US Representative

Russell Fry

Biography

Born on January 31, 1985, in Surfside Beach, Horry County, South Carolina, this member of the United States Congress completed their education with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of South Carolina in Columbia in 2007, followed by a Juris Doctor from the Charleston School of Law in 2011. Prior to their election to Congress, they served in the South Carolina State House of Representatives from 2015 to 2022. As a Republican, this representative was elected to the 118th Congress in January 2023 and continues to serve in that capacity.

Legislative Initiatives and Memberships

In their freshman term, they have demonstrated a focused agenda on issues such as small business support, immigration, and fiscal responsibility. This member has co-sponsored several bills that highlight these priorities:

  1. Expanding Access to Capital for Rural Job Creators Act (HB298) - This bill calls upon the Securities and Exchange Commission to study and report on the challenges faced by rural small businesses in securing funding. The aim is to tailor financial policies to better support these often underserved businesses, which can help stimulate local economies.

  2. SHOW UP Act of 2023 (HB139) - This legislation mandates federal agencies to revert to pre-pandemic telework policies. It requires certifications from the Office of Personnel Management if agencies wish to extend telework, emphasizing accountability in government operations.

  3. Save Our Shrimpers Act (HB2071) - Aimed at protecting domestic fisheries, this bill prohibits federal funds from being used to support foreign shrimp farms, thereby supporting local shrimpers and the fishing industry.

  4. Promptly Ending Political Prosecutions and Executive Retaliation Act (HB1789) - This bill proposes to clarify the removal of certain charges against executive officials, which aims to increase their legal immunity against state-level actions.

  5. Birthright Citizenship Act (HB569) - The objective of this bill is to tighten the criteria concerning birthright citizenship, reshaping how immigration status will affect citizenship claims in the future.

Political Leanings

This representative's legislative actions indicate a strong alignment with conservative values, particularly concerning economic development, immigration, and the regulation of federal powers. The emphasis on supporting rural businesses and local industries reflects a commitment to economic growth without excessive federal intervention. Their co-sponsorship of bills seeking to reinstate stricter immigration policies further showcases a traditional Republican stance on national security and governance.

Additionally, their involvement in bills aimed at reducing federal oversight reflects a focus on state autonomy, a tenet of conservative governance. Their political actions suggest they advocate for reducing the government's role in private enterprise while promoting accountability within federal agencies.

Personal Information

While the official biography does not provide extensive personal information, it is noted that this representative has pursued a career in law, engaging in private practice prior to their legislative roles. Their experiences in the South Carolina State Legislature likely equipped them with insights into the importance of local issues, particularly in rural communities, which continues to shape their congressional agenda.

With continued focus on the aforementioned legislative issues, this member illustrates a commitment to both their constituents and broader Republican principles as they seek to navigate the complexities of contemporary governance in Washington, D.C.