South Carolina

State Senators:

Tim Scott (R)

Term Start: January 3, 2013

Full Name: Timothy Eugene Scott
Date of Birth: September 19, 1965
Birthplace: North Charleston, South Carolina, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Tim Scott was born in North Charleston, South Carolina, and raised by his mother in a single-parent household. He attended R.B. Stall High School. Scott went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Charleston Southern University in 1988.

Personal Life: Tim Scott is known for his inspirational life story and commitment to public service. He resides in North Charleston, South Carolina. As the first African American senator from South Carolina since Reconstruction, Scott continues to work towards policies that promote economic prosperity, security, and opportunity for all Americans.

Early Career: Before entering politics, Scott worked in the insurance and real estate industries. He founded Tim Scott Allstate and was a partner in Pathway Real Estate Group. His business experience provided him with insights into economic development and entrepreneurship.

Political Career:

Charleston County Council: Elected in 1995, Scott served on the Charleston County Council for 13 years. He was the first African American elected to the council in nearly a century. During his tenure, he focused on economic development and improving public safety.
South Carolina House of Representatives: Elected in 2008, Scott represented the 117th district in the South Carolina House of Representatives. He served until 2010, focusing on fiscal responsibility and job creation.
U.S. House of Representatives: Elected in 2010, Scott represented South Carolina’s 1st congressional district from 2011 to 2013. He served on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Small Business. During his time in the House, Scott focused on reducing government spending, healthcare reform, and strengthening national defense.
U.S. Senate: Appointed in 2013 by Governor Nikki Haley to fill the seat vacated by Jim DeMint, Scott has served as a U.S. Senator from South Carolina since January 2, 2013. He was subsequently elected to complete the term in 2014 and re-elected in 2016 and 2022. As a senator, Scott has focused on issues such as economic growth, education, and criminal justice reform. He is known for his work on opportunity zones, which aim to spur economic development in distressed communities.

Committees Assignments:

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
Committee on Finance
Committee on Foreign Relations
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Special Committee on Aging

Legislative Achievements:

Veterans’ Affairs: Advocates for improved veterans’ healthcare and benefits. Worked on the VA MISSION Act, which aims to expand healthcare options for veterans.
Agriculture: Supports sustainable farming practices and has worked on several Farm Bills to aid farmers and rural communities. Strong proponent of organic and sustainable agriculture.
Defense and National Security: Focuses on defense spending and cybersecurity measures, ensuring robust funding for military readiness.
Healthcare: Supports the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and has worked on legislation to reduce prescription drug prices and improve rural healthcare access.
Infrastructure: Advocates for infrastructure development in rural areas, including broadband expansion and transportation improvements.

Senator Scott is known for his inspirational life story and commitment to public service. He resides in North Charleston, South Carolina. As the first African American senator from South Carolina since Reconstruction, Scott continues to work towards policies that promote economic prosperity, security, and opportunity for all Americans.

Committees

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe: Also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission. This is a U.S. government agency that monitors and promotes the following in Europe and surrounding areas: Human Rights, Democracy, Military Security, Economic Cooperation, and Humanitarian Issues. The commission includes members from the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, and executive branch, and it conducts various activities to inform U.S. policy and ensure adherence to international agreements.

Banking, Housing, and Urban Development: Committee ensures that the banking system is safe, housing is accessible, urban areas are well-developed, and consumers are protected in financial matters.

Finance: Committee plays a crucial role in shaping the economic direction of a country or region by influencing fiscal and monetary policies that impact individuals, businesses, and governments.

Foreign Relations: Committee plays a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy, providing a check on the executive branch’s conduct of international relations, and ensuring that America’s global engagements reflect the values and interests of its citizens.

Small Business and Entrepreneurship: Committee plays a crucial role in advocating for the needs of small businesses, promoting entrepreneurship, and creating an environment conducive to small business success and economic growth.

Special Committee on Aging: Committee aims to improve the well-being, health, and financial security of older Americans.

Voting patterns

Senator Scott has a voting record that reflects his commitment to economic development, tax reform, education, criminal justice reform, and healthcare.

Key Voting Patterns:

Economic Development:

Opportunity Zones: Scott is a strong advocate for economic development in distressed communities. He played a key role in the creation of Opportunity Zones through the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” of 2017, which provides tax incentives for investments in economically distressed areas to spur job creation and economic growth.
Small Business Support: Scott supports policies that benefit small businesses. He has voted for measures to reduce regulatory burdens, provide tax relief, and increase access to capital for small business owners.

Tax Reform:

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act: Scott was a key supporter of the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” of 2017, which aimed to lower taxes for individuals and businesses, stimulate economic growth, and simplify the tax code. He advocates for tax policies that promote economic development and job creation.

Education:

School Choice: Scott is a strong proponent of school choice and charter schools. He supports legislation that increases educational opportunities for low-income families and improves the quality of education. He has introduced and supported measures to provide more educational options for parents and students.
Education Reform: Scott has voted for legislation aimed at reforming and improving the education system, including measures to reduce student loan debt and increase funding for vocational and technical training.

Criminal Justice Reform:

Justice Act: Scott introduced the “Justice Act,” which aims to improve police training, accountability, and transparency. The legislation includes measures to ban chokeholds, require body cameras, and improve data collection on police use of force.
First Step Act: Scott supported the “First Step Act,” a bipartisan bill focused on prison reform and reducing recidivism. The legislation includes provisions for early release programs, improved prison conditions, and support for reentry programs.

Healthcare:

Market-Based Reforms: Scott advocates for market-based healthcare reforms. He supports efforts to increase competition, reduce costs, and improve access to healthcare services. He has voted to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) with alternatives that he believes would provide more flexibility and choice for consumers.
Prescription Drug Costs: Scott has supported measures to lower prescription drug prices through increased market competition and transparency.

Social Issues:

Conservative Values: Scott upholds conservative values on social issues, including opposition to abortion and support for religious freedom. He has consistently voted for legislation that aligns with his conservative principles.
Second Amendment: Scott is a strong proponent of Second Amendment rights and has consistently voted against measures that would impose additional restrictions on gun ownership.

Senator Scott’s voting record reflects his commitment to conservative principles, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, limited government intervention in healthcare, a strong national defense, and traditional social values. His stance on environmental issues seeks to balance economic growth and energy independence with the development of renewable energy sources.

Full Name: Lindsey Olin Graham
Date of Birth: July 9, 1955
Birthplace: Central, South Carolina, U.S.

Early Life and Education: Lindsey Graham was born in Central, South Carolina, and raised in a modest family. He attended D.W. Daniel High School and later earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of South Carolina in 1977. Graham continued his education at the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he received his Juris Doctor in 1981.

Personal Life: Lindsey Graham is unmarried and has no children. He resides in Seneca, South Carolina. Known for his dedication to public service and his expertise in defense and judicial matters, Graham continues to work towards policies that promote security, justice, and economic prosperity for all Americans.

Early Career: After completing law school, Graham joined the United States Air Force, serving as a judge advocate from 1982 to 1988. He continued his military service in the South Carolina Air National Guard and later in the Air Force Reserves, retiring with the rank of Colonel in 2015. Graham also practiced law privately and served as the city attorney for Central, South Carolina.

Lindsey Graham (R)

Term Start: January 3, 2003

Political Career:

South Carolina House of Representatives: Elected in 1992, Graham represented the 2nd district from 1993 to 1995. During his tenure, he focused on issues such as fiscal responsibility, crime, and education.
U.S. House of Representatives: Elected in 1994, Graham represented South Carolina’s 3rd congressional district from 1995 to 2003. He served on the Judiciary Committee and was an impeachment manager during the impeachment trial of President Bill Clinton. In the House, Graham was known for his work on national defense, veterans’ affairs, and judicial reform.
U.S. Senate: In 2002, Graham was elected to the U.S. Senate, succeeding retiring Senator Strom Thurmond. He has been re-elected multiple times, becoming a prominent voice on issues such as national security, judicial nominations, and fiscal policy. Graham is known for his strong stance on defense and foreign policy, as well as his willingness to work across party lines on certain issues.

Committee Assignments:

Committee on Appropriations
Committee on Environment and Public Works
Committee on the Budget
Committee on the Judiciary (Ranking)

Legislative Achievements:

National Security: Graham is a leading voice on defense and national security issues. He has supported robust defense spending and policies to enhance military readiness and capabilities. He is a strong advocate for U.S. military presence abroad and has supported measures to combat terrorism.
Judicial Appointments: As a member and former Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Graham has played a significant role in the confirmation of federal judges, including Supreme Court justices. He has been a vocal supporter of conservative judicial appointments.
Immigration Reform: Graham has been involved in efforts to reform the immigration system. He has supported bipartisan measures to enhance border security and provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, particularly those brought to the U.S. as children (DREAMers).
Healthcare: Graham has supported efforts to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA). He co-sponsored the Graham-Cassidy bill, which proposed giving states more control over healthcare funding and regulations.
Fiscal Responsibility: Graham advocates for fiscal responsibility and has supported measures to reduce government spending and address the national debt. He has consistently voted for tax cuts and policies aimed at stimulating economic growth.

Senator Graham is known for his dedication to national security, judicial appointments, immigration reform, healthcare, and fiscal responsibility. His background in the military and law, along with his extensive experience in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, shape his legislative priorities. He continues to advocate for policies that benefit South Carolinians and the nation.

Committees

Appropriations: Committee members manage and oversee federal budget to ensure government funds are allocated and spent properly.

Environment and Public Works: Committee plays a critical role in shaping federal environmental policy and public works projects, conducting hearings, and reviewing legislation related to these areas. It aims to balance environmental protection with economic development and infrastructure needs.

Budget: Committee plays a central role in shaping the nation’s fiscal policy, ensuring that government spending and revenue collection are managed responsibly and align with economic priorities.

Judiciary: Committee plays a role in shaping the nation’s legal framework and ensuring the fair administration of justice. Its work impacts a wide range of issues, from the confirmation of judges to the protection of civil liberties and the enforcement of federal laws.

Voting patterns

Senator Graham has a voting record that reflects his commitment to national security, judicial appointments, immigration reform, healthcare, and fiscal responsibility.

Key Voting Patterns:

National Security:

Defense Authorization: Graham consistently supports robust national defense measures. He has voted for the “National Defense Authorization Act” to ensure military readiness and support defense initiatives.
Military Spending: Graham advocates for increased defense spending to enhance military capabilities and support service members. He supports a strong U.S. military presence abroad and measures to combat terrorism.

Judicial Appointments:

Conservative Judges: As a prominent member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Graham has played a significant role in confirming conservative federal judges and Supreme Court justices. He has supported nominees who align with conservative principles.
Judicial Reform: Graham has voted for legislation aimed at reforming the judicial system to ensure a more efficient and fair judiciary.

Immigration Reform:

Border Security: Graham supports measures to enhance border security, including funding for border wall construction and increased border patrol personnel.
Pathway to Citizenship: Graham has been involved in bipartisan efforts to provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, particularly those brought to the U.S. as children (DREAMers). He supports comprehensive immigration reform that balances security with compassion.

Healthcare:

Repeal and Replace ACA: Graham supports repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) with alternatives that provide states with more control over healthcare funding and regulations. He co-sponsored the Graham-Cassidy bill, which aimed to shift healthcare control to the states.
Healthcare Reform: Graham advocates for market-based healthcare reforms that increase competition, reduce costs, and improve access to healthcare services.

Fiscal Responsibility:

Tax Cuts: Graham supports tax policies that reduce taxes for individuals and businesses to stimulate economic growth. He voted for the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” of 2017, which aimed to lower taxes and simplify the tax code.
Government Spending: Graham advocates for reducing government spending and addressing the national debt. He supports measures to streamline government operations and eliminate wasteful spending.

Social Issues:

Conservative Values: Graham upholds conservative values on social issues, including opposition to abortion and support for religious freedom. He has consistently voted for legislation that aligns with these principles.
Second Amendment: Graham is a strong proponent of Second Amendment rights and has consistently voted against measures that would impose additional restrictions on gun ownership.

Senator Graham’s voting record reflects his commitment to conservative principles, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, limited government intervention in healthcare, a strong national defense, and traditional social values. His stance on environmental issues seeks to balance economic growth and energy independence with the development of renewable energy sources.