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In the latest move to consolidate power into the hands of a few decision-makers within the South Carolina legislature, a rule change in the form of H4735 is being discussed today, Wednesday, January 10, 2024, and might be passed as soon as Thursday. If successful, a few individuals (namely the Majority leader) from among the status quo, pro-big business GOP would control which Republican amendments go forward in the South Carolina House of Representatives. On the flip side, a few controlling members (namely the Minority leader) from the Democrat establishment would control which Democrat amendments would move forward in the SC House. This rule change would only allow 12 amendments, plus one for consideration from both the Majority and Minority leadership per bill.

There is also another rule change proposed. H4695 would limit the number of amendments the primary sponsor of a bill could add to their own bill. That number would be limited to only FIVE amendments. For a more thorough breakdown on both H4735 and H4695, check out ConservaTruth’s latest article.

It represents yet another attempt on the part of a powerful cabal within the state legislature to consolidate power among elite bureaucrats and state government. If the public allows it to go forward without objection, the rule will have the effect of constricting constituent voices because it limits, rather than strengthens, the ability of our elected representatives to bring forth bills and fulfill the commitments they made to us when they came into office.

South Carolina enjoys a GOP supermajority, and yet consistently operates like it’s purple or even blue, primarily dedicated to big business, lobbyists, and globalists, while simultaneously refusing to cut citizens’ taxes, prioritize small businesses, and put teeth into laws that stop the spread of critical social justice in education. State roads crumble, utilities struggle against demand, and spending is allocated to satisfy niche interests, while highly-questionable, sweetheart deals with foreign corporations get rushed through the legislature in record time. This is due to a powerful cabal of Republicans within the state legislature, working with Democrats, dedicated to implementing measures that weaken the power of our most-conservative elected officials, especially key members of the Freedom Caucus, in order to prevent them from furthering legislation that prioritizes ordinary citizens.

Sidelining conservatives within the GOP is a trend that is likely to continue. In 2023, the SC Republican Caucus implemented a “loyalty oath,” likened to “an incumbent protection racket” that prevents members of the Caucus from campaigning for non-incumbents and, in many cases, preventing them from criticizing GOP lawmakers. A few Freedom Caucus members signed. But when around 17 representatives objected on the grounds that they work on behalf of The People and not for entrenched interests, the Republican Caucus quickly moved to eject them. Any GOP who did sign the oath have effectively placed the cabal’s interests over those of your family’s.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:

• Contact your legislators and ask them to support preserving our rights by voting against this rule change or face the wrath of voters in the next election.

• Call members of the RULES Committee to inquire why they are changing rules to consolidate power rather than to allow members to legislate according to the will of the voters.

Anne Thayer: 864-224-2919 (AnneThayer@SCHouse.gov)

Lucas Atkinson: 843-423-8237 (LucasAtkinson@SCHouse.gov)

Don Chapman: 864-940-6676 (DonChapman@SCHouse.gov)

Pat Henegan: 843-479-7838 (PatHenegan@SCHouse.gov)

Kathy Landing: 803-212-6975 (KathyLanding@SCHouse.gov)

Cody Mitchell: 803-427-6487 (CodyMitchell@SCHouse.gov)

Carla Schuessler: 843-222-1358 (CarlaSchuessler@SCHouse.gov)

Will Wheeler: 803-428-3161 (WillWheeler@SCHouse.gov)

Cal Forrest: 803-685-5576 (CalForrest@SCHouse.gov)

Case Brittain: 803-907-3191 (CaseBrittain@SCHouse.gov)

Kevin Hardee: 843-455-3567 (KevinHardee@SCHouse.gov)

Davey Hiott: 864-878-9832 (DaveyHiott@SCHouse.gov)

Phillip Lowe: 843-662-1234 (PhillipLowe@SCHouse.gov)

Brandon Newton: 803-320-9615 (BrandonNewton@SCHouse.gov)

Ivory Thigpen: 803-699-8171 (IvoryThigpen@SCHouse.gov)

It is time for our legislators to represent us instead of their personal agendas. Our Founding Fathers created the legislative branch as a check and balance. These rule changes will limit that balance and give the Uniparty a clear path to pass what they want, when they want. Let’s make sure they do not get their way.

UPDATE: The Rules Committee passed the both rule proposals and it is now even more imperative that you contact your legislators as soon as possible.