Press Releases

Today, U.S. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC-5) and Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC-2) introduced the Parris Island Protection Act, which will prohibit the use of federal funds to close or realign the Marine Corps recruit training base located at Parris Island, SC. This bill will also prohibit "any planning or other activity related to such closure or realignment."

 

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) intends to introduce a companion bill in the U.S. Senate.

 

This legislation is in direct response to recent news that the U.S. Marine Corps is considering shutting its recruit training base at Parris Island, SC. 

 

Congressman Norman issued the following statement after the introduction of this legislation: "For over a century, brave men and women with spirit and determination have been molded into Marines at Parris Island. With its rich history, this base is of significant importance to South Carolina, our nation, and our military. As long as I serve in Congress, I will fight to preserve Parris Island and make sure it remains the preeminent training facility for the U.S. Marine Corps.”

 

Congressman Wilson issued a statement saying, “The recent report that the Marine Corps is considering closing Parris Island is shocking and disappointing. The unique value of the base and its facilities cannot be replicated, which is why I am grateful to introduce this legislation, along with my friend, Congressman Ralph Norman, and several members of the South Carolina delegation. This legislation is simple: it ensures that Parris Island will not be closed by barring the use of federal funds to close or realign the base. South Carolina has welcomed recruits from around the country for over a century, and to close Parris Island would not only be detrimental to South Carolina, but also to the Marine Corps. As a military veteran of 32 years and the former representative for Parris Island, I am especially grateful to the men and women who serve in the Marine Corps, and I look forward to working with the Marines and my colleagues in Congress to ensure that Parris Island is not closed.”

 

Senator Graham added, “I do not support and will never support closing Parris Island. We can change the basic training rules to have men and women train in the same platoon like other services. I believe that over time this change will be good for the Marine Corps. However closing Parris Island is a horrible idea. It should not happen today or in the future.”