| Dear Friend,
Welcome back to my Week in Review newsletter. Please remember to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube for regular updates on how I am serving the people of South Carolina!
Protecting American Workers
As Americans are grappling with soaring inflation and President Biden’s broken economy, millions have turned to flexible work arrangements – like becoming independent contractors – for greater control of their schedule, increased flexibility and greater earning potential. Unfortunately, the Biden administration is turning their back on these workers by pursuing unnecessary and burdensome new regulations to take away these opportunities.
To protect American workers, I introduced the Modern Worker Empowerment Act. This legislation protects independent workers, provides clarity and gives our workforce the flexibility and freedom it needs to succeed in the 21st economy. I’ll never stop fighting to free Americans from burdensome red tape, so they can climb the economic ladder and live out their version of the American Dream.
Read more about the Modern Worker Empowerment Act here.
Championing Democracy and Stability in South America
This week, I joined my Senate colleagues in demanding President Biden hold former President Correa of Ecuador accountable for his history of corruption and violations of human rights in Ecuador. The former President has repeatedly attacked the press, silenced his political opponents and participated in various bribery schemes – destabilizing behavior that stifles economic growth and promotes regional instability. As a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere, I believe the United States should call out these attacks against democratic institutions that undermine civil liberties and human dignity.
Read more about our letter here.
Saving the Internet
A free and open internet is a hallmark of America. Recently, the Biden administration’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC) undermined this American success story, announcing plans to reinstate heavy-handed Obama-era internet regulations. Just the latest of President Biden’s actions to bypass Congress through federal agencies, this policy would impose outdated regulations intended for public utility services, such as water, gas, and electricity, on internet service.
I first stood against these regulations in 2014 when the Obama administration called on the FCC to redefine internet service providers as “common carriers”, making them subject to Title II of the Communications Act of 1934. This week, I continued the fight, joining Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), John Thune (R-S.D.) and other Senate colleagues in urging FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel to abandon this attack on internet freedom.
Read more about our letter to the FCC here.
The #SCSweetTea on Honoring our Law Enforcement This week, the Palmetto State came together to support our law enforcement community in the wake of several recent tragedies. While protecting our men and women in blue during a manhunt, SLED K9 Rico was killed in the line of duty, while Master Deputy James Gilbreath, who was shot in the head, miraculously escaped with minor injuries. Richland County Sheriff’s Department also suffered a devasting loss as an on-duty fatal crash claimed the life of their deputy, 23-year-old Jacob Salrin. During this week’s funerals for K9 Rico and Deputy Salrin, South Carolina grieved, honoring the work our law enforcement does to protect our families. I thank God for their bravery and pray we never take their sacrifice for granted.
Sincerely, | 