Dear fellow South Carolinians, Thank you for subscribing to my weekly e-newsletter, and please remember to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Celebrating MLK Day While we honored Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. yesterday, we are reminded that his memory is imprinted on the fabric of our nation every single day. Dr. King was undeniably an American hero. His passion, his blood, sweat, and tears, and his ultimate sacrifice are forever an integral part of our country’s history.
He taught us about the strength to love in the face of hate, saying ‘darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.’ He showed us resilience in the face of adversity and injustice by working every single day for equality and unity. He used his faith to remain hopeful that one day, children of color would be able to achieve their dreams.
Because of Dr. King’s unending quest for justice, our American family is better off. Nearly 50 years after his death, we should continue to live out his legacy each and every day.
Nomination to Senate Armed Services Committee Last week, I joined the Senate Armed Services Committee, which has jurisdiction over matters relating to the Department of Defense, U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force and a variety of other defense-related issues. This is an amazing opportunity to work closely on issues important to the members of our Armed Services, their families, and our national defense. South Carolina is home to thousands of the brave men and women who have signed up to defend our nation, as well as some of our nation’s critical military infrastructure. Having two brothers who served, I know well the sacrifices made by members of our Armed Forces, and I will continue working to ensure our military is the best trained and equipped fighting force in the world.
Protecting Veterans from Predatory Lending Act Last Thursday, I helped introduce the bipartisan Protecting Veterans from Predatory Lending Act. Our service members do so much for us and it should be our responsibility to look out for their well-being whenever possible. It is simply unconscionable that there are people out there who are willing to take advantage of our men and women who served in uniform for their own financial gains. Many see home ownership as a central component of the American Dream, and incentives like the VA loan program afford our veterans the unique opportunity to reach that sought after goal. Any attempt to tarnish this initiative should be aggressively struck down, and I am glad to join this bipartisan group who has decided to stand up on behalf of our veterans - it is what they have both earned and deserve. Read more here.
Around the State Last Friday, I was in Newberry for the launch of the new Samsung Manufacturing plant. 90 percent of the employees at this plant will be coming from the Newberry area. This is a significant opportunity for Samsung to recognize South Carolina’s world-class workforce, and I look forward to all of the positive results this partnership will have for years to come! Sincerely, Tim |