The relationship between two senior GOP lawmakers reportedly has been fractured by a disagreement over where to host an international summit next year.
A dispute between Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., spilled into public view after the lawmakers clashed over plans to host the 2027 summer session of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly in Charleston, South Carolina, Semafor reported.
The disagreement escalated dramatically over the weekend when Wicker briefly told Wilson he was no longer welcome on the congressional delegation's return flight from this year's OSCE Parliamentary Assembly meeting in the Netherlands.
Wilson has spent more than a year promoting Charleston as the site for the 2027 gathering, saying preparations already are underway with support from the executive branch, Congress, South Carolina officials and private-sector partners.
In a post on X, Wilson pushed back against reports that the event had been canceled.
"As we celebrate our Nation's 250th birthday and the promise of America, I am unfortunately compelled to confront a vicious rumor of the cancellation of the @oscepa annual meeting in Charleston 2027," Wilson wrote Saturday.
"Preparations are well underway with widespread support from Executive, Congress, State of South Carolina, and private sector. We look forward to welcoming you to beautiful Charleston and regret this bizarre incident."
Semafor reported that Wicker had previously signed a bipartisan letter supporting $4 million in federal funding for the event but later reversed course, telling Wilson that Charleston lacked adequate catering capacity and that staffing costs would be too high.
Wilson disputed those concerns, joking that Charleston could prepare "shrimp and grits so quick it would make your head swim," while arguing the city has ample volunteers through institutions such as The Citadel and the College of Charleston.
The disagreement intensified after Wicker announced the U.S. would not host the 2027 session, potentially opening the door for Serbia to serve as host instead.
According to Semafor, Wicker later texted Wilson that "the matter is settled" and initially informed the South Carolina congressman he would have to arrange his own transportation back to the U.S. before later rescinding that threat.
Wilson also disputed Wicker's claim that House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., wanted him to abandon the Charleston effort, saying Johnson told him he was unaware of the dispute.
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly brings together 323 lawmakers from the organization's 57 participating states across Europe, Asia and North America.
Established in 1990, the assembly promotes parliamentary dialogue, election observation and cooperation on security, democracy, economic and human rights issues.
Wilson heads the U.S. delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and Wicker is deputy head.
In Congress, Wicker chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee and Wilson is the most senior GOP member of the House Armed Services Committee.
Despite the public disagreement, Wilson said he remains confident funding can be secured and vowed to continue working to bring the international gathering to Charleston in 2027.