New Year, New Congress, New Opportunities

The latest note from Rep. Joe Wilson to his supporters and constituents:

As a result of population changes, the 2010 Census showed that South Carolina would be gaining an additional Congressional district, increasing our state’s representation in the United States House of Representatives to seven members.  Prior to this change, the Second Congressional District of South Carolina included portions, if not all, of Allendale, Hampton, Jasper, Beaufort, and Calhoun counties. The new Second Congressional District in the 113^th Congress is significantly smaller geographically and includes all of Lexington, Aiken and Barnwell counties, with parts of Richland and Orangeburg counties. Although I no longer represent portions of the Palmetto State’s Lowcountry, I look forward to representing Aiken County in its entirety and advocating for all of the people I am proud to serve in Washington.  

On January 3, 2013, I took the Oath of Office and was sworn in to serve another term in the United States House of Representatives. I am very grateful to be given the opportunity to serve those living in the Second Congressional District and will strive to represent you to the best of my ability throughout the next two years. A new year brings great opportunity. I am tremendously optimistic that 2013 will be the year of spending cuts. House Republicans are committed to control Washington’s out-of-control spending and reduce our over $16 trillion national debt before future generations are punished for our irresponsibility. Click here to see a picture of my staff and me with Speaker Boehner at the swearing-in.

Earlier last week, I travelled to West Columbia, Aiken, and North Augusta and held press conferences where I unveiled my legislative priorities for the year. I focused on four key issues where I believe Congress can effectively legislate and put our country back on the path to prosperity. These four issues include: Creating jobs through private sector economic growth, reducing Washington’s out of control spending, promoting energy independence and efficiency, and protecting our military families. Click here to read my statement released after the press conferences. 

In December, I accepted House Armed Services Chairman Buck McKeon’s reappointment to serve as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.  Click here to see my release on the opportunity. In my efforts to protect and promote our military families, I dropped my first piece of legislation for the new Congress.  H.R. 32, the Military Surviving Equity Act of 2013, is a bipartisan bill aimed to eliminate the “widow’s tax” for men and women who have survived their spouses in our Armed Forces. Our military families have served our country by supporting their loved ones and it is only fair that we give them the treatment they have earned and deserve. To check out my press release about the introduction of this bill, please click here.

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives read aloud the United States Constitution in the Chamber for the second time in our nation’s history. It is my duty and obligation to abide by the values set forth by our forefathers over two hundred years ago. As I read Article 8 of this timeless document, I pledged my commitment to the American people and to my constituents that I will uphold the Law of the Land and fight for the principles for which it stands. You can view my portion of the reading here.

Additionally, over the past few weeks, the House considered an over $60 billion Hurricane Sandy Relief package. Born and raised in Charleston, I sympathize with those affected by Superstorm Sandy and understand that it is the role of the federal government to assist them during an emergency. However, our nation is at a crossroads and we must control our out of control spending. The current debt crisis is crippling our economy and creating uncertainty for our children’s future. The government cannot continue to spend money that it simply does not have. Therefore, I could not justify voting in favor of this legislation. I did, however, vote for South Carolina Congressmen Mick Mulvaney and Jeff Duncan’s amendment to the Sandy package that attempted to offset some of the emergency funding by an across the board cut to all discretionary appropriations for 2013. Unfortunately, the House did not approve this amendment. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with those families affected by this horrible natural disaster and I remain hopeful that these communities will be able to recover quickly.

COMING UP…

On Sunday, President Barack Obama will take the Oath of Office privately and be sworn in to serve another term as President of the United States. On Monday, the official Inaugural festivities will take place on the National Mall and President Obama will take the Oath again in front of a crowd of tens of thousands. I am looking forward to greeting and visiting with constituents as they join the celebration in Washington.

Next Wednesday, the House Armed Services Committee will hold a hearing to receive testimony on a review of sexual misconduct by basic training instructors at Lackland Air Force Base. I am very thankful Chairman McKeon has brought this distressing situation to light. Congress must fulfill its oversight responsibility and ensure our brave men and women in uniform are treated with the utmost respect throughout their service in our Armed Forces.

Also next Wednesday, the House Foreign Affairs Committee will hold a hearing to investigate the September 11, 2012, terrorist attack on our US Consulate in Benghazi, Libya. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will testify in front of the Committee and answer questions. For months, the American people have demanded answers as to what led to the deaths of Ambassador Chris Stevens and three other service personnel members. And for months, we have heard nothing but silence from this Administration. I am looking forward to serving as a voice for the American people and asking Secretary Clinton several very tough questions. It is my hope that she will answer them honestly and thoroughly on behalf of the innocent lives that were senselessly taken from us.

Over the next few weeks, Congress will be forced to consider raising our debt ceiling. Right now, our national debt rests at an enormous $16 trillion. Not only does this create a serious national security risk, it also threatens future generations with higher taxes to pay for our irresponsibility. Earlier this week, President Obama held a press conference where he relayed to the American people that he will not support any substantial spending cuts. His remarks not only show a lack of leadership, but they also support his belief that our country does not have a spending problem. In order to protect our nation, House Republicans will honor our commitment to the American people and only support legislation that reduces our debt by controlling Washington’s spending before it is too late. However, the only way that we can move forward is if the President changes his tune and supports our efforts.

I also invite all of you to check in with me from time to time on Facebook by clicking here. Keep checking the website at: www.joewilson.house.gov for the latest on press releases, opinions, pictures, and legislative updates.

Have a good week!

Joe

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