South Carolina is Excelling
Dear Friends:
President Trump is right — America must do whatever it takes to win the race to excel in Artificial Intelligence. His bold action to cut red tape and unleash innovation puts us back on the path to global leadership. As a member of South Carolina’s AI Committee in the House of Representatives, I’m committed to doing the same right here in South Carolina.
Trump signed three new executive orders this week aimed at boosting the country’s artificial intelligence capabilities.
The goal is to ensure that America’s workers benefit from AI and that AI systems are free from ideological bias and are not designed to pursue socially engineered agendas. AI needs to remain truth-seeking and trustworthy. Additionally, Trump’s goal is to prevent America’s advanced technologies from being misused or stolen by malicious actors. That calls for monitoring emerging and unforeseen risks from AI.
Ending red tape and restrictions on this technology is also a key component of the new AI initiative aimed at ushering in the next “industrial revolution,” according to the administration
SC is Excelling
South Carolina is among the top-tier states that are embracing artificial intelligence, according to a report produced by Code for America. This nonprofit organization works with governments to modernize their technology. It rated all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, in three categories: AI leadership and governance, AI capacity building, and AI technical infrastructure and capabilities.
The three top states earned an overall AI-readiness rating of “advanced.” New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Utah lead the pack in emb
South Carolina was one of 16 states and D.C. rated in the next top tier as established states, which have a mature implementation of AI. Also topping most other states are Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, and Washington.
The next tier, developing states, totaled 16, while the third tier, early stage adapters, had 16 states.
SC Leading AI with Responsibility and Resolve
Artificial intelligence isn’t just another tech trend — it marks the beginning of a new industrial era. Much like electricity and the internet transformed the way we live and work, AI is poised to redefine our economy, our national security, and even our democracy. The United States must lead this transformation, and in South Carolina, we’re committed to doing our part.
As a member of the House Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Committee, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure our state is not simply reacting to AI’s rapid rise but rather preparing for it. That means more than just learning about the advancing technology. It means building the proper framework to guide its use, protect the public, and support innovation.
But readiness alone is not enough. What we need now is responsible leadership.
Under the direction of Chairman Jeff Bradley (R-Hilton Head), our committee is focused on creating smart, effective guardrails — ones that encourage innovation, preserve free speech, and build public trust without falling into the trap of overregulation. AI must serve people, not control them. That principle is at the heart of everything we do.
We’re also taking steps to ensure South Carolina’s workforce is prepared for the opportunities and challenges AI will bring. This includes investing in education and training, collaborating with industry leaders, and promoting transparency as these technologies are implemented.
Most importantly, we recognize that AI isn’t a Republican or Democratic one — it’s a human issue. And it demands principled, forward-thinking leadership from everyone.
South Carolina is proving that it’s possible to lead with purpose, integrity, and a clear understanding of what’s at stake. As we move into this next era, we’re not waiting on the sidelines. We’re helping shape the future—and doing it the right way.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
This month, we paid a fitting tribute to Vietnam War veterans. Veterans of that war gathered just north of Aiken to name the bridge on Hwy. 1N over Shaw’s Creek, the “Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge.” It is the respect these Veterans much deserve for their service and sacrifice.
