| Dear fellow South Carolinians,
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IIOA Takes a Step Forward After years of pushing for a legislative initiative to help distressed communities, I am excited that the implementation of my Investing in Opportunity Act (IIOA) has begun. Last week, the Department of Treasury and Internal Revenue Service formally announced guidance to states, the District of Columbia, and all possessions of the United States on how to designate Opportunity Zones within their areas of jurisdiction. From now through March 21st, Governors and chief executive officers of states, D.C., and U.S. possessions will be able to designate Opportunity Zones that will benefit from this new provision. Securing this provision in the tax bill was a huge legislative win for the millions of Americans living in struggling communities, and now local leaders can start to identify zip codes most in need of a renaissance. The investment in neighborhoods will help to kick start local economies, grow jobs, and most importantly, will create a better quality of life for tens of thousands of our American families. I want to thank Secretary Mnuchin and his team for their hard work in establishing and pushing out the guidance that will help local leaders select their Opportunity Zones. This initiative will help to create permanent and positive change that will benefit generations to come. Budget Bill Last Friday, Congress passed a two-year spending bill. This is not a perfect bill by any means, and as someone who consistently votes against wasteful government spending, the structure of this legislation made my decision a tough one. However, after years of our military being underfunded, this deal is a unique opportunity to right the wrongs Washington has made in our defense spending over the past eight years. Our men and women in uniform put their lives on the line every single day, and it’s about time they know Washington has their back not just with words, but with actions. There were multiple other provisions in the bill that I supported; you can read a full list here. Investigation into USOC and USAG Last Wednesday, I joined my colleagues Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Senator Joni Ernst to unveil a resolution and growing bipartisan support to establish a special committee in the Senate to investigate the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) and USA Gymnastics regarding how team doctor Larry Nassar was allowed to sexually abuse female gymnasts over decades. We take great pride in our Olympic athletes, and they should know that as they sacrifice so much to train and represent the United States of America on the world stage, they should be safe. In this regard, USOC and the USA Gymnastics have clearly failed our athletes. My heart goes out to the women affected and their families. This investigation is so important because we should know what happened, to make sure it doesn’t happen again. You can read more about the resolution and what it establishes here. Remembering the Orangeburg Massacre Last Thursday was the 50th anniversary of the Orangeburg Massacre a tragic and pivotal day in the fight for civil rights in South Carolina. I had the opportunity to welcome some of my colleagues to Orangeburg two years ago to learn more about February 8, 1968, and I encourage everyone to take a look today and remember those lost, and the blood, sweat and tears given by so many during the civil rights movement. 
Sincerely, 
Tim | 
