Timmons, William RSS Articles

New Bipartisan Bill Helps Communities Prepare for Disasters

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Congressmen William Timmons (R-SC) and Sam Liccardo (D-CA) introduced the bipartisan Ounce of Prevention Act to help states, cities, and local governments strengthen communities before disaster strikes. The bill allows local governments to use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for pre-disaster risk mitigation–eliminating restrictions that currently tie funding solely to post-disaster relief– and cuts red tape that delays proactive projects to protect communities.

"Communities should not have to wait until after a disaster strikes to take commonsense steps that protect lives and property. This bipartisan legislation gives local governments more flexibility to use existing Community Development Block Grant funding to strengthen infrastructure, reduce risk, and prepare for future storms. Being proactive is better for taxpayers, better for communities, and better for the people who call those communities home,” said Timmons.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure; when it comes to disasters, every $1 invested in mitigation saves $13 in public costs for post-disaster response,” said Liccardo, who represents vulnerable stretches of California’s coastside and fire-prone communities. A former San José mayor who became too familiar with flooding, fires, and other climate impacts during his tenure, Liccardo added, “Local communities should not have to wait for the storm, fire, or flood to hit before asking Washington for help. Our bill lets them use already-allocated funds to strengthen infrastructure, reduce risk, and prepare for their worst day before it happens.”

Currently, communities can use CDBG funds for several specific purposes, but pre-disaster mitigation is not one of them. Instead, Congress issues supplemental CDBG appropriations to fund disaster recovery and mitigation after communities have already suffered damage. Since 2020, the federal government has appropriated $22 billion for disaster recovery through CDBG.

Cosponsors include: Reps. Maria Salazar (R-FL), Jill Tokuda (D-HI)

The bill earned endorsements from:

American Property Casualty Insurance Association

“APCIA commends Congressman Liccardo and Congressman Timmons for introducing the Ounce of Prevention Act that would provide states and communities in disaster-prone areas with financial incentives to strengthen resilience and reduce rebuilding costs after disasters,” said Sam Whitfield, American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) senior vice president of federal government relations and political engagement. “Property casualty insurers are working to reduce losses and protect families and communities from the growing impact of hurricanes, wildfires, and other severe weather. APCIA supports this legislation because expanding federal investment in mitigation will help lower the economic toll of natural catastrophes and save lives.”

Council of State Community Development Agencies

“Congressman Liccardo and Timmons’ Ounce of Prevention Act would provide the flexibility states and local governments need to mitigate worst case scenario outcomes before a natural disaster occurs. The CDBG program is well-suited to join the landscape of disaster recovery. On behalf of our national network of state agencies, we applaud the Congressman’s efforts to allow CDBG to fund mitigation activities to reduce risk in the most disaster-prone areas across the country. We believe this bill would provide communities with more tools to prevent the loss of life, property, and critical infrastructure during future disasters,” said Tess Hembree, Executive Director, Council of State Community Development Agencies (COSCDA).

Local Initiatives Support Coalition

“The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) thanks Representatives Liccardo and Timmons for introducing the Ounce of Prevention Act, which would allow the Community Development Block Grant program to be utilized more efficiently for resilience activities. This is vitally important since we’ve seen the impact of increasing weather events in the communities we serve, including the Bay Area and upstate South Carolina. This legislation would help mitigate natural disaster threats, with a focus on the most vulnerable residents. We thank Representatives Liccardo and Timmons for their leadership on this bill and issue,” said Matthew Josephs, Senior Vice President of Policy, LISC.

National Association of Counties

"Counties are on the front lines of disaster preparedness, working tirelessly to protect our communities before the next disaster strikes," said National Association of Counties Executive Director Matthew Chase. "The Ounce of Prevention Act delivers a commonsense expansion of eligible uses that empowers counties to invest in resilience before disaster hits, rather than waiting to rebuild after the fact. By allowing CDBG funds to support mitigation activities, this bill gives counties the flexibility to reduce long-term risk, protect lives and safeguard property. Counties thank Representative Liccardo and Timmons for their leadership in ensuring that federal resources can meet the full scope of what counties need to keep our residents safe."

National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies

“Any opportunity to help homeowners and communities proactively protect themselves from extreme weather is an opportunity we should take advantage of. Making pre-disaster mitigation an eligible use within CDBG’s listed activities will incentivize at-risk communities to use funds to help reduce losses from natural disasters. By expanding the scope and options for ways to invest in mitigation this bill will protect property, reduce losses and save lives. NAMIC applauds Rep. Liccardo and Rep. Timmons for their leadership in introducing the Ounce of Prevention Act,” said Jimi Grande, NAMIC Senior Vice President, Federal & Political Affairs.

National Community Development Agency

"This legislation is an important step toward helping communities prepare for the growing threats posed by natural disasters. By allowing CDBG funds to support mitigation efforts, it gives local governments more tools to protect homes and infrastructure and reduce long-term disaster risk,” said Vicki Watson, Executive Director, National Community Development Association.

National Low Income Housing Coalition

“As disasters become more frequent and severe, efforts to mitigate potential harms and enhance community resilience are essential. For this reason, NLIHC has endorsed the bipartisan ‘Ounce of Prevention Act’ to help communities withstand future disasters,” said Renee M. Willis, President and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. “By providing flexibility in the use of Community Development Block Grant funds, this bill will help ensure that the lowest-income and most marginalized communities receive the support necessary to implement resilience and mitigation measures before future disasters occur. We urge Congress to quickly pass this bill.”

National NeighborWorks Association

“As national leaders in affordable housing and community development, NeighborWorks organizations know firsthand that building for disaster resilience is not just cost-effective, but essential for safeguarding the future of our communities," said Lou Tisler, Executive Director of the National NeighborWorks Association (NNA). "Bringing needed clarity and flexibility to HUD's Community Development Block Grant will better enable communities to invest in mitigation before disaster strikes. NNA applauds Congressman Liccardo and Timmons for this timely and commonsense bill that will help us get ahead of the growing disaster risks facing every community."

The U.S. Conference of Mayors

“The United States Conference of Mayors strongly supports Representative Liccardo's legislation to allow Community Development Block Grant funding to be used for natural disaster mitigation. Mayors don't have the luxury of waiting until after a disaster. Our responsibility is to prepare our communities before the next emergency arrives. We know the smartest investment we can make is reducing risk before disaster strikes—not simply rebuilding after lives have been disrupted and communities have been damaged. This legislation gives cities greater flexibility to protect people, strengthen infrastructure, and prepare communities for floods, wildfires, and other extreme weather events. That's exactly the kind of partnership cities need from the federal government: giving local leaders the tools to solve problems before they become crises and better protect the people we serve,” said U.S. Conference of Mayors President Todd Gloria, Mayor of San Diego.

Full bill text is available here.

Timmons Launches Roundtable on Digital Currency from Repressive Foreign Regimes

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs Chairman William Timmons (R-S.C.) kicked off today’s roundtable titled “Roundtable: Two Sides of a Digital Coin: Protecting U.S. Security by Challenging the Power of Repressive Foreign Regimes.” In his remarks, Subcommittee Chairman Timmons highlighted that decentralized digital assets can empower people living under authoritarian regimes and can provide pathways to receiving suppressed information. He also emphasized the importance of democratic nations setting the norms of digital finance, rather than oppressive regimes like the Chinese Communist Party, to prevent government surveillance-based financial systems.

Below are Subcommittee Chairman Timmons’s opening remarks as prepared for delivery:

Good afternoon and thank you all for joining us today for this roundtable on how cryptocurrencies are being used by people living under repressive regimes around the world.

Today’s roundtable is a little different from the typical congressional hearing. This will be more of an informal conversation.

We will not keep time, and I will not be recognizing Members in any formal order, as we would during a standard hearing.

Instead, we will hear from our participants as they introduce themselves and offer some brief opening remarks.

During their remarks, Members may engage and ask questions, much like during a briefing – but in a free-form style.

While I don’t expect it to be an issue, I will do my best to ensure all Members have the opportunity to ask whatever questions they may have.

Of course, Members may follow up separately with any of today’s participants if there are additional questions not addressed during the discussion.

I am now pleased to introduce this afternoon’s roundtable participants:

Mr. Dustin Palmer is the Bank Secrecy Act Officer at Anchorage Digital Bank, the first federally chartered crypto bank in the U.S. and one of the leading U.S. institutions providing secure digital asset custody and infrastructure for regulated markets.

Mr. Palmer’s experiences allow him to speak knowledgably about how democratic governments can support safe, transparent and digital financial systems.

Mr. Jorge Jraissati is the President of the Economic Inclusion Group, where he leads global research on how individuals living in authoritarian countries use digital tools to access financial freedom.

Mr. Jraissati’s work has examined the conditions under which people turn to cryptocurrency when their governments restrict banking access or weaponize currency controls.

Mr. Cody Carbone serves as the Chief Executive Officer of The Digital Chamber, one of the most active voices in shaping the policy and landscape for blockchain innovation and responsible digital-asset regulation.

Mr. Carbone’s expertise will allow us to understand how U.S. policy choices affect both global democracy and American national security.

And Mr. Dylan Hedtler-Gaudette who serves as the Acting Vice President of Policy & Government Affairs for the Project on Government Oversight where he works on a wide range of issues from congressional capacity and federal spending issues.

Gentlemen, thank you for being here with us today.

As we consider today’s topic, I want to underscore the importance of understanding how decentralized digital assets empower those who live under authoritarian regimes that suppress basic freedoms.

I have often said that Bitcoin and decentralized technologies represent a profound challenge to authoritarian control.

As I have noted, when a regime can no longer control its citizens’ access to information or money, what do you have left?

That is why I have described cryptocurrency as potentially the beginning of the end of all authoritarian governments.

For millions of people living under repressive rule, the ability to store value, send money, or receive support from abroad without government interference can be lifesaving.

It can also be an essential tool for dissidents, journalists, and activists who risk everything to get the truth out.

In addition to the human rights implications, it is also critical that the United States maintain leadership in the development and regulation of digital assets.

If we do not lead, others will.

The Chinese Communist Party has made clear that it intends to shape global standards around state-controlled digital currency, surveillance-based financial systems, and cross-border payment architectures that advance Beijing’s geopolitical aims.

Ensuring that democratic nations – not repressive regimes – set the norms for digital finance is essential to both our national security and the protection of individual liberty around the world.

Again, I look forward to hearing from our panelists here today about:

How these technologies are being used on the ground;

Where U.S. policy is helping or hindering that progress; and

What Congress can do to strengthen both global freedom and American security.

Before I ask the participants to briefly introduce themselves, I want to turn to Representative Subramanyam, our Ranking Member, for any remarks he may wish to make.

Timmons Bill to Rollback Regulatory Burdens and Help Small Businesses, Families Passes U.S. House

Tue, 12 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the Supervisory Modifications for Appropriate Risk-based Testing Act (SMART Act), legislation introduced by Congressman William Timmons (SC-04) to modernize the examination process for well-managed and well-capitalized community banks and credit unions.

“Community banks and credit unions are the backbone of many local economies, especially in places like the Upstate,” said Congressman Timmons. “These institutions should be focused on serving families, supporting small businesses, and expanding opportunity in their communities, not navigating unnecessary red tape from Washington. The SMART Act takes a commonsense, risk-based approach to supervision that reduces regulatory burden while maintaining strong oversight and accountability.”

Community banks and credit unions play a vital role in local economies by supporting small businesses, helping families access credit, and driving economic growth in communities across South Carolina and the country. However, many smaller financial institutions face duplicative and time-consuming examination requirements that place unnecessary strain on their operations despite strong performance and compliance records.

The SMART Act creates a more practical, risk-based approach to supervision for qualifying institutions with $6 billion or less in assets. Under Rep. Timmons’ bill, qualifying institutions would alternate between full-scope and limited-scope examinations, allowing regulators to focus reviews on key risk areas while reducing unnecessary administrative burden.

The legislation also allows institutions, upon request, to combine certain examinations, including safety and soundness, consumer compliance, and cybersecurity reviews, into a single examination cycle. In addition, the bill directs regulators to adopt examination best practices aimed at improving efficiency and transparency while preserving regulators’ full authority to conduct additional reviews when warranted. Institutions subject to formal enforcement actions or recent changes in control would not qualify for the modified examination process.

“By streamlining the examination process for well-managed institutions, this bill allows local lenders from Greenville to Spartanburg to spend more time helping South Carolinians grow businesses, buy homes, and build stronger financial futures,” Timmons continued.

The SMART Act now heads to the Senate for consideration.

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Timmons’ Bills to Crack Down on Waste and Protect Taxpayer Dollars Advance to House Floor

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT

Today, Congressman William Timmons (SC-04) announced that two of his bills advanced unanimously through the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability during a full committee markup, a key step toward consideration on the House floor.

The legislation, the Timely and Accurate Benefits Act (H.R. 1755) and the Taxpayer Funds Oversight and Accountability Act (H.R. 8340), both focus on improving oversight of federal spending and cracking down on waste, fraud, and abuse that cost taxpayers billions each year.

“Washington has a spending problem and an accountability problem,” said Congressman Timmons. “These bills take direct aim at both by making sure taxpayer dollars are tracked, verified, and spent the way Congress intended, so that we can restore trust and deliver results for the American people.”

The Timely and Accurate Benefits Act (H.R. 1755) ensures federally funded benefit programs reach only eligible recipients by requiring states to use modern verification tools before distributing funds. The bill mandates the use of the U.S. Treasury’s Do Not Pay system to confirm eligibility before payments are sent out. It also updates how income is counted so eligibility decisions reflect how Americans earn money today, including contract income, gig work, and rental income. States will be required to identify gaps in their systems and develop plans to address them. Medicaid alone saw $37.4 billion in improper payments in fiscal year 2025. That is exactly the kind of waste these reforms are designed to prevent.

The Taxpayer Funds Oversight and Accountability Act (H.R. 8340), bipartisan legislation co-led by Congressman Timmons and Congressman Min (D-CA), modernizes federal financial management standards that have not been updated in more than three decades. The bill strengthens the role of agency Chief Financial Officers by clearly assigning responsibility for internal controls, financial systems, and risk management, while requiring agencies to connect spending decisions to measurable performance outcomes. It also establishes a four-year governmentwide financial management plan with clear metrics and requires agencies to publicly report their progress.

“We are putting accountability where it belongs and giving states the tools they need to verify eligibility and prevent waste. Every dollar misspent is a dollar taken from taxpayers and from those who truly need these programs,” said Congressman Timmons.

Congressman Timmons' bills are also supported by the National Taxpayers Union. “This bill fills an implementation gap in federal benefit programs that rely on state or local governments to administer, and should save millions in taxpayer dollars,” said the National Taxpayers Union. “Taken together, these bills should help stop fraud before it actually occurs, potentially saving taxpayers billions of dollars over the budget window.”

Both bills now move forward in the legislative process as House Republicans continue efforts to rein in waste, fraud, and abuse across the federal government.

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Rep. Timmons on Fox News: Hillary Clinton comes out swinging after GOP grilled her during marathon Epstein deposition

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Rep. William Timmons, R-S.C., told Fox News Digital it was "frustrating" to see Hillary Clinton "obstinate and sort of annoyed at the process."

"She had an excuse for everything. But when you've got a pattern of involvement and a pattern of association, the American people deserve answers," Timmons said.

"Honestly, I tend to find her to be fairly credible, but I mean, all of this is going to culminate tomorrow with President Clinton, and he has a lot of really hard questions to answer. And I don't think that the American people are going to like his answers."

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/hillary-clinton-comes-out-swinging-after-gop-grilled-her-during-marathon-epstein-deposition

Timmons Co-Leads SEEDS Act to Make TRUMP Accounts Permanent

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today, Rep. William Timmons (SC-04) joined Representatives Young Kim (CA-40) and Salazar (FL-27) in introducing the Savings and Early Exposure to Diversified Securities (SEEDS) Act of 2026 to make TRUMP accounts permanent and expand eligible investment options.

The SEEDS Act builds on President Trump’s TRUMP Accounts initiative to expand economic opportunity for all Americans by ensuring every child receives $1,000 invested in the stock market at birth, regardless of income or background. TRUMP Accounts give every American child a financial stake in our economy. Young Americans can watch their savings compound over time and access the funds when they turn 18. The SEEDS Act strengthens this program by giving families greater flexibility to grow long-term savings for their children.

“By giving every child access to market-based savings at birth, TRUMP Accounts harness the power of American innovation and long-term growth. The SEEDS Act locks in this historic initiative and expands investment flexibility so families can build wealth and secure their children’s future,” said Rep. Timmons.

“Every American deserves a stake in America’s Golden Age,” said Rep. Young Kim. “President Trump’s TRUMP Accounts are unleashing economic opportunity by putting the power of the world’s greatest economy to work for our children and grandchildren. The SEEDS Act reinforces this transformative program by making it permanent and giving American families more flexibility to create and grow wealth.”

“America is the land of opportunity and Children are the future of this nation, but opportunity must be built. There is no greater investment we can make than helping set up America’s children financially from birth” said Rep. Salazar. “That is why I am so proud to co-sponsor the SEEDS Act. The Act builds on President Trump’s economic vision, to expand access to opportunity so that every child, regardless of zip code, can have a stake in the greatest economy in the world. By locking in these accounts permanently and expanding investment options, we are giving the next generation the tools to build wealth, pursue opportunity, and live the American Dream.”

The legislation amends the Internal Revenue Code to treat digital asset indexes as eligible investments under Section 530A and removes the sunset provision from the TRUMP Accounts contribution program.

Read bill text HERE.

Timmons Statement on President Trump’s State of the Union Address

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Rep. William Timmons (SC-04) released the following statement after President Donald J. Trump’s State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress:

“As America approaches the 250th anniversary of our founding, President Trump made clear tonight that our nation is stronger, more prosperous, and more respected because Washington is once again focused on delivering real results for the hardworking men and women who keep this country running.

Over the past year, Republicans in Congress have worked alongside President Trump to cut taxes for working families, lower the cost of prescription drugs, secure our southern border, and restore law and order in communities across the country. These policies are already making a difference for families and small businesses throughout the Upstate who simply want to keep more of what they earn.

The winning is just beginning, and I remain committed to working with President Trump and my colleagues in Congress to ensure the people of the Fourth District continue to see the benefits of a government that puts them first.”

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Rep. Timmons - For Too Long, Washington Forgot About Hard-Working Americans

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

“They are the backbone of this country, and for too long the only people politicians in Washington seemed to care about were those inside the Beltway.

House Republicans are not treating this moment as a victory lap. We are treating it as a mandate to keep going. There is more to do, and I am confident that the winning is just beginning."

For Too Long, Washington Forgot About Hard-Working Americans by Rep. Timmons

Timmons Celebrates Passage of the Housing for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 6644)

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Today, U.S. Congressman William Timmons (SC-04) released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Housing for the 21st Century Act by a vote of 390–9. The legislation reflects a year-long bipartisan effort led by members of the House Committee on Financial Services to address rising housing costs, cut unnecessary regulations, and increase America’s housing supply.

“The Housing for the 21st Century Act returns the dream of homeownership to millions of Americans,” said Congressman Timmons. “America’s housing shortage and years of inflation have pushed costs out of reach for too many families. This bipartisan package cuts red tape, modernizes outdated HUD programs, and empowers community lenders so we can build more homes and lower costs. I’m proud to work with Chairman Hill and Chairman Flood to help get this legislation across the finish line.”

The Housing for the 21st Century Act includes two bills championed by Congressman Timmons. His SMART Act provides targeted regulatory relief for well-managed community banks by streamlining examinations and reducing compliance burdens, allowing them to focus more resources on lending in their communities. Full text HERE.

His Helping More Families Save Act establishes a pilot program to help families in federal housing build savings through interest-bearing escrow accounts as their incomes rise, creating a pathway to long-term financial stability. Full text HERE.

More information on the Housing for the 21st Century Act, including the full text of the legislation, is available HERE.

Congressman Timmons serves on the House Committee on Financial Services.

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Timmons Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Federal Supply Chain Security and Block Foreign Adversaries from Federal Technology Systems

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT

Yesterday, Congressman William Timmons (SC-04) introduced H.R. 7274, the Federal Acquisition Security Council (FASC) Improvement Act, bipartisan legislation co-led by Congressman Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) and Congressman John Moolenaar (MI-02), to strengthen the federal government’s ability to prevent foreign adversaries like Communist China from infiltrating U.S. information technology and communications systems through federal procurement.

The bill reforms and modernizes the FASC by moving it into the Executive Office of the President, expanding its authority, and providing dedicated operational support to proactively identify, investigate, and remove high-risk foreign vendors and equipment across all federal agencies.

“Communist China is constantly looking for ways to exploit vulnerabilities in our federal systems and spy on the United States,” said Rep. William Timmons. “American taxpayer dollars should never be used to purchase technology that could compromise our national security. This legislation gives the federal government the tools and authority it needs to block dangerous foreign suppliers, secure our supply chains, and protect sensitive government networks before a threat becomes a crisis. We must be proactive, not reactive, when it comes to defending our country.”

“Protecting federal information technology systems from foreign adversary influence shouldn't be a partisan issue,” said Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, “This bill ensures we are not spending taxpayer dollars on technology or vendors tied to foreign adversaries who could compromise our systems. It’s a commonsense step for acquisition security and reducing risk across federal agencies."

The full bill text can be found HERE.