Constitutional Issues

First Amendment:Our founders rightly understood that the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness begins with the right to free speech, a free press, and the freedom to worship and follow God as we please. For as long as I am in office, I will fight to uphold not only the First Amendment, but also the entire Bill of Rights, the Constitution, and the principles of liberty found within the Declaration of Independence.

Second Amendment: My position on gun rights is very simple. I will oppose any restriction or erosion to our Second Amendment liberties. As an avid sportsman, gun owner, and concealed weapons permit holder, I strongly believe that law-abiding citizens should have the right to keep and bear arms. Tyranny occurs not because of too much freedom, but in spite of it. I believe it would be misguided to restrict freedom.

The Second Amendment protects our God given right to keep and bear arms, and these rights shall not be infringed upon like many states have attempted to do. I support Concealed Carry Reciprocity because I believe law abiding citizens should be able to exercise their rights across the country, and if every state has different laws on concealed carry, that infringes upon our basic Second Amendment rights. Please know that I will always fight for the constitutional rights of all Americans.

Civil Liberties: While the security of our citizens is of utmost importance and a duty of the United States government, it must not come at the expense of the rights of citizens. I am working hard to make sure we, as Members of Congress, do the best possible job in providing for the common defense of our nation without violating individual rights.

I agree with our Founders, who wrote clear protections of individual rights into the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution: "The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized." While the security of our people is of utmost importance and a duty of the United States government, it must not come at the expense of the rights of citizens.

This is why I have opposed allowing the indefinite detention, warrantless wiretapping, or "abouts" bulk data surveillance of American citizens. These are abuses of our rights in the name of fighting terrorism. While I believe we must fight terrorism, and that these tools should be available to be used against foreigners, using them against Americans without a warrant clearly violates our Constitutional rights.

Economy and Jobs

As a former small business owner, I understand all too well that excessive government regulation and prohibitive taxes can mean the difference between growing your business and shutting down. Also, as a man with a wife and three children, I understand the need for individual relief from taxes as well. Americans have been over and unnecessarily taxed for far too long, which is why I was very much in favor of the historic pro-growth, pro-family tax reform legislation that passed in 2017.

H.R. 1 The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: The average South Carolinian has received a tax break of $1,070. This has been especially helpful for families trying to make ends meet, and working paycheck to paycheck.

This bill lowered the corporate tax rate to incentivize job creators and investors that will make our economy much more competitive. Small businesses are thriving as rates for pass through income are lowered, and more income can be written off. Corporations have benefited from lowering the corporate rate from 35% (one of the highest rates in the industrialized world), to a much more competitive 21% rate. This has directly lead to greater job creation and wage growth for American workers, and eliminated one of the main factors pushing companies overseas. Our unemployment rate is 3.8%, the lowest level in nearly 20 years, and thousands of workers have received bonuses.

Families have saved, thanks to the expansion of the Child Tax Credit to $2,000. It is also worth noting that a number of popular tax provisions remained in the tax code, including the adoption tax credit, medical expense deductions, charitable contributions, graduate student tuition waivers, and a modified mortgage deduction.

At the end of the day, this bill is has put more money in the pockets of those who truly need it, the working families who finally feel some relief from the size and scope of the federal government. While we have much more work to do to ensure our prosperity for generations to come, I am certainly pleased by the step we have taken in lowering the tax burden for American families and job creators.

It is also very exciting to note that Senator Tim Scott's Investing in Opportunity Act (IIOA) was included in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act which was signed into law on December 22, 2018. The IIOA aims to give distressed communities more opportunities for economic investment by creating tax incentives, and every county represented in the Third District has been designated an opportunity zone.

Education

The issue of Education is important to students in my district and throughout the U.S.

As a father of three boys, I know from personal experience that every child is different, which is why I believe that each state and especially parents and teachers – not Washington – should be the primary education policy makers in our country. If we restore education decisions to those who are closest to our children – to those who know them best – we will create more opportunity for our students to learn and to succeed. The consequences of failing students are too great for us to be satisfied with the status quo. America has always been an exceptional country, and if we are going to remain so and pass on our freedom and the American Dream to the next generation, we should first empower our people with the freedom to determine how best to educate our children.

Higher Education and Student Loans: Luckily we live in a great nation where the opportunities for education are abounding. However, higher education does come at a price because of the great worth it brings to the professional world. Like other big purchases in life, higher education is an investment to obtain and utilize the rest of your life. Unfortunately, our nation is over $21 trillion in debt and therefore the question of how to pay down student loans is a hard issue to tackle.

I have cosponsored legislation including H.R. 4274, the Higher Education Reform and Opportunity Act of 2017 which requires institutions of higher education to publish information regarding student success, to provide for fiscal accountability, and to provide for school accountability for student loans.

Energy

Achieving energy independence should be a top national security and economic priority for the United States, and South Carolina's Third Congressional District is poised to help lead the way.

Since becoming a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I have received a vast amount of feedback from constituents on a number of energy related issues. I support free market proposals that implement an all of the above energy strategy for the future. Achieving energy independence should be a top national security and economic priority for the United States not only because we have the resources to do so, but because it would benefit our economy through job creation. I strongly believe the Third Congressional District is poised to help lead the way.

Partnerships between businesses and universities in the third district are helping our country end its dependence on foreign oil. I support the research and missions at Savannah River Site and Clemson University that bring our country closer to real energy independence and offers our region of the state the prospect of more jobs and new industries.

I believe one of the first steps we can take to achieve independence is to begin opening access to resources. The majority of our water is off limits. We are one of the only countries refusing to utilize our own natural resources for energy, whether it be renewable energy sources or fossil fuels.

I am also a strong advocate for nuclear energy. In South Carolina, nuclear power is responsible for generating nearly 57 percent of our electricity. That is well above the national average of 20 percent. Nuclear energy is a critical part of our energy matrix, providing large amounts of carbon free electricity, which is imperative for the U.S. to make our internationally agreed upon emissions targets. Nuclear energy also generates well-paid jobs and protects our national security. However, naturally as we produce nuclear energy, we produce nuclear waste. I have utilized my position on the House Energy and Commerce Committee to be instrumental in passing H.R. 3053, the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act which allows for the establishment of a permanent geologic repository for nuclear waste. This is important for South Carolina because just in my district alone, there is estimated to be about 4,500 of spent nuclear fuel in temporary storage from commercial reactors, which is ready to be shipped to a permanent repository at Yucca Mountain.

H.R. 1 and Energy Independence: I am particularly happy that the new tax reform legislation is also a major step towards establishing energy independence for our nation, opening up land in Alaska for energy exploration and production. Promoting American energy creates American jobs, I and will continue to use my position on the House Energy and Commerce Committee to encourage this narrative.

Financial Services

Financial Services issues affect us all and how they are dealt with is important to my work in Congress.

Prior to being elected to Congress, I worked in community banking for seven years. I am a firm believer that less government regulation is better, especially when it comes to the economy. I have been, and will continue to be, an advocate for free market principles. I oppose legislation such as the Dodd-Frank Act, which increased the federal government's involvement in financial institutions. I supported the most recent Dodd-Frank reform bill which was signed into law in May.

I am confident that this recent rollback of the destructive Obama-era Dodd-Frank regulations will prove beneficial to community banks, credit unions, and their customers. Dodd-Frank had a damaging impact on community banking and helped contribute to massive consolidation in the industry from big Wall Street banks. The ability to have a neighborhood money lender that understands the needs of the community they serve is very important, and I am hopeful that this new law will help reverse some very negative trends in the industry.

Foreign Affairs

Today's foreign affairs landscape is constantly evolving, but the lessons of history remain essential for prudent decision-making.

America is an exceptional country because our Founders fought a revolution establishing a nation with institutions and principles that valued freedom, rule of law, private property, and personal human generosity. We must remember that Americans have always cherished freedom and encouraged other peoples in their struggle for liberty, but we have not been involved in every struggle for independence. Today, our $21 trillion debt strains our ability to remain an economic superpower, and we must reduce our spending to ensure our foreign assistance reaps a return that supports our security interests. At the same time, we must continue to stand for American founding principles of human dignity, the right to life, and the freedoms of religion, speech, and assembly. Although I no longer serve on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, our nation's foreign affairs still remain a top priority.

Israel: The United States was the first country to recognize the State of Israel in 1948. Since then, we have had a close relationship based on shared democratic principles, human rights, work ethic, security and economic interests. Throughout Israel's vulnerable existence, the United States has continuously come to the assistance of Israel. Today, the United States is recognized as Israel's strongest ally and a trusted partner in working for peace in the region. Few nations consistently stand up for Israel as does the United States. Throughout my time in Congress, I have supported Israel both with my voice and my votes, and will continue to do so because I believe it is in the best interest for our nation to continue a strong alliance with Israel. I also very much supported President Trump's most recent decision to officially move the US Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, a huge milestone, and one the American people have been waiting years for.

Cuba: Under the Obama administration, we witnessed a shift in U.S. policy toward Cuba, lifting sanctions in hopes of normalizing relations with Cuba. Obama was far too soft in his dealings with the dictatorial leadership of Raul Castro and his oppressive rule of the Cuban people. The Trump Administration recognizes that the main obstacle to the Cuban people's prosperity and economic freedom is the Cuban military monopoly and its virtual control over every profitable sector. In attempt to mitigate access to U.S. money by way of the military-owned tourism industry, Trump's policy enhances travel restrictions for Americans. The policy still allows, and advocates for, American individuals and entities to foster economic ties to the private and small business sector in Cuba.

Also, unlike Obama, President Trump recognizes the gross human right violations perpetuated by Fidel Castro and continued by his brother Raul. Throughout the duration of his nearly five-decade rule of Cuba, Fidel Castro created a repressive system of authoritarian rule that silenced any and all forms of dissent. The current state of Cuba represents the blatant failure of communism and a government controlled state. I commend President Trump for demanding accountability of the Castro regime and for pushing U.S. investments to flow directly to the people so they can cultivate private business growth. This policy framework serves as an important step to improving lives of the Cuban people and creating both political and economic freedom for Country.

Health

Federal health policy is very personal, and that is why I am working to get the government out of the middle.

Since coming to Congress in 2011, I have voted countless times to fully repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA). From all of the stories I have heard and the data that we have seen, one thing is true – Obamacare is on a completely unsustainable path. Without congressional action, individuals across the country will continue seeing skyrocketing premiums, rising deductibles, dropped coverage, and minimal options. In fact, South Carolina is one of five states in the country that only had one insurer left on the Obamacare exchange for 2017. This monopolized and stifled health care market is not what the American people asked for.

Although I believe in a full repeal of Obamacare, it is vital that we enact a free-market replacement to restore competition, lower costs, and increase options. I was adamantly opposed to the government takeover of the health care industry by Obamacare, but I do not believe we should be satisfied with the status quo that existed prior to 2010. I am a strong believer that one size does not fit all and I believe that a free market solution is what the American people deserve. The federal government too often likes to act as a micromanager. However, how you handle your healthcare is extremely personal and that is why I will not stop my efforts to get the government out from the middle of it all.

If free market reforms were implemented, we would see greater competition between health care providers and insurers, not provider monopolies. I believe individuals should have the opportunity to purchase insurance across state lines and through avenues such as member associations and should be able to use additives to health insurance like health savings accounts (HSAs). Americans should have the ability to choose the coverage they see fit, not what the government sees fit. Free-market competition creates innovation, increases quality, and lowers prices as providers must compete more for business.

Opioid Crisis: President Trump declared the opioid crisis a public health emergency on October 26, 2017 to signal his entire Cabinet to use their individual departments to fight this fight in whatever capacity they can. Further, the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which I am a member of, held a full committee hearing with top government officials to study the effectiveness of the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act (CARA) and the 21st Century Cures Act which both became law last Congress. Most recently, the subcommittee on health held a hearing where they examined various legislative solutions to ensure that doctors and pharmacists can safely and effectively administer their services involving opioids. As individual states and the U.S. Congress continue to address the growing opioid epidemic, it is crucial we do not impede on the doctor-patient relationship. While everyone needs to do their best to not overprescribe, we should ensure that doctors can still prescribe legitimate medications to help those in need.

Homeland Security

The issues of Defense and Border Security are extremely important to my work in Congress, and our country as a whole.

Today's military strategies, capabilities, and challenges look very different than they did during the days of the Cold War. Luckily we now have a President that truly makes our military a top priority. Today's challenges involve determining what resources are necessary to keep America's technical and competitive edge to ensure we can keep the peace through strength. In the 21st Century, America must defend our interests and our freedoms against shadowy terror networks and their state sponsors, as well as defending our position in the world from those who may seek to replace us. It is refreshing to have a President that takes our national security seriously and is dedicated to ensuring that they constantly have the resources necessary to protect us.

Immigration: Illegal immigration in our country puts an intense strain on our health care, welfare, and budgetary systems. It is estimated that illegal immigration costs the federal government between $60 and $100 billion as illegal aliens take advantage of entitlement and public benefits. As your Representative, I have worked to finish the fence along the southern border and cosponsored numerous pieces of legislation that would correct the anchor baby problem, close tax code provisions that allow illegal immigrants to claim tax credits for children living overseas, prohibit the granting of amnesty to illegal aliens, and eliminate the visa lottery.

The House recently voted on two different immigration bills- H.R. 4760, Securing America's Future Act of 2018 and H.R. 6136, Border Security and Immigration Reform Act of 2018. Unfortunately, both bills failed to pass through the House, and the conversation of how to address our nation's worsening immigration problems is still an ongoing debate.

The issues of Defense and Border Security are extremely important to my work in Congress, and our country as a whole.

I was a cosponsor of H.R. 4760, the Securing America's Future Act of 2018 because I believe that this bill included true reforms that our nation needs to adopt including ending chain migration, building the wall, making e-verify mandatory, criminalizing visa overstays and more. I have supported and will continue to support legislation and policies that address the major immigration problems that we currently face to ensure a secure, successful America.

Stopping Terrorists from being sent to the United States: In the 114th Congress I sponsored a bill, H.Res.617, "Providing for authority to initiate litigation for actions by the President or other executive branch officials inconsistent with their duties under the Constitution of the United States with respect to the unlawful transfer of individuals detained at United States Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba." These terrorists should not be transferred to South Carolina or any other state, and the laws regarding releasing these detainees abroad must be respected. It is important for Congress to legally prepare to respond to any possible violation of the law, which is what this legislation aimed to accomplish.

H.R. 844, The Terrorist Deportation Act: In the 115th Congress I reintroduced the Terrorist Deportation Act of 2017, which would make anyone that law enforcement officials have placed in the Terrorist Screening Database (TSDB) who isn't a citizen or a permanent resident eligible for immediate and mandatory deportation proceedings. My bill will make it harder for suspected terrorists to come to America and easier for our law enforcement and counterterrorism professionals to remove suspected terrorists who are already here.

Under current procedures, when law enforcement officials have reasonable grounds of suspicion that a person might be a terrorist, they enter that person into the Terrorist Screening Database. The TSDB is estimated to have roughly one million people listed, of whom around 5% are US persons (defined as either citizens or permanent residents). The bill first makes those listed in the TSDB inadmissible into the country, then makes those who are in the country eligible for mandatory expedited deportation proceedings. The bill also creates a due process hearing for those on the TSDB who may have been placed there by mistake.

Social Issues

As a life-long social conservative, I am a strong advocate for life and traditional family values.

The most basic component of our society is the family. Now more than ever, it is imperative that we protect the values that America was founded upon and have made our country great. I am a proud member of the Values Action Team because of my desire to protect family values.

Pro-life: As a member of the Pro-Life Caucus, I will always stand up for the sanctity of life. I have cosponsored multiple pieces of pro-life legislation, including the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which makes abortion illegal for any child that can feel pain (generally accepted at 20 weeks); the Life at Conception Act, which protects every human being at the moment of conception; the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, which ends federal funding for Planned Parenthood; and the Abortion Non-Discrimination Act, which protects healthcare providers from discrimination if they refuse to participate in abortion-related services. There is no reason taxpayer dollars should be spent on services as morally reprehensible as abortion. I have introduced bills to institute a national 24-hour waiting period and mandatory ultrasounds before abortions. While I realize that these bills do not go far enough to fight for the right to life, I do believe that it is a step in the right direction.

Spending Cuts and Debt

Government spending is out of control and our country is literally mortgaging our children's future. In recent years, Congress has tried to spend and borrow our way to prosperity, creating massive deficits and leaving our country in trillions of dollars of debt. Our government needs to cut up the credit cards, balance the budget, and reduce the deficit.

I have fought for spending cuts and common sense solutions to rein in our out-of-control debt since being elected to the House of Representatives. Previous Congresses and Administrations have used deficit spending to drive our national debt to over $21 trillion. This is a burden our children and grandchildren will have to bear.

I firmly believe that the federal government should have to live within its means like families and businesses do every day. That is why I have cosponsored numerous Constitutional Amendments to mandate a balanced budget, and have voted hundreds of times to cut wasteful spending.

I have been dissatisfied with the level of spending cuts offered thus far in Congress, and believe that short-term resolutions will not help us rein in federal spending. I have opposed leadership on multiple spending bills during my tenure in Congress, because I believe they did not go far enough to end our country's spending problem. I have also cosponsored legislation in previous years to reduce our spending by one percent annually, and as we continue to move forward in the 115th Congress, I will not stop in my efforts to fight for fiscal sanity.

Our nation has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. As conservatives, it is our duty to successfully and responsibly sustain our current society, while simultaneously setting our future generations up for prosperity. We are absolutely failing and it is past time for Congress to get serious about our nation's spending addiction.

Transportation

The issue of Transportation is important to our district and to my work in Congress.

I believe that infrastructure is a legitimate government function. However, we must do a better job of prioritizing existing funding and stop the waste we have seen in recent years. I am aware of the importance of a long-term reauthorization bill for economic stability in our state and nation and I will work to make sure that our needs are met.

H.R. 743, The Davis-Bacon Repeal Act: I am currently a cosponsor of the David-Bacon Repeal Act, which requires that the locally prevailing wage rate be paid to various classes of laborers and mechanics working under federally-financed or federally-assisted contracts for construction, alteration, and repair of public buildings or public works. The bill states that references in any law to a wage requirement of the Davis-Bacon Act after enactment of this bill shall be null and void.

Veterans

There are many veterans that live in our district and their issues are important to me and to my work in Congress.

The United States is blessed to have the finest troops in the history of the world, where so many heroes are willing to put on our country's uniform in defense of our freedoms. I believe we have a sacred responsibility to support our troops both on the battlefield and when they return home to civilian life, and we must honor the promises made to those who have answered our nation's call to service.

After seeing the horrific stories that came out of the Department of Veterans' Affairs (VA) during the Obama Administration, it was evident that there needed to be other options for veterans who were waiting in line for months to see a doctor or traveling far distances from their home just to visit the VA. The Choice Program has seen success and popularity during its implementation phase by being an effective way for veterans to see private doctors for faster care closer to home if they so choose. I was proud to support the authorization and funding of the Veterans Choice program on July 28, 2017.

I have cosponsored bills this Congress to help our veterans including H.R. 3497, the Modernization of Medical Records Access for Veterans Act of 2017 which directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to carry out in at least one Veterans Integrated Services Network a pilot program for at least a 12-month period during which veterans enrolled in the VA's patient enrollment system will use a portable medical records storage system to store and share with VA health care providers and community health care providers records of their individual medical histories. I believe it is important that we are giving our veterans the best and timeliest care possible.

In addition to the forty-two veteran's bills that have passed the House this Congress, the President recently signed in law the VA MISSION Act. The VA MISSION Act expands both access and choices when it comes to veteran's health care. This law is a huge step in the right direction, and I was proud to support it. The MISSION Act improves seven VA community healthcare programs; Improves the VA's hiring process to ensure quality, qualified professionals; Evaluates how the VA's existing facilities are currently being used; Expands the VA's caregiver support program; Allows veterans to receive their healthcare services from private hospitals and doctors; Allows VA healthcare professionals to practice telemedicine; and strengthens the process for opioid prescribing by VA professionals and community care providers.

Tax Reform

The issue of Tax Reform is an ongoing debate in Congress. I believe that cutting taxes is the best way to jump-start the economy.

I believe that Americans are taxed too much and our tax system is too complicated. It is far too easy to abuse the current system and reforms are badly needed. We must eliminate tax loopholes and lower overall tax rates for hard-working Americans. For this reason, I am a cosponsor of H.R. 25, the Fair Tax Act of 2011. This legislation would end the federal income tax, abolish the IRS, and implement a consumption based tax structure. Ending the IRS alone could save the federal government billions of dollars every year.

Additionally, I have cosponsored legislation to end the Death Tax, lower corporate rates while ending loopholes, and prevent the so-called “Fiscal Cliff” tax increases. Taxation is an enemy of job creation and I will continue to support legislation that cuts taxes and allows the private sector to grow. Our country does not have a revenue problem; we have an increasing spending problem that we must stop now.