This year has been unlike any year in recent history. As a country, we have experienced trying times in 2020.

My prayers are with all families impacted by these trying times. I am grateful that we are on a path to recovery and for the successes we accomplished in Congress.

The road to recovery is not easy but as we head into 2021, I am confident we will come out of this year stronger than ever.

When the virus first struck, I worked with my colleagues in Congress impacted by this pandemic. I supported the Paycheck Protection Program which allowed these businesses to maintain jobs in this time of need.

Later this year, I joined over 200 Republican members in signing a petition for a bill to extend the Paycheck Protection Program to help our small businesses.

Unfortunately, House Democrats have refused to bring this bill to the floor. I will continue to push back on partisan politics and do what is best for Americans.

This year, I focused on bringing safety and security to our communities, defeating the corona virus, maintaining and promoting jobs, and defending our families.

I will continue to push back against socialist agendas and calls to defund our police. I support our police officers and oppose any legislation that would defund them.

With our country still under attack by the corona virus, President Donald Trump announced Operation Warp Speed. In a historic effort, Operation Warp Speed is safely bringing virus testing, treatment and vaccines to Americans in record time. I am grateful that this brings us closer to defeating the pandemic than ever.

The end of this year, Congress concluded with a vote to move the National Defense Authorization Actd. This legislation secures crucial funding for our nation’s military.

I am grateful to serve another year on the NDAA Conference Committee to ensure that our men and women in uniform have what they need to keep our country safe. This year’s NDAA included 5 bills that I introduced or led including legislation that provides appropriate body armor for female troops, supports small defense manufacturers with cyber compliance and provides funds for projects at the Savannah River Site and the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative at USC-Aiken.

As a Senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, a veteran and father of 4 sons who have served in the military overseas, I am thankful to have worked with my colleagues to advance this important, bipartisan legislation for our service members.

My hope for South Carolina and for the United States as a whole is that we can move into 2021 with our heads held high.

My priority this year and every year is to do what is best for the people of South Carolina’s 2nd District. This year, our office has worked tirelessly for the citizens of the Second District to address issues for you.

We are a resilient country and I have faith that we will come out of this stronger than ever. Please do not hesitate to reach out to the office if we can be of assistance.