Key Issues

Secure our border and fix our broken immigration system

The crisis at our southern border is at the forefront of our nations ills, fueled by record levels of illegal immigration and the surge in fentanyl trafficking. Despite these challenges, the current administration's efforts have fallen short in addressing the influx of illegal entrants and narcotics, emphasizing the need for a decisive, zero-tolerance approach to illegal immigration, human trafficking, and drug smuggling.

In fiscal year 2023, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported an unprecedented 3.3 million encounters at the southern border, predominantly comprising single males, with over 2 million encounters. The trend continues in fiscal year 2024, with encounters already surpassing 1.1 million and on track to exceed last year's figures. These numbers represent a doubling from those reported during the previous administration, highlighting the escalating nature of the crisis.

Furthermore, our nation faces a significant security threat with the presence of over 8 million undocumented individuals projected by the end of September 2024—a staggering 167% increase since 2020. Among these are 2 million high-priority cases, including individuals with criminal backgrounds who have entered the U.S. without CBP interception. Additionally, over 1.7 million "gotaways" have been documented under the current administration, potentially underestimated by an additional 20% as per CBP Chief Ortiz.

The drug crisis compounds our national security concerns, with drug cartels exploiting the porous border to smuggle lethal substances like heroin and fentanyl into the United States. In fiscal year 2023 alone, a critical 240,000 pounds of illicit drugs were seized at the border, including 26,000 pounds of fentanyl—equating to approximately 1.1 billion potentially fatal doses. Notably, 97% of these drug seizures, including those related to fentanyl and heroin, occurred at ports of entry, underscoring the urgency for enhanced border security measures.

Our platform advocates for stringent border control policies to safeguard our communities from these dual threats of illegal immigration and drug trafficking. It is imperative that we restore integrity and security at our borders to protect American lives and uphold the rule of law.

1. End Catch and Release: We will Implement a stringent policy to terminate the practice of catch and release, ensuring individuals apprehended at the border are either detained pending due process or promptly deported.

2. Finish the wall: We are going to support legislation to finish the wall at our southern border.

3. Border security enhancement: Along with the finishing the wall, we will invest in advanced surveillance and detection technologies like drones, surveillance towers, and scanners to detect illegal immigrants and illicit drugs. 

4. Empower our Immigration Judges: Propose legislation to bolster immigration courts by hiring additional law clerks and judges, expediting case processing and alleviating backlog.

5. Deport Illegal Aliens: We will bring legislation that will deport illegal aliens. Our legislation will prioritize deporting high-priority cases. Additionally, we will consider a lifetime ban for non U.S citizens arrested with position of illegal opioids.

Economic prosperity

The economy is the backbone of national stability and prosperity, serving as a critical factor in determining the quality of life for citizens. A strong economy not only supports job creation and sustains public services but also ensures national competitiveness on a global scale. Ensuring economic health requires sound policies that promote growth, manage debt, and encourage domestic and foreign investment.

1. Technology Promotion:  Support initiatives to foster technological innovation and entrepreneurship, promoting economic growth and job creation in the low country.  

2. Support our Wild Caught Shrimpers : Advocate for policies such as the LESS Act and the Fishing Industry Credit Enhancement Act to support and protect our local shrimping industry, preserving this vital sector of the low country. 

3. Low Taxes:  Support tax cuts and incentives to stimulate economic growth and investment, including targeted tax relief for veterans and small businesses. 

4. Real Estate Oversight:  Conduct oversight and investigation into private equity and hedge fund firms' acquisitions of US real estate to safeguard the ability for everyone American to own a home. 

Peace through Strength

Enhancing national security is crucial for the United States in light of emerging global challenges and escalating threats. The evolving conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, coupled with Chinese military and cyber aggression, highlight the urgent need to revamp our national defense and infrastructure strategies. 

Military Preparedness:

1. Naval Expansion: Increase the U.S. Navy’s fleet from the current and declining 280 within the next decade to compete with China’s naval capabilities of 370 vessels. This requires expanding domestic shipbuilding capacity, which currently holds a mere 0.13% of the global market compared to China's 46%.

2. Revitalize Charleston Naval Shipyard: Invest in rebuilding the Charleston Naval Shipyard, transforming it into a state-of-the-art facility capable of producing and housing modern ships and nuclear submarines. This project could create thousands of jobs and boost the local economies.

2. Merchant Marines and Logistics: Allocate significant resources to boost the Merchant Marine fleet to provide necessary logistical support to the Navy during extended deployments, particularly in potential conflict zones near China.

3. Cybersecurity Initiatives: 

Educational Partnerships: Develop partnerships with universities and technical schools to foster a pipeline of cybersecurity experts dedicated to defense applications. Aim to recruit and train over 5,000 cybersecurity specialists within the next five years.

Operational Security Investments: Direct a budget increase of 20% for cybersecurity operations within the military to protect against and respond to cyber threats efficiently.

4. Military Morale and Cultural Strength:

Counter Anti-American Progressive propaganda: Implement educational programs focusing on American history and values to enhance patriotism and cohesion within the military ranks. This includes ending  Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives that detract from core military readiness and unity.

5. Recruitment and Retention: Introduce more attractive benefits for service members and their families, including competitive salaries, enhanced healthcare options, and education benefits. Target a recruitment increase of 10% annually to replenish and expand active and reserve forces.

Infrastructure Security:

1. Cyber Defense of Critical Infrastructure:

Investment in Cyber Defenses: Invest over the next three years to upgrade cybersecurity measures for the water and power grids, emphasizing resilience against potential foreign cyberattacks. Additionally, double the budget of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) from $2.9 billion to $6 billion to bolster our domestic defense. 

Public-Private Coordination: Establish a task force to enhance communication and operational synchronization between government agencies and private sector entities responsible for critical infrastructures.

2. Physical Infrastructure Upgrades:

Infrastructure Reinforcement: Allocate $5 billion(TBD) for the modernization of physical infrastructure, focusing on enhancing durability and security features of critical facilities like power stations and water treatment plants.

3. Ban Chinese ownership of U.S farmland and telecommunication services: Over the past few decades, entities with links to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) have purchased U.S farmland and telecommunication services near critical U.S military infrastructure including our nuclear facilities. We must ban entities with ties to the CCP from purchasing U.S farmland and telecommunication services.

Prepare our kids for the future!

Education serves as a vital pillar of civilization, imparting not only knowledge but also the values and principles that shape young minds and future leaders. Education should prioritize academic excellence, uphold traditional values, and foster a spirit of patriotism. It is essential to scrutinize and refine educational curricula to ensure they are free from ideological biases and focus on essential skills and knowledge. Furthermore, promoting STEM education and expanding school choice are key strategies to empower parents and ensure that every student can access a learning environment that meets their individual needs and upholds high standards. As society progresses, maintaining a robust and principled educational system is crucial to preparing students to contribute positively to their communities and the nation.'

1. Curriculum Oversight:  Conduct a review of school curricula to ensure academic standards are being met and funding is being properly allocated. 

2. Ban Progressive Indoctrination: Eliminate DEI and LGBT propaganda from schools. Additionally, we will expand civil education to teach our kids the importance of the freedoms we hold and the meaning of what it means to be an American.

3. STEM Education Promotion: Invest in STEM education initiatives, collaborating with private organizations to expand access to STEM resources and opportunities. 

4. School Choice Expansion:  Support the expansion of charter schools and school choice programs, empowering parents with greater control over their children's education.

Support our Heros

Throughout my life, from the structured days in the Marine Corps to long after my honorable discharge, I've come to understand deeply the multifaceted challenges that veterans face. My journey began in the disciplined halls of Parris Island, where I first earned my Eagle, Globe, and Anchor, a symbol of pride and resilience. The skills and experiences from my service, especially during my deployment in Iraq with the Task Force Military Police, were profound, yet nothing quite prepared me for the transition back to civilian life.

After my honorable discharge, I pursued a degree in Economics at North Carolina State University. It was during this time that I began to see the gaps in support for veterans like myself. Volunteering at the Veterans Life Center, I was involved firsthand in efforts to assist those struggling to find their footing post-service. The center was not just a facility; it was a beacon of hope, offering everything from mental health services to skills training, essential for reintegration.

However, the stark reality of veteran suicide hit close to home as I learned of the tragic fates of several Marines I had served with. These personal losses were a turning point, driving me to help our brother in arms who suffer from mental health. Through this, I discovered golf as a therapeutic outlet, which allowed me to connect with other veterans that faced similar struggles to my lost friends.

My commitment has only grown over the years, guiding me to roles where I can make a significant impact, such as the South Carolina State Director for the Veteran Golfers Association. In this role, I've seen how vital these support networks are. My story is a testament to the ongoing need for accessible, effective veteran services that address mental health, provide meaningful community connections, and support economic stability. These are not just veteran issues; they are American issues and addressing them head-on is essential for our nation's integrity and future.

1. VA Reform : Commit to comprehensive reform within the Veterans Affairs (VA) system to prioritize efficiency, improve care quality, and reduce bureaucratic red tape. 

2. Mental Health Services Expansion:  Increase funding and staffing for mental health services within the VA to address the unique needs of veterans struggling with mental health issues, including PTSD and depression. 

3. VA Choice Enhancement:  Enhance access to VA Choice programs, providing veterans with options for healthcare beyond traditional VA facilities, ensuring timely and effective medical treatment. 

4. Homelessness Mitigation:  Collaborate with private organizations to develop and implement initiatives aimed at combating veteran homelessness, providing housing assistance, job training, and mental health support.

Energy Security, Freedom, and Dominance

American energy dominance is not only vital for our national security but also crucial for global economic stability. The Biden administration's policies, such as halting future LNG exports and restricting oil and natural gas production on federal lands, have inadvertently benefited Russian energy interests, leading to increased energy costs and higher LNG prices for ourselves and our European allies. Moreover, as the push toward electric vehicles intensifies with proposed regulations requiring 60% of vehicles to be electric by 2032, the U.S. becomes increasingly dependent on China. China dominates the global supply chain for critical minerals necessary for battery production, refining 68% of global nickel, 40% of copper, 59% of lithium, and 73% of cobalt. It also leads in battery component manufacturing. Biden’s polices are a major threat to our energy security. To maintain American energy dominance and reduce reliance on China, it is essential to free the energy market from excessive regulations and decrease our vulnerability to Chinese control over critical minerals.

1. Expand Oil and Natural gas production: Work to end the regulations that are preventing new drilling projects. 

2. Expand Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) exports: Support new LNG projects in the United States including refining and shipping.

3. Counter Chinese dominance of Critical Minerals: Work with private organizations to expand U.S influence over the extraction of critical minerals, its refinement, and the production of products. This will lead to U.S economic growth and energy security. 

Protect our Vote.

Election integrity is fundamental to preserving the sanctity of the democratic process in America. Ensuring that elections are secure, transparent, and fair is critical to maintaining public trust in electoral outcomes.

1. Voter I.D: Requiring voter I.D is essential to ensure that every vote cast is legitimate. 

2. Voter Re-registration: Require voters to re-register if absent from voting in 2 consecutive elections.

Shall NOT Be Infringed 

“As Richard Henry Lee articulated in 1788, ‘A militia when properly formed are in fact the people themselves...and include, according to the past and general usage of the states, all men capable of bearing arms... To preserve liberty, it is essential that the whole body of the people always possess arms, and be taught alike, especially when young, how to use them.’ As a proud member of the NRA and a devoted citizen of South Carolina, I wholeheartedly embrace our recent enactment of open carry policy and firmly believe in protecting our Second Amendment rights.

As a Congressman, I am committed to advocating for legislation that requires states to recognize each other’s concealed carry permits, ensuring that law-abiding Americans can defend themselves across state lines without undue burden. I will vehemently oppose any attempts to ban not only what are termed as ‘assault weapons,’ but also any other type of legally owned firearms. Moreover, I will champion educational and training programs that teach our citizens, especially the youth, how to safely handle firearms. This not only aims to reduce accidental gun-related incidents but also instills a sense of responsibility, discipline and understanding of what it truly means to preserve freedom. Upholding the ethos articulated by Lee, it is imperative that we educate our future generations on the vital role of an armed citizenry in safeguarding against both foreign and domestic tyranny.”