West Columbia, SC – Congressman Joe Wilson hosted his annual legislative agenda media tour today in North Augusta, Aiken, West Columbia, and Barnwell.
Highlighting important accomplishments in 2023 and his focus for the new year, Congressman Wilson spoke about ideas to create jobs, generate economic growth, promote conservative solutions, combat inflation, protect the border, and safeguard our military, veterans, and national security.
“Faced with the irresponsible decisions of Biden and Democrats borrowing and spending with trillions of new debt, the country has experienced crippling inflation that reached a 40-year high, destroying jobs; disastrously high levels of illegal aliens crossing the border allowing terrorists, drug smugglers, and human traffickers to enter our country; a lack of energy independence due to a war on domestic production; an undermining of parental rights; and greater threats to national security from enemies chanting ‘Death to America.’
“Though challenges remain, I am grateful that my Republican colleagues and I have achieved significant wins on behalf of American families, including passing the largest deficit reduction package in American history; defunding Biden’s army of 87,000 new IRS agents; establishing a bipartisan committee to strengthen America against threats from Communist China; passing the Secure the Border Act to address chaos at the border; passing the Parents’ Bill of Rights Act to ensure a parent’s right to make decisions about their child’s education; eliminating the military vaccine mandate; and passing the Lower Energy Costs Act, despite no support from the other side of the aisle, as Senate Democrats block votes and Biden threatens vetoes.
“As a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee, a 31-year veteran myself, and father of four sons who served overseas, I am grateful to fight for our veterans in Congress. One such bill I co-sponsored this year was the Major Richard Star Act which provides combat-disabled uniformed services retirees with fewer than 20 years of service, disability compensation and retired pay.
“Some of the legislation I advocated for in the National Defense Authorization Act, now law, which support the military and their families, include provisions that increase basic pay of servicemembers by 5.2 percent, the largest pay raise in over twenty years; and authorize critical funding for South Carolina military bases and the missions at the Savannah River Site.
“As we enter the new year, the following is just a sampling of specific issues and legislation in my 2024 Agenda that I will continue to advocate:
· Promote fiscal responsibility by reducing government spending and cutting frivolous programs.
· Boost domestic manufacturing to help small and family-owned businesses grow and create jobs.
· Continue to advocate for current and future missions at the Savanah River Site (SRS).
· Secure the border from invasion by illegals and terrorists.
· Protect TRICARE benefits and sustain the quality of life for military families and retirees.
· Deter military threats from war criminal Putin, the Chinese Communist Party, the Iranian regime, and other aggressors.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of South Carolina’s Second Congressional District. As we look forward, I will continue to work hard to keep families safe, promote jobs, and make our lives and communities stronger.”
See the 2024 Agenda here.
Photo: Congressman Wilson at the Aiken stop of the 2024 Legislative Agenda Media Tour