Welcome back to my Week in Review newsletter. In addition to these weekly updates, you can sign up to receive other issue-specific newsletters here . Also, please remember to follow me on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , and YouTube for regular updates on how I am serving the people of South Carolina!
Victory for Religious Liberty
On Thursday, the Supreme Court unanimously decided that a faith-based foster care agency could not be prohibited—based on its religious convictions—from placing kids in loving homes. This is a huge victory for all Americans living according to their faith, and it’s a case I’ve been following very closely.
Last year, I led a bicameral congressional amicus brief in support of the foster care agency involved in this case that was sent to the Supreme Court. And just a couple of months ago, I introduced the Child Welfare Provider Inclusion Act to protect child welfare providers from being discriminated against in the future based on their religious beliefs. The Supreme Court’s unanimous decision demonstrates that there is no room for religious discrimination in our country. I hope Congress will listen and follow suit by passing this bill.
Securing Our Supply Chains
Nearly three-fourths of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) used in the U.S. drug supply comes from other countries. Even more concerning, 13 percent comes from China, who threatened to withhold crucial medical supplies at the beginning of the pandemic. That’s why I introduced a bill to mitigate drug shortages and incentivize U.S. manufacturing of drugs, API, personal protective equipment (PPE), and more. The bill also leverages my Opportunity Zones initiative to provide tax credits for manufacturers operating in distressed communities across the nation. Read more about the proposal here .
Protection From Floods
Having grown up in Charleston, I am all too familiar with the dangers of flooding. On Thursday, I reintroduced the Repeatedly Flooded Communities Preparation Act , to protect and strengthen flood-prone communities before disaster strikes. Not only would this bill save lives, but it would also break the costly cycle of repeated flooding and rebuilding in communities along the South Carolina coast and across the nation.
Encouraging Entrepreneurship
After we passed historic tax cuts in 2017, the number of women-owned businesses increased, while women’s wages rose and unemployment reached a record low. As we continue recovering from COVID-19, we must build on that momentum to boost our economy again. Last week, I reintroduced a bill to reauthorize the Interagency Committee for Women’s Business Enterprise (ICWBE), which works to identify and break down barriers for women seeking to start and grow their businesses. Read more about it here .
Have a great week!
Sincerely, 
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