performance of official duties. These changes are consistent with the fast-track procedures created in 1996, which are applied to federal death penalty cases.

Limits Recovery of Certain Damages and Fees for Individuals Engaged in Felonies

Limits the type of civil damages and attorney’s fees recoverable by a criminal as a result of purported injuries incurred during the commission of a felony or crime of violence.

Expands Self-Defense and Second Amendment Rights for Law Enforcement Officers

Allows law enforcement officers, subject to limited regulation, to carry firearms into federal facilities and other jurisdictions where such possession is otherwise prohibited.

This legislation is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition (NNOAC), Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA), and the Sergeants Benevolent Association NYPD.

In addition to Graham, this legislation is cosponsored by Senators Jim Banks (R-Indiana), Marsha Blackburn, (R-Tennessee), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Jim Justice (R-West Virginia), John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Dave McCormick (R-Pennsylvania), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Todd Young (R-Indiana), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama).",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://fry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1015,Congressman Russell Fry Introduces the Kids Internet Safety Partnership Act (KISPA),2025-12-05,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,Russell Fry,F000478,fry.house.gov,fry,https://fry.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) introduced the Kids Internet Safety Partnership Act (KISPA), along with co-lead Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01), establishing a coordinated national effort to better understand the harms minors face online and provide parents, platforms, and policymakers with clear, evidence-based tools to protect kids in the digital age.

Currently, guidance on kids’ online safety comes from a patchwork of platform whitepapers, academic research, state settlements, and international codes. KISPA brings these threads together into a single U.S. federal framework. Specifically, the bill directs the Secretary of Commerce to create the Kids Internet Safety Partnership, a collaborative body that will work with federal agencies along with parents, child-safety experts, constitutional and privacy scholars, industry partners, and state Attorneys Generals.

The Partnership will be tasked with identifying the risks and benefits impacting children online and address harms while preserving and enhancing what helps.

Under the bill, the Partnership will publish biannual reports that measure the efficacy and adoption of safeguards and parental tools, rather than simply cataloging recommendations. These reports will include a publicly available “best practices” playbook addressing key areas such as:

Age verification, assurance, and estimation techniques

Design features that promote child safety

Parental controls and account tools

Default privacy settings

Effectiveness of third-party safety software

Transparency and limitations around personalized recommendation systems and chatbots",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-joins-cornyn-senate-gop-in-introducing-the-back-the-blue-act/,"Scott joins Cornyn, Senate GOP in Introducing the Back the Blue Act",2025-12-05,2025,2025-12,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) joined Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Senate Republican colleagues this week in introducing the Back the Blue Act, which would increase penalties for criminals who target law enforcement officers and provide new tools for officers to protect themselves.

“Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to keep Americans safe,” said Sen. Scott. “The Back the Blue Act strengthens protections for our men and women in blue by ensuring criminals who target them face justice, including the death penalty. This bill upholds law and order, equips officers with the tools they need to stay safe, and makes it clear that anyone who attacks law enforcement will be held accountable.”

“Our law enforcement officers bravely risk their lives daily to protect our communities, and anyone who targets them should be met with the full force of the law, including the death penalty,” said Sen. Cornyn. “America was built on the principles of law and order, and this legislation sends a clear message that targeted attacks on law enforcement will not be tolerated, dangerous criminals will be held accountable, and our men and women in blue have our full and unwavering support.”

The legislation is also cosponsored by Senators Jim Banks (R-IN), Marsha Blackburn, (R-TN), John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), Ted Budd (R-NC), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Steve Daines (R-MT), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Jim Justice (R-WV), John Kennedy (R-LA), Mike Lee (R-UT), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Rick Scott (R-FL), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), John Barrasso (R-WY), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Todd Young (R-IN), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), James Lankford (R-OK), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL).

Background on the Back the Blue Act:

Strengthens Laws to Protect Police Officers

Creates a new federal crime for killing, attempting to kill, or conspiring to kill a federal judge, federal law enforcement officer, or federally funded public safety officer. The offender would be subject to the death penalty and a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years if death results; the offender would otherwise face a minimum sentence of 10 years.

Creates a new federal crime for assaulting a federally funded law enforcement officer with escalating penalties, including mandatory minimums, based on the extent of any injury and the use of a dangerous weapon. However, no prosecution can be commenced absent certification by the Attorney General that prosecution is appropriate.

Creates a new federal crime for interstate flight from justice to avoid prosecution for killing, attempting to kill, or conspiring to kill a federal judge, federal law enforcement officer, or federally funded public safety officer. The offender would be subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years for this offense.

Creates a Specific Aggravating Factor for Federal Death Penalty Prosecutions

Clarifies that the murder or attempted murder of a law enforcement officer or first responder is a statutory aggravating factor for purposes of the federal death penalty.

Limits Federal Habeas Relief for Murders of Law Enforcement Officers

Imposes time limits and substantive limits on federal courts’ review of challenges to state-court convictions for crimes involving the murder of a public safety officer, when the public safety officer was engaged in the performance of official duties or on account of the performance of official duties. These changes are consistent with the fast-track procedures created in 1996, which are applied to federal death penalty cases.

Limits Recovery of Certain Damages and Fees for Individuals Engaged in Felonies

Limits the type of civil damages and attorney’s fees recoverable by a criminal as a result of purported injuries incurred during the commission of a felony or crime of violence.

Expands Self-Defense and Second Amendment Rights for Law Enforcement Officers

Allows law enforcement officers, subject to limited regulation, to carry firearms into federal facilities and other jurisdictions where such possession is otherwise prohibited.

This legislation is endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO), Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA), Major County Sheriffs of America (MCSA), National Narcotic Officers’ Associations’ Coalition (NNOAC), Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies (ASCIA), and the Sergeants Benevolent Association NYPD.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-introduces-fair-act-crack-down-ebt-fraud-and-protect-taxpayer,Rep. Nancy Mace Introduces Fair Act To Crack Down On EBT Fraud And Protect Taxpayer Dollars,2025-12-04,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 4, 2025) — Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace introduced the Food Assistance Integrity and Responsibility (FAIR) Act, a bill which brings long-overdue accountability to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by requiring a photo ID on every EBT card and ensuring benefits are redeemed only by the individuals who are legally eligible to receive them.

Under current law, there is little to no identity verification when a SNAP EBT card is used, opening the door to card sharing, unauthorized purchases, stolen cards being exploited, and taxpayer dollars going to people who aren’t legally eligible at all.

Across the country, states are reporting massive losses from SNAP fraud and misuse. In just the first quarter of FY 2025, more than $102 million in stolen or fraudulent benefits were approved. During this same period, states recorded over 226,000 fraudulent SNAP claims and 691,000 unauthorized transactions nationwide, including 4,209 stolen benefits in South Carolina.

These numbers show the system is wide open to abuse. Our bill aligns with President Donald Trump’s efforts to crack down on SNAP fraud and ensure benefits go only to the Americans who are truly eligible to receive them. “Taxpayers have had enough of watching their hard-earned dollars abused by people with no legal right to these benefits,” said Congresswoman Mace. ""This isn't complicated, if you're eligible for SNAP, your photo goes on the card and you're the only one who uses it. Not fraudsters, not criminals, not someone borrowing a card they have no right to use. This is basic common sense, fairness, and protecting taxpayers and the American families who truly need food assistance.”

The FAIR Act protects taxpayer dollars and makes sure SNAP benefits go only to the households they are meant to support. The bill:

Requires a photo ID on every SNAP EBT card so retailers and states can verify the cardholder’s identity at the point of purchase

Prevents unauthorized use by allowing benefits to be redeemed only by the individual whose name and photograph appear on the card.

Allows states to issue additional photo-verified cards for households with multiple authorized users.

Protects vulnerable families by providing accommodations for caregivers assisting minors, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

Requires retailers to verify the photo on every EBT card before completing a SNAP transaction.

Directs USDA to update regulations within 18 months to fully implement these reforms nationwide.

See the bill text below:

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://fry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1008,House Passes Congressman Russell Fry’s Trafficking Survivors Relief Act,2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,Russell Fry,F000478,fry.house.gov,fry,https://fry.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives has passed Congressman Russell Fry’s (SC-07) bipartisan Trafficking Survivors Relief Act (H.R. 4323), legislation co-led by Ann Wagner (R-MO) and Hank Johnson (D-GA), and co-sponsored by Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA). This bill provides federal criminal record relief to survivors of human trafficking who committed non-violent offenses as a direct result of their exploitation.

Human trafficking remains a widespread crisis across our country. Traffickers often force or coerce their victims into committing crimes such as financial fraud, drug-related offenses, and identity theft. As a result, many trafficking survivors face arrest, conviction, and incarceration—often without recognition of their victim status.

At the outset of a prosecution, this legislation establishes an affirmative defense to provide survivors with the opportunity to defend against only those charges that arose directly from their trafficking victimization. It also provides critical relief for survivors who have already been convicted as a result of their trafficking victimization through vacatur, expungement, and sentencing mitigation.

Specifically, for a court to grant a motion to vacate a conviction or expunge an arrest, a defendant must show by a preponderance of the evidence that the offense was committed as a direct result of having been a victim of trafficking. Additionally, the defendant must establish, by clear and convincing evidence, that the defendant was a victim of human trafficking at the time the offense was committed.

The bill only allows for non-violent offenses that were committed as a direct result of trafficking to be eligible for vacatur and expungement. Additionally, this bill clarifies that any crimes eligible for expungement are crimes that do not involve a child as a victim.

“I’m proud to see the House pass my bill, the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, which delivers relief to trafficking survivors and their families,” said Congressman Fry. “Victims of human trafficking are often forced into criminal activity, leaving them with federal records that follow them for life. That means they can’t get a job, secure housing, or meet basic needs—all because of crimes they were coerced into committing. This legislation breaks that cycle and gives survivors the chance to move forward.”

“Victims of human trafficking are often revictimized by their traffickers who coerce them into committing crimes against their will, making it that much harder to escape from their abuse,” said Congresswoman Wagner. “This can leave them with a criminal record that follows them for the rest of their lives. The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act would help survivors break that cycle of exploitation so they can reenter the working world and access critical support services. Survivors of trafficking need every tool we can give them as they seek to find justice and hold the perpetrators accountable. I’ve been proud to champion the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act over multiple Congresses, and I look forward to the Senate taking up this bill so we can send it to the President’s desk.”

“Survivors of human trafficking deserve justice and compassion, not criminalization,” said Congressman Lieu. “For too long, survivors have faced criminal charges because of crimes they were forced to commit while being trafficked, making it harder for them to obtain housing, jobs, and the chance to rebuild their lives. I am pleased that the House passed our bipartisan legislation to provide much-needed relief to trafficking survivors. I urge my Senate colleagues to pass this bill.”

""The American Hotel & Lodging Association applauds the passage of the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act,” said President and CEO of AHLA Rosanna Maietta. “The hotel industry stands firmly behind Representative Fry's efforts to ensure that our nation's response to human trafficking includes meaningful support for those who have endured unimaginable harm. Through the work of the AHLA Foundation, we have long been committed to elevating the visibility of this issue and uplifting survivors through investments in support to help them move forward. The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act is a vital step which allows survivors to truly heal and build independent lives.""

Additional supporting individuals and organizations include South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, 3Strands Global Foundation, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, CPAC, Engage Together, Hope for Justice, survivor leader Hollie Nadel, Justice Restoration Center, the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), PACT, Paving the Way Foundation, Pearl at the Mailbox, Raven, Rights4Girls, Shared Hope International, Street Grace, The Moore & Van Allen Human Trafficking Pro Bono Project, Thistle Farms, the UPS Foundation, and World Without Exploitation.",1,2026-04-04T05:28:40Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-introduces-bill-strengthen-protections-domestic-violence,Rep. Nancy Mace Introduces Bill To Strengthen Protections For Domestic Violence Survivors In The Tax Code,2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 2, 2025) — Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace introduced the Tax Fairness for Abuse Survivors Act, legislation focused on protecting domestic violence survivors and ensuring no victim is ever left carrying tax burdens created under fear, manipulation, or threats. This legislation delivers long-overdue safeguards to stop forcing survivors to pay the tax debts of the abusers who hurt them.

Abuse steals years, safety, dignity, and too often, financial freedom. Survivors have paid more than enough already, and they should never be punished for crimes committed against them.

Rep. Mace’s legislation protects survivors' financial freedom, building a safe and fair process for relief, locking down survivor privacy, and shutting the door on abusers using the tax code as a weapon.

“When survivors of domestic violence finally flee, the IRS shouldn’t be waiting on the other side of the door,” said Congresswoman Mace. “Many survivors are pressured, intimidated, or outright threatened into signing joint returns they never wanted to sign. No one should carry the financial wounds of the predator who abused them. Our legislation strengthens and expands vital protections so survivors can seek relief without fear of retaliation from their abuser.”

The Tax Fairness for Abuse Survivors Act will:

Provide tax liability relief for survivors who unknowingly signed a joint return with an understatement, or who signed under fear, coercion, threats, or duress.

Allow survivors to submit evidence of domestic violence or abuse when seeking relief.

Create a presumption in the survivor’s favor when they provide evidence of abuse, making it the default presumption they signed due to fear, pressure, threats of retaliation, or duress.

Protect survivor safety by prohibiting the IRS from notifying the abusive spouse the survivor requested relief, or from mentioning abuse in any notice.

This legislation solidifies updates to the Internal Revenue Code to ensure survivors can reclaim financial independence without fear of retaliation. It applies to all relief requests submitted after the bill becomes law.

Read the full bill text here:

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-maces-skills-based-federal-contracting-act-passes-out-oversight,Rep. Nancy Mace's Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act Passes Out Of The Oversight Committee,2025-12-02,2025,2025-12,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 2, 2025) — Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) announced H.R. 5235, the Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act, has passed out of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

During an Oversight Subcommittee hearing last year, a witness testified federal contractors are “rarely able to place an individual without a four-year degree on a technology services contract, regardless of their qualifications.” With fewer than 40 percent of Americans holding a bachelor’s degree, and with many in-demand technical skills now obtained through apprenticeships, certifications, military service, and alternative training, Congresswoman Mace emphasized the status quo “makes no sense.”

Congresswoman Mace’s legislation ensures federal agencies prioritize skills and competency over rigid educational credentials when evaluating contractor personnel. Under the bill, agencies may not impose minimum degree requirements unless they are demonstrably necessary for the work. If such requirements are included, contracting officers must provide a written justification to prevent unnecessary degree mandates.

“Washington has been keeping over 60 percent of the American workforce from federal job opportunities for no good reason. Not because they lack the necessary skills and expertise or talent, but because they didn’t sit in an ivory tower reading Shakespeare,” said Congresswoman Mace. “Our Skills-Based Federal Contracting Act puts merit first and opens doors and strengthens our workforce by valuing what workers can do, not what diploma they have.”

H.R. 5235 amends title 41 of the United States Code to ensure federal contract solicitations reflect genuine workforce needs, promote transparency, and expand access to high-quality jobs for Americans with valuable training and hands-on experience.

Congresswoman Mace also highlighted the bill’s bipartisan support: “Skills-based hiring shouldn’t be a partisan issue. Thank you to Representative Krishnamoorthi for joining us in this effort to open the federal contracting process to millions of talented Americans.”

H.R. 5235 now heads to the House floor for consideration.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:09:11Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-nancy-mace-excoriates-patrick-bryant-fictitious-ethics,Congresswoman Nancy Mace Excoriates Patrick Bryant For Fictitious Ethics Investigation,2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CHARLESTON, S.C. (Nov. 21, 2025) - Today Congresswoman Nancy Mace announced Patrick Bryant helped initiate an Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC) investigation into her lodging reimbursements in a sleazy attempt to defame her for reporting his potential criminal wrongdoing to law enforcement. Congresswoman Mace turned Bryant in to law enforcement for potential criminal wrongdoing to include but not limited to: child sexual abuse material (CSAM), sexual assaults, voyeurism, extortion, harassment, domestic violence, and more.

This fictitious ethics investigation overlooks all Mr. Bryant has done to discredit himself and shows very obvious ulterior motives and many of his own substantial accounting errors. Rep. Mace is speaking out now to expose how victims are targeted by their abusers.

""I incurred over $100,000 on lodging expenses in DC and received approximately $29,000 after taxes to get reimbursed for lodging expenses. Do the math,” Congresswoman Mace stated. “Bryant is terrified he might go to jail. And if he does, my female constituents will be safer for it. This just goes to show how broken the system is when a predator can viciously go after his victims in this way and is permitted to do so regardless of the facts.”

The OCC investigation is an old story from 2024, planted by Bryant about Congresswoman Mace’s lodging reimbursements. During an approximately 18 month time period, Congresswoman Mace incurred over $100,000 in lodging expenses to live in Washington DC. During this same time period Congresswoman Mace received approximately $29,000 after taxes in lodging reimbursements. Rep. Mace used all of her lodging reimbursements on lodging expenses and very obviously didn’t keep a dime.

Mace added, “Make it make sense.”

Attached please find Rep. Mace’s letter to the OCC and a second, detailed addendum of some of the abuses she incurred at the hands of Mr. Bryant and some of his associates during this time period, and exposes the many significant accounting errors Bryant provided or omitted to the press and the OCC.

Mace now resides in her Office when in Washington due to the cost of accommodations in DC and the limited amount in lodging reimbursements Members of Congress may receive. It’s just not worth it.

While the OCC has not yet made a referral to the Ethics Committee, Rep. Mace has nothing to hide and believes it will be referred regardless of the actual facts. This is another political hit job. Nothing about the process has been fair or transparent. There has been no consideration for circumstances of domestic violence and spousal financial abuse during the time period in question. There has been no consideration for the steep lodging expenses Rep. Mace incurred during the time period in question. And there has been no consideration for Bryant leaking fictitious documents to the press, and providing fictitious documents to the OCC, which are the basis for this inquiry.

Rep. Mace is speaking out now to expose how victims are targeted by their abusers. It’s why Rep. Mace is so passionate about fixing what is clearly, very broken at the federal, state and local level.

OCC Letter:

READ THE ADDENDUM TO THE LETTER HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-helps-secure-832600-grant-strengthen-charleston-first,"Rep. Nancy Mace Helps Secure $832,600 Grant To Strengthen Charleston First Responders’ Emergency Operations At The Port Of Charleston",2025-11-21,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CHARLESTON, S.C. (Nov. 21, 2025) — Congresswoman Nancy Mace announced the Charleston Fire Department has been awarded an $832,600 grant through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Port Security Grant Program. The funding represents a major federal investment to strengthen Charleston’s emergency response capabilities and safeguard one of the nation’s most vital ports.

The Port of Charleston ranks as the eighth-largest container port in the United States, serving as a key gateway for American commerce and defense operations. As South Carolina continues to expand as the fourth fastest growing state in the country, ensuring first responders have the modern tools and training they need is critical to keeping the Lowcountry safe and supporting the state’s economic success.

The Charleston Fire Department will use the funding for a portable fire pump and advanced marine fire training to strengthen its response to waterborne emergencies. The City of Charleston will contribute a 25 percent local match of $208,150 to support the initiative.

“The Port of Charleston drives South Carolina’s economy, supports 32,000 jobs in the region and plays a vital role in America’s national defense,” said Congresswoman Mace. “We helped deliver this funding as part of more than $400 million we’ve brought home for the Lowcountry. We’re leading the charge to strengthen our ports, protect the Lowcountry, and make sure South Carolina’s tax dollars come back where they belong, right here at home.”

Charleston Fire Chief Dan Curia highlighted Congresswoman Mace’s support in the statement below:

“Charleston’s waterways present unique challenges to first responders. Securing a Port Security Grant to enable the Charleston Fire and Police Departments to take steps toward meeting those challenges is crucial to our success. We appreciate the assistance of Representative Mace and her team in making this a reality,” said Chief Curia.

Mace’s office worked closely with leadership at the Charleston Fire Department through meetings and ongoing correspondence to support the Department’s critical need for this grant. The office submitted a congressional letter of support to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to strengthen the application. and coordinated with FEMA regarding the grant posting and application timeline.

Rep. Mace’s Letter of Support:

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-raskin-huffman-wyden-call-on-trump-administration-to-stop-politicizing-houses-of-worship-defend-separation-of-church-and-state-ahead-of-court-arguments/,"Clyburn, Raskin, Huffman, Wyden Call on Trump Administration to Stop Politicizing Houses of Worship; Defend Separation of Church and State Ahead of Court Arguments",2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representatives James E. Clyburn (SC06), Chair of the Democratic Faith Working Group, and Jamie Raskin (MD-08) and Jared Huffman (CA-02), co-chairs of the Congressional Freethought Caucus, along with Senator Ron Wyden, Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee, led six of their colleagues in objecting to the Trump Administration’s attempts to exempt two specific organizations from the law. In a new letter to Acting Commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service Scott Bessent, the lawmakers urged the Trump Administration to withdraw a proposed settlement in National Religious Broadcasters Association v. Bessent which carves out exceptions to the foundational principle of separation of church and state.

For the past 70 years, a provision of the tax code known as the Johnson Amendment has insulated nonprofits, faith-based organizations and houses of worship from electoral politics. In order to qualify for 501(c)(3) status, nonprofits and houses of worship cannot engage in tax-exempt political speech. Despite widespread support for the Johnson Amendment among thousands of nonprofits and houses of worship, the Trump Administration reversed course on a lawsuit targeting the Johnson Amendment in an attempt to exempt two churches from complying with the law.

“Congress has considered and rejected multiple attempts to modify the Johnson Amendment,” the lawmakers wrote. “Members have long understood the moral imperative of shielding nonprofit service organizations, including houses of worship, from electoral politics while protecting taxpayers from being compelled to subsidize political speech. Your Proposed Consent Decree is nothing more than a transparent end-run around Congress, which has consistently rejected attempts to change this 70-year-old law.

“The Proposed Consent Decree seeks to exempt two specific organizations favored by the government out of the more than 1.5 million 501(c)(3) organizations in the United States from following the law,” the lawmakers continued. They noted that the reasoning in the proposed settlement “blows the door wide open for both secular nonprofits and all other religious organizations to petition the courts for their own free pass to engage in tax-exempt electoral speech. This settlement radically reinterprets the law and creates another opening for political actors to use charitable nonprofits to anonymously funnel unlimited money into elections.”

“The IRS should reject the false tension that the religious Right has tried to create between these two principles,” the lawmakers concluded. “The Religious Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses are equally essential, and they stand best when they stand together.”

The letter was also signed by Senators Jack Reed (D-RI), Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Representatives Mark Pocan (WI-02), Tom Suozzi (NY-03), Lloyd Doggett (TX-37), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25) and André Carson (IN-07).

Read the full letter below and here.

Dear Acting Commissioner Bessent,

The great Congressman John R. Lewis, an ordained Baptist Minister and hero of the Civil Rights Movement, issued a moral call to his colleagues on November 8, 2017:

“Fifteen years ago…Democrats and Republican came together to preserve the last remaining sanctuary that was free from partisan politics. In our heart of hearts, we understood that we had a moral responsibility to put the good of our nation before campaigns. My friends, we need that vision and unity again today.”

Congressman Lewis was defending the Johnson Amendment—a foundation stone in the nation’s wall of separation between church and state and a shield for tax-exempt organizations’ integrity—as the House Committee on Ways and Means considered an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to demolish it. In this same spirit, we are writing to express our serious concerns regarding the settlement that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has proposed in the matter of National Religious Broadcasters Association et al v. Bessent.

The Proposed Consent Decree asks the Court to exempt two religious organizations from obeying the law by reinterpreting the verbs “participate” and “intervene” and classifying communications from houses of worship to their congregations as compliant with the Johnson Amendment without any accompanying explanation for that classification. This reinterpretation is not permissible under the statute as enacted and sustained by Congress; presents serious constitutional concerns as a potential violation of the Equal Protection Clause; fails to disclose any fiscal effects of reinterpreting the law; and sidelines the principled and compelling opposition expressed by thousands of nonprofits, houses of worship and faith-based organizations that would be harmed by adopting this proposal.

Congress was in the process of modernizing the tax code in 1954 when then-Senator Lyndon Baines Johnson offered a provision clarifying reasonable boundaries between electoral politics and tax-exempt activities, including religious exercise. It was so noncontroversial at the time that Congress incorporated the Johnson Amendment without extended debate and Republican President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed it into law. Congress has considered and rejected multiple attempts to modify the Johnson Amendment because, as Congressman Lewis noted, Members have long understood the moral imperative of shielding nonprofit service organizations, including houses of worship, from electoral politics while protecting taxpayers from being compelled to subsidize political speech. Your Proposed Consent Decree is nothing more than a transparent end-run around Congress, which has consistently rejected attempts to change this 70-year-old law.

As explained in a letter sent to then-Commissioner Billy Long on July 18, 2025, the Proposed Consent Decree seeks to exempt two specific organizations favored by the government out of the more than 1.5 million 501(c)(3) organizations in the United States from following the law. In exempting two religious entities in terms limited to religious activities, the IRS is creating an Equal Protection Clause violation which could spread as organizations seize upon this Proposed Consent Decree to sue for their own exemptions. The settlement’s reasoning blows the door wide open for both secular nonprofits and all other religious organizations to petition the courts for their own free pass to engage in tax-exempt electoral speech. This settlement radically reinterprets the law and creates another opening for political actors to use charitable nonprofits to anonymously funnel unlimited money into elections.

The Proposed Consent Decree also fails to acknowledge the potential costs of implementing this ill-judged settlement. The Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation evaluated the Johnson Amendment repeal measure that Congressman Lewis opposed in 2017 and determined that such legislation would cost taxpayers $2.1 billion over 10 years. While the ultimate cost of the Proposed Consent Decree would ultimately depend on the extent of the exemptions granted, we are concerned that there will be very real costs to taxpayers if more nonprofits are able to engage in electoral activity. Under current law, political donations are subject to federal and state taxes. If this Proposed Consent Decree takes effect, contributions could be redirected from taxable sources to the churches covered by the settlement to become newly tax-deductible, with more to follow if and when other religious organizations and nonprofits seek the same allowance. The result would be reduced federal revenue. If you have prudently estimated the potential costs of this settlement and its aftermath, we urge you to publicize the results of your calculations.

We are also concerned that your Proposed Consent Decree would harm the many religious institutions and people of faith who oppose weakening the Johnson Amendment. During previous attempts to weaken the law, more than 4,600 faith leaders, 5,800 nonprofit organizations and 106 religious and denominational organizations expressed strong and principled opposition. Faith leaders across religious denominations united across their differences to affirm that “faith leaders are called to speak truth to power, and we cannot do so if we are merely cogs in partisan political machines.” If this decree weakening the Johnson Amendment shield goes into effect, houses of worship in which the clergy and congregation wish to remain apolitical could be pressured to engage in taxpayer-subsidized electoral politics by elected officials, candidates or donors. Such an outcome would be highly detrimental to religious freedom in America.

The First Amendment protects religious communities in two different ways—through the Establishment Clause, which prevents the government from imposing or endorsing one or more religions, and the Free Exercise Clause, which protects every person’s right to worship in whatever manner they choose. The IRS should reject the false tension that the religious Right has tried to create between these two principles. The Religious Free Exercise and Establishment Clauses are equally essential, and they stand best when they stand together. Neither has been violated by the Johnson Amendment as it has been interpreted since 1954, with equal applicability to all nonprofit organizations.

Congress has repeatedly chosen to maintain the Johnson Amendment in statute, and we reject the notion that the IRS can unilaterally reinterpret 70 years of this settled law. We urge you to withdraw your Proposed Consent Decree.",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-04-07T20:18:39Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3826E1C0-A391-4CEC-B8E3-9071970811B4,"Graham Demands Answers from Democrats Calling for Members of the Military, Intel Community to “Refuse Illegal Orders”",2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) is demanding that six Democrat members of Congress be specific about what they view as an “illegal order.”

U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan) and Mark Kelly (D-Arizona) along with Representatives Jason Crow (D-Colorado), Chris Deluzio (D-Pennsylvania), Maggie Goodlander (D-New Hampshire) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pennsylvania) this week released a video urging members of the U.S. military and Intelligence Community to “refuse illegal orders.” All six have backgrounds in the U.S. military or Intelligence Community. Graham, a former Judge Advocate General in the U.S. Air Force, was unsettled by the message sent by these Members of Congress and asked them to immediately clarify which orders they think are unlawful.

Senator Graham wrote, “You recently released a video in which you urged members of the U.S. military and Intelligence Community to ‘refuse illegal orders.’ You and your colleagues have each served our country in different capacities - from an intelligence analyst at the Central Intelligence Agency, to Navy and Air Force officers and a U.S. Army Ranger - and that service is appreciated.”

He continued, “However, to say that I am disturbed by your video encouraging service members and Intelligence Community professionals to refuse “unlawful orders” is an understatement. In that regard, could you please provide clarity on what orders, issued by President Trump or those in his chain of command, you consider illegal?

“As a former Air Force Judge Advocate General, I take the issue of unlawful orders very seriously. I cannot find a single example of an illegal order during this administration, but as a Member of Congress, I believe you owe it to the country to be specific as to which orders you believe are unlawful.

“I appreciate your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your timely response.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-joins-capito-shaheen-colleagues-in-introducing-nopain-for-veterans-act/,"Scott joins Capito, Shaheen, Colleagues in Introducing NOPAIN for Veterans Act",2025-11-20,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senators Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) yesterday in introducing the Non-Opioids Prevent Addiction in the Nation (NOPAIN) for Veterans Act. The legislation would expand veteran access to non-opioid alternatives by providing pathways for FDA-approved non-opioid treatments to be included in the VA National Formulary (VANF), the list of available prescriptions at VA facilities.

“Our veterans risk everything to defend our freedoms, and they have earned nothing less than the best care possible,” said Senator Scott. “The U.S. has safe, effective alternatives to opioids for managing acute pain, and the NOPAIN for Veterans Act helps maximize veterans’ access to these non-opioid treatments. I supported similar reforms for Medicare patients, and now I’m proud to join the effort to ensure every veteran in South Carolina and across the nation has more options to manage pain and reduce unnecessary opioid use that too often destroys lives.”

“Our veterans deserve the very best care we can provide, including safe and effective options to manage pain without exposing them to unnecessary risk,” Senator Capito said. “By ensuring FDA-approved non-opioid treatments are included on the VA National Formulary, our legislation will make these alternatives easier to prescribe and easier for veterans to access.”

“In New Hampshire, we’re finally seeing the tide turn on the opioid epidemic through declining overdose deaths, and that progress has been fueled in part by policies that encourage doctors to prescribe alternatives to opioids for patients struggling with pain management,” Senator Shaheen said. “Last year, CMS implemented the legislation Senator Capito and I got signed into law that encourages use of non-opioid treatments for Medicare patients struggling with pain management – and our veterans deserve equal access to these non-opioid treatment options. This bipartisan legislation would advance veteran health care by maximizing access to safe, effective FDA-approved non-opioid alternatives and furthering efforts to tackle the opioid epidemic.”

The legislation is also co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Jim Justice (R-W.Va.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Angus King (I-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.).

ENDORSEMENTS

Disabled American Veterans (DAV)

Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA)

The American Legion

Vietnam Veterans of America

Voices for Non-Opioid Choices

BACKGROUND

Veterans are twice as likely to die from opioid overdose than civilians as more than one in 10 veterans experience substance abuse, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Federal expenditures for care in VA and non-VA communities exceed $1 billion annually, and South Carolina state departments have received upwards of $20 million in recent years in state opioid response (SOR) grants to address civilian and veteran substance abuse.

Despite the existence of safe and effective, FDA-approved non-opioid alternatives for postoperative and acute pain, legislation is needed to ensure that veterans have access to them through the VANF.

In late 2022, the NOPAIN Act was signed into law to expand Medicare enrollee access to non-opioid alternatives for postoperative pain. The legislation introduced today would similarly expand veteran access to non-opioid alternatives within the VA system by providing pathways for FDA-approved non-opioid treatments to be included in the VANF and available for prescribing at all VA facilities, reversing incentives for veterans to be prescribed opioids.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-drops-letter-speaker-johnson-calling-cory-mills-removal,Rep. Nancy Mace Drops Letter To Speaker Johnson Calling For Cory Mills’ Removal From Committees,2025-11-19,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 19, 2025) — Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) today sent a formal letter to Speaker Mike Johnson urging the immediate removal of Rep. Cory Mills (FL-07) from the House Committee on Armed Services and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs following a series of alarming ethical, legal, and personal misconduct allegations.

""We write with grave concern regarding the fitness of one of our colleagues, Mr. Cory Mills of Florida's 7th Congressional district, to serve on the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs,"" Rep. Mace wrote in her letter to Speaker Johnson.

“The severity of these allegations, when combined with the national-security implications and the credibility required for service on these committees, leaves no room for hesitation,” Mace stated. “We cannot afford to look the other way.”

Personal Conduct Allegations

The letter addresses serious allegations regarding Mills' personal conduct: ""This year, Mr. Mills, a married man, has also faced multiple, credible accusations of having committed crimes against women whom he had romantic relationships with, including allegedly physically assaulting a woman and allegedly threatening to release intimate photographs and videos of another.""

Rep. Mace stands firmly with survivors and will not tolerate abusive, coercive, or threatening behavior toward women, especially from a sitting Member of Congress.

“I will not sit quietly while women come forward with credible accusations of abuse. Survivors deserve a voice, and they have one in me,” added Rep. Mace.

Federal Contracting and Conflicts of Interest

Prior to serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, Mills founded Pacem Solutions International LLC and Pacem Defense LLC, and acquired AMTEC Corporation (now renamed as ALS, Inc.), companies which engage in security and military contracting with the U.S. government as well as foreign governments. Mills retains an ownership interest in these entities.

In 2024, the Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC) found ""from January 2023 to present, Pacem Defense/ALS, has been actively contracting with the federal government, securing close to $1,000,000 in federal contracts for munitions and weapons, distributed to prisons across the country. Specifically, since January 9, 2024, 94 contracts have been awarded to entities owned by Rep. Mills.""

The report concluded ""there is substantial reason to believe that Rep. Mills may have entered into, held, or enjoyed contracts with federal agencies while he was a Member of Congress in violation of House rules, standards of conduct, and federal law.""

International Arms Dealing Concerns

The Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC) report also noted, ""According to its website, Pacem Solutions is currently registered and/or partnered with trusted local firms to work in the following countries: United States, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, UAE, Australia, Kenya, Malaysia and Kuwait.""

Public reports also indicate Mills has either sought, or entered into contracts to sell munitions to foreign nations, including Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and Colombia.

Rep. Mace stated in the letter: ""This represents a clear conflict of interest given he serves on the House Committee on Armed Services and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.""

Military Service Misrepresentations

The letter details credible accusations including Mills’ misrepresentation of his military record. Mills claimed elite service in the 75th Ranger Regiment and attendance at the U.S. Army Sniper School, including on his employment application to DynCorp International. However, none of these claims are supported or corroborated by his Official Military Personnel File, DD214, or any portion of his military records.

Questions Surrounding Bronze Star Award

There have also been credible reports calling into question the Bronze Star awarded to Mills in 2021. When questioned about his Bronze Star, Mills produced a DA Form 638 recommending him for the award, which included a signature from then-Army Brigade Commander Arnold N. Gordon-Bray.

However, retired Brigadier General Bray disputes having written, read or signed such a recommendation for Mills.

Rep. Mace's letter states: ""We actually spoke to General Bray who acknowledged he did not physically sign the form, nor did he read it prior to his signature being affixed on the DA Form 638. And he never wrote it either.""

Furthermore, numerous individuals who served with Mills have disputed his assertions he was involved in their rescue or provided aid to them of any kind.

""This type of purported stolen valor dishonors the sacrifices of all warfighters who bravely defend our nation and undermines public trust in our armed forces and the House,"" Rep. Mace wrote.

Call for Immediate Action

""Given the gravity of these allegations against Mr. Mills, the clear conflicts of interest and potential illegality presented by his business dealings, and the potential implications on U.S. national security and foreign policy, we urge you to take action to remove Mr. Mills from the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs,"" Rep. Mace wrote to Speaker Johnson.

“Every man and woman who served this country, who earned their stories, their scars, and their medals, deserves our utmost respect,” Congresswoman Mace stated. “Cory Mills has no business serving on the House Armed Services Committee and he is an insult to every veteran who paid the price for their service. Ethics complaints this serious, combined with national-security concerns and credible allegations involving women, demand immediate attention. Ignoring them is not an option.”

ATTACHED LETTER BELOW:

DOWNLOAD THE LETTER: HERE

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-offer-privileged-resolution-censure-cory-mills-and-remove-him,Rep. Nancy Mace To Offer Privileged Resolution To Censure Cory Mills And Remove Him From National Security Committees,2025-11-19,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 19, 2025) — Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) announced she will offer a privileged resolution to censure Rep. Cory Mills (FL-07) and remove him from the House Committee on Armed Services and the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The resolution outlines a pattern of alleged misconduct Rep. Mace says makes Mills unfit to serve on committees with national-security responsibilities.

""These allegations are far too serious to ignore,"" said Congresswoman Mace. ""A Member of Congress accused of assaulting women, profiting off federal contracts from his seat, and inflating or falsifying his service record has no business anywhere near national-security committees. This isn't about partisan politics, it's about protecting the integrity of this institution and the safety of women.""

Key Allegations Detailed in the Resolution:

Federal Contracting Violations: The Office of Congressional Conduct found in August 2024 companies owned by Mills secured nearly $1 million in federal contracts for munitions and weapons while he served in Congress, with 94 contracts awarded since January 2024.

The Office of Congressional Conduct concluded ""there is substantial reason to believe that Rep. Mills may have entered into, held, or enjoyed contracts with federal agencies while he was a Member of Congress in violation of House rules, standards of conduct, and federal law.""

International Arms Dealing Conflicts: Public reports indicate Mills-owned entities sought or entered into contracts to sell munitions to foreign nations including Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and Colombia while he served on the Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees, committees with direct oversight of U.S. military aid and arms sales policy.

Disputed Bronze Star and Military Record Multiple service members who served with Mills have disputed the account of events which formed the basis for his 2021 Bronze Star recommendation.

Retired Brigadier General Arnold N. Gordon-Bray stated he did not personally write, read, or sign the DA Form 638 recommending Mills for the award.

Five individuals who served with Mills, including two men Mills allegedly saved, disputed Mills was involved in their rescue or provided life-saving care. One sergeant called the account a ""fabrication.""

Additionally, Mills claimed on his DynCorp International employment application he served in the elite 75th Ranger Regiment and attended Army Sniper School, claims not supported by his military records.

Allegations of Violence Against Women On February 19, 2025, DC Metropolitan Police were called to Mills' residence for a reported assault. Police reports confirmed a 27-year-old woman, identified as Mills' significant other for over a year (not his wife) accused him of grabbing, shoving, and pushing her out of the door. Officers observed fresh bruises on her arm. The woman reportedly let officers hear Mills instruct her to lie about the origin of her bruises. Police determined probable cause existed for misdemeanor assault and sent an arrest warrant to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia.

In July 2025, a different former romantic partner reported Mills threatened to release nude images and intimate videos of her and threatened to harm her future romantic partners after she ended their relationship. On October 14, 2025, a Florida court issued a Final Judgment of Injunction for Protection Against Dating Violence against Mills.

Congresswoman Nancy Mace issued the following statement on her privileged resolution seeking to censure Rep. Cory Mills:

“I will not stand by while women risk everything to come forward with credible allegations of abuse and threats. I will not stay silent while a Member of Congress may be lining his pockets through federal contracts. And I will not look the other way while allegations of stolen valor, a slap in the face to every veteran who earned their service and sacrifice, goes unchecked.

“Cory Mills’ alleged conduct makes him unfit to serve on any committee responsible for our national security. And as a survivor, these allegations involving women strike at a place I know too well, and I refuse to ignore them or let this institution minimize them.

“This privileged resolution is about drawing a line: defending the integrity of Congress, standing with survivors who are too often dismissed or silenced, and respecting veterans whose courage is not up for debate. This is bigger than politics, it’s about right and wrong.

“And that is why we are forcing a vote on the House floor to censure him. Accountability will not wait.”

The privileged resolution will force a vote on the House floor within two legislative days.

View the full resolution text:

Download the full resolution text: HERE

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-votes-release-all-epstein-files-standing-survivors-long-denied,"Rep. Nancy Mace Votes To Release All Epstein Files, Standing With Survivors Long Denied Justice",2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 18, 2025) — Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace cast a vote which echoes across decades of silence, pain, and injustice. Congresswoman Mace voted YES to release all Jeffrey Epstein files.

Congresswoman Mace stood as one of four Republicans who signed House Resolution 1434, the discharge petition to force a floor vote on releasing the Epstein files. As a survivor of sexual assault and domestic violence, Congresswoman Mace knows exactly how personal and painful this fight is. Rep. Mace has seen firsthand what happens when women come forward and seek justice — they get sued, smeared, and defamed by the Fake News media and by their abusers.

“Today is a historic day for every survivor across the country. I know the toll this trauma takes on a survivor's life and the courage it takes to come forward. The Epstein survivors' voices are not just a vessel for the justice they are seeking for themselves. They are a vessel for the justice owed to the millions of other survivors who will never get this day. Most of us never get the opportunity to face our accuser, let alone see them prosecuted or put behind bars,” said Congresswoman Mace. “This is a symbolic day because it represents a fight not only for these survivors, but for so many of us who feel like we will never see justice.""

Congresswoman Mace recognizes President Donald Trump for stepping up when it mattered most—putting survivors like herself, and countless others across America, first by backing this critical fight for justice. In a world where powerful men have spent decades protecting predators and silencing victims, President Trump has chosen to stand with survivors.

""Real men protect women,"" Congresswoman Mace stated. ""President Trump understands justice delayed is justice denied, and he's not afraid to stand with survivors when we need it most.""

Earlier today, Congresswoman Mace met with Epstein survivors in a closed-door meeting held in her Washington, DC office. Rep. Mace listened as they described the moment their childhood ended, some at just 14 years old. She heard about their innocence stolen, the years they lost to their rights being violated, and the impossible burden of carrying this trauma too heavy for any human soul to bear alone.

Congresswoman Mace emphasized she will never allow survivors’ voices to be silenced and will continue to be a fighting force in Congress for every woman and girl who has endured abuse, assault, or exploitation.

“This is bigger than one case. This is a reckoning,” said Congresswoman Nancy Mace. “These survivors represent every woman who was told to stay quiet, every girl who was made to feel it was her fault, every person who learned power protects predators while survivors are left to rebuild their shattered lives alone.""

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3284,Congressman Norman Introduces Resolution to Censure Del. Stacey Plaskett for Coordination With Jeffrey Epstein,2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,SC,Ralph Norman,N000190,norman.house.gov,norman,https://norman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Ralph Norman (R-SC) introduced a resolution to censure Delegate Stacey Plaskett (D-VI) and remove her from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence following newly released documents revealing her inappropriate coordination with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during official congressional business.

The documents, released from Epstein’s estate, show that during the 2019 House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing involving testimony from Michael Cohen, Delegate Plaskett consulted with Epstein and incorporated his suggestions into her line of questioning.

“Jeffrey Epstein was a predator who exploited minors. The idea that any Member of Congress would coordinate with him on official proceedings is beyond comprehension,” said Congressman Norman. “This was not casual contact. These were deliberate communications that shaped part of a hearing designed to attack President Trump. It raises serious questions about judgment, integrity, and fitness to serve.”

Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to two charges, procuring a minor for prostitution and solicitation of prostitution, and was later charged federally in 2019 for sex trafficking of minors. His criminal history was well-known long before the 2019 congressional hearing in question.

“Members of Congress owe the American people honesty and ethical conduct,” Norman continued. “No one who turns to a convicted predator for input on how to conduct official business, especially in a congressional hearing, should sit on the Intelligence Committee or any committee, for that matter. This is about restoring trust in an institution that desperately needs it.”

The resolution:

Censures Delegate Plaskett for her inappropriate and unethical communications with Epstein

Condemns her use of a sex offender’s guidance during a congressional hearing

Directs the House Ethics Committee to fully investigate the extent of her relationship and any additional improprieties

Removes her from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-04-07T20:18:39Z
https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3297,Congressman Norman Reintroduces Bill to Restore Oversight and Accountability at the CBO,2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,SC,Ralph Norman,N000190,norman.house.gov,norman,https://norman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Congressman Ralph Norman (R-SC) reintroduced the Congressional Budget Office Oversight (CBO) Act, legislation designed to restore accountability and transparency within the CBO, an agency whose cost projections are used in the legislative process.

“Washington is steering this country toward a $39 trillion debt cliff,” said Congressman Norman. “If Congress is ever going to get serious about reining in spending, then the CBO must be subject to routine, mandatory oversight. This bill ensures that happens.”

Under Republican leadership, the Budget Committee has strengthened its focus on holding the CBO accountable. The CBO Oversight Act would require the Director of the CBO to appear before both the House and Senate Budget Committees at least twice each year. Currently, these hearings are sporadic and infrequent, creating enormous gaps in Congress’s ability to examine and question the projections, scoring, and underlying assumptions that guide federal spending decisions.

“For years, the CBO has operated with little direct scrutiny from the very people its work guides,” Norman continued. “That’s unacceptable. Taxpayers deserve a system where budget estimates are transparent, where Congress can routinely ask tough questions, and where agencies know they’re accountable to the public.”",1,2026-04-07T15:46:19Z,2026-04-07T20:18:39Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=B01201DF-6767-44FD-866E-F72214D839D4,"Graham, Schmitt and Colleagues Send Letter Calling for the Suspension of Judge Boasberg Pending Impeachment Proceedings",2025-11-18,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – This week U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri) sent a letter along with four of their colleagues to Judge Sri Srinivasan, the Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, calling for the suspension of Judge James Boasberg, pending impeachment proceedings by the U.S. House of Representatives and trial in the U.S. Senate.

As part of the Arctic Frost investigation into President Trump, Special Counsel Jack Smith subpoenaed the phone records of Senator Graham and seven of his Senate colleagues. During these proceedings, U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg issued a gag order to Verizon, Graham’s phone carrier, instructing them not to notify Graham of the subpoena because “such disclosure will result” in the destruction of evidence or tampering with evidence, intimidation of potential witnesses, and serious jeopardy to the investigation.

Graham has called for a Watergate-style investigation into Judge Boasberg for his potential misconduct.

The senators wrote, “Chief Judge Boasberg should be administratively suspended pending formal impeachment by the House of Representatives and, if impeached, an impeachment trial by the Senate. On November 4, 2025, Articles of Impeachment were filed against Chief Judge Boasberg over, among other things, his role in improperly granting gag orders in the ‘Arctic Frost’ probe.”

The letter implores Chief Judge Srinivasan to address the misconduct complaint that was filed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) against Judge Boasberg in accordance with the law and requests a status update be sent to the House Judiciary Committee, the Senate Judiciary Committee and DOJ.

“On July 28, 2025, the Department of Justice filed a formal judicial misconduct complaint against Judge Boasberg, pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 351(a).7 Under 28 U.S.C. § 352, you are mandated to ‘expeditiously’ review this complaint and determine whether to take ‘appropriate corrective action,’” the senators noted.

They continued, “While this impeachment process proceeds, we must have transparency regarding the actions the Circuit Judicial Council is taking against the judicial misconduct of Chief Judge Boasberg.”

Graham and Schmitt were joined in this letter by U.S. Senators Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama).

Read more about the letter in the Washington Examiner.

The full text of the letter can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://clyburn.house.gov/ranking-members-clyburn-delauro-statement-on-trump-administration-plan-to-slash-and-delay-funding-for-housing-assistance/,"Ranking Members Clyburn, DeLauro Statement on Trump Administration Plan to Slash and Delay Funding for Housing Assistance",2025-11-17,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, House Appropriations Committee Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Ranking Member James Clyburn (SC-06) released the following statement regarding a newly released plan from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to dramatically cut funding for housing assistance programs, potentially pushing as many as 170,000 veterans, unaccompanied youth, and people with disabilities onto the street:

“This plan is reckless and cruel. Homeless service providers throughout the country will begin to run out of money next month. Under HUD’s new funding requirements, as many as 170,000 veterans, youth that have aged out of the foster care system, and people with disabilities could be pushed out onto the streets in the dead of winter.

“We have the money to continue funding this program. There are already more than 771,000 people experiencing homelessness across the United States. But President Trump and Republicans’ plan is to choke off funding for programs that have been proven to help provide vulnerable people with stable housing for years, while delaying grants to nonprofits, faith-based organizations and local governments who help get people housed to next spring.

“The administration should be focused on addressing their cost-of-living crisis that has made housing so unaffordable, not targeting vulnerable people and making the homelessness crisis worse.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://fry.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=1007,Congressman Fry Secures Federal Funding for Cheraw Fire Station and Lake View Police Department,2025-11-17,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,SC,Russell Fry,F000478,fry.house.gov,fry,https://fry.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) today announced that $2.65 million in federal funding has been secured for two critical public safety projects in South Carolina’s Seventh Congressional District — including $2,487,375 million for the Cheraw Fire Station Replacement Project and $150,000 for upgrades to the Lake View Police Department.

The Cheraw Fire Station Replacement Project will receive around $2.5 million to design and construct a modern, fully equipped fire station to serve the Town of Cheraw and the surrounding area. The new facility will expand emergency response capabilities within a five-mile service radius — home to more than 3,500 manufacturing workers — and will include properly sized bays, live fire training space, and accommodations for female firefighters.

The Lake View Police Department Upgrades Project will receive $150,000 to renovate and modernize the department’s facility, which currently faces significant safety concerns, including water damage, mold, and deteriorating infrastructure. The upgrades will include roof replacement, mold mitigation, new steel security doors, evidence room improvements, and installation of safety/privacy glass in the public lobby — ensuring officers can operate safely and professionally while protecting the community.

“These investments in Cheraw and Lake View will ensure our first responders have the tools and resources they need to serve the Seventh District of South Carolina,” said Congressman Fry. “Strengthening public safety will always be one of my top priorities, and I’ll always back the men and women who risk their lives to keep the Seventh District safe.”

“Improved public safety continues to be one of my top priorities and is a primary responsibility of any local government,” said Cheraw Mayor David Byrd. “This funding will help ensure that Cheraw can continue to provide top notch fire response for the Town and our surrounding industrial job creators. We greatly appreciate Congressman Fry’s work delivering this for us.”

“This critical funding will help to replace our current outdated and undersized fire station and will help to ensure we can meet the growing needs of our community,”said Cheraw Fire Chief Marvin Murray. “Moving forward with this project will allow us to accommodate the equipment and training we need and will greatly benefit the Cheraw area for many years.”

“We are deeply grateful to Congressman Fry for his commitment and support in securing the funding needed to restore and renovate our Lake View Police Department,” said Lake View Mayor David Suggs. “This investment not only strengthens our public safety but also reaffirms the value of partnership between local and federal leadership. Our officers will soon return to a facility they can once again take pride in. I would also like to commend our Municipal Clerk & Treasurer, Amanda Garris, whose professionalism and eloquent preparation of the funding request were instrumental in helping this project come to implementation.”

“On behalf of the entire Lake View Police Department, I extend my deepest gratitude to Congressman Fry for securing the funding to repair and renovate our police headquarters,” said Lake View Police Chief James Smith. “After being displaced for the past two years, this support means more than just a building — it restores our foundation, our morale, and our ability to better serve and protect the Community we’re proud to call home.”

The funding was secured as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 federal appropriations process. It was included in FY2026 Agriculture Appropriations Act — part of the Continuing Resolution — which passed the House on November 12th, 2025 and was then signed into law by President Trump.",1,2026-04-07T05:38:05Z,2026-04-07T05:39:14Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/two-additional-women-report-alleged-abuse-patrick-bryant-congresswoman-nancy,"Two Additional Women Report Alleged Abuse By Patrick Bryant, Congresswoman Nancy Mace Urges Victims To Come Forward",2025-11-15,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CHARLESTON, S.C. (Nov. 15, 2025) – Congresswoman Nancy Mace's office confirmed today that two additional women have come forward to report alleged abuse by Patrick Bryant, bringing renewed urgency to ongoing investigations and the need for potential victims to seek help.

""I don't know what's worse: Finding all this evidence or turning in a loved one,"" said Congresswoman Mace in a video statement released today. ""Each new allegation, more disturbing than the last.""

The allegations against Bryant include purported child sexual exploitation material, multiple rape accusations, and hidden cameras used to film women without their knowledge or consent.

""Patrick Bryant and his attorneys continue to harass his victims for doing what's right,"" Mace continued. ""I WILL NOT be silenced. I will fight for you.""

Call to Action for Victims and Witnesses

Congresswoman Mace is urging anyone who believes they may have been victimized by Patrick Bryant or who has information relevant to ongoing investigations to come forward immediately.

Individuals can reach out to Congresswoman Mace's official federal office at: mace.house.gov/contact

The office will:

Provide victims contact information for law enforcement investigators, including SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division) - if they wish to report it to the appropriate authorities

Connect victims with appropriate resources and support services

Handle all communications discreetly and with the utmost sensitivity

""If you have information, come forward. We will protect you,"" said Mace.

Since uncovering evidence related to these allegations, Congresswoman Mace has drafted more than a dozen bills aimed at protecting women and children from sexual exploitation and abuse.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=57D928E3-4777-4BBF-888C-37880ACE0821,Graham Secures Nearly $50 Million for South Carolina Projects in First FY26 Government Funding Bill,2025-11-14,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Following the passage of legislation to reopen the federal government, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced that multiple projects across South Carolina will receive funding as a part of the first Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 government funding package.

Graham made these funding requests to the Senate Appropriations Committee, of which he is a member.

“I believe it is important that elected officials have a say in how taxpayer money is spent on infrastructure and not rely on bureaucrats in Washington to protect South Carolina’s interests,” said Graham. “I am pleased to have secured necessary funding for local fire stations. Earlier this year, wildfires decimated hundreds of acres across South Carolina, and it’s vital that our fire departments have the resources they need to keep us safe. In addition, this legislation funds important military construction projects in the Palmetto State. I believe these are all worthy causes and I was proud to have advocated for them.”

Some of the South Carolina projects that will receive funding from this package are highlighted below:

Clemson University: $4.5 million for equipment at new veterinary school

Town of Tega Cay: $534,000 for fire department equipment

Town of Blythewood: $1.25 million to improve the fire station

Town of Central: $2 million to upgrade the fire station

Joint Base Charleston: $33 million for an aeromedical evacuation facility for the Air Force Reserve

Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island: $8.25 million for recruit barracks design",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://clyburn.house.gov/i-voted-no-on-the-republicans-government-funding-bill-heres-why/,I voted no on the Republicans’ government funding bill. Here’s why.,2025-11-13,2025,2025-11,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"Friends—

I just came off the House floor, and I voted No on the Republicans’ government funding bill.

The government shut down in the first place because Republicans refused to work with Democrats to prevent health care premiums for nearly 20 million Americans from soaring next year.

This shouldn’t be a partisan issue. Just as many Republicans as Democrats—if not more—rely on the Affordable Care Act for coverage. We were fighting for all Americans who will be harmed when these premiums rise, but Republicans refused to budge.

The Right was willing to put the country through unnecessary pain before lifting a finger to help the American people afford health care—including their own supporters.

They actually sought to make the pain worse. We saw that when SNAP funding ran dry and the Trump administration went to court to block the use of a backup fund to help Americans buy food. We saw it again when, even as federal employees went without pay, they tried to lay off more workers.

I will not reward Republicans with my vote for betraying millions of Americans, forcing them to pay skyrocketing premiums or lose health coverage altogether.

The shutdown may be over, but Democrats’ fight to make health care accessible and affordable for all continues.

We’ll keep raising awareness, sharing people’s stories, and working with any Republican who believes—as we do—that millions of Americans shouldn’t see their health care premiums double in January, especially when so many families are already struggling with high costs.

Is our health care system affordable for everyone? Of course not—and no Democrat is claiming it is. But it’s been Democrats who have consistently offered solutions to bring costs down: empowering Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices, capping insulin costs, and more.

Republicans have opposed these measures time and again. And when Republicans are in charge, they have no plan at all. Earlier this year, they passed a bill that will strip health insurance from 10 million people, and their inaction on these premium increases will cause more than 4 million more to lose coverage.

The bottom line is this: Democrats are fighting to prevent HealthCare.gov premium costs from rising. Republicans did not join us. The Right was willing to inflict harm on everyday Americans rather than work with us to protect people’s coverage.

My Democratic colleagues and I will continue fighting to prevent Obamacare premiums from increasing and to make health care in this country more affordable. I hope Republicans will join us in that effort.

Sincerely,

Jim",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-ricketts-colleagues-applaud-trump-admins-exclusion-of-unrwa-from-gaza-peace-process/,"Scott, Ricketts, Colleagues Applaud Trump Admin’s Exclusion of UNRWA from Gaza Peace Process",2025-11-13,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott joined Sen. Pete Ricketts (R-NE) and 24 of his Republican Senate colleagues in applauding President Trump and Secretary Rubio for excluding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from the Gaza peace process, citing UNRWA’s ties to Hamas.

“As discussions on Gaza’s future continue, we must avoid repeating the mistakes that empowered the terror group to take hold in the first place,” the lawmakers wrote. “For decades, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has operated in Gaza, yet extensive reporting, investigations, and intelligence assessments documented systemic infiltration of the agency by Hamas and other U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organizations.”

“In response to these alarming findings, the United States rightfully suspended funding to UNRWA and Israel barred the agency from operating on its territory,” the lawmakers continued. “These steps were necessary because UNRWA has shown it cannot maintain neutrality or operate without being co-opted by terrorists. During your recent visit to Israel, you reaffirmed UNRWA’s ties to terrorism, describing the agency as ‘a subsidiary of Hamas’ and making clear that it ‘is not going to play any role’ in the delivery of aid to Gaza. Reinstating UNRWA would only recreate the very conditions that allowed Hamas to entrench itself and exert control in Gaza.”

“We strongly urge the administration to ensure that UNRWA play no role in any efforts to stabilize, govern, and rebuild Gaza,” the lawmakers concluded. “Instead, we encourage the United States to work with vetted international partners, trusted regional actors, and nongovernmental organizations that are demonstrably free of terrorist influence and committed to transparency, accountability, and peace.”

Additional signers included Senators Jim Risch (R-ID), Steve Daines (R-MT), Ted Budd (R-NC), Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), John Cornyn (R-TX), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Susan Collins (R-ME), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Boozman (R-AR), Tim Sheehy (R-MT), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ted Cruz (R-TX), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Mike Lee (R-UT), Dave McCormick (R-PA), Katie Britt (R-AL), and John Hoeven (R-ND).

Full text of the letter can be found here and below:

Dear Secretary Rubio,

We write in support of the Trump administration’s efforts to advance lasting stability in Gaza and enduring security for Israel. President Trump’s leadership has been instrumental in negotiating and maintaining the ceasefire agreement and in securing the ongoing release of hostages. It is vital to continue applying maximum pressure on Hamas to release the remaining hostages still held in Gaza. We also commend the administration’s continued commitment to ensuring that Hamas is fully disarmed and can never rule again in the territory. As discussions on Gaza’s future continue, we must avoid repeating the mistakes that empowered the terror group to take hold in the first place.

For decades, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has operated in Gaza, yet extensive reporting, investigations, and intelligence assessments documented systemic infiltration of the agency by Hamas and other U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organizations. At least twelve UNRWA employees took part in the Hamas-led October 7 attacks, and roughly ten percent of UNRWA’s Gaza staff have ties to terrorist groups, with many more having close relatives involved in these organizations. Since October 7, Hamas has repeatedly stolen the agency’s aid and supplies, weapons have been found in its schools, tunnel infrastructure has been uncovered in or near its facilities, and its buildings were even used to hold hostages. Long before the war, UNRWA’s curriculum was already known to radicalize Palestinian youth by promoting antisemitism and glorifying terrorism.

In response to these alarming findings, the United States rightfully suspended funding to UNRWA and Israel barred the agency from operating on its territory. These steps were necessary because UNRWA has shown it cannot maintain neutrality or operate without being co-opted by terrorists. During your recent visit to Israel, you reaffirmed UNRWA’s ties to terrorism, describing the agency as “a subsidiary of Hamas” and making clear that it “is not going to play any role” in the delivery of aid to Gaza. Reinstating UNRWA would only recreate the very conditions that allowed Hamas to entrench itself and exert control in Gaza.

We strongly urge the administration to ensure that UNRWA play no role in any efforts to stabilize, govern, and rebuild Gaza. Instead, we encourage the United States to work with vetted international partners, trusted regional actors, and nongovernmental organizations that are demonstrably free of terrorist influence and committed to transparency, accountability, and peace.

We appreciate your leadership and stand prepared to work with the Trump administration to support Gaza reconstruction efforts and ensure lasting security for Israel.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senators-scott-cassidy-introduce-legislation-to-protect-employee-privacy/,"Senators Scott, Cassidy Introduce Legislation to Protect Employee Privacy",2025-11-13,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), chairman of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, introduced the Worker Privacy Act, legislation designed to protect the right of American workers to privacy and personal autonomy in the workplace. The measure seeks to modernize labor law by establishing clear, common sense limits on how employee contact information is shared with labor unions. This bill ensures that workers, not outside organizations, maintain control over their own personal data.

“American workers deserve the freedom to make their own choices without interference from unions or political interests,” said Senator Scott. “This legislation protects that freedom by establishing workers’ right to choose which contact information they share with unions and limiting how personal information can be used during representation proceedings. No employee should have to give up their privacy or face political pressure simply for going to work, and this bill restores accountability and respect for individual rights.”

“Congress has not updated labor laws for nearly 100 years, yet the economy and the way we work have changed. We have a responsibility to bring stability to businesses, unions, and workers to make our nation competitive in a 21st-century economy,” said Dr. Cassidy. “I appreciate Senator Scott’s leadership in this effort to protect Americans’ privacy in the workplace and ensure their data is not misused.”

The measure mirrors the privacy provision included in Sen. Scott’s Employee Rights Act, which affirms workers’ rights to privacy, freedom of choice, and protection from coercion by labor unions. By codifying clear limits on how personal information is handled, the Worker Privacy Act ensures that workers maintain control over their own data while preserving transparency and fairness in union representation.

The full text of the bill can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-votes-yes-reopen-government-after-schumer-shutdown,Rep. Nancy Mace Votes Yes To Reopen Government After Schumer Shutdown,2025-11-12,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CHARLESTON, S.C. (Nov. 12, 2025) — Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) today released the following statement after voting to reopen the government and end the Schumer Shutdown:

“After 43 days of the Schumer Shutdown, the government can finally take care of our troops and others in need. We voted YES on the continuing resolution endorsed by President Trump to get our troops paid, federal employees back to work, and America back on track.

“Democrats dragged the country through a record shutdown and are now grasping at straws to hide the devastating consequences in their own party. Once again, they’ve proven they’ll always choose party over country. President Trump ended the Schumer Shutdown and with it, Chuck Schumer’s career.”

###

For press inquiries, please contact Carlie Baker at SC01Press@mail.house.gov",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=933B01F3-06D7-4209-BE8E-80B4B115AF6C,"ICYMI: On Veterans Day, Graham Fulfills Promise to Donate Government Shutdown Paycheck to South Carolina Veterans Organization",2025-11-12,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) yesterday fulfilled his promise to donate his entire paycheck to Upstate Warrior Solution (UWS) for the more than 6 weeks the government has gone unfunded. Graham was in Greenville yesterday to present his donation. Upstate Warrior Solution is a non-profit organization headquartered in Greenville providing community-based solutions to South Carolina veterans and their families.

In Praise of Upstate Warrior Solution:

“I travel a lot in South Carolina and throughout the country, [and] I’ve never seen a place quite like this. … This is a special place. Those who had this idea, this vision [of a] one stop shop for veterans, well done.”

In Recognition of Veterans Day:

“Nothing in our lives that is positive could happen without those willing to serve our country in very dangerous circumstances. People would take our freedom away from us if they could… The only thing between our freedom and people taking it away are the men and women in uniform.”

On the constitutional amendment Graham introduced requiring Members of Congress to forfeit their pay during government shutdowns – and receive no backpay:

“I really do believe there would less government shutdowns if we had to forfeit our pay. I’ve [introduced] a constitutional amendment that I’m going to get a vote on and make everybody else do what I just did: give their pay up when the government shuts down.”

#####",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-urges-more-whistleblowers-come-forward-after-learning-she-was,Rep. Nancy Mace Urges More Whistleblowers To Come Forward After Learning She Was Allegedly Targeted By TSA And Charleston Airport,2025-11-11,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CHARLESTON, S.C. (Nov. 11, 2025) – Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) called on additional whistleblowers to come forward after receiving credible information she was allegedly subjected to inappropriate surveillance and targeting by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Charleston International Airport security personnel (CHS).

According to information provided by current and former airport employees Rep. Mace was allegedly:

Subjected to mandatory surveillance by airport security personnel every time she was present at CHS

Targeted by TSA officials who allegedly attempted to or wanted to revoke her TSA status

Targeted by TSA officials who wanted her blocked from using the Known Crewmember (KCM) checkpoint as is standard operating procedure for all Members of Congress

Separately, current and former airport employees were allegedly punished or retaliated against for speaking out about other alleged security issues, breaches, and abuses.

""This appears to be yet another example of the weaponization of government agencies against a conservative,"" said Rep. Mace. ""If these allegations are true, it represents a disturbing abuse of power and a clear case of political retaliation. No American - let alone a sitting Member of Congress - should be subjected to this kind of targeted harassment simply for doing their job and standing up for their constituents. But this isn’t just about me, I am also deeply concerned about the alleged targeting of airport employees who speak up and are retaliated against.""

Rep. Mace is calling on any current or former TSA employees, airport security personnel, airport employees, or other individuals with knowledge of this alleged targeting - or similar incidents - to come forward with information.

Whistleblowers may contact Rep. Mace's office through the following secure channel: mace.house.gov/contact

""I want to assure any potential whistleblowers that your information will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and seriousness,"" Rep. Mace continued. ""People deserve to know if their government is abusing its authority to target political opponents and private citizens.""

Rep. Mace indicated she will refer this matter to all appropriate federal and state oversight committees and inspectors general for investigation. Rep. Mace will also be contacting law enforcement agencies about any potential laws that may have been broken and will pursue this to the fullest extent of the law.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-thanks-capitol-police-and-charleston-police-department-full,Rep. Nancy Mace Thanks Capitol Police And Charleston Police Department For Full-Time Security Detail At Federal Office,2025-11-10,2025,2025-11,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CHARLESTON, S.C. (Nov. 10, 2025) – Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) today thanked the City of Charleston Police Department and U.S. Capitol Police for providing her federal office in Charleston with a full-time security detail following the Charleston Airport incident.

The House of Representatives security resources remain limited with protections typically reserved for top leadership only, despite numerous members facing significant, credible threats. Rep. Mace receives over 1,300 credible threats annually. The publicity of airport-gate immediately prompted the Capitol Police to jump in and work with local law enforcement to immediately assist the Congresswoman.

""I am deeply grateful to the City of Charleston Police Department and Capitol Police for stepping up and to provide the protection our office needs,"" said Rep. Nancy Mace. ""Apparently, it took an airport falsifying police reports and retaliating against a Member of Congress to wake everyone up to the reality of the threats we face daily. I pray no one else gets hurt or killed due to today’s politically violent environment.""

The enhanced security measures come after Rep. Mace is preparing a lawsuit against Charleston International Airport and American Airlines for allegedly fabricating incident reports and subsequently retaliating by suspending security services for all other elected officials.

""With over 1,300 credible threats per year, this protection is not a luxury, it's a necessity,"" Mace continued. ""I shouldn't have to sue an airport and expose their lies to get the security detail I've requested for years, but I am eternally grateful today for the swift assistance from law enforcement!""

Rep. Mace expressed particular gratitude to Charleston's law enforcement community, many of whom volunteered to assist her at her office before this official detail was approved.

""The men and women of the Charleston Police Department and Capitol Police put their lives on the line every day to protect public servants and citizens alike,"" stated Mace. ""Their professionalism stands in stark contrast to what we witnessed in one or two bad apples at the airport. I am honored by their service and grateful for their protection.""

""Law enforcement officers understand duty and integrity,"" Mace added. ""I'm thankful to work with the best at Charleston PD and the Capitol Police.""

SECURITY THREATS AGAINST REP. NANCY MACE

To date, Congresswoman Mace has had many serious security incidents and credible death threats, to include but not limited to:

Over 1,300 credible threats per year

Rep. Mace and President Trump have the same guy in jail behind bars without bail for death threats

Rep. Mace has a trans person in Greenville County jail for death threat(s)

Rep. Mace was assaulted at the Capitol and received a wrist and rotator cuff injury

Her home was spray painted

Her home has been broken into

Her home was vandalized (again) in 2023

Her vehicle has been keyed twice

A few weeks ago she was followed home from her Charleston office

Shortly after this incident, one of her employees was followed out of their office parking lot

5 of her employees have had 10 flat tires in the last 90 days; the majority of which are miraculously due to “broken” valves; one had a blade inserted

Multiple individuals have shown up to her office unannounced and behaving erratically over the years

Charleston Airport released security footage of her employee’s vehicle and the Congresswoman’s drop off location details further impeding her safety when traveling through Charleston

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson released footage of her personally owned vehicle and further impeding her safety

Most blue state prosecutors will not arrest, or charge, let alone prosecute credible threats against the Congresswoman even though these predators are breaking federal and state laws

GRAPHIC:

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scott-votes-to-pass-government-funding-bill-urges-house-to-act-quickly/,"Sen. Tim Scott Votes to Pass Government Funding Bill, Urges House to Act Quickly",2025-11-10,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) voted for, and the Senate passed, a clean continuing resolution (CR) paired with three bipartisan, year-long appropriations bills. The CR will fund the federal government through Jan. 30, 2026.

“After 41 days of a needless government shutdown, tonight enough Democrats finally joined Republicans in putting people before politics by voting to fund and reopen the government,” said Sen. Scott. “I urge my colleagues in the House to act quickly and pass this bipartisan funding package so hardworking Americans can get their paychecks and vulnerable South Carolinians who rely on SNAP and WIC can access essential programs.”

Included in the funding package are the following three appropriations bills, which would provide funding and certainty for essential programs such as SNAP, WIC, and veterans services for the entire fiscal year:

Agriculture, Rural Development, and Food and Drug Administration Appropriations

Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations

Legislative Branch Appropriations

The measure is now headed to the U.S. House of Representatives for consideration.

Full bill text can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=3CCC7FAC-CE44-42DB-B708-A6AEC989B2B3,Graham Statement on the Passing of Former Vice President Dick Cheney,2025-11-04,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement on the passing of former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney.

“I had the privilege and pleasure of knowing Vice President Cheney personally and professionally for many years. We spent a lot of time hunting together, and during the course of our political lives, we interacted often. I enjoyed his company tremendously and always believed he was one of the smartest people I’ve ever known.

“On foreign policy, he was unashamedly aggressive against the forces who meant harm to the United States. He had a unique ability to handle criticism from all corners of the political spectrum. This is best explained by his tremendous sense of confidence in who he was and what he believed. When that self-confidence clashed with members of both parties, he was unshaken.

“Vice President Cheney lived a life of few regrets. I appreciate his decades of service to our country. My prayers are with Lynne and his entire family whom he loved dearly.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scott-visits-lockheed-martin-greenville-highlights-employees-role-in-national-security/,"Sen. Tim Scott Visits Lockheed Martin Greenville, Highlights Employees’ Role in National Security",2025-11-01,2025,2025-11,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"GREENVILLE, S.C. — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) yesterday visited Lockheed Martin’s Greenville facility, home of the F-16 Fighting Falcon production line, to hear from employees about the F-16 program. Following the tour, Sen. Scott addressed the press at a nearby warehouse supporting Greenville operations, located in an Opportunity Zone.

Excerpts from Senator Scott’s remarks are below.

“There’s no doubt that Lockheed Martin plays a significant role here in South Carolina. More than 1,600 employees work on the F-16, another several hundred work on the 35s.

“The partnership between South Carolina and Lockheed Martin is a marvel for our state and for our country. Every single employee I met here – they are proud of the work they do in defending America and providing freedom to the world.

“When you come to work every single day and recognize that your job isn’t just putting an aircraft together – it’s actually defending freedom – it is a remarkable job that you have. They make us proud – the strongest, most powerful force for good in the workforce – the best in the country, is here at home in South Carolina.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:52:45Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=38B992B4-F1CA-4C6B-B008-D35E1433C4AE,"Graham: Watergate-Style Investigation Needed for Jack Smith, Judge Boasberg’s Constitutional Abuses",2025-10-31,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after it was made public that Special Counsel Jack Smith subpoenaed Graham’s official and campaign phone records. U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg issued a gag order to Verizon, Graham’s carrier, instructing them not to notify Graham of the subpoena because “such disclosure will result in the destruction of evidence or tampering with evidence, intimidation of potential witnesses, and serious jeopardy to the investigation.” However, if an official phone number is subpoenaed, the carrier is required to inform the Senate. Verizon did not.

“It is now clear that my official and campaign phone records were subpoenaed by Special Counsel Jack Smith. Worse, a judicial gag order was issued prohibiting me from being informed of the subpoena for at least a year because Judge Boasberg believed that if I were informed, it would lead to witness tampering and destruction of evidence. That is legal slander. I would like to know the factual predicate for issuing the gag order.

“My carrier, Verizon, was extremely irresponsible by complying with this subpoena. Instead, they should have followed AT&T’s example and declined to turn over the records because it is a violation of the speech and debate clause of the U.S. Constitution. I also expect the House of Representatives to investigate Judge Boasberg’s potential misconduct, which could be grounds for his impeachment.

“The misconduct here is worthy of a Watergate-style investigation. It is my firm belief that there should be a Senate Select Committee formed to get to the bottom of this constitutional abuse and potential ethical and legal misconduct by Jack Smith as well as any potential judicial misconduct by Judge Boasberg. This model served the nation well during Watergate, and it is appropriate for the gravity of the offenses. This fishing expedition against at least ten Republican U.S. Senators by Special Counsel Jack Smith is the biggest violation of separation of powers in our nation’s history.

“The driver of this outrageous conduct was a desire to stop President Trump’s 2024 campaign for president. Three days after Donald Trump announced he would seek the presidency on November 15, 2022, Jack Smith was appointed special counsel. Within months, 91 felony indictments were issued primarily in the deepest blue jurisdictions of the country against President Trump. What was a trickle before his announcement became an avalanche all because he dared seek the presidency again. I am convinced that if Donald Trump had chosen not to run, none of this would have happened.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/senator-scott-recognizes-20-years-of-service-by-staff-members/,Senator Scott Recognizes 20 Years of Service by Staff Members,2025-10-31,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"GREENVILLE, S.C. — Today, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) celebrated a milestone of dedication and service, recognizing two members of his staff, Deb Blickenstaff and Danielle Gibbs, who have spent 20 years helping South Carolinians navigate the federal government and solve problems in their communities.

Senator Scott honored Danielle Gibbs, his deputy state director and Upstate native, and Deb Blickenstaff, his constituent services director, who is legally blind. The two staff members have been integral to the senator’s office since the beginning of his Senate tenure, working to respond to thousands of constituent requests, coordinate community outreach, and ensure that South Carolinians have a voice in Washington.

“Danielle and Deb represent the very best of public service,” said Sen. Scott. “For more than 20 years, they have worked diligently to serve the people of South Carolina with dedication, professionalism, and compassion. I am honored to work alongside them and grateful for their unwavering service.”

Despite being legally blind, Deb Blickenstaff has built a reputation as one of the most effective and dedicated constituent services professionals in the Senate, handling complex casework and advocating for South Carolinians with unwavering commitment. This recognition of 28 years of service takes place during National Disability Employment Awareness Month, a time to recognize the invaluable contributions that employees with disabilities can bring to any workplace.

Danielle Gibbs has been a key liaison between the senator’s office and communities across the Upstate, helping to address local concerns and connect residents with federal resources.

The event took place at Lockheed Martin’s Greenville facility, an example of Sen. Scott’s successful Opportunity Zones initiative in an industrial area.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sens-scott-risch-colleagues-issue-statement-on-violence-in-sudan/,"Sens. Scott, Risch, Colleagues Issue Statement on Violence in Sudan",2025-10-31,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — In a joint statement this week, U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Sens. Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, in condemning the ongoing civil war in Sudan and the genocide occurring in Darfur, calling for decisive U.S. action following the Rapid Support Forces’ (RSF) latest assault on civilians in El-Fasher. The lawmakers urged the administration to consider designating the RSF as a Foreign Terrorist Organization or Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization, citing the group’s continued campaign of ethnic cleansing, mass atrocities, and destabilization across the region.

“We are horrified by the ongoing civil war in Sudan, and the genocide in Darfur perpetuated by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias. The RSF’s long-predicted ethnically targeted assault on the civilian population of El-Fasher makes clear that the United States must consider the designation of the RSF as a potential Foreign Terrorist Organization or Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization, while establishing clear authorizations and mechanisms for the continued delivery of humanitarian aid.

“Now in its third year, Sudan’s civil war has devastated the country, shattered Sudanese society, and destabilized the region. Both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have committed atrocities against civilians and pursued a zero-sum war at any cost. Foreign backers of the RSF and SAF–including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Russia, Iran, China and governments in the immediate region–have fueled and profited from the conflict and legitimized the monsters destroying Sudan.

“This war poses grave risk to the United States. Sudan’s location on the Red Sea is vital for global trade and energy flows. The country’s history as a haven for terrorists like Osama Bin Laden, its facilitation of vast illicit flow of arms and gold, and the movement of fighters and civilians across its borders threaten U.S. national security and economic stability. Achieving a sustainable ceasefire, ensuring unhindered humanitarian access, and securing safe corridors for civilians across Sudan is paramount. The warring parties and their foreign backers must work with the United States and its partners to end this catastrophic war immediately.

“The U.S.-led ‘Quad’ diplomacy (with Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE) is an important step that requires all parties to engage in good faith negotiations. Ensuring meaningful participation by Sudanese civilians will strengthen future efforts and give legitimacy to any lasting peace.”

U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Chris Coons (D-Del.) also joined in issuing the statement.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://clyburn.house.gov/clyburn-calls-on-republicans-to-end-government-shutdown/,Clyburn Calls on Republicans to End Government Shutdown,2025-10-30,2025,2025-10,Democrat,House,SC,James E. Clyburn,C000537,clyburn.house.gov,clyburn,https://clyburn.house.gov/press-releases/,scraper,"Clyburn Cites Looming Crisis with Air Traffic Controllers Working Without Pay; GOP is Pitting Workers’ Pay Against Americans’ Health Care and Hunger

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06), Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies, released the following statement calling for the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans to end to the government shutdown:

“The Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans have shown a reckless disregard for hardworking American families and federal workers amid this government shutdown.

“Whatever talking points Republicans may be reciting today, our 10,000+ air traffic controllers deserve better than the treatment they are getting under unified Republican control of Washington. Following the Trump executive order on March 27 canceling collective bargaining agreements at several other federal agencies—which was the largest single action of union-busting in American history, air traffic controllers and other aviation safety professionals are under threat. In spite of its claims that they are putting American workers first, the Trump Administration has done the complete opposite.

“The ongoing government shutdown is causing additional pain and uncertainty as air traffic controllers and other federal employees are showing up each day without pay to continue ensuring the safety and reliability of air travel. With crises looming in air travel, health care, and hunger, my Republican colleagues must finally come to the table to negotiate a resolution to all of them.

“If we are serious about protecting these essential workers and maintaining the safety and integrity of our nation’s skies, I call on my colleagues to end this Republican-led shutdown.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-nancy-mace-wins-financial-sanctions-court-today-fictitious,Representative Nancy Mace Wins Financial Sanctions In Court Today For Fictitious Lawsuit Created By Attorney Barrett Brewer And His Client Patrick Bryant,2025-10-30,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CHARLESTON, S.C., October 30, 2025 — Today, the Charleston County Court of Common Pleas issued a final sanctions order against Patrick Bryant’s company, GLT2, LLC, and attorney Barrett Brewer after finding they violated South Carolina state law to target Congresswoman Nancy Mace.

In its 26-page ruling, the court determined Brewer and his client, Bryant, used shell companies GLT1 LLC and GLT2 LLC to secretly subpoena and depose individuals without court approval, actions the court called “wholly inconsistent” with South Carolina’s civil procedure rules.

“Today’s ruling sends a clear message: no one is above the law,” said Congresswoman Mace. “This was an outrageous case of lawfare by individuals trying to weaponize the courts against a sitting member of Congress and rape victim Jane Doe. We stood our ground, We fought back, and justice was served cold. They earned all of it and then some. They will get everything coming to them and I will not feel an ounce of pity or pain for what they’ve done.”

According to the Court, Brewer’s filings were purposely deficient and misleading, deliberately concealing Rep. Mace as the true subject of a proceeding and violating South Carolina’s requirement to name adverse parties. The order described his actions as “without regard for the requirements of Rule 27 and Rule 11,” the state’s rules for lawful pre-suit discovery and attorney ethics.

The Honorable T.J. Rode concluded the sanctions were warranted “to deter future litigation abuse” and to ensure accountability for those who “knowingly filed a deficient petition and issued various subpoenas for depositions which had not been sanctioned or ordered by the Court.”

Congresswoman Mace was represented by attorneys Robert Wyndam and Mary Grace Wyndam of the Wyndam Law Firm.

“Sanctions are extremely rare, they’re reserved for the most serious misconduct,” said Congresswoman Mace. “The court made clear this wasn’t a mistake. This was a deliberate abuse of power. This was lawfare. This was weaponization.”

The Court’s order also requires Brewer to deliver all witness affidavits, statements, and deposition materials obtained through his unlawful subpoenas to Rep. Mace’s counsel within fifteen days.

In addition, the Court ordered Brewer and his firm to pay attorney’s fees to both Congresswoman Mace’s legal team and to Jane Doe’s counsel, a combined total of $48,456.74.

READ THE FULL COURT ORDER HERE.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-joins-budd-in-advocating-for-u-s-tobacco-farmers-ahead-of-president-trumps-trade-meeting-with-china/,Scott Joins Budd in Advocating for U.S. Tobacco Farmers Ahead of President Trump’s Trade Meeting with China,2025-10-30,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined U.S. Senator Ted Budd (R-N.C.) and Representative David Rouzer (R-N.C.-07) in sending a bipartisan, bicameral letter urging President Trump to prioritize flue-cured tobacco in his trade negotiations with China ahead of his meeting with Chinese President Xi. In the letter, the legislators outline several challenges facing U.S. tobacco farmers, including the need to ensure growers qualify for any future tariff relief programs, to prevent cheap, foreign-grown tobacco from undermining domestic markets.

In the letter, the legislators said, “American flue-cured tobacco is world-renowned for its high quality, traceability, and compliant production. Foreign countries are willing to pay a premium for tobacco grown in the U.S. due to its superior quality, which is why growers have relied heavily on access to export markets since before the Revolutionary War. China serves as the single largest buyer—purchasing 60–65 million pounds of green tobacco annually.

“Farmers were recently informed that China will not purchase flue-cured tobacco from the 2025 crop, a decision made by the Chinese Communist Party to gain leverage in ongoing trade negotiations with the United States.

“…However, these farmers cannot survive without fair access to global markets and equal support from the U.S. government as other major crops receive. As you prepare to meet with President Xi Jinping, we urge you to elevate the priorities of American tobacco farmers and ensure our tobacco farm families receive fair treatment in trade negotiations, just as you did during your first term and have promised to continue to do for all of American agriculture.”

In the Senate, the letter was also signed by U.S. Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C).

Additionally, in the House, Representatives Don Davis (D-N.C.-01), Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.-11), Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.-05), Pat Harrigan (R-10-N.C.), Mark Harris (R-N.C.-08), Richard Hudson (R-N.C.-09), Brad Knott (R-N.C.-13), Addison McDowell (R-N.C.-06), Tim Moore (R-N.C.-14), Greg Murphy (R-N.C.-03), Morgan Griffith (R-Va.-09), Jen Kiggans (R-Va.-02), John McGuire (R-Va.-05), Ben Cline (R-Va.-06), and Russell Fry (R-S.C.-07) joined the letter.

Read the full letter text HERE.

BACKGROUND

China is the leading international buyer of American flue-cured tobacco. U.S. farmers were recently informed that China will not purchase flue-cured tobacco from the 2025 crop, a decision made to gain leverage in ongoing trade negotiations with the U.S. This leaves approximately 65 million pounds of tobacco without a buyer, erasing $220 million in export value.

In South Carolina alone, farmers produced nearly 14 million pounds of tobacco in 2024 and are projected to grow up to 15 million pounds in 2025 across roughly 6,000 to 6,500 acres, generating an estimated $34–$37 million in gross revenue. These farmers are vital to South Carolina’s rural economy and stand to face significant financial hardship if export markets remain disrupted.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sens-scott-cruz-colleagues-introduce-bicameral-bipartisan-resolution-condemning-abduction-and-demanding-release-of-pastor-ezra-jin/,"Sens. Scott, Cruz, Colleagues Introduce Bicameral, Bipartisan Resolution Condemning Abduction and Demanding Release of Pastor Ezra Jin",2025-10-30,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in introducing a resolution condemning the Chinese Communist Party for the abduction of Pastor Ezra Jin and other leaders of the Zion Church and calling for their release.

Sen. Tim Scott said, “The Chinese Communist Party’s targeting of Pastor Jin and the Zion Church is an attack on the God-given right to live out one’s faith. I’m joining this bipartisan resolution to condemn China’s persecution of Christians and other religious minorities and to call for the immediate release of all those arrested. The United States stands with the persecuted and is committed to defending religious freedom.”

Sen. Cruz said, “The Chinese Communist Party is conducting yet another sweeping crackdown on Christians, and they are again targeting Pastor Jin and the Zion Church. The CCP fears anything it cannot directly control, perhaps most of all, faith. The United States has powerful tools to provide protection and relief to people facing persecution and violence, and we should use those tools unless and until China releases the members of the Zion Church.”

Sen. Coons said, “Everyone deserves the right to practice their religion freely without fear. For years we’ve seen the Chinese government terrorize, persecute, and disappear Uyghurs, Christians, Buddhists, and other religious minorities. Just in the last few days, they’ve arrested Pastor Ezra Jin and other members of the Zion Church for simply doing what so many of us do each day: worshiping their God. I urge President Xi to release them along with all political prisoners.”

The resolution is cosponsored by Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Jim Justice (R-W. Va.), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.)

Sen. Capito said, “The Chinese Communist Party’s campaign of repression against Christians, including the targeting of churches such as the Zion Church, is a violation of fundamental religious freedom rights. I am proud to be an original co-sponsor of this resolution, which sends a clear message: faith is not a crime, and the United States condemns the recent alarming arrests of church leaders by CCP authorities.”

Sen. Grassley said, “The abduction of Pastor Ezra Jin and the ongoing religious persecution against Christians in China is a tragedy and a violation to individual rights and freedoms. I strongly condemn the Chinese Communist Party’s continued religious persecution of Christians, as well as believers of other faiths, and will continue to advocate for those being unfairly silenced.”

Sen. Cassidy said, “Faith isn’t a crime. We need to call out China for once more targeting people of faith.”

Sen. Rick Scott said, “The Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) track record of brutal religious persecution and oppression is evil and unacceptable, with the arrest of Pastor Ezra Jin Mingri and members of the Zion Church as the regime’s latest violation of religious freedom and human dignity. America must always stand on the side of religious freedom as a basic human right and commit always to condemning evil violations of this right around the globe. I’m proud to join Senator Cruz on this resolution to condemn China’s religious persecution and demand the immediate release of Pastor Jin and all those imprisoned for worshipping God.”

Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.-06).

Rep. Barr said, “The CCP’s latest human rights violation is attacking and persecuting Christians. Senator Cruz and I are fighting to hold the CCP accountable if they continue targeting people of faith. We won’t rest until they release Pastor Jin and all the other people of faith wrongly detained.”

Click here for the text of the resolution.

BACKGROUND

On Oct. 10, 2025, the Chinese Communist Party conducted the largest coordinated, nationwide crackdown against a Christian urban house church in over four decades. At least 22 pastors and church members from Zion Church, one of China’s largest underground congregations, were arrested, including a prominent pastor and the founder of Zion Church, Pastor “Ezra” Jin Mingri.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-cohen-introduce-resolution-supporting-international-day-political,"Wilson, Cohen to Introduce Resolution Supporting International Day of Political Prisoners",2025-10-30,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Congressmen Joe Wilson (R-SC), Co-Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, and Steve Cohen (D-TN), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly’s Special Representative on Political Prisoners, will introduce on Friday a House resolution supporting the designation of October 30 – today – as the International Day of Political Prisoners.

“The resolution reads:

“Whereas there are an estimated 1,000,000 political prisoners across the world, including cases of journalists, academics, political opposition activists, dissidents, antiwar campaigners, and human rights defenders being detained, arrested, imprisoned, convicted, and otherwise punished for political motives without connection to any credible offense;

“Whereas authoritarian and repressive regimes around the world, including the Republic of Belarus, the People’s Republic of China, the Republic of Cuba, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of the Union of Burma, the Russian Federation, and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, have engaged in systematic imprisonment of independent voices;

“Whereas, in 2024 and 2025, the United States Government, through bilateral and multilateral negotiations, secured the release of several dozen political prisoners from the Republic of Belarus, the Russian Federation, and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela;

“Whereas, on October 30, 1974, Ukrainian and Russian prisoners of conscience in the Soviet Gulag initiated the tradition of marking the annual Day of Political Prisoners in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) to draw public attention to the plight of those imprisoned for their political or religious beliefs and to express solidarity with them; and

“Whereas, in subsequent years, the Day of Political Prisoners on October 30 was marked by hunger strikes by prisoners inside the Soviet Gulag and by public demonstrations of solidarity in cities across the USSR: Now, therefore, be it

“Resolved, That the House of Representatives—

deplores all forms of political repression and imprisonment and conveys its unwavering solidarity with all those imprisoned around the world for peacefully expressing their political or religious beliefs;

supports efforts by the United States Government to condemn political imprisonment, hold accountable those regimes responsible for persecuting and imprisoning dissenters, raise international awareness of political prisoners, and secure their release through bilateral and multilateral negotiations with other states, and urges it to continue such efforts in the future; and supports the designation of an ‘International Day of Political Prisoners’ in the United States.”

# # #",1,2026-06-27T21:44:12Z,2026-06-27T22:31:14Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/turkiye-caucus-statement-celebrating-turkish-national-day,Türkiye Caucus Statement Celebrating Turkish National Day,2025-10-29,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Congressmen Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Steve Cohen (D-TN), the Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Türkiye Relations and Turkish Americans issued the following statement:

""As Co-Chairs of the Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Türkiye Relations and Turkish Americans, we join millions around the world in celebrating the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Türkiye.

Since its establishment in 1923, Türkiye has played a pivotal role as a bridge between continents, cultures, and global alliances. We fondly remember Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founding father of the Republic of Türkiye, and one of the great leaders of the 20th century. The United States and Türkiye have long shared a relationship grounded in mutual strategic interests, robust economic ties, and a shared commitment to regional security and prosperity. Türkiye’s contributions to the Gaza peace plan and progress in Syria are the most recent examples of its role in advancing regional stability. As NATO allies, our cooperation remains essential to addressing the complex challenges facing our world today — from counterterrorism and energy security to trade and global stability.

Equally important are the strong people-to-people connections that bind our two nations. The vibrant and successful Turkish American community continues to enrich the fabric of American society, contributing in countless ways to our economy, culture, science, and public life. Their achievements exemplify the enduring friendship between our countries and the promise of our continued partnership.

On this Republic Day, we honor Türkiye’s progress over the past 102 years and reaffirm our commitment to continue to work on strengthening the political, strategic, and economic dimensions of the U.S.-Turkish relationship. We extend our warmest congratulations to the people of Türkiye and Turkish Americans across the United States as they celebrate this historic milestone.""

###",1,2026-06-16T06:53:21Z,2026-06-16T06:55:02Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-secures-ban-cruel-animal-testing-ndaa,Rep. Nancy Mace Secures Ban On Cruel Animal Testing In NDAA,2025-10-29,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C., October 29, 2025 — Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC-01) announced the House-passed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 includes her provisions to prohibit the Department of War (DoW) from conducting painful and unnecessary testing on cats and dogs and other forms of animal testing.

The legislation delivers three critical reforms:

Temporarily Prohibits Painful Animal Testing: Permanently bans the DoW from using taxpayer dollars to conduct painful research on cats and dogs.

Blocks Funding for Adversarial Research Facilities: Prohibits DoW funds from supporting animal research facilities in FY26 located in, or owned or controlled by, countries of concern including China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia.

Prohibits Gain-of-Function Research: Bars the DoW from funding any gain-of-function research in FY26 on potential pandemic pathogens.

“There’s no excuse for painful experiments on pets, and absolutely no reason U.S. tax dollars should flow to research facilities run by our adversaries,” said Congresswoman Mace. “These provisions are about protecting animals, protecting taxpayers, and protecting our values. This is a commonsense, bipartisan step toward ending unnecessary animal suffering.”

Rep. Mace has consistently championed reforms to reduce animal testing across federal agencies, pushing for modern, humane alternatives to outdated practices. The inclusion of these provisions in the NDAA builds on her broader efforts to ensure the federal government pursues innovation without cruelty. This includes leading legislation such as the PAAW Act (Preventing Animal Abuse and Waste Act), Violet’s Law, the TRANS MICE Act, and efforts to ban mink farming. She has also chaired high-profile hearings such as “Transgender Lab Rats and Poisoned Puppies: Oversight of Taxpayer-Funded Animal Cruelty” to hold federal agencies accountable for cruel and wasteful research practices.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=453D83D5-BC4A-49AD-A4C4-0B6D8C3D7BF5,Graham Introduces Constitutional Amendment to Require Congress to Forfeit Paychecks During Shutdowns,2025-10-29,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"If ratified, Forfeited Congressional Pay Would Go Towards Paying Down Federal Debt

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today introduced an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to require Members of Congress to forfeit their paychecks during government shutdowns. The U.S. Constitution requires that Members of Congress receive compensation, even if the government is shut down.

Under Graham’s amendment, Members would forfeit their salaries during a government shutdown and those salaries would be redirected towards the U.S. Treasury Department to reduce the federal debt.

Graham said, “If Members of Congress had to forfeit their pay during government shutdowns, there would be fewer shutdowns and they would end quicker. In that regard, I have introduced a constitutional amendment that, if ratified, would bar Members of Congress from receiving a paycheck for the duration of a shutdown. The U.S. Constitution requires Members of Congress to be paid, even during government shutdowns. This is the most constitutionally sound way to deal with this problem.”

Graham continued, “Not only should Members of Congress not get paid during shutdowns, but the forfeited salaries should be used to pay down the federal debt. Under this amendment, congressional salaries would be sent back to the U.S. Treasury to make payments on our debt. Shutdowns are foolish exercises—this constitutional amendment would force Congress to start acting responsibly.”

In order to become law, the amendment must be passed by two-thirds of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, and then be ratified by three-fourths of the states.

Read the full text of Graham’s constitutional amendment HERE.

At the beginning of the 2025 government shutdown, Graham announced he would donate his paycheck for the duration of the shutdown to Upstate Warrior Solution, a non-profit providing community-based solutions to warriors and their families in South Carolina.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sens-scott-mullin-colleagues-introduce-legislation-to-restore-pay-for-capitol-police-during-the-schumer-shutdown/,"Sens. Scott, Mullin, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Restore Pay for Capitol Police During the Schumer Shutdown",2025-10-29,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) introduced the Pay Our Capitol Police Act, legislation ensuring members of the United States Capitol Police, their civilian staff, and essential contractors continue to receive pay during a government shutdown.

“The United States Capitol Police performs an essential service to our nation, protecting our nation’s Capitol and all who serve within it,” said Sen. Scott. “The Pay Our Capitol Police Act guarantees they receive the pay and support they have earned. These officers protect the American people and an institution of our democracy, and they should not have to miss paychecks because of political games in Washington.”

“The brave men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police work tirelessly every day to protect us and those that visit the Capitol complex,” said Sen. Mullin. “While the Democrats continue to play politics with paychecks, the Pay Our Capitol Police Act will ensure our officers are supported.”

Joining Senators Scott and Mullin in introducing the bill are U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Rick Scott (R-Fla.), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska).

“Even during the Schumer Shutdown, Capitol Police officers have tirelessly shown up to protect Congress and the public. The Pay Our Capitol Police Act is the least we can do to ensure our officers will get paid for their service without any more delay or disruption,” said Sen. Cramer.

“It’s foolish not to pay the police officers who protect the U.S. Capitol because of the Schumer Shutdown. They deserve better,” said Sen. Graham.

“The men and women of the U.S. Capitol Police risk their lives defending our Capitol, and I am thankful for their service,” said Sen. Moran. “This legislation would make certain Capitol Police officers, who protect those who work in the Capitol and the thousands of people who visit it every day, receive paychecks during the ongoing shutdown.”

“U.S. Capitol Police have continued to serve Congress faithfully throughout this shutdown—and it is we who are letting them down,” said Sen. Murkowski. “Our officers and their families should not have to go without pay while we in Congress blame each other for the shutdown impasse. I am immensely grateful for their service and the sacrifices they make daily. The best way we can show them our appreciation is to take care of them as they take care of us.”

Sen. Rick Scott said, “It is despicable that Democrats continue to drag the Schumer Shutdown on, gladly accepting their own paychecks while refusing to open the government or pay our hardworking federal law enforcement, including our Capitol Police. I am proud to join my colleagues to ensure these law enforcement officers, who put their lives on the line every day to keep the Capitol, visitors, and members safe, aren’t harmed by Democrats’ political games.”

“The United States Capitol Police are dedicated men and women who have sworn an oath to protect every American who walks through the doors of the Capitol. Day after day, they stand watch over this institution and the people it represents. They deserve our full support, not to be caught in the middle of a political standoff created by Senate Democrats who refuse to reopen the government,” said Sen. Lankford.

The Pay Our Capitol Police Act provides:

Continuing appropriations to pay members of the Capitol Police performing active service.

Pay for civilian employees and contractors who directly support Capitol Police operations.

Automatic coverage during any period in which interim or full-year appropriations are not in effect, retroactive to Oct. 1, 2025.

The bill is effective immediately upon enactment and remains in place until the passage of the next appropriations legislation or Sept. 30, 2026.

Full bill text can be found here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://sheribiggs.house.gov/media/press-releases/democrats-forced-shutdown-appease-radical-left,Democrats Forced a Shutdown to Appease the Radical Left,2025-10-28,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,SC,Sheri Biggs,B001325,sheribiggs.house.gov,sheribiggs,https://sheribiggs.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – The federal government entered a shutdown today after Democrat leaders in Washington rejected a clean, commonsense funding extension supported by President Trump, Congresswoman Sheri Biggs, and House Republicans.

The legislation, known as a Continuing Resolution, would have kept the government open through November 21st, ensured pay for our troops and border agents, protected veterans' programs, and allowed critical services to continue for South Carolina families.

Instead, Democrats walked away from the deal and demanded nearly $1.5 trillion in radical left-wing spending: including funding for DEI programs overseas, healthcare for illegal immigrants, and cuts to rural hospitals.

""This is a Democrat Shutdown, plain and simple. President Trump, my Republicans colleagues, and I stood together to keep the government open for the American people,"" said Congresswoman Sheri Biggs. ""Democrats chose to shut it down over their woke wishlist and for political games. Meanwhile, our troops, border agents, veterans, and families are left to suffer. It’s shameful, and the people of South Carolina deserve better.""

The continuing resolution rejected by Democrats was virtually identical to short-term funding bills they supported thirteen times under the Biden Administration. Their refusal to support the same type of extension now shows a dangerous level of partisanship aimed at undermining progress and causing chaos.

Congresswoman Biggs remains committed to working with her Republican colleagues and President Trump to deliver real solutions, not political stunts, for South Carolina’s Third District and the nation.",1,2026-04-24T05:51:25Z,2026-04-24T05:53:00Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-helps-secure-12-million-federal-grant-improve-infrastructure,Rep. Nancy Mace Helps Secure $1.2 Million Federal Grant To Improve Infrastructure In Moncks Corner,2025-10-27,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Charleston, S.C., October 27, 2025) — Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) announced the town of Moncks Corner has been awarded a $1.2 million federal grant through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), funded by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) allocated through the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT).

Mace’s office worked with SCDOT and the town of Moncks Corner, including submitting a congressional letter of support. The funding will advance a key infrastructure project designed to improve pedestrian safety, connectivity and access throughout Moncks Corner.

The project will establish a safe mobility corridor linking several neighborhoods to major destinations, including Old Santee Canal Park, Moncks Corner Elementary School, Roper Hospital and local businesses, ensuring residents, students, and visitors can travel more safely and efficiently. This grant not only strengthens local infrastructure but also supports the Lowcountry economy.

“When Moncks Corner needed help making its streets safer, we delivered,” said Congresswoman Mace. “South Carolina is the fourth fastest-growing state in America, and investing in infrastructure isn’t optional—it’s essential. This $1.2 million grant is part of more than $400 million in federal infrastructure funding we’ve secured for the Lowcountry over the past two years—a major win for South Carolinians.”

Moncks Corner Mayor Thomas J. Hamilton Jr. praised Congresswoman Mace’s support in the statement below:

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support of Congresswoman Mace for investing in Moncks Corner’s future. This grant helps us take a meaningful step toward improving pedestrian safety and connectivity for our residents—especially our students, families and seniors. It’s projects like this that enhance the quality of life in our community, and we’re excited to see it move forward.”

The Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) provides federal funding for local projects which improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians and bicyclists. It supports efforts such as building sidewalks, bike paths and trails, improving access to public transportation, enhancing mobility and creating safer routes for students traveling to and from school.

Rep. Mace’s Letter of Support:

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases/wilson-leads-bipartisan-delegation-introducing-repo-implementation-act,Wilson Leads Bipartisan Delegation Introducing REPO Implementation Act,2025-10-24,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,SC,Joe Wilson,W000795,joewilson.house.gov,joewilson,https://joewilson.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, DC – Representatives Joe Wilson (R-SC), Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Tom Kean (R-NJ), and Steve Cohen (D-TN) introduced the REPO Implementation Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation builds off the REPO law of last Congress by repurposing a sizeable subset of the frozen Russian sovereign assets for Ukraine on a regular, set, timetable. REPO 2.0 jumpstarts the process of transferring assets to Ukraine, providing a way forward for allies to finally implement this common sense measure to make Russia pay for its war.

“War criminal Putin chose to invade Ukraine. Despite losing his war, he continues mass murder and destruction while abducting and erasing identities of Ukrainian children. I was grateful to be among the first supporters of the original REPO Act, and I am grateful to sponsor the REPO Implementation Act of 2025 to ensure that Putin’s own money is used to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression,” said Rep. Wilson.

“Last year, Congress overwhelmingly passed the Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity (REPO) for Ukrainians Act to ensure that Russia alone is held responsible for the death and destruction that Dictator Putin has forced upon the free people of Ukraine,” said Rep. Kaptur (OH-09), Co-Chair and Co-Founder of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. “While that step was an essential one, which we took along with our other allies for Liberty, more can be done. Today, Congress follows through on the promise of the REPO Act and ups the pressure on Putin’s Russia to come to the table for peace with the introduction of this new bipartisan legislation. Together, we will push Russia’s bloody incursion back across their own borders and rebuild Ukraine so that it can take its long-sought place among the free democratic nations in Europe.”

“Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine continues to inflict tremendous suffering on the Ukrainian people. By repurposing frozen Russian sovereign assets in the United States, we can ensure that Russia bears the cost of Putin's aggression. The REPO Implementation Act establishes a clear framework to provide Ukraine with consistent investments from the United States and encourages our G7 allies to do the same. Together, these efforts will help Ukraine sustain its defense and sovereignty, rebuild what Putin’s forces have destroyed, and strengthen Europe’s collective security,” said Rep. Kean.

“Vladimir Putin put his corrupt money in the United States and Europe, and we froze it. The REPO for Ukrainians Act was a major accomplishment last year, and we must continue this progress with the REPO Implementation Act. This bill ensures that this blood money will now be put to good use supporting the Ukrainians who Putin has attacked. This is a matter of basic justice—the aggressor must pay for his aggression,” said Rep. Cohen.

A copy of the full text is available here.",1,2026-06-10T06:36:00Z,2026-06-10T06:37:32Z
https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3280,Democrats Say The Quiet Part Out Loud,2025-10-22,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,SC,Ralph Norman,N000190,norman.house.gov,norman,https://norman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON D.C. — It’s day 22 of the government shutdown and the second-highest ranking Democratic Member of the House of Representatives openly admitted to using the suffering of the American people as political leverage.

In an interview with Fox News, Democrat Whip Katherine Clark said: ""Of course there will be families that are going to suffer... but it is one of the few leverage times we have.""

“Democrat Whip Katherine Clark admitted what we all knew — Democrats are fine with Americans suffering if it gives them leverage for their radical political demands to give healthcare for illegal aliens, support LGBT programs in foreign countries, and add on $1.5 trillion in spending,” said Congressman Norman. “House Republicans passed a clean bill to keep the government open and pay our troops. It’s time for Democrats to stop playing politics and put the American people first.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T15:10:06Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=054BBB09-E60B-4495-96A9-842D906F62B1,Graham Legislation to Designate Russia A State Sponsor of Terrorism If Kidnapped Kids Aren’t Returned Advances,2025-10-22,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement after the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations unanimously voted to advance legislation he led, the Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act (S. 2978).

In September, Graham along with Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Katie Britt (R-Alabama) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) introduced this bill to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism under U.S. law if they fail to return the more than 19,000 Ukrainian children that have been kidnapped during the course of the war. Senators Graham and Blumenthal first proposed the need for legislation in May of this year.

The goal of the Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act is to exert maximum pressure on Russia in order to achieve peace and secure the safe return of these children.

“I am very pleased that the Senate Foreign Relations Committee unanimously reported out my bill with Senators Blumenthal, Britt and Klobuchar to designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism under U.S. law if they do not return the almost 20,000 Ukrainian children they kidnapped from occupied areas. These kidnappings by Putin’s Russia represent one of the most outrageous events since World War II.

“I am very grateful to Chairman Risch, Ranking Member Shaheen and all of my colleagues on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for getting this legislation out of committee and sending it to the floor. I also appreciate Chairman Risch’s inclusion of provisions that require Russia, in addition to returning all the kidnapped children, to cease its attacks on civilian infrastructure and assassination attempts against political targets in order to have the state sponsor of terrorism designation removed.

“Making Russia a state sponsor of terrorism would be devastating to Russia’s economy. It is a necessary consequence of Putin’s behavior if these kidnapped children are not returned home.”

Background on the Designating the Russian Federation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Act (S. 2978):

Ukraine estimates that Russia has kidnapped, deported or displaced at least 19,546 Ukrainian children since February 2022 and is continuing to practice these illegal and inhumane actions. The age of the children ranges from as young as a few months old to 17 years old.

Putin’s Russia seeks to destroy children’s Ukrainian identity. According to the United Kingdom, Russia has subjected the children to a curriculum that glorifies Russian military action, promotes allegiance to Russia and in some cases, involves military training.

Ukraine also estimates that at least 648 Ukrainian children have been killed and at least 2,047 Ukrainian children have been wounded since the start of the war in February 2022.

These actions are blatant examples of international terrorism at the direction of Vladimir Putin.

Sixty days after the passage of this bill, the legislation would require the Secretary of State to submit a report to Congress certifying that the kidnapped, deported or displaced children have been safely reunited with families or guardians, their full reintegration into Ukrainian society is underway, and Russia has ceased its attacks on civilian infrastructure and assassination attempts against political targets.

If the Secretary of State is unable to certify all of the above, then the Secretary shall designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism under U.S. law.

Currently, there are only four state sponsors of terrorism under U.S. law: Cuba, North Korea, Iran and Syria.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=C7F954BE-3524-44BF-AA30-0CB81739FE6D,ICYMI: Senator Lindsey Graham: Comey’s FBI Investigated Me And 8 Colleagues In Anti-Trump Crusade,2025-10-22,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"Comey’s FBI investigated me and 8 colleagues in anti-Trump crusade

By Senator Lindsey Graham

Fox News

October 22, 2025

https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/sen-lindsey-graham-comeys-fbi-investigated-me-8-colleagues-anti-trump-crusade

For nearly a decade, conservatives have argued President Donald Trump and his allies have been targeted by federal law enforcement agencies. The media and so-called intel experts tried to convince us that Hunter Biden’s laptop was fake news and the Steele Dossier was God’s honest truth. Why? Because of deep political bias against Trump. Rather than sweep these injustices under the rug, I want to set the record straight.

In September, former FBI Director James Comey, known for misusing his power against the president, was indicted for lying to Congress. I’ve been arguing for five years that Comey’s actions should be examined carefully, including the possibility of criminal misconduct.

In analyzing the prosecution of Comey, it’s important to review the facts that led to this moment. In July 2016, Comey’s FBI opened Crossfire Hurricane, a counterintelligence operation centered around whether Trump was colluding with Russia during his campaign. The genesis for this theory largely stemmed from the Steele Dossier prepared by Christopher Steele, who we now know was hired on behalf of the Clinton campaign.

Within a month of opening Crossfire Hurricane, Comey attended a meeting at the White House where then-CIA Director John Brennan briefed then-President Barack Obama, then-Vice President Joe Biden and other high-ranking officials on credible intelligence suggesting then-Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s campaign may have been behind the narrative that Trump was colluding with the Russians. A few weeks later, Comey also received a memo from the intelligence community supporting the idea that the Clinton campaign signed off on an effort to link Trump to Russia.

Fast-forward to January 2017, the Russian subsource who provided the information for the Steele Dossier told the FBI that the information in the dossier was unreliable and nothing but hearsay. Despite this interview, Comey and others continued to apply for warrants against Carter Page, an official adviser to the Trump campaign.

One would think that alarm bells would go off in the FBI when the man primarily responsible for creating the document used to get a warrant in the FISA court had recanted the authenticity of the document. Apparently, this bombshell revelation in the bureau’s most high-profile investigation sat in the bowels of the FBI and never made it to Comey. I find that hard to believe.

At that time, the FBI clearly possessed exculpatory information exonerating Trump. Despite the fact that the DOJ and FBI have a duty to share exculpatory information and evidence that might undercut the reliability of a warrant application with the FISA court, they never did.

In 2020, Comey testified during a hearing I called as chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee that he was never informed of the dossier’s lack of credibility and that the intelligence reports indicating the Clinton campaign was behind the Russia narrative did not “ring any bells.” I had a hard time then — as I do now — believing that the former FBI director was telling the truth.

The other matter to consider is the Biden Justice Department’s persecution of Trump. Three days after he announced he would seek the White House in 2024, the Biden DOJ appointed Jack Smith as special counsel.

Within nine months of launching his campaign, Trump was indicted on 91 criminal counts across four separate jurisdictions — two of which were started by Smith. It is my firm belief that if Trump had decided not to seek the presidency in 2024, none of this would have happened. Many Americans agree with me that these indictments were politically motivated and that Smith was not a fair arbiter of the law.

It has been the DOJ’s long-standing policy to not charge political candidates before Election Day to avoid the appearance of impropriety. However, Smith obliterated this policy. Within a month before the 2024 election, Smith was allowed to publicly release a brief containing his own version of the evidence against Trump, and he was even allowed to release an unredacted version two weeks before the election.

Smith not only went after Trump but also his allies in Congress. During their investigation, agents working for Smith obtained records from the phone calls I — as well as eight of my colleagues — made between Jan. 4-7, 2021. At that time, I was the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. These actions are an egregious violation of the Constitution’s separation of powers and should concern every American, regardless of their politics.

The common theme between Comey and Smith is that they cut corners and ignored procedures in their pursuit of Trump. Comey disregarded evidence exonerating Trump during Crossfire Hurricane, and Smith released damaging information about him just weeks before the 2024 election. These misguided investigations resulted in numerous indictments, flooded the media with negative stories about Trump and wasted millions of taxpayer dollars.

Fortunately, the American people saw through these examples of weaponization by the DOJ and FBI, but Comey, Smith and others still inflicted great damage on our country. Their misconduct eroded trust in our institutions and threatened the Constitution’s fundamental principle of equal justice under law.

These abuses by Comey and Smith come along with numerous other examples of Democratic administrations targeting conservatives, including the RNC, parents attending school board meetings, Americans going to church, the America First Policy Institute, among others. When you hear Republicans say the law has been weaponized against President Trump and his supporters, at least have some understanding of why we feel that way. To suggest otherwise defies reality and common sense.

I will join my Republican colleagues and fellow Americans in refusing to be intimidated. We will keep pushing to hold accountable those who were responsible for outrageous abuses of power in an effort to destroy all things Trump.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-issues-statement-charges-against-judge-gosnell,Rep. Nancy Mace Issues Statement On Charges Against Judge Gosnell,2025-10-21,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Charleston, S.C., October 21, 2025) – Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) released the following statement on the charges against Judge Gosnell:

“Not only are these charges horrific, they expose a deep and dangerous failure within South Carolina’s judicial system. We fully support the death penalty for anyone who rapes children. No one, not even a judge, is above the law.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-torches-democrats-holding-america-hostage-their-political,Rep. Nancy Mace Torches Democrats For Holding America Hostage To Their Political Meltdown,2025-10-20,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Charleston, S.C., October 20, 2025) — Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) says it’s time for Democrats to stop the theatrics and start governing. Today marks day 20 of the federal government shutdown, making it the third longest in U.S. history, yet Democrats refuse to end their political tantrum.

Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) released the following statement as the Schumer Shutdown enters its fourth week:

“Day 20 of the government shutdown.

“What the Democrats want to do is, they want to put African locusts ahead of paying our troops. They want more than two million dollars to pay for insects in Africa. They want LGBTQ, alphabet soup, millions to go to those people, again, in the continent of Africa. They want QT stuff in Honduras, feminine democracy, it has nothing to do with America.

“In the meantime, what they’ve done is put our troop pay at risk. We have 34,000 troops here in South Carolina whose pay is at risk on November 1st. Thank God Donald Trump found some money to pay our troops on the 15th. I don’t know if he will be able to come up with that on the 1st, but they’re putting all these foreign insects even and LGBTQ stuff ahead of getting our troops paid, which, we’re also risking 25,000 federal employees getting furloughed, as well as our troops not getting paid November 1st.

“It’s so un-American, what’s happening today in this country.

“And just so you’re aware, if our troops aren’t getting paid, I’m not getting paid.” stated Congresswoman Mace.

See the full clip of Congresswoman Mace delivering this statement HERE.

As Democrats hold the government hostage, here’s the ransom they’re demanding:

$24.6 million for “climate resilience” projects in Honduras

$13.4 million for “civic engagement” initiatives in Zimbabwe

$3.9 million for LGBTQI+ democracy grants in the Balkans

$2.3 million for “desert locust reduction” in Africa with a “gender equality” focus

$2 million for “organizing for feminist democratic principles” in Africa

$400 million per year for global climate projects, including a “Blue-Green Bank” in Barbados

$2.7 million to advance “inclusive democracy” in South Africa

$4 million for the “New Alliance for Global Equality” to expand global LGBTQI+ awareness

$45 million for the Pan American Health Organization, accused of forced labor and human trafficking

$75 million annually for United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which promotes divisive global agendas and anti-Israel bias

$107 million for the International Labor Organization (ILO), which works to unionize foreign workers and punish U.S. corporate interests abroad

$29 million for the World Trade Organization, long enabling China’s trade abuses

Nearly $300 million each year for Somalia peacekeeping operations

Unlimited taxpayer funds for free healthcare for illegal aliens

In solidarity with South Carolina’s servicemembers, Congresswoman Mace continues to refuse her own paycheck during the government shutdown, emphasizing members of Congress should not be paid while America’s troops go without.

Congresswoman Mace sent a letter to South Carolina financial institutions urging them to protect military families from penalties, fees, or foreclosures during the ongoing shutdown.

Our office will remain open during the shutdown. Please reach out at Mace.House.Gov/Contact.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3275,Congressman Norman Condemns Mecklenburg Judge’s Decision to Free Accused Accomplice in Mary Collins Murder Case,2025-10-20,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,SC,Ralph Norman,N000190,norman.house.gov,norman,https://norman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"ROCK HILL, S.C. — Congressman Ralph Norman (R-SC) issued the following statement after a Mecklenburg County judge refused to revoke the bond of America Diehl, an accused accomplice in the 2020 murder of Mary Collins, who was brutally murdered. Diehl, a violent criminal, is now back on the streets of York County, South Carolina, as she awaits trial.

“Mary’s family has endured unthinkable pain,” said Congressman Norman. “Yet this judge let a violent offender remain free, proof of how liberal, soft-on-crime policies fail victims and endanger communities.”

In 2020, 20-year-old Mary Collins was lured to a Charlotte apartment by people she thought were friends, then stabbed more than 130 times and wrapped in plastic. Her murder shocked the community and prompted widespread calls for justice.

Norman met Collins’ grandmother, Mia Alderman, during a Judiciary Committee field hearing in Charlotte, where she shared her fight for justice reform.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T15:10:06Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scott-south-carolinians-deserve-leadership-not-photo-ops-as-democrats-attend-no-kings-rally-during-shutdown/,"Sen. Tim Scott: South Carolinians Deserve Leadership, Not Photo Ops, as Democrats Attend “No Kings” Rally During Shutdown",2025-10-18,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"CHARLESTON, S.C. — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) today issued the following statement regarding Democrat leaders’ attendance at the “No Kings” rally during a government shutdown, after they voted 10 times to block the reopening of the federal government:

“While families across South Carolina and our nation are left without essential services and face uncertainty about their next paycheck, Democrats are focused on publicity stunts at their so-called ‘No Kings’ rally instead of doing their jobs to reopen the government.

“The American people deserve leadership, not photo ops. The fact that this rally is sponsored by groups such as the Communist Party USA and other Marxist organizations is telling of today’s Democrat party.

“It’s time for the left to stop the political stunts and join Republicans in reopening the government.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-cassidy-colleagues-seek-answers-on-fda-approving-dangerous-chemical-abortion-drug/,"Scott, Cassidy, Colleagues Seek Answers on FDA Approving Dangerous Chemical Abortion Drug",2025-10-17,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and other Republican senators in seeking answers on the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recent approval of another generic chemical abortion drug that endangers the health and safety of mothers. This decision undermines President Trump’s pro-life and pro-family agenda.

Scott and Cassidy were joined by U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), James Risch (R-Idaho), John Cornyn (R-Texas), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.).

“To be clear: this approval fails to mitigate the risks to women that have been identified and fails to protect women from the coercive use of the drug,” wrote the senators. “It also flies in the face of President Trump’s strong statement that he is ‘the most pro-life president’ in history and his dedication to protecting the lives of unborn children and keeping women safe.”

In addition to approving another form of the chemical abortion drug, the FDA has failed to take concrete steps to reinstate commonsense protections to safeguard women from serious safety risks. Both FDA Commissioner Marty Makary and Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pledged to senators in their confirmation hearings to study the safety of chemical abortion drugs and assess whether to reinstate these commonsense protections that past Democrat administrations removed.

“In light of the FDA’s approval of another means of chemical abortion under the same flawed REMS framework, it is imperative that you provide an update on your review of mifepristone and your plans to reinstate necessary safeguards,” continued the senators.

This letter is supported by Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.

“Abortion drugs are taking the lives of unborn children, risking the lives of women across America, and undermining the sovereignty of states’ pro-life laws. Women, children and our citizens deserve better,” said Marjorie Dannenfelser, President, SBA Pro-Life America. “The lawlessness surrounding the distribution of these drugs—kicking the physician out of the doctor-patient relationship—has put drugs in the hands of abusers of underage girls and women. The horror stories and facts roll in daily, yet the response from the FDA was to approve a cheaper version of a drug that ends unborn lives and sends women to the ER. We are deeply grateful to Chairman Cassidy and his Senate colleagues for leading this critical oversight letter to the FDA.”

Read the letter here.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/scott-colleagues-urge-governors-to-opt-in-to-federal-school-choice-initiative/,"Scott, Colleagues Urge Governors to Opt in to Federal School Choice Initiative",2025-10-17,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — This week, U.S. Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Bill Cassidy (R-La.), and Reps. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) and Burgess Owens (R-Utah), and House Committee on Education and Workforce Chairman Tim Walberg (R-Minn.), sent letters to the governors of all 50 U.S. states and the mayor of the District of Columbia. In the letters, the members called upon the governors to opt in to a new federal scholarship tax credit initiative, allowing students, parents, and scholarship granting organizations (SGOs) in their state to participate.

Key excerpts of the letter include:

…

This innovative credit will unlock billions of private dollars to fund scholarships for K-12 students across the country, including in your state.

…

Importantly, this tax credit complements existing state-level education programs. It will

not impact federal or state education funding or diminish public schools. Instead, it gives families more options—whether in public or private, religious or non-religious settings—and allows students to either pursue new opportunities or enrich their current education.

…

While the tax credit officially launches on Jan. 1, 2027, it is important for states to opt in early to provide certainty to students and SGOs.

Read the full letter here.

BACKGROUND:

On July 4, 2025, a provision included in the working families tax cuts package based on Cassidy, Scott, Smith, and Owens’ Educational Choice for Children Act became the first federal school choice program enacted into law.

Due to a questionable determination made by the Senate parliamentarian shortly before the legislation’s passage in the Senate, governors are required annually to designate participating SGOs in order to make scholarship opportunities available to students in their state.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://norman.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=3269,Congressman Norman Ranked Among Most Aligned with President Trump,2025-10-16,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,SC,Ralph Norman,N000190,norman.house.gov,norman,https://norman.house.gov/news/documentquery.aspx?DocumentTypeID=27,scraper,"WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressman Ralph Norman (R-SC) has been recognized as one of the members of Congress most closely aligned with President Donald Trump’s policies, according to the new GOPScorecard.com. Congressman Norman’s score of 95.33% ranks highest among South Carolina’s congressional delegation.

“President Trump is leading our country with strength and common sense — and I’m proud to stand with him,” said Congressman Norman. “We’re securing the border, rebuilding the economy, and restoring American energy dominance. The America First agenda is working, and I’ll keep backing the President every step of the way.”

The new scorecard tracks how often lawmakers support President Trump’s policy agenda, updating a version originally popularized by FiveThirtyEight.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-07T15:10:06Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/500k-grant-backed-rep-mace-strengthens-survivor-services-lowcountry,$500k Grant Backed By Rep. Mace Strengthens Survivor Services In The Lowcountry,2025-10-15,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Charleston, S.C., October 15, 2025) – Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC-01) announced Hopeful Horizons in Beaufort, South Carolina, will receive a $500,000 grant from the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women to strengthen services for survivors.

This funding, awarded through the DOJ’s Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) Grant Program, will expand free civil legal services for survivors across Beaufort, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper counties. With this grant, Hopeful Horizons will add one full-time and one part-time attorney, along with two full-time court advocate paralegals, to provide life-saving representation and safety planning for victims.

Rep. Mace’s office worked closely with Hopeful Horizons and the DOJ throughout the process, including providing a letter of support for the grant application to highlight the urgent need for survivor services in the Lowcountry. Without this support, many victims would continue to face overwhelming barriers to justice and safety.

“This issue is deeply personal. As a survivor of rape and sexual assault, justice and safety for victims must never be negotiable,” said Congresswoman Mace. “Far too often, survivors are left without the legal resources they need to protect themselves, safeguard their families, and reclaim their lives. Hopeful Horizons has been a steadfast lifeline in the Lowcountry, walking alongside survivors in their most difficult moments. This grant ensures victims will not be left to face those battles alone. They’ll have attorneys and advocates in their corner every step of the way.”

Kristin Dubrowski, Chief Executive Officer of Hopeful Horizons, praised Congresswoman Mace’s support in the statement below:

“The Legal Assistance for Victims grant program provides critical funding for Hopeful Horizons’ pro-bono civil legal services for victims/survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in the Southern Lowcountry,” said Dubrowski. “Hopeful Horizons’ Legal Program helps more than 200 people each year obtain additional safety measures and support that they would otherwise not be able to access. We are grateful to Representative Mace and her team for their support of this essential program.”

“Justice is not a privilege reserved for a few; it is a fundamental right owed to every survivor,” added Congresswoman Mace. “We are committed to equipping survivors with the resources they need to achieve safety, stability, and hope for the future.”

Rep. Mace’s Letter of Support:

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-nancy-mace-issues-statement-charlie-kirk-receiving-presidential-medal,Rep. Nancy Mace Issues Statement On Charlie Kirk Receiving The Presidential Medal Of Freedom,2025-10-15,2025,2025-10,Republican,House,SC,Nancy Mace,M000194,mace.house.gov,mace,https://mace.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"(Washington, D.C., October 15, 2025) — Congresswoman Nancy Mace (SC-01) released the following statement on President Donald Trump awarding Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom:

“The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the United States, and there is no one more deserving than Charlie Kirk.

“Charlie dedicated his life to the values making America strong: faith, freedom, and courage. He gave a generation of young people the confidence to live their beliefs out loud and never apologize for standing up for what is right. He inspired millions, led countless souls to Christ, and never flinched in his defense of free speech and the First Amendment.

“This award is more than a recognition of Charlie’s work. It is a symbol of the movement he built and the values he stood for. His legacy lives on in every young American inspired by his faith and love of freedom. Happy first Heavenly birthday, Charlie Kirk.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scott-accepting-applications-for-spring-2026-internships/,Sen. Tim Scott Accepting Applications for Spring 2026 Internships,2025-10-15,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) is now accepting applications for internships in his Washington, D.C., North Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville offices for the spring of 2026. The internship program offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to work with public service professionals and gain practical experience in constituent services, federal policy, and more. Students of all majors, particularly those studying governmental affairs, public policy, or communications, are welcome to apply.

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

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

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

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scott-applauds-googles-9-billion-investment-in-south-carolina/,Sen. Tim Scott applauds Google’s $9 billion investment in South Carolina,2025-10-14,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"CHARLESTON, S.C. — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) today issued the following statement following Google’s announcement of a $9 billion investment in South Carolina for 2026-2027. This investment will expand the company’s cloud and artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure presence in the state and support local workforce development programs.

“Google’s investment in South Carolina is a testament to our state’s vital role as a hub for America’s digital economy and a global leader in AI innovation,” said Sen. Scott. “This expansion is welcome news that will strengthen our workforce and reinforce our position at the forefront of technology.”

“Google’s investment in South Carolina deepens our 15 year roots here and helps to power America’s next wave of innovation,” said Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer, Alphabet and Google. “By expanding our data center, investing in energy affordability, and supporting local workforce development, we are solidifying the Palmetto State’s role as a critical hub for the digital economy and creating opportunities for communities in South Carolina and across the country. Our partnership with South Carolina is important as we build out our country’s infrastructure.”

This investment builds upon Google’s 15-year presence in South Carolina and will fund the expansion of Google’s Berkeley County campus and support the continued development of two new data center campuses in Dorchester County.

Background

Economic Impact

In 2024 alone, Google’s investments and technologies supported more than $6.4 billion in economic activity for South Carolina’s businesses, publishers, nonprofits, creators, and developers.

Infrastructure Expansion (2026-2027)

The two-year investment in Berkely and Dorchester counties will strengthen Google Cloud’s regional network in South Carolina, making it easier and faster for businesses and organizations to use AI and other digital tools.

Global Connectivity

The South Carolina region is connected to two undersea internet cables, Firmina and Nuvem, that are anchored in Myrtle Beach and help deliver reliable, high-speed internet across the state and around the world.

Workforce Development

Google is boosting South Carolina’s local workforce with more than 100,000 South Carolinians having received digital skills training through programs supported by Google.

The Google.org AI Opportunity Fund will support the Electrical Training Alliance (etA) to train existing electrical workers and more than 160 electrical apprentices by 2030, increasing the number of new electricians in the state by almost 150 percent.

Energy Affordability

Local households are seeing savings of $545 to $729 per year as a result of an ongoing initiative between Google and Sol Systems to improve energy affordability.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-tim-scott-releases-statement-following-return-of-living-israeli-hostages/,Sen. Tim Scott Releases Statement Following Return of Living Israeli Hostages,2025-10-13,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"CHARLESTON, S.C. — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) issued the following statement after all living hostages were released from Hamas’ captivity, marking the first phase of President Trump’s plan for lasting peace in the Middle East.

“After two years of captivity by Hamas terrorists, every living Israeli hostage is finally home. This historic achievement is the result of President Trump’s bold leadership and unwavering commitment to peace through strength,” said Sen. Scott. “As the world rejoices in seeing these hostages reunite with their loved ones, it is also witnessing the reality that when America leads, the world is a safer place.”

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=66BE1568-4FC8-4FBD-BD71-4BE0CCF79E24,"Graham, Grassley, Johnson and Colleagues Send Letter to DOJ and FBI Demanding Documents Detailing the Biden Administration’s Targeting of Sitting Members of Congress",2025-10-10,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – This week U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin) sent a letter with 15 of their colleagues to Attorney General Pam Bondi and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel requesting information about the Biden administration’s collection of call logs from sitting Members of Congress.

This request follows an Oct. 6, 2025 briefing where FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino informed several senators that over the course of Jack Smith’s elector case against President Trump – known as Arctic Frost – the FBI collected and analyzed call logs from at least nine Members of Congress between Jan. 4, 2021 – Jan. 7, 2021. The image below shows part of the document that Deputy Director Bongino provided the senators during the briefing listing the elected officials that Jack Smith targeted.

“The Biden administration’s blatant weaponization of the federal government should shock every American,” the Members wrote.

The letter instructs the Department of Justice (DOJ) and FBI to turn over all records referring or relating to the collection and analysis of the call logs, including DOJ and FBI communications with personnel from the Biden White House. If these materials are subject to grand jury secrecy rules – the Members requested DOJ immediately seek judicial authorization to release the requested records.

“Given that these materials relate to an unprecedented collection of records and information on sitting MOCs and raise serious constitutional concerns, Congress’ need for these records clearly outweighs any interest in secrecy,” the Members noted.

The letter was signed by all Members of Congress known to have been targeted as part of Arctic Frost: Graham, Johnson and U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) and Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pennsylvania). It was also signed by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Grassley and Judiciary Committee Members U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Katie Britt (R-Alabama) and Ashley Moody (R-Florida).

Read more about the letter in the New York Post.

The full text of the letter can be found HERE.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases?ID=85EB85B3-CDD4-487D-8924-08ED034C068D,Graham on Senate Passage of Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act,2025-10-10,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Lindsey Graham,G000359,www.lgraham.senate.gov,graham,https://www.lgraham.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after the Senate passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2026 (S. 2296) by a vote of 77-20. Now that both chambers have passed the measure, it will go to conference for further consideration. However, Graham noted that the Senate passed legislation includes several important priorities for South Carolina.

“The Senate’s passage of the annual defense authorization bill is a giant step forward in ensuring a pay raise for our troops and the authorization of several important projects for South Carolina.”

Background on the Senate FY26 NDAA:

Authorizes a 3.8 percent pay raise for military members.

Authorizes millions for South Carolina military construction projects, including:

$51 million for a new Child Development Center at Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina (also included in the House-passed NDAA)

$65.4 million for the Nuclear Power Training Facility Simulation Expansion project at Joint Base Charleston (also included in the House-passed NDAA)

$33 million for the construction of a Medical Facility Addition for the Air Force Reserve based in Joint Base Charleston

Authorizes billions for the Savannah River Site to help advance critical programs like Plutonium Pit Production and Environmental Cleanup.

Includes language that seeks to enhance veteran care by improving the availability of care for veterans from facilities and providers of the Department of War.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z
https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/sen-scott-stop-the-schumer-shutdown-right-now/,Sen. Scott: Stop the Schumer Shutdown Right Now,2025-10-10,2025,2025-10,Republican,Senate,SC,Tim Scott,S001184,www.scott.senate.gov,timscott,https://www.scott.senate.gov/media-center/press-releases/jsf/jet-engine:press-list,scraper,"“They will keep the government shut down just to provide health care for illegal immigrants while depriving women, infants, and children with the resources necessary to take care of their families.”

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) delivered the following remarks after Democrats voted to keep the government shut down for the seventh time:

“Schumer Shutdown update: I can’t believe it. Chuck Schumer continues to keep the government shut for two reasons.

“Number one, they have a big rally. Democrats on the far left – they have a big rally, No Kings rally, next Saturday the 18th. They’re not opening the government. They’re going to let our troops go unpaid so they can have a big turnout for the rally.

“Number two, they will keep the government shut down just to provide health care for illegal immigrants while depriving women, infants, and children with the resources necessary to take care of their families.

“You can count on me to keep the government open. I voted for it several times. I’ll vote for it again. That’s what’s at stake. Our law enforcement, our troops, and those vulnerable people waiting for the Democrats to open the government.

“Schumer, stop the Schumer shutdown right now.”

Senator Scott is co-sponsoring the Pay Our Military Act to ensure servicemembers are paid during the government shutdown.

###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T19:32:54Z