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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.

Rep. Fry’s Trafficking Survivors Relief Act Passes the United States Senate

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Rep. Fry’s Trafficking Survivors Relief Act Passes the United States Senate

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Russell Fry celebrates the passage of his bill, the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act in the United States Senate, marking a significant step forward in ensuring justice for survivors of human trafficking who were forced or coerced into committing non-violent crimes as a direct result of their exploitation.

“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.”

House Passes Congressman Russell Fry’s Kayla Hamilton Act to Prevent Violent Crimes by Unaccompanied Alien Children

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

House Passes Congressman Russell Fry’s Kayla Hamilton Act to Prevent Violent Crimes by Unaccompanied Alien Children

Washington, D.C. – Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Kayla Hamilton Act, critical legislation introduced by Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) aimed at closing dangerous gaps in the federal government’s handling of unaccompanied alien children (UACs) and preventing tragedies like the murder of Kayla Hamilton, a 20-year-old autistic woman from Maryland. Original cosponsors of the legislation include Congressmen Troy Nehls (TX-22) and Barry Moore (AL-01).

Kayla Hamilton was brutally murdered by Walter Javier Martinez, a UAC who had been released to a sponsor by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) before background checks were completed. Martinez, who had a criminal history and gang affiliation with MS-13, later admitted to multiple murders, rapes, and other violent crimes.

The Kayla Hamilton Act implements a series of reforms to strengthen oversight of UACs, including:

Requiring HHS to consider whether a UAC poses a danger to themselves or the community when determining placement.
Mandating HHS contact the consulate or embassy of a UAC’s home country for criminal history or gang affiliation for minors aged 12 and older.
Screening for gang tattoos during standard medical assessments and requiring UACs with such indicators to be housed in secure HHS facilities.
Prohibiting placement of UACs with sponsors who are in the United States illegally.
Requiring HHS to collect and share background information on all potential sponsors and adult household members, including immigration status and FBI fingerprint check results, with the Department of Homeland Security.
Removing discretionary authority that allowed HHS to ignore risk factors, such as gang activity or criminal history, during placement decisions.

“Kayla’s story is heartbreaking, and it exposed a catastrophic failure in our federal system,” said Congressman Fry. “This bill is not about politics—it is about learning from a preventable tragedy and making sure the federal government never again releases a known gang-affiliated individual into an American community without basic safeguards. Kayla Hamilton should still be alive, and no child should ever be placed in harm’s way or subjected to exploitation because the government failed to do its job. Kayla was a vibrant young woman with a future, and her life mattered. By passing the Kayla Hamilton Act in the House, we are taking a decisive step to protect families, ensure children are placed with safe sponsors, and prevent tragedies like this from ever happening again.”

“The tragedy that took the life of Kayla Hamilton was a senseless and predictable consequence of President Biden’s wide open border and dangerous, morally indefensible policies,” said Speaker Mike Johnson. “The Kayla Hamilton Act puts an end to this madness so no future administration can make such reckless decisions. House Republicans worked to honor Kayla’s memory today with the passage of this bill and our efforts will continue to ensure a tragedy like this never happens again.”

“The murder of Kayla Hamilton was a tragedy and entirely preventable,” said Chairman Jim Jordan. “The Biden-Harris Administration’s radical open-borders policies failed to protect American communities and allowed dangerous MS-13 gang members to roam our streets. The Kayla Hamilton Act puts public safety first, restores accountability, and protects American citizens.”

“Kayla Hamilton should still be alive today,” said Congressman Nehls. “Tragically, due to the Biden-Harris Administration’s negligence, Kayla’s murderer was let into our country with no background check completed. I’m extremely pleased to see the Kayla Hamilton Act pass the United States House of Representatives, which would ensure that no administration can do the same. I’m proud to support this America first legislation that prioritizes the safety of not only American citizens but also prevents the exploitation of UACs.”

“Congressman Fry’s bill puts the safety of children first, plain and simple,” said Congressman Moore. “Kayla Hamilton’s tragic story is a stark reminder of what happens when the government fails to do its most basic job - protect innocent children. The Kayla Hamilton Act closes dangerous loopholes that have allowed traffickers, gang members, and illegal aliens to exploit vulnerable children, and it requires background checks, gang screenings, and accountability before a child is placed with a sponsor. Protecting Americans is non-negotiable, and this bill ensures that stricter requirements are in place for both the unaccompanied minors and the sponsors they are placed with.”

Endorsing groups include NumbersUSA, Eagle Forum, and the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), Immigration Accountability Project (IAP), and the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).

“The Kayla Hamilton Act will go a long way to protecting unaccompanied alien children who are sent across the border or found in the United States, preventing their placement with sponsors who are criminals, traffickers, sex offenders and child abusers,” said NumbersUSA. “More than 500,000 children were encountered at our borders under the Biden administration and put in harm’s way, many released to be exploited and many others lost because of poor management. This bill will drive down illegal border crossings of children and strengthen vetting of sponsors while at the same time ensuring that children, while they await their court proceedings, are placed in secure and safe settings. It also makes sure illegal aliens are properly screened for any criminal history, strengthening the safeguards that should have prevented the horrific crime committed against Kayla Hamilton.”

“The Kayla Hamilton Act will put more stringent vetting and placement processes in place for minors who cross our borders illegally and their sponsors, and will require HHS to conduct thorough background and criminal record checks on UACs and potential sponsors prior to their placement and detain those with dangerous backgrounds until proceedings end,” said Eagle Forum President Kris Ullman. “We are proud to endorse this legislation, which ensures children are placed in safe, responsible homes, protects families and communities from preventable harm, and holds the federal government accountable for keeping our citizens safe.”

"The Kayla Hamilton Act is a crucial measure to protect Americans and restore integrity to our immigration system by strengthening vetting for unaccompanied alien children and their sponsors,” said FAIR Director of Government Relations Joe Chatham. “Under the Biden administration, over half a million unaccompanied alien children poured across our borders as safeguards were dismantled, allowing traffickers and violent criminals like the MS-13 gang member who tragically murdered Kayla Hamilton to exploit our laws. FAIR is proud to support this critical bill to ensure those failed policies are never repeated and applauds Congressman Fry’s fight to keep American communities safe."

Full text of the Kayla Hamilton Act can be found here.

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.

Congressman Russell Fry Introduces the Kids Internet Safety Partnership Act (KISPA)

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Russell Fry Introduces the Kids Internet Safety Partnership Act (KISPA)

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) introduced the Kids Internet Safety Partnership Act (KISPA), along with co-lead Congressman Greg Landsman (OH-01), establishing a coordinated national effort to better understand the harms minors face online and provide parents, platforms, and policymakers with clear, evidence-based tools to protect kids in the digital age.

Currently, guidance on kids’ online safety comes from a patchwork of platform whitepapers, academic research, state settlements, and international codes. KISPA brings these threads together into a single U.S. federal framework. Specifically, the bill directs the Secretary of Commerce to create the Kids Internet Safety Partnership, a collaborative body that will work with federal agencies along with parents, child-safety experts, constitutional and privacy scholars, industry partners, and state Attorneys Generals.

The Partnership will be tasked with identifying the risks and benefits impacting children online and address harms while preserving and enhancing what helps.

Under the bill, the Partnership will publish biannual reports that measure the efficacy and adoption of safeguards and parental tools, rather than simply cataloging recommendations. These reports will include a publicly available “best practices” playbook addressing key areas such as:

Age verification, assurance, and estimation techniques
Design features that promote child safety
Parental controls and account tools
Default privacy settings
Effectiveness of third-party safety software
Transparency and limitations around personalized recommendation systems and chatbots

“As technology evolves, families deserve real clarity—not competing narratives or one-size-fits-all mandates,” said Congressman Fry. “KISPA brings everyone to the table–parents, law enforcement, scholars, and tech companies–to identify what actually keeps kids safe. Parents don’t care about buzzwords. They care about protecting their children. Let’s do our part to keep them safe.”

“Congress must do more to protect kids online by bringing important stakeholders to the table,” said Congressman Landsman. “This bill will help us form a comprehensive plan by working with government officials and other experts who care about protecting kids online without compromising free speech and privacy.”

House Passes Congressman Russell Fry’s Trafficking Survivors Relief Act

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT

House Passes Congressman Russell Fry’s Trafficking Survivors Relief Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives has passed Congressman Russell Fry’s (SC-07) bipartisan Trafficking Survivors Relief Act (H.R. 4323), legislation co-led by Ann Wagner (R-MO) and Hank Johnson (D-GA), and co-sponsored by Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA). This bill provides federal criminal record relief to survivors of human trafficking who committed non-violent offenses as a direct result of their exploitation.

Human trafficking remains a widespread crisis across our country. Traffickers often force or coerce their victims into committing crimes such as financial fraud, drug-related offenses, and identity theft. As a result, many trafficking survivors face arrest, conviction, and incarceration—often without recognition of their victim status.

“I’m proud to see the House pass my bill, the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act, which delivers relief to trafficking survivors and their families,” said Congressman Fry. “Victims of human trafficking are often forced into criminal activity, leaving them with federal records that follow them for life. That means they can’t get a job, secure housing, or meet basic needs—all because of crimes they were coerced into committing. This legislation breaks that cycle and gives survivors the chance to move forward.”

“Victims of human trafficking are often revictimized by their traffickers who coerce them into committing crimes against their will, making it that much harder to escape from their abuse,” said Congresswoman Wagner. “This can leave them with a criminal record that follows them for the rest of their lives. The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act would help survivors break that cycle of exploitation so they can reenter the working world and access critical support services. Survivors of trafficking need every tool we can give them as they seek to find justice and hold the perpetrators accountable. I’ve been proud to champion the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act over multiple Congresses, and I look forward to the Senate taking up this bill so we can send it to the President’s desk.”

“Survivors of human trafficking deserve justice and compassion, not criminalization,” said Congressman Lieu. “For too long, survivors have faced criminal charges because of crimes they were forced to commit while being trafficked, making it harder for them to obtain housing, jobs, and the chance to rebuild their lives. I am pleased that the House passed our bipartisan legislation to provide much-needed relief to trafficking survivors. I urge my Senate colleagues to pass this bill.”

"The American Hotel & Lodging Association applauds the passage of the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act,” said President and CEO of AHLA Rosanna Maietta. “The hotel industry stands firmly behind Representative Fry's efforts to ensure that our nation's response to human trafficking includes meaningful support for those who have endured unimaginable harm. Through the work of the AHLA Foundation, we have long been committed to elevating the visibility of this issue and uplifting survivors through investments in support to help them move forward. The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act is a vital step which allows survivors to truly heal and build independent lives."

Additional supporting individuals and organizations include South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, 3Strands Global Foundation, the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, CPAC, Engage Together, Hope for Justice, survivor leader Hollie Nadel, Justice Restoration Center, the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE), PACT, Paving the Way Foundation, Pearl at the Mailbox, Raven, Rights4Girls, Shared Hope International, Street Grace, The Moore & Van Allen Human Trafficking Pro Bono Project, Thistle Farms, the UPS Foundation, and World Without Exploitation.

Congressman Fry Secures Federal Funding for Cheraw Fire Station and Lake View Police Department

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Fry Secures Federal Funding for Cheraw Fire Station and Lake View Police Department

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Russell Fry (SC-07) today announced that $2.65 million in federal funding has been secured 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.

The Cheraw Fire Station Replacement Project will receive around $2.5 million to design and construct a modern, fully equipped fire station to serve the Town of Cheraw and the surrounding area. The new facility will expand emergency response capabilities within a five-mile service radius — home to more than 3,500 manufacturing workers — and will include properly sized bays, live fire training space, and accommodations for female firefighters.

The Lake View Police Department Upgrades Project will receive $150,000 to renovate and modernize the department’s facility, which currently faces significant safety concerns, including water damage, mold, and deteriorating infrastructure. The upgrades will include roof replacement, mold mitigation, new steel security doors, evidence room improvements, and installation of safety/privacy glass in the public lobby — ensuring officers can operate safely and professionally while protecting the community.

“These investments in Cheraw and Lake View will ensure our first responders have the tools and resources they need to serve the Seventh District of South Carolina,” said Congressman Fry. “Strengthening public safety will always be one of my top priorities, and I’ll always back the men and women who risk their lives to keep the Seventh District safe.”

“Improved public safety continues to be one of my top priorities and is a primary responsibility of any local government,” said Cheraw Mayor David Byrd. “This funding will help ensure that Cheraw can continue to provide top notch fire response for the Town and our surrounding industrial job creators. We greatly appreciate Congressman Fry’s work delivering this for us.”

“This critical funding will help to replace our current outdated and undersized fire station and will help to ensure we can meet the growing needs of our community,” said Cheraw Fire Chief Marvin Murray. “Moving forward with this project will allow us to accommodate the equipment and training we need and will greatly benefit the Cheraw area for many years.”

“We are deeply grateful to Congressman Fry for his commitment and support in securing the funding needed to restore and renovate our Lake View Police Department,” said Lake View Mayor David Suggs. “This investment not only strengthens our public safety but also reaffirms the value of partnership between local and federal leadership. Our officers will soon return to a facility they can once again take pride in. I would also like to commend our Municipal Clerk & Treasurer, Amanda Garris, whose professionalism and eloquent preparation of the funding request were instrumental in helping this project come to implementation.”

“On behalf of the entire Lake View Police Department, I extend my deepest gratitude to Congressman Fry for securing the funding to repair and renovate our police headquarters,” said Lake View Police Chief James Smith. “After being displaced for the past two years, this support means more than just a building — it restores our foundation, our morale, and our ability to better serve and protect the Community we’re proud to call home.”

The funding was secured as part of the Fiscal Year 2026 federal appropriations process. It was included in FY2026 Agriculture Appropriations Act — part of the Continuing Resolution — which passed the House on November 12th, 2025 and was then signed into law by President Trump.