Fry, Russell RSS Articles

Rep. Fry Votes to Bring $80 Nearly Million in Federal Funding to Grand Strand, Pee Dee

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Russell Fry (SC-07) voted to advance H.R. 9497, the Water Resources Development Act of 2026 (WRDA). The House-passed version of the bill authorizes and modifies water resources infrastructure projects and programs of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Fry secured a $35 million increase on the federal cap for public works projects in Florence County, which would bring its total authorization level to $75 million. Additionally, Fry was able to obtain $4.275 million for water and wastewater infrastructure for the city of Georgetown.

“Families, businesses, and visitors in the Grand Strand and Pee Dee should not have to question the reliability of our water systems,” said Rep. Fry. “These investments will position Florence County and the city of Georgetown to make critical upgrades to their water infrastructure, protect local waterways, and give these communities the reliable systems they deserve. I encourage the U.S. Senate to maintain these authorization levels as they stand, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the U.S. Senate to bring these much-needed resources back to our district. ”

The House-passed version of WRDA authorizes $80 million in funding for the Seventh Congressional District. If that funding stands, the legislation will establish a framework for Congress to appropriate up to $80 million for these projects in future energy and water development appropriations bills. H.R. 9497 will now go to the U.S. Senate for further consideration.

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Rep. Fry Leads House in Blocking Bogus Democrat Impeachment

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Russell Fry (SC-07) took to the floor of the United States House of Representatives to lead the House in blocking a Democrat resolution to impeach President Trump. Fry’s motion to table the resolution ultimately killed the bill, stopping the effort and bringing it to an end. Rep. Fry released the following statement after the vote:

“Democrats show over and over again that the only agenda they have is loving socialism and hating President Trump,” said Rep. Fry. “Thankfully, the Constitution doesn’t classify being hated by woke progressives as a high crime and misdemeanor. I rejected the Democrats’ nonsense impeachment resolution. Congress should be focused on American families and advancing President Trump’s America First agenda, not airing grievances because Democrats are still upset that they lost resoundingly in 2024.”

Before Rep. Fry’s election to Congress, his predecessor voted to impeach President Trump in January 2021. Rep. Fry was sworn in as a member of the 118th Congress on January 3, 2023. The impeachment resolution failed in the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 232-147-7.

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Rep. Fry’s Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act Sent to President’s Desk

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Russell Fry (SC-07) applauded the final passage of his Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act (MAPOceans) by the United States Congress. The bill’s Senate companion, S. 759, advanced in the U.S. House of Representatives by voice vote. Rep. Fry introduced the legislation in May 2025 alongside Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49). Senators Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Angus King (I-ME) introduced the Senate version of the bill.

“Americans should be able to easily access real-time information and enjoy our waterways safely and responsibly,” said Rep. Fry. “Anglers, recreational boaters, and all those who enjoy our coastal waterways will soon have easier access to consolidated information on rules, regulations, and navigational tools, making their time on the water safer and more enjoyable. I am proud to see this legislation head to the President’s desk, and I look forward to seeing it signed into law.”

“All Americans, from fishermen to boaters to small business owners, should have reliable and easy access to crucial information about our public waterways that can be used for business and recreational purposes,” said Rep. Levin. “The MAPOceans Act accomplishes exactly that. This legislation will provide information in real time on key topics such as watercraft restrictions and fishing regulations, making the waterways safer for everyone who enjoys them and supporting protection of these natural resources. I thank Rep. Fry for his partnership on this important bill, and I am proud to see it advance through Congress, on the way to become law.”

MAPOceans will modernize public access to vital data about U.S. waterways. By requiring the Secretary of Commerce to digitize and display real-time marine data through GPS and smartphone applications, the bill aims to improve the recreational experience for boaters and anglers, support safe and legal activity on the water, and strengthen coastal economies. Building on the success of the MAPLand Act (2022) and the MAPWaters Act, MAPOceans would require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to consolidate, standardize, and digitize public information about U.S. marine waters and make that information easily accessible in real time.

Specifically, the bill will:

Provide real-time status updates on which waterways are open or closed to entry by watercraft, low-elevation aircraft, or diving.
Digitize restrictions related to motorized propulsion, fuel type, and specific types of watercraft (e.g., motorboats, kayaks, personal watercraft, airboats, ships).
Display fishing regulations and restrictions, including no-take zones, marine protected areas, and rules about specific equipment or bait (such as circle hooks or descending devices).
Publish continuously updated geographic information system (GIS) data on navigation, bathymetric information, and depth charts.
Require the Department of Commerce to partner with non-federal entities—including states, Indian Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, private industry, data experts, and academic institutions—to ensure accurate and up-to-date information.

The MAPOceans bill was endorsed by several recreational fishing and boating organizations, including: South Carolina Boating & Fishing Alliance, American Sportfishing Association, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, International Game Fish Association, Center for Sportfishing Policy, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), and National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).

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Rep. Fry Calls for Suspension of Federal Gas Tax

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 04:00:00 GMT

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Russell Fry (SC-07) announced that he will introduce legislation to temporarily suspend the federal gas tax and provide immediate relief to American families.

“Whether you’re a parent driving to work, a farmer putting crops in the ground, a rancher feeding livestock, or a small business owner just trying to keep your doors open, you feel the impact of high fuel prices,” said Rep. Fry. “Relief should start where Americans feel it the most—at the pump and in our budgets. Temporarily suspending the federal gas tax will give American families much needed breathing room. I am proud to lead efforts in Congress to provide this relief and put money back in the pockets of American families.”

Under current law, the federal government collects an 18-cent-per-gallon tax on gasoline and a 24-cent-per-gallon tax on diesel fuel. Rep. Fry is drafting and introducing legislation that would temporarily suspend both taxes to provide relief amid rising fuel prices nationwide. President Trump and Energy Secretary Chris Wright are supportive of efforts to lower prices at the pump and have called on Congress to suspend the gas tax temporarily. The legislation is anticipated to be formally introduced in the coming days.

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Rep. Fry Slams South Carolina National Guard Investigation Into Salute From the Shore Apache Helicopter Pilots

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

SURFSIDE BEACH, S.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Russell Fry (SC-07) sent a letter to Major General Robin B. Stilwell, Adjutant General of the South Carolina National Guard (SCNG), demanding SCNG to drop their investigation into the eight Apache helicopter pilots who participated in the 2026 Salute from the Shore. During the event, the pilots conducted flyovers along the South Carolina coast from Cherry Grove to Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, and Pawleys Island in the Seventh Congressional District. The flyovers continued from Charleston down to Beaufort. According to reports, as soon as the pilots landed, they received a message notifying them of their suspension.

Rep. Fry promptly called on the South Carolina National guard to drop the review and restore the pilots immediately. The full content of the letter can be found here:

Dear Major General Stilwell,

I write to you regarding an incident that has been brought to my attention involving the suspension of eight South Carolina National Guard Apache helicopter pilots following their participation in the 17th Annual Salute From The Shore event on July 4, 2026, celebrating our Nation's 250th birthday, after a frivolous complaint was filed against them.

On July 4, 2026, eight pilots of the South Carolina Army National Guard conducted a flyover along the South Carolina coast, demonstrating the capabilities of the South Carolina Army National Guard and the strength of America's military to countless South Carolinians and visitors celebrating Independence Day. By all accounts, the flyover was conducted safely and professionally, with no injuries or property damage reported.

Reports suggest that following the flight, the eight crew members were suspended from flight duties pending an internal investigation. While I understand they remain assigned to other responsibilities, I am concerned that an extended suspension from flight status could unnecessarily disrupt critical training and readiness at a time when our military must remain fully prepared to deter and respond to threats facing our Nation.

I recognize and respect all the work you and the entire South Carolina National Guard contribute to the state and the security of our country. That said, I believe this is a misguided decision and misuse of resources. I respectfully urge that these service members be returned to flight status so they are not kept from their training or mission responsibilities any longer than necessary.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued leadership in support of the men and women of the South Carolina National Guard.

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Rep. Fry, Senator Graham Introduce Logan’s Law to Stop Repeat Violent Offenders

Wed, 06 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Rep. Fry, Senator Graham Introduce Logan’s Law to Stop Repeat Violent Offenders

Surfside Beach, S.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Russell Fry (SC-07) and Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) announced the introduction of Logan’s Law, in honor of Logan Federico. Logan was murdered at the hands of a repeat violent offender in Columbia, South Carolina in May 2025. Logan’s murderer, Alexander Dickey, is a career criminal who had been arrested 39 times, 25 of which were for felony charges, prior to murdering Logan. Dickey was never sentenced to serious prison time.

Rep. Fry and Senator Graham introduced the legislation alongside Logan’s parents, Stephen and Melissa Federico. Logan’s Law holds violent criminals, prosecutors, and judges accountable while closing loopholes that allowed Dickey to remain free. Representatives Mark Harris (NC-08), Pat Harrigan (NC-10), Ralph Norman (SC-05), and Tim Moore (NC-04) are original cosponsors of the legislation.

“Logan Federico was a bright, talented young woman with a whole life ahead of her,” said Rep. Fry. “Sadly, her life was stolen far too soon by a repeat violent criminal who was never held accountable. Logan’s Law is one small step Congress can take to ensure justice is served for Logan and her family, and to prevent such a senseless tragedy from happening again in the future. I’m proud to introduce this legislation and even prouder to stand alongside Logan’s family as they try to bring some purpose out of such a tragic loss.”

“A year after this senseless act of violence in South Carolina, my heart continues to break for the loss of Logan Federico,” said Senator Graham. “She was a talented and beautiful young woman, both inside and out. We owe it to Logan and her family to ensure justice is fully applied in this case and to prevent similar situations from reoccurring in the future.”

“Logan was just visiting friends in May 2025 at the University of South Carolina. But she left on a Thursday and never came home,” said Stephen Federico. “A career criminal, Alexander Dickey, was out on the street time and time again because of weak policy. With 39 charges and 25 felonies – aggravated assaults, robberies and parole violations – he should have been in jail. We have worked hard over the last year to recover. What I can tell you is there is no recovering from this. But there is hope for a better future and a safer society for innocent people. I hope when people read through Logan’s Law, they say, ‘why don’t we have this already?’ The drive down to Myrtle Beach today was long, but the Federico family appreciates everything Senator Graham and Congressman Fry are doing for Logan and the innocent people that are here after her.”

If signed into law, Logan’s Law will:

Create A Publicly Accessible Violent Criminal Offender Database: This database includes both state and federal convictions and is designed to put the public on notice of violent criminals in their community, while also promoting accountability by making sentencing records publicly visible.
- With this database, the public will also be made aware of judges and prosecutors who give career criminals a pass.
- To be reportable under the database, an offense must be punishable by a sentence greater than 180 days and must involve the use, attempted use, or threatened use of physical force against a person or property. The 180-day threshold is intended to exclude low-level offenses, as the goal is to capture more serious violent offenses.
- If states refuse to participate in the database, they risk the withholding of DOJ grant funding.

Create a Fingerprint and Criminal History Data Report: Directs the U.S. Attorney General to submit a report to Congress identifying deficiencies in the sharing of fingerprint, warrant, and criminal history data between states and the federal government.
- If the U.S. Attorney General lacks authority to remedy these deficiencies through Justice Department recommendations, the report must include recommendations to Congress.

Logan was a 22-year-old student from North Carolina, visiting friends in Columbia at the University of South Carolina. She was shot and killed by Dickey after he broke into the home where she was staying. Dickey had been arrested 39 times prior to murdering Logan. One of the reasons Dickey received lighter sentences is that his criminal record was incomplete because his fingerprints had not been properly sent to the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).

In September 2025, Logan’s father, Stephen, testified at a House Judiciary Committee field hearing in Charlotte, North Carolina, on victims of violent crime. He testified that, but for record-keeping failures and plea deals that resulted in reduced sentences, the man convicted of murdering his daughter likely would have still been in prison.

"I sat across from Logan Federico's father in Charlotte as he described watching the justice system fail his daughter over and over again,” said Rep. Harrigan. “The man who killed her had 25 felonies on his record and never should have been a free man. Stories like Logan's are exactly why I am proud to cosponsor Congressman Fry's Logan's Law, which creates a publicly accessible database so judges, prosecutors, and the public can see exactly who they are dealing with before it is too late. We owe it to Logan and every family who has lived this nightmare to make sure it never happens again."

“For too long, soft-on-crime judges and prosecutors have allowed repeat violent criminals back onto our streets while families and communities pay the price,” said Rep. Norman. “Enough is enough. It’s past time to shine a light on these failures and improve transparency in record sharing. This bill gives our justice system the tools it needs to protect families, support law enforcement, and keep violent criminals off our streets. Parents ought to be able to sleep easier knowing dangerous offenders can no longer slip through the cracks.”

“Logan Federico, one of my constituents, and her heartbreaking story is a tragic reminder of what happens when our justice system fails to keep violent repeat offenders off our streets,” said Rep. Harris. “Logan’s Law is a commonsense step to ensure judges, prosecutors, law enforcement, and the public have access to the information they need before it is too late. I am proud to cosponsor Congressman Fry’s bill to strengthen accountability, protect our communities, and help prevent another family from enduring this kind of unimaginable loss.”

Congressman Fry, President Trump Deliver $3 Million in Funding for South Carolina’s Seventh District

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Fry, President Trump Deliver $3 Million in Funding for South Carolina’s Seventh District

WASHINGTON, D.C. - President Trump has signed a funding package that included the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2026. This bill included $3 million of funding secured by Congressman Russell Fry for the Seventh District of South Carolina.

The funding will support two major projects that are focused on protecting homes, businesses, and public assets while laying the groundwork for long-term economic growth in our communities.

The South Carolina Office of Resilience will receive $1.5 million for stormwater improvements in the City of Dillon from Dargan Street to the Washington Street Trunk Line. The project will replace failing infrastructure to reduce chronic flooding, protect homes, businesses, and the Dillon County Courthouse, and safeguard more than 100 properties while supporting future downtown redevelopment.

The South Carolina Office of Resilience will also receive $1.5 million for improvements to Crooked Creek in Marlboro County, including removing 2-3 feet of sediment and clearing debris from approximately 13 acres of creek banks. The project will reduce flash flooding in Bennettsville, strengthen infrastructure resilience, and support future residential and small business growth.

“This is about delivering real results for the people of South Carolina,” said Congressman Fry. “These projects will protect families, safeguard local businesses, and make our communities more resilient to severe weather. I was proud to fight for this funding and grateful to President Trump for signing it into law.”

Previously, Congressman Fry secured $13,359,887 in federal funding for 11 additional projects across South Carolina’s Seventh District.

Read more about the funding secured in the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2026 and the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2026 HERE.

Read more about the funding secured in the Agriculture Appropriations Act of 2026 HERE.

Congressman Fry, President Trump Deliver $10.8 Million in Funding for South Carolina’s Seventh District

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Fry, President Trump Deliver $10.8 Million in Funding for South Carolina’s Seventh District

WASHINGTON, D.C. - President Trump has signed the Department of the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2026 and the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2026 into law. These bills included $10,872,512 of funding secured by Congressman Russell Fry for the Seventh District of South Carolina.

The funding will be distributed across nine key projects designed to enhance public safety and strengthen essential services in the Seventh District.

Chesterfield County will receive $3,943,978 for the Radio Improvement Project to modernize law enforcement communications, transitioning agencies to the Palmetto 800 Statewide radio network and improving coordination across over 800 square miles of rural territory.

The City of Florence will receive $2,250,000 for the Pee Dee Regional Surface Water Treatment Plant to increase capacity, improve redundancy, and maintain water supply during severe weather, ensuring hospitals and critical infrastructure continue operating during emergencies.

Francis Marion University will receive $754,500 for Campus Police security improvements, updating communications and surveillance systems to protect students, faculty, and the surrounding community.

The City of Hartsville Police Department will receive $360,106 for equipment and vehicles, including new cruisers, radar systems, and public safety tools, modernizing operations and enhancing officer readiness.

Horry County will receive $523,740 for enhancing emergency communications among coastal partners to connect CAD systems across multiple counties, improving response times and interagency coordination for first responders.

The Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office will receive $868,040 for technology and equipment upgrades to modernize records, dispatch, and jail management systems, replace aging vehicles, and equip deputies with body cameras and other technology to enhance public safety.

The City of Marion Police Department will receive $105,000 for a gunshot detection system, enabling law enforcement to respond more quickly and accurately to gun violence incidents in the community.

Marion County will receive $567,148 for countywide TDMA capable radios, equipping deputies with secure, interoperable communications to improve response times and coordination during emergencies.

The Town of Pawleys Island will receive $1,500,000 for storm drainage improvements in the Bird’s Nest neighborhood to address chronic flooding, improve pedestrian access, and protect water quality in an ecologically sensitive coastal area.

“This funding is a major win for the Seventh District and a direct investment in public safety, infrastructure, and quality of life across our communities,” said Congressman Fry. “From modernizing law enforcement communications and equipment to improving water infrastructure, these projects meet real needs on the ground. I’m grateful to President Trump for signing these bills into law and proud to have worked to secure resources that will keep our communities safer, more resilient, and better prepared for the future.”

Previously, Congressman Fry secured $2.65 million in federal funding for two critical public safety projects in South Carolina’s Seventh Congressional District — including $2,487,375 million for the Cheraw Fire Station Replacement Project and $150,000 for upgrades to the Lake View Police Department.

President Trump Signs Rep. Fry’s Trafficking Survivors Relief Act into Law

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

President Trump Signs Rep. Fry’s Trafficking Survivors Relief Act into Law

Washington, D.C. — Today, President Trump signed into law Congressman Russell Fry’s (SC-07) Trafficking Survivors Relief Act in the Oval Office, with Congressman Fry in attendance, marking a major victory for survivors of human trafficking and a critical step toward restoring justice for those who were forced or coerced into committing non-violent crimes as a direct result of their exploitation.

Human trafficking remains a pervasive crisis across the United States, with victims often compelled by traffickers to engage in criminal activity such as fraud, drug offenses, or identity theft. Too often, survivors are arrested, prosecuted, and left with permanent criminal records—while their traffickers evade accountability.

At the outset of a prosecution, this legislation establishes an affirmative defense to provide survivors with the opportunity to defend against only those charges that arose directly from their trafficking victimization. It also provides critical relief for survivors who have already been convicted as a result of their trafficking victimization through vacatur, expungement, and sentencing mitigation.

Specifically, for a court to grant a motion to vacate a conviction or expunge an arrest, a defendant must show by a preponderance of the evidence that the offense was committed as a direct result of having been a victim of trafficking. Additionally, the defendant must establish, by clear and convincing evidence, that the defendant was a victim of human trafficking at the time the offense was committed.

The bill only allows for non-violent offenses that were committed as a direct result of trafficking to be eligible for vacatur and expungement. Additionally, this bill clarifies that any crimes eligible for expungement are crimes that do not involve a child as a victim.

“No survivor of human trafficking should carry a criminal record for non-violent crimes they were forced to commit under threat, abuse, or coercion,” said Congressman Fry. “This bill recognizes a simple truth: victims are not criminals. Too often, survivors are punished for their exploitation, instead of receiving the support they need to rebuild their lives. Passing the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act is a critical step toward restoring justice, dignity, and a real second chance to those who endured unimaginable exploitation.”

“I signed the TAKE IT DOWN Act and Trafficking Survivors Relief Act to modernize our tools to fight human trafficking and enable survivors to rebuild their lives,” said President Trump. “With these enhanced resources, our great law enforcement officers are now equipped with the tools needed to remove dangerous illegal aliens from our streets and dismantle human trafficking networks.”

Supporting groups of the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act include South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, 3Strands Global Foundation, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, AHLA, CPAC, Engage Together, Hope for Justice, survivor leader Hollie Nadel, Justice Restoration Center, Major County Sheriffs of America, the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), PACT, Paving the Way Foundation, Pearl at the Mailbox, Raven, Right On Crime, Rights4Girls, Shared Hope International, Street Grace, The Moore & Van Allen Human Trafficking Pro Bono Project, Thistle Farms, the UPS Foundation, and World Without Exploitation.

“The Trafficking Survivor’s Relief Act offers hope to those affected by modern day slavery by creating pathways to break free from traffickers, while also breaking the cycle of re-victimization for these survivors that results from forced criminality,” said Director for CPAC Center for Combating Human Trafficking Frank William Russo, Jr. “CPAC's Center for Combating Human Trafficking has supported this bill since its inception and is proud to stand with law enforcement, prosecutors, advocates, service providers, faith leaders, and, most importantly, survivors as we celebrate passage of this historic legislation.”

“After nearly a decade of advocacy, the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act is now law, giving survivors a chance to clear their records and reclaim their lives,” said Rights4Girls Executive Director Yasmin Vafa.

“The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act begins to right a profound wrong and opens the door for survivors to reclaim their futures,” said human trafficking survivor leader Hollie Nadel.

“Justice begins when the law stops blaming the exploited. Coercion is not choice,” said human trafficking survivor leader Heather Pagàn.

“Relief, record clearance, and dignity are essential for recovery and true freedom,” said Founder & Executive Director of Pearl at the Mailbox and human trafficking survivor Sheri Lopez.

“Erasing convictions tied to exploitation restores dignity, removes lifelong barriers, and affirms that coercion is not choice,” said human trafficking survivor advocate Bekah Charleston.

“The TSRA closes the federal gap by allowing survivors to clear records tied to trafficking and access housing, employment, and education,” said Shared Hope International Founder & President and former Congresswoman Linda Smith.

“Public safety is strongest when our laws recognize the difference between predators and victims,” said Right on Crime Executive Director and former U.S. Attorney Brett Tolman.

“This milestone reflects years of survivor-led advocacy and the coordinated efforts of a broad national coalition to ensure relief is fully realized for those it is intended to serve,” said National Survivor Law Collective Co-Founder and Moore & Van Allen PLLC attorney Sarah Byrne.

“The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act gives trafficking survivors an opportunity to rebuild their lives by expunging arrest records and vacating convictions related to crimes they committed as a direct result of their victimization,” said Protect All Children from Trafficking (PACT) CEO Lori Cohen. “It removes one barrier among many to assist trafficking victims in rebuilding their lives. We call on Congress to follow up on this law by funding vital services for trafficking victims, including access to safe housing and job training, so survivors can fully emerge from the shadow of their trafficking experience.”

“I know that too many of my fellow trafficking survivors are victimized twice: once by their trafficker, and a second time by the criminal-justice system,” said PACT Advocacy Program Manager Sheena Dume. “The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act recognizes that survivors who commit crimes as a direct result of their trafficking situation should be treated as victims and not criminals. The bill is a vital step in allowing survivors to escape their past and reclaim their future.”

“The members of AMWA-PATH are deeply committed to advancing policies that improve care and support for victim-survivors of human trafficking,” said the American Medical Women’s Association Physicians Against the Trafficking of Humans (AMWA-PATH). “This legislation fills gaps in the legal and financial support critical for survivor recovery and reduces additional trauma and the risk of repeat exploitation.”

“It is a huge victory to finally see the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act become law,” said Hope for Justice and Slave-Free Alliance U.S. Program Director Sarah Butler. “It is vital that survivors are supported rather than criminalized for offenses they were forced to commit under duress by their traffickers. The TSRA is a massive step forward.”

“The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act marks a historic shift from criminalizing survivors to recognizing their humanity, offering long-overdue federal relief and a real chance at rebuilding their lives,” said World Without Exploitation National Director Lauren Hersh.

“The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act is a necessary step toward ensuring justice, dignity, and healing for survivors,” said National Center on Sexual Exploitation Chief Legal Officer and Director of the Law Center Dani Pinter.

“The signing of the TSRA into law affirms that victims of exploitation are not criminals and moves us closer to survivor-centered justice,” said Paving the Way Foundation President Jan Edwards.

“By establishing a federal mechanism to clear unjust records, this law opens the door to freedom, dignity, and opportunity for survivors nationwide,” said Polaris CEO Megan Lundstrom.

“Survivors deserve safety, dignity, and a real chance to rebuild their lives, and this legislation is a necessary step toward justice,” said The Jensen Project and TJP Advocacy Founder Janet Jensen.

“This law represents meaningful progress toward a justice system that recognizes the realities of exploitation and responds with compassion and fairness,” said 3Strands Global Foundation CEO and Co-Founder Ashlie Bryant.

Congressman Fry serves on both the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the House Judiciary Committee. To stay up to date with Congressman Fry and his work for the Seventh District, follow his official Facebook, Instagram, and X pages and visit his website at fry.house.gov.

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House Passes Congressman Russell Fry’s (SC-07) SHOWER Act

Tue, 13 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

House Passes Congressman Russell Fry’s (SC-07) SHOWER Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the House of Representatives passed Congressman Russell Fry’s (SC-07) Saving Homeowners from Overregulation With Exceptional Rinsing (SHOWER) Act. The SHOWER Act will codify President Trump’s clear and consistent definition of “showerhead” and put an end to the federal government’s overregulation of household water fixtures.

Under the 2016 Trump Administration, the Department of Energy (DOE) rightly clarified that each nozzle in a multi-head shower system could be treated as a separate showerhead, each allowed to flow at up to 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM), consistent with the original intent of the 1992 Energy Policy Act.

But in 2021, the Biden Administration reversed course, reinstating a burdensome interpretation that limited the combined flow of all nozzles in a system to 2.5 GPM—effectively reducing water pressure and restricting consumer choice. That rule was widely criticized as overreach and emblematic of a broader regulatory agenda targeting everyday household appliances.

President Trump issued an Executive Order in April of 2025 directing DOE to eliminate the Biden-era rule, and DOE followed through in May by repealing the restrictive definition entirely. The SHOWER Act would ensure this rollback is enshrined in law and cannot be reversed by future administrations.

Specifically, the bill:

Codifies the definition of “showerhead” using the ASME A112.18.1–2018 industry standard.
Clarifies that each individual nozzle in a multi-nozzle unit may operate independently at up to 2.5 GPM.
Excludes safety showerheads used for emergency purposes.
Directs the DOE to revise existing regulations within 180 days to reflect the updated statutory definition.
Prevents future reinterpretations that would restrict water flow and limit consumer options.

“With the House’s passage of the SHOWER Act, we’re taking a step toward restoring common sense and consumer choice,” said Congressman Fry. This bill is about more than showerheads—it’s about pushing back on unnecessary federal rules that reach into everyday life. Americans shouldn’t need permission from Washington to be comfortable in their own homes.”

“American families deserve the freedom to buy the appliances and technologies that work best for them, not what federal regulators mandate,” said House Energy and Commerce Chairman Brett Guthrie. “The decision to limit water flow by the Biden-Harris Administration was part of a broader effort to use heavy-handed federal regulations to limit consumer choice. The SHOWER Act would address this issue by providing certainty for manufacturers, while improving water flow for consumers and restoring Congress’s original intent. Thank you to Congressman Fry for his work to advance this important legislation.”

“Today’s passage of Congressman Fry’s SHOWER Act is the latest in a long list of wins for American consumers by House Republicans this Congress,” said Senior Director of Government Affairs for National Taxpayers Union Thomas Aiello. “This legislation delivers certainty for manufacturers by overturning overly burdensome regulations, which we believe will lead to more affordable, higher quality choices for consumers in their own homes. National Taxpayers Union applauds Congressman Fry for his leadership and we look forward to helping this legislation reach President Trump’s desk.”

Full text of the bill can be found HERE.