Friends, 

I hope everyone had a great week. Before votes on Monday, I hosted a telephone town hall with my constituents to discuss important issues facing South Carolina and the world. We talked about foreign policy, infrastructure, healthcare, and much more. Folks agreed in our poll that the economy and supply chain are the most pressing issues facing our country right now. I always enjoy the opportunity to speak with you. 

Lucile Godbold (1900-1981) more commonly known as "Miss Ludy," Godbold was born May 31, 1900 in Marion County. She was one of the first female Olympic champions and as a pioneer in American women's competitive athletics. A standout athlete at Winthrop College, Godbold broke the United States record in shot put, the discus throw, and the hop-step-jump (the triple jump) at the college's annual track meet. Winthrop College raised money to send her to qualifying trials in Mamaroneck, New York, where Godbold earned a spot on the track and field team that represented the United States in the First International Track Meet for Women as part of the women's Olympic Games in Paris in 1922. She was warmly welcomed back to South Carolina after securing multiple gold medals at the Olympics that year. She became the Director of Physical Education at Columbia College, a private women's college, and remained there for 48 years. "Miss Ludy" would become the first women inducted into the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame. 

Suspending Energy Imports From Russia

Late Wednesday night, I voted on legislation to ban Russian energy imports to the United States. This is a step in the right direction, but we need to suspend normal trade relations on all Russian exports. Last week, I introduced a bicameral, bipartisan bill with my Ways and Means colleagues that would have suspended normal trade relations and enabled the imposition of crippling tariffs on Russia. The United States needs to stand up to Russia now. China and the rest of the world are watching. 

Watch my full floor remarks HERE.  

Legislation to Protect Gun Owners' Privacy

This week, I introduced the No REGISTRY Rights Act. This bill will direct the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to delete all existing firearm transaction records in their systems, ensuring the federal government does not build a federal firearms registry. This would restore privacy for law-abiding American gun owners and ensure they are not subjected to overreach by the federal government

Read more HERE. 

S.C. Broadband Office Internet Survey

Have you filled out the I Need Internet Survey yet? 

The Broadband Office has designed a website and survey to capture the public’s demand for internet access. SCDigitalDrive.org hosts broadband availability maps, data and statistics, and access to free internet speed tests. The website features a voluntary “I Need Internet” survey that is accessible by any member of the public who chooses to provide details about their current internet status. Internet Service Providers (ISPs) will view and use information to determine areas throughout the state that have the greatest need for internet services.

Internship Opportunity

Do you know someone who would be interested interning in Washington D.C.?

In my Washington, D.C. office, internships run throughout the fall, spring and summer semesters for college students. The hours are flexible to accommodate students' course schedules, but generally run 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. when the House of Representatives is in session, and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. when not in session.

In Washington, intern responsibilities include answering phones, running errands, researching legislation, attending hearings and briefings, and answering constituent inquiries on various legislation and current events. As a result, interns learn firsthand about the legislative process and the many other functions of a Congressional office.

The deadline for Summer 2022 internships is April 1, 2022. 

Click HERE to apply or to send an application to someone you know! 

Tom Rice