Weekly Newsletter   Official Newsletter Are your neighbors aware of everything our team is doing in DC and in the district? Be sure to share our newsletter with them! They can sign up for it by visiting Mace.House.Gov or by clicking here. Our Legislation in Action We Introduced the “Minks are Superspreaders Act of 2024” This bipartisan bill prohibits the possession, transport, and sale of captively raised mink for fur production due to concerns about the spread of diseases like avian influenza. The 'Minks are Superspreaders of 2024' has garnered bipartisan support, co-led by Rep. Delauro (D-CT-03) and cosponsored by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-VA-01), Paul Tonko (D-NY-20), Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX-16), Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04), Rep. Lance Gooden (R-TX-05), and Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ-02). As mink farms are becoming potential hotspots for disease transmission, including the risk of mink-to-human transmission, it's imperative to halt this industry to prevent future outbreaks and protect public health. Notably, this bill will also end the inhumane practices associated with mink farming and the fur trade. This week the Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation The Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and Government Innovation held a hearing titled, “Addressing Real Harm Done by Deepfakes.” During the hearing, Subcommittee members discussed how the nonconsensual distribution of AI-enhanced intimate images and child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is proliferating on the internet and social media sites, overwhelmingly victimizing women and children. Recently, we have witnessed numerous instances of A-list celebrities like Taylor Swift falling victim to this malicious practice. It is imperative that we address the deficiencies in current federal and state laws, which primarily target pornographic materials featuring real individuals rather than lifelike digital forgeries of recognizable persons. This Week in House Armed Services Committee: A lack of leadership from our commander-in-chief is projecting weakness abroad. We aren’t feared by our adversaries, and our allies are losing faith in American leadership. The consequences have been disastrous. The House Committee on Armed Services hosted this hearing to understand the Biden Administration’s U.S. Military Posture and National Security Challenges in North and South America. Our Meeting with the USTRANSCOM Commander This week we met with General Van Ovost, USTRANSCOM Commander, to discuss Charleston's critical role in national defense, highlighting its strategic importance in rail, ports, and airports. Charleston's position as a key transportation hub on the East Coast not only facilitates the movement of goods and personnel but also enhances the nation's readiness and response capabilities. Our Meeting with the Wounded Warriors Project We met with the Wounded Warriors Project to discuss veteran transition and integration into the community, mental health issues, and financial security for our veterans. Meetings like this remind us why we work so hard to advocate for our veterans. It's great to see so many people with shared concerns that want to drive real change. United States National Guard seal We received the United States National Guard seal from Major General Jennifer Mitchell at our D.C. office. We are so thankful for our National Guard in the Lowcountry and abroad. Their dedication to the safety and well-being of all Americans is a testament to why our military is the greatest in the world. Our Votes This Week: We voted against the "Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act," this bill that targets TikTok. "Banning TikTok is beating the same drum as other communist countries controlling what foreign content we are able to see," says Rep. Mace. "Let's not give the government any more power to control social media." An all out ban of TikTok would only be a temporary solution. But banning social media platforms opens a very dangerous door. H.R. 7512 would grant power to the president to decide which platforms to take down. The RESTRICT Act as a viable alternative, and emphasizing the importance of defending constitutional rights, implementing checks and balances and ensuring a thorough investigation into TikTok's operations. There is no doubt that the potential consequences of a ban will lead to a surveillance state and a step toward increased government control and socialism. We voted ‘Yes’ on H.R. 1752 – E-BRIDGE Act This bill would remove hurdles to broadband projects under the Economic Development Administration to award grants for high-speed broadband projects to public-private partnership. This will help bring easier funding to projects that provide, extend, expand, or improve high-speed broadband service across the country and more than double the amount of broadband projects eligible for funding. This flexibility would be crucial in expanding internet access into rural areas in the Lowcountry. We voted ‘Yes’ on H.R. 886 – Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act This bill authorizes $40 million over FY2024 - FY2028 for marine debris cleanup, primarily allocated to NOAA's Marine Debris Program. In the Lowcountry, where coastal ecosystems are particularly vulnerable, this funding is critical for removing plastics and other harmful materials that endanger marine life and degrade the environment. Additionally, the bill allows NOAA to collaborate with other agencies and entities, facilitating a coordinated approach to cleanup efforts and maximizing their impact. We voted ‘Yes’ to preserve the natural beauty and ecological integrity of the Lowcountry, ensuring their sustainability for generations to come. The 2024 Annual Congressional Art Competition has arrived! We want to invite all high school students in South Carolina's 1st Congressional District to partake in the Annual Congressional Art Competition. This competition celebrates artistic talent within our district. You can visit here to find out more information about the competition. Good luck! Yours in Service, Congresswoman Nancy Mace Need Help with a Federal Agency? Call us today. If you or someone you know ever needs assistance with a federal agency, we are just a phone call away and are ready to help you! Please contact my Beaufort Office at (843) 521-2530, my Mount Pleasant Office at (843) 352-7572. You can also file a case online here. I am honored to have the opportunity to represent you. Have news or updates to share? Email us!  If you have updates regarding events in the community or other news to share from across Lowcountry, please visit here. Love sunsets and dogs? Us too. Be sure to submit your favorite Sunset photos here or a photo of your dog here. Our team will try to include as many of your updates from around #SC01 as we can each week Our Company | Contact Us | FAQs | Privacy Policy   Rep. Mace | 1728 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]