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South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson Political Career Overview

Matt OHern
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South Carolina Congressman Joe Wilson Political Career Overview

Addison Graves “Joe” Wilson Sr. has served as the U.S. Representative for South Carolina’s 2nd congressional district since 2001. A member of the Republican Party, his district spans from Columbia to the Georgia-South Carolina border.

Career Path to Congress

Early Life and Education:
Born on July 31, 1947, in Charleston, South Carolina, Wilson graduated from the High School of Charleston in 1965. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Washington and Lee University in 1969 and a Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1972.

Legal and Military Service:
Wilson worked as a real estate attorney and was a founding partner of the law firm Kirkland, Wilson, Moore, Taylor & Thomas in West Columbia. He served in the United States Army Reserve from 1972 to 1975 and continued his military service with the South Carolina Army National Guard until retiring as a colonel in 2003.

Political Career:
Wilson was a member of the South Carolina State Senate from 1985 to 2001, representing the 23rd district. In 2001, he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in a special election following the death of Congressman Floyd Spence. He has been consistently re-elected since then.

Sponsored Bills

Throughout his tenure, Wilson has sponsored and co-sponsored various bills that reflect his legislative priorities:

  • National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA): As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Wilson has been actively involved in shaping defense policy and has sponsored provisions in the NDAA to strengthen national security and support military personnel.
  • Right to Work Act: Wilson co-sponsored the National Right to Work Act, which aims to eliminate compulsory union membership and dues, demonstrating his support for labor freedom.
  • Foreign Affairs: Serving on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Wilson has sponsored legislation to promote democracy and human rights abroad, addressing issues in the Middle East and North Africa.

Votes and Stances on Major Social Issues

  • Healthcare: Wilson has consistently opposed the Affordable Care Act (ACA), voting for its repeal and supporting alternative healthcare reforms that emphasize market-based solutions.
  • Abortion: A pro-life advocate, Wilson has supported legislation restricting abortion access, including voting for the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which seeks to ban abortions after 20 weeks of gestation.
  • LGBTQ+ Rights: Wilson has opposed measures to expand LGBTQ+ rights, including voting against the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which aimed to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

Votes and Stances on Major Economic Issues

  • Tax Policy: Wilson supported the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, advocating for reduced corporate tax rates to stimulate economic growth.
  • Regulation: He has voted in favor of reducing federal regulations on businesses, including supporting the Regulatory Accountability Act to reform the federal rule-making process.
  • Trade: Wilson generally supports free trade agreements, voting for deals like the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), viewing them as beneficial for economic growth and job creation.

Demographics of South Carolina’s 2nd Congressional District

As of the latest available data, the 2nd district has the following demographic characteristics:

  • Population: Approximately 710,000 residents.
  • Race and Ethnicity:
  • White: 66%
  • Black or African American: 25%
  • Hispanic or Latino: 5%
  • Asian: 2%
  • Other: 2%
  • Median Household Income: Around $54,000.
  • Education:
  • High school diploma or higher: 88%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 28%

These figures are based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau and may have changed slightly in recent years.

Controversial Statements

“You lie!” Incident: On September 9, 2009, during a joint session of Congress, President Barack Obama stated that his healthcare plan would not cover illegal immigrants. Wilson interrupted by shouting, “You lie!” This breach of decorum led to a formal reprimand by the House of Representatives. Wilson later apologized to the President, but the incident remains a notable moment in his career.
EN.WIKIPEDIA.ORG

Comments on Military Strategy: Wilson has made strong statements regarding U.S. military involvement overseas, at times criticizing presidential administrations for their handling of conflicts in the Middle East. His remarks have occasionally sparked debate over U.S. foreign policy.

Energy Customers Deserve to Know What Clean Energy Mandate is Costing Them

Matt OHern
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Energy Customers Deserve to Know What Clean Energy Mandate is Costing Them

Until October of last year, customers of Dominion Energy Virginia could see at least some of the higher costs created by the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) detailed on their electric bills. Look at the recent bill and all that transparency is gone and the VCEA costs are now hidden. Compliance with the Democrats’ signature law […]

The post Energy Customers Deserve to Know What Clean Energy Mandate is Costing Them appeared first on Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy.

WESTERMAN ATTENDS L3HARRIS GROUNDBREAKING IN EAST CAMDEN

Press Release
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Congressman Bruce Westerman (AR-04) attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new L3Harris extension in East Camden. 

L3Harris Technologies began construction of four new modern and streamlined solid rocket motor production facilities in East Camden as a result of a $215.6 million agreement between the Department of Defense and L3Harris to address increased demands for domestic rocket propulsion manufacturing.

“I take great pride in the fact that the Fourth District of Arkansas is home to such an integral contributor to our national defense,” said Congressman Bruce Westerman. “Our national security has never been more important, and this expansion in Camden will continue to solidify the Natural State’s mark on defense manufacturing, support many hardworking Arkansans, and maintain our nation’s position as a global leader in aerospace and defense. Congratulations to L3Harris for this exciting new expansion.” 

“L3Harris is proud to be a part of the Camden community, where our talented team has produced critical defense propulsion for more than four decades,” said Ken Bedingfield, President, Aerojet Rocketdyne, L3Harris. “We’ve enjoyed tremendous growth in the Natural State, thanks in part to our strong partnerships with Arkansas leaders, including Congressman Westerman, and we look forward to expanding our work here to power national defense.”

Doubling Down on Virginia’s Terrible Energy Policies

Matt OHern
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Doubling Down on Virginia’s Terrible Energy Policies

The Questions Not Asked: What Does This Cost? Will Electricity be More Reliable? The Virginia General Assembly has approved a long list of bills to double down on its previous commitment to ending the use of hydrocarbon fuel in Virginia. It ignored warnings from the regional electricity marketplace, the Virginian who now chairs the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission […]

The post Doubling Down on Virginia’s Terrible Energy Policies appeared first on Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy.

Daniel Cameron Announces Candidacy for Mitch McConnell Senate Seat in Kentucky

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Daniel Cameron Announces Candidacy for Mitch McConnell Senate Seat in Kentucky

Following Senator Mitch McConnell‘s official announcement that he will not run for re-election in 2026, Kentucky’s former Attorney General Daniel Cameron announced his candidacy on social media. Earlier today, Cameron posted: “Kentucky, it’s time for a new generation of leadership in the U.S. Senate. Let’s do this.” and posted a new image featuring a senate campaign graphic.

Who is Daniel Cameron?

Daniel Jay Cameron has served as Kentucky’s 51st Attorney General since December 2019. He is the first African American independently elected to a statewide office in Kentucky and the first Republican in this role since 1948.

Political Career and Election

Cameron launched his political career by winning the Republican nomination for Attorney General in 2019, defeating State Senator Wil Schroder and receiving an endorsement from President Donald Trump. He won the general election against former Attorney General Greg Stumbo with 57.8% of the vote.

RELATED STORY – CAMERON’S 2024 CAMPAIGN FOR GOVERNOR

Stances on Social Issues

Cameron is a staunch opponent of abortion, defending Kentucky’s pro-life laws, including the Heartbeat Law and House Bill 5, which prohibits abortions based on race, gender, or perceived disability. He successfully argued before the U.S. Supreme Court to defend Kentucky’s law banning live dismemberment abortions.

Regarding education reform, Cameron has opposed the inclusion of Critical Race Theory (CRT) in school curricula, joining other state attorneys general in opposing a federal proposal that prioritized grants for programs incorporating CRT.

Economic Issues and Business Regulation

Cameron has worked to address the opioid crisis by holding pharmaceutical companies accountable. He helped create the Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission to distribute Kentucky’s share of over $842 million from drug company settlements for addiction intervention and recovery programs.

However, his regulation of businesses has faced criticism. The Kentucky Bankers Association sued Cameron in November 2022, challenging his authority to demand information from banks regarding their environmental lending practices. The court found his actions to be an overreach.

Criminal Justice and Controversies

Cameron’s time as Attorney General has included contentious decisions in criminal justice. He oversaw the investigation into the police shooting of Breonna Taylor in March 2020, ultimately stating that no charges would be filed against the officers involved, leading to public protests and criticism.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he challenged several executive orders from Governor Andy Beshear, which were aimed at controlling the virus’s spread. His legal challenges were unsuccessful, with the Kentucky Supreme Court upholding the governor’s actions.

Cameron’s political career is marked by strong conservative values and involvement in significant legal disputes that have shaped his influence in Kentucky.

A Conscious Veto of Sen. Locke’s Unconscious Bias Bill 

Matt OHern
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A Conscious Veto of Sen. Locke’s Unconscious Bias Bill 

Senator Mamie Locke (D-Hampton) and the Progressives in the General Assembly have again sent a bill to Governor Youngkin’s desk requiring doctors in Virginia to complete training in “unconscious bias and cultural competency.” Last year, when Governor Youngkin vetoed a similar bill, Sen. Locke took to X (formerly Twitter) to smear the Governor: “It is a shame unconscious […]

The post A Conscious Veto of Sen. Locke’s Unconscious Bias Bill  appeared first on Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy.

VIDEO: Governor Jeff Landry Introduces Fiscal Year 2026 Budget

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VIDEO: Governor Jeff Landry Introduces Fiscal Year 2026 Budget

Baton Rouge, LA— Ahead of the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget, Governor Jeff Landry addressed his annual budget plan. This budget was built on the goal of flat funding for this fiscal year when compared to the last year and continues the trend of decreasing the overall amount of money that our government spends. Specifically, the budget to be presented Thursday, based on the goal of flat funding, will show that with Total State Funds (State General Fund, Fees and Self-Generated Revenues, and Statutory Dedications): 

– We decreased total state funds by $1 billion, when including carryforwards 

– We decreased total state funds by over $400 million, excluding carryforwards 

Federal funds increased because of efficiencies in the RESTORE program. This comes as a result of the work we continue to pursue in improving state government operations. 

Full Text Below:

Hi everyone, Governor Jeff Landry here.

With the help of the Legislature, during my first year as Governor we have made MAJOR progress.

We’ve introduced the largest single jobs and economic development project in the history of our state with the Meta investment in North Louisiana.

We changed our criminal justice system to focus on the victims more than criminals.

Our education reforms are giving us the best test scores in a generation.

We provided the largest tax cut in our state’s history!

And that work will continue with a YES vote from you on Amendment TWO in the statewide election on March 29th

Your vote is a vote to gain a permanent tax cut, a permanent teacher pay raise, and a permanent government growth limit.

All of this is in addition to the fiscally responsible budget passed during my first year in office. 

As we begun to reign in runaway government spending—spending $2 billion dollars less than the previous year.

Now, this week, my administration will further this work in presenting a Fiscal Year 2026 budget.

This budget was built on the goal of flat funding for this fiscal year when compared to the last year and continues to the trend of decreasing the overall amount of money that we spend.

This is a tremendous step forward for fiscal responsibility.

This new budget will allow us to use any new revenue on non-recurring expenditures, such as continuing to lower the personal income tax rate even further OR by making investments in critical state infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water, and sewer systems.

This was accomplished by finding efficiencies including….

Savings of over $11 million in the Louisiana Department of Health

Over $1 million of savings in the Department of Energy and Natural Resources

$2.3 million worth of savings in the Division of Administration

There is still more work to be done.

That is why I have created a fiscal responsibility program, and I have appointed a Budget Czar to review government expenditures and seek even greater efficiencies.

I conducted a similar review as the Attorney General and we achieved significant savings.

I expect we will again achieve great results.

I continue to be focused on turning our State around – working with my team, the Legislature, and our people to make Louisiana a great state with a growing economy and strong revenue.

To accomplish this, we must continue making these structural reforms.

I believe our budget once again sets us on the right path toward fiscal responsibility and shared prosperity.

I look forward to working with our Legislature to achieve these goals.

It is going to be a great year!

Senator Ashley Moody – Her Stances, Record on LGBTQ+ Issues

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Senator Ashley Moody – Her Stances, Record on LGBTQ+ Issues

Ashley Moody served as Florida’s Attorney General from 2019 to early 2025. During her time in office, she frequently opposed LGBTQ initiatives, especially those related to transgender issues for youth.

In April 2024, Moody led a group that challenged a proposal from the Biden administration to change Title IX. This proposal aimed to redefine “sex” to include “gender identity” and “sexual orientation.” Moody argued that these changes would weaken protections for women and girls. She was particularly concerned that young girls might have to share private spaces, such as locker rooms, with biological males.

In May 2024, Moody filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The lawsuit aimed to stop the federal government from forcing Florida to pay for gender-transition medications and surgeries for minors. She claimed that these requirements violated state laws meant to protect children from irreversible medical procedures.

Moody also defended Florida’s laws that limited discussions about LGBTQ+ topics. She supported the state’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, which restricted discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in classrooms. Her office clarified that the law only applied to classroom instruction and did not include school libraries, addressing fears of overreach.

Additionally, Moody’s office defended Florida’s ban on transgender athletes competing in women’s sports at schools. She argued that allowing biological males to compete in women’s sports could harm fair competition and safety for female athletes.

In July 2024, Moody began an investigation into Starbucks’ inclusion and diversity policies. She claimed these practices involved illegal race-based quotas. Moody said such policies could lead to an abusive work environment and called for a thorough review to ensure compliance with civil rights laws.

Throughout her time in office, Moody’s actions showed her commitment to traditional views on gender and sex. Her legal challenges and public comments highlighted her focus on maintaining state control over these issues and protecting the rights and safety of women and children.

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