Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC) sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) on July 11, 2026, requesting support for the South Carolina House delegation's proposal to host a U.S.-Europe security conference in Charleston in 2027. This request escalates an ongoing dispute with Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), who co-chairs the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe with Wilson.
Wilson has advocated for the conference to be held in Charleston for over two years and expressed surprise at Wicker's suggestion to hold it in Belgrade, Serbia. In his letter, Wilson emphasized Charleston's suitability as a venue, citing its dining, hospitality, and historical significance. He was joined in his request by several Republican representatives and Democratic Rep. James Clyburn.
Wilson noted that Wicker had previously supported Charleston as the host city but later indicated that the location would change due to concerns about catering options and funding. Wilson stated he would seek to raise the necessary funds to host the event in Charleston, despite Wicker's claims of insufficient resources for the coastal city.