Jul 2, 2025
The Administration is punishing children when states refuse to cater to Trump's political ideology.
Tony Thurmond
The Public Record
★ Featured Quote
May 28, 2026
Any teacher who abuses or harasses students should never teach again.
— Tony Thurmond
Most widely reported
by number of sources- I want to commend the able Senator from Texas on what she has had to say about the Alamo. I am very pleased that South Carolina played a big part in that historic event. William Barret Travis, the commander at the Alamo, was born in Edgefield County in South Carolina, the county in which I was born. He was a brave soldier. He fought to the end. Every person there was killed. James Bonham, another man prominent to the Alamo, was also born in Edgefield County, SC. So we are proud that South Carolina has played a big part in the history of Texas. They saw they could not win over the Mexicans, they were overpowered. James Bonham asked for permission to go out in the countryside to search for reinforcements. He had to fight through the Mexican lines to get out. He could find no help. He fought to get back to the Alamo. He came back to the fort and fought to his death. He knew they would die because they did not have enough support. Again, I want to commend the able Senator from Texas for telling us about the history of the Alamo.5 sources1995govinfo.gov
- I wish to commend the able Senator from Texas for offering this amendment. I think he is doing a great service to the people, in the military establishment especially. Mr. President, I rise in support of this amendment. Legislation which would enable Medicare eligible military retirees to enroll in the military health care system is the issue about which I receive the most mail from South Carolina. Military retirees and their families become very comfortable with the military health care system during their many years of service. In many cases, these veterans first experience with health care as adults came at the hands of an Army, Navy, or Air Force physician. Their children were born in military hospitals, untold numbers of colds, bouts of flu, broken bones, and other medical maladies have been treated within the military health care system. Once these retired personnel reach age 65 and become eligible for Medicare, their status in the military system changes dramatically. Suddenly, through no fault of their own, they are no longer welcome except on a space-available basis. When these veterans of 20 or more years of dedicated, selfless service to the Nation discover that they are not welcome in the military health care system, it is a terrible shock. When servicemembers are recruited, they are told that one of the benefits of their service is health care for life.…5 sources1996govinfo.gov
- today I am introducing the voluntary school prayer constitutional amendment. This bill is identical to S.J. Res. 73, which I introduced in the 98th Congress at the request of then President Reagan and have reintroduced every Congress since. This proposal has received strong support from both sides of the aisle and is of vital importance to our Nation. It would restore the right to pray voluntarily in public schools--a right which was freely exercised under our Constitution until the 1960's, when the Supreme Court ruled to the contrary. Also, in 1985, the Supreme Court ruled an Alabama statute unconstitutional which authorized teachers in public schools to provide ``a period of silence ... for meditation or voluntary prayer'' at the beginning of each school day. As I stated when that opinion was issued and repeat again: the Supreme Court has too broadly interpreted the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment and, in doing so, has incorrectly infringed on the rights of those children--and their parents--who wish to observe a moment of silence for religious or other purposes.4 sources1999govinfo.gov
- I propose an amendment that would provide for continued military support to the Selective Service. Mr. President, the downsizing of the reserve component force is causing the military leadership to reevaluate their ability to continue providing support to the Selective Service. This amendment will exempt the reservists who are assigned to duty with the Selective Service from counting against the selective reserve end strength. In order to preclude any part from taking advantage of this exemption, the amendment would limit the number of reservists who could be assigned to duty with the Selective Service at the 1996 level. Mr. President, this is a no-cost amendment which will benefit the Selective Service and the reserve component personnel assigned in support of the unique mission of the Selective Service. I urge my colleagues to support the amendment.4 sources1996govinfo.gov
- two hundred and twenty-four years ago today, the United States was engaged in its War for Independence. I note that the American Continental Army, now the United States Army, was established by the Continental Congress, just two years earlier on June 14, 1775. I express my congratulations to the United States Army on its 226th birthday. At the start of that War, American colonists fought under a variety of local flags. The Continental Colors, or Grand Union Flag, was the unofficial national flag from 1775-1777. This flag had thirteen alternating red and white stripes, with the English flag in the upper left corner. Following the publication of the Declaration of Independence, it was no longer appropriate to fly a banner containing the British flag. Accordingly, on June 14, 1777, the Continental Congress passed a resolution that 'the Flag of the United States be 13 stripes alternate red and white, and the Union be 13 stars white and a blue field representing a new constellation.'3 sources2001govinfo.gov
- I am saddened to report the passing of a longtime friend, a great supporter, and one of the stalwart members of the South Carolina Republican Party, Mrs. Julia Ravenel Dougherty. In the not so distant past, South Carolina was what was known as a one party State, where a victory in a primary election was all one needed to secure office, and where a significant segment of the population had no outlet for its views, opinions, and politics. All of that began to change in the 1960's when a cadre of forward looking politicians and interested citizens began to fight to create a true Republican Party in South Carolina. One of the pioneers in that effort was Mrs. Dougherty, who is roundly recognized as having been a woman of great humor, strong organizational skills, and inexhaustible energy, as well as someone who was a tremendous motivator.2 sources1997govinfo.gov
cbsnews.com
Jul 2, 2025
Trump is illegally impounding billions of dollars appropriated by Congress to serve students this fiscal year.
Sep 7, 2021
I hope that African-Americans and Latinos reject this person who has said these hateful things that would take us backwards, rather than take us forward.
Sep 7, 2021
It is an embarrassment that he would say that slave owners -- slave owners deserve reparations, that he would deny the impact of slavery on black people.
Sep 7, 2021
Leadership is about making tough decisions during tough times. Gavin Newsom has done that, $120 billion for education, including universal preschool and universal meals.
Sep 7, 2021
I couldn`t think of a more dangerous way to approach six million students in our schools. And, quite frankly, I have to call out the hypocrisy of Larry Elder. He himself has taken a vaccination. But he has said his first order before his…
Sep 7, 2021
I don’t get it at all. But I think it sends a powerful message that people need to show up and make sure that they vote.
Nov 18, 2002
Mr. President I am greatly pleased that the full Senate is considering the nomination of Judge Dennis Shedd to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Judge Shedd is a man of impeccable character who will make an…
Nov 12, 2002
I rise to pay tribute to Brigadier General Vorley (Mike) Rexroad, USAF (Retired), who died on October 12, 2002, after a life of distinguished service to the Military Health System, the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences…
Sep 30, 2002
early this morning, I lost one of my closest friends and staff members, Holly Johnston Richardson, who succumbed after a difficult battle with cancer. For nearly 30 years, she was a member of my extended family in every sense of the word…
Sep 24, 2002
Finally, I express my deepest appreciation to my entire family for their love and support, especially my children. Strom, Julie, Paul, and my beloved daughter, the late Nancy Moore, have been the joy of my life. I thank them for their…
Sep 24, 2002
I am surely honored by the generous remarks of my colleagues... I trust I have accomplished that objective. The U.S. Senate is a special institution in many respects. The six-year term assures that there is the stability within this…
Sep 11, 2002
I rise today, on this somber occasion, to remember and honor the thousands of lives that were lost one year ago today in the tragic terrorist attacks on our Nation. The United States will never forget the horrific events that occurred on…
Sep 3, 2002
I rise to introduce a private relief bill that would provide permanent legal resident status for Hitesh Tolani and his mother, Jaya Tolani, who face voluntary removal from this country. I feel that the Tolanis' case presents a compelling…
Aug 1, 2002
I am very pleased to see this fine man take his place on the Federal bench, and I know that he will serve our Nation with distinction. Judge Hudson is very deserving of this high honor, and I commend President Bush for nominating such a…
Aug 1, 2002
I introduced a bill establishing the Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historical Park. These sites are presently managed by the National Park Service as the Fort Sumter National Monument. The bill clarifies the boundaries of the park…
Jul 8, 2002
on March 29, 2002, Douglas John Wreath was promoted to the grade of Colonel in the United States Air Force Reserve. Major General Mike Hamel, USAF, administered the military oath of office to Colonel Wreath on that date in a ceremony that…
Jun 19, 2002
today, I am again offering an amendment that would correct the long-standing injustice to the widows or widowers of our military retirees. The proposed legislation, which reflects the language of S. 145 which I introduced on January 23…
Jun 12, 2002
this week in the United States we are commemorating Men's Health Week. The National Men's Health Week Act was passed by Congress and signed into law in 1994. Since then Men's Health Week has been celebrated each year as the week leading up…
May 7, 2002
I wish to join with Senator Byrd, and with all Senators, in expressing our deepest gratitude to Suzanne Pearson for her long years of service to the U.S. Senate. She has been part of the Office of the Legislative Counsel for almost 32…
Apr 26, 2002
I rise today to introduce thirty-eight bills which will suspend the duties imposed on certain chemicals that are important components for a wide array of commercial applications. Currently, these chemicals are imported for use in the…
Feb 13, 2002
I have offered an amendment, cosponsored by my colleagues from North and South Carolina and Virginia, that will provide temporary relief to flue-cured tobacco growers in our States. I express my appreciation to the chairman and ranking…
Dec 7, 2001
60 years ago I was serving as a Circuit Judge for the State of South Carolina. It was an early Sunday afternoon when news reports began to stream in about the attack against the United States that took place at Pearl Harbor, HI. As I…
Politicians like Tony Thurmond
