| 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!
Standing with Israel
For too long, Hamas has exploited foreign assistance programs to maintain its grip on Gaza and fuel its acts of terror. After witnessing Hamas’ devastating October 7 attack on Israel, it is more important than ever to make sure not a single American tax dollar ends up in the hands of Hamas.
This week, I joined Pete Ricketts (R-Nev.), a fellow member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in introducing the Stop Support for Hamas Act which stops U.S. contributions to UNRWA, prohibits U.S. development assistance while the war rages in Gaza, and strengthens existing legislation to ensure that U.S. taxpayer funding is never exploited by Hamas. Instead of providing aid that terrorists will weaponize against innocent civilians, we must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our Israeli partners during this time of crisis.
Read more about the Stop Support for Hamas Act here.
Providing Aid to Israel
As Israel fights to defend its people from the brutal terror they experienced on October 7th, it is critical that the United States swiftly provides the aid and support Israel needs. The Biden administration must recognize that having just witnessed the deadliest attack against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, Israel is in a vulnerable and unique situation with a senior Hamas official proudly declaring Hamas would repeat the October 7 attack until Israel is annihilated.
That’s why, this week, I cosponsored the Israel Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2023, which would provide $14.3 billion of aid to Israel, including $10.6 billion for assistance through the Department of Defense (DOD), $3.5 billion for foreign military financing and $200 million in diplomatic funding to help protect U.S. embassies and personnel. The Jewish state has the right to defend itself and it is our duty to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our ally as they fight to eradicate Hamas.
Read more about our legislation here.
Calling Out President Biden’s Mixed Messages on the World Stage
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) has headlined U.S. economic engagement in Sub-Saharan Africa for more than twenty years. Enhancing U.S. trade in sub-Saharan Africa can serve as critical tool to counter malign influence, facilitate trade, diversify critical supply chains, reduce poverty, and promote good governance.
This week, the Biden administration allowed the annual AGOA Forum to be held in South Africa, whose expanding relations with Iran and anti-Israel rhetoric underscores a concerning pattern that undermines America’s national security and foreign policy interests.
I issued a statement condemning this decision. President Biden’s willingness to allow the AGOA Forum to remain in South Africa illustrates his glaringly weak leadership, undermines our nation’s strategic interests around the globe, and sends the wrong signal to our international partners.
Read more about my statement here.
Spilling the #SCSweetTea on a Century of Scouting
This week, Upstate South Carolina joined the Blue Ridge Council of the Boy Scouts of America in celebrating 100 years of shaping young leaders. With 3,000 scouts located in 8 Upstate counties, the Blue Ridge Council’s impact has spread far and wide. I’m proud to celebrate its mission to mold the next generation in a tradition of service and develop character that will prepare them to live life well. Read more about this story here! Sincerely, | 