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October 25, 2024

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!

In recent weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to reflect on the progress we’ve made and to celebrate the remarkable efforts of collaboration both within and for our community. Particularly in light of Hurricane Helene, I’ve seen incredible examples of resilience across South Carolina and beyond. I look forward to the upcoming initiatives that will continue to support recovery efforts, bolster our communities, and empower individuals to rebuild. Together, we can create a sense of unity and empowerment that lifts up our communities as we strive for positive change. 

“Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”

Romans 14:19

News That You Can Use

FEMA may be able to assist renters as well as homeowners with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss, or other disaster caused needs. You can apply for assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center, where no appointment is needed.

FEMA opened several Disaster Recovery Centers to provide in-person assistance to South Carolinians affected by Hurricane Helene. You can locate and find information for your nearest Disaster Recovery Center here.

Beware of frauds and scams! Following a disaster, scam artists, identity thieves and other criminals often try to exploit vulnerable survivors by soliciting money or stealing personal information. Remember to never trust anyone who offers financial help and then asks for money or personal details, and always request a photo ID badge. To report any fraudulent activity, call 866-223-0814 or email StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov. 

You can also visit my website for more disaster relief resources!

Week in Review

Empowering the Futures of Our Students

One of the greatest obstacles to a student’s success is not knowing where to look for resources or opportunities. That’s why I hosted a virtual career development event for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in South Carolina and across the country. This event provided students with the opportunity to join federal regulators and industry leaders for a discussion on financial literacy and career pathways in financial services.

Learn more about the event here!

Holding the Small Business Administration Accountable

Those affected by Hurricane Helene rely on us for urgent federal assistance. The Small Business Administration’s mismanagement of its disaster fund has greatly hindered our ability to support disaster victims. I’m looking forward to introducing legislation to enhance accountability through public reports on the Small Business Administration’s fund status.

In the meantime, I joined my Senate colleagues in penning a letter to SBA Administrator Guzman about our serious concerns with the unacceptable failures by the SBA that allowed this funding shortfall to occur. Disaster victims across our nation deserve timely disaster assistance.

Read more about my efforts here!

Replenishing the Disaster Relief Fund

Hurricane Helene brought a level of devastation we haven’t seen since Hugo. In South Carolina alone, the storm claimed 49 lives and left over a million without power. Communities back home and in surrounding states have come together to recover, but it will take every possible effort to get us back to where we were. That’s why I led legislation to replenish the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) following Hurricanes Debby, Helene, and Milton’s damage to South Carolina and neighboring southeastern states. FEMA’s Disaster relief fund exists to assist individuals, households, states, and non-federal government entities with recovery following a natural disaster. 

Read more about the legislation here!

Sharing the #SCSweetTea

I’m spilling the #SCSweetTea on Dr. Tracie Swilley of Fairfriend Central High School for being named 2025 National Principal of the Year! This honor is a true testament to her dedication to her students and their futures. Congratulations, Tracie! Read more about her leadership and the award here.

In The News

Campus Reform: Republican senators call for answers from AG Garland, FBI director Wray about potential SJP ties to Hamas, Iran

By Brendan McDonald

October 18, 2024

Four Republican Senators have sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray calling for an investigation to determine whether Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP) chapters “should register as foreign agents” under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

The letter, published on Oct. 8, was sent by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Tim Scott (R-S.C.).

The four Republican lawmakers noted that the National SJP — which has hundreds of local chapters at college and university campuses— has potential ties to the terrorist group, Hamas. They urged the Department of Justice and FBI to determine “whether NSJP and SJP chapters should register as foreign agents under FARA and the extent of Hamas and Iran’s potential involvement.”

Read the full article here!

This Week on Social Media

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