J. Gresham Barrett

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, due to unforeseen circumstances, I unfortunately missed two recorded votes on the House floor on Wednesday, July 8, 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 480 (On agreeing to H. Res. 610) and ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 481 (on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1275).

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, unfortunately I missed recorded votes on the House floor on Tuesday, July 7, 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 478 (Motion to Suspend the rules and Agree to H. Res. 135), ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 479 (Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H.R. 1129).

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Mr. Chair, ensuring that our nation remains safe and strong is the top priority for this House. Because of the real and increasing nuclear threat from countries like North Korea and Iran, I agree with my colleagues who are offering this amendment that cutting funding for missile defense is the wrong choice for our country right now. While I certainly support efforts to increase funding for missile defense, I am unable to support the amendment offered by my colleagues. The significant decrease in funding for the Environmental Management included as an offset in the amendment will have a serious impact on the ability of our nation to fulfill its obligation to clean up our defense nuclear waste at several sites across the country, including one in my district, the Savannah River Site (SRS). For over fifty years, sites like SRS have played an indispensible role in keeping our nation secure. Now, the federal government has the responsibility to fulfill the commitment it made to the communities and the states that have hosted these sites by cleaning up the legacy nuclear materials that remain and providing a safe environment for future generations. The cuts made by this amendment will significantly delay the progress being made in cleanup efforts at these sites and will undoubtedly impact the highest risk activities--processing and disposing of tank waste, special nuclear materials, and spent nuclear fuel--across the complex. Additionally, failure to fully fund the Environmental Management program will result in missed regulatory milestones in many states where the sites are located, resulting in substantial fines and penalties from state and federal regulators. These fines will ultimately be paid by the American taxpayer. During my time in the House, I have proudly worked alongside my Nuclear Cleanup Caucus colleagues as well as the entire South Carolina delegation to ensure the safe and timely cleanup of Cold War-era nuclear waste. And I will continue to advocate for full and stable funding for the Environmental Management Program to keep nuclear waste cleanup on track. Consequently, even though I support my colleagues' efforts to restore funding for our nation's important missile defense program, I cannot support this amendment because of the detrimental effect the funding reduction will have on the Environmental Management program. We must remain committed to cleaning up our defense nuclear waste now for the benefit of generations to come.

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, unfortunately I missed recorded votes on the House floor on Friday, June 19, 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall vote No. 409 (On ordering the previous question to H. Res. 559), ``nay'' on rollcall vote No. 410 (On agreeing to H. Res. 559), ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 411 (On agreeing to H. Res. 560), ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 412 (On motion to recommit with instructions to H.R. 2918), ``nay'' on rollcall vote No. 413 (On passage to H.R. 2918), ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 415 (On agreeing to article I of H. Res. 520), ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 416 (On agreeing to article II of H. Res. 520), ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 417 (On agreeing to article III of H. Res. 520), ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 418 (on agreeing to article IV of H. Res. 520).

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of the House passed version of H.R. 2847. Requesting Member: Congressman J. Gresham Barrett Bill Number: H.R. 2847 Provision: Title I, International Trade Administration Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Clemson University Address of Requesting Entity: 201 Sikes Hall, Clemson, SC 29634 Description of Request: The purpose of this appropriation is to provide $350,000 to the National Textile Center at Clemson University. These funds will be used to support research and development, undergraduate and graduate education, and technology transfer at Clemson University in the area of polymers, fibers, and textiles research. Activities carried out with these funds will include research projects with direct military implications, as well as training of students, both of which support industry in the United States. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, it is not often that I have the honor to rise and give tribute to a living legend. Today, I have that honor. Mr. Leland S. ``Sandy'' Scott, who resides in my district is indeed a living legend in our community. Mr. Scott was born in Greenville County, South Carolina. He graduated from Parker High School in 1960. He served as drum major for the marching bands at both Parker High School and Furman University. He later earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music Education from Lander University. Mr. Scott served as Band Director at Ellen Woodside High School from 1962-1963 and at Belton High School from 1963-1965. In 1965, Mr. Scott, came to Abbeville High School to take over as Director of Bands. It is a position he would retain until 1982. Throughout these years he touched many lives and helped mold a generation of students. While at Abbeville he established the Southeastern Marching Contest which drew some of the top bands in the country to Abbeville. His Grenadier Band at Abbeville was the only high school band in the state and one of a few nationwide to feature a bagpipe regiment. The Abbeville High School band under his direction became one of the most successful competitive bands in high school marching band history. Under Mr. Scott's leadership, the Abbeville High School band won the South Carolina Band Director's Association State Class Marching Band Championships for eight consecutive years in Classes A, AA and AAA. His Abbeville band won the National Cherry Blossom Championships in Field Show and Parade Competition, and it won in the National De Soto Festival in Bradenton, Florida, including the Grand Championship. His band also won the Governor's Cup in St. Petersburg, Florida at the Festival of States and the Heart of St. Petersburg plaque twice. Under Mr. Scott's leadership, the Abbeville band received many other awards including: Grand Champion of the Furman University marching contest; First Place Class AAA Carolinas' Carousel in Charlotte, N.C.; Double Superior rating at the South Carolina State Music Festival; Third Place Overall at the Greatest Bands in Dixie Contest as part of the Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Louisiana. In 1977, under his leadership the Abbeville Band represented South Carolina at the Presidential Inaugural Parade of President Jimmy Carter, an event that the students worked hard to raise the money to be able to attend. Sandy's professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, South Carolina Music Educators Association, the South Carolina Band Directors Association, Phi Mu Alpha, Gamma Eta Chapter; and Phi Beta Mu, Theta Chapter. He served on the Marching Band Committee and the All-State Audition Committee. He has actively participated in civic affairs, was President of the Abbeville Rotary Club, and was President of the Abbeville Chamber of Commerce. He has served on the City Council as Mayor Pro Tem. In 1971, he was named Abbeville's ``Young Educator of the Year'' and the South Carolina ``Young Educator of the Year'' in 1972. In 1975 he received Abbeville's ``Young Man of the Year Award''. Mr. Scott served as a band clinician and adjudicator throughout the United States. He also served as Minister of Music for three churches; Forestville Baptists of Greenville, South Side Baptist of Abbeville and Callie Self Memorial Baptist of Greenwood. Having retired from teaching, Mr. Scott now serves as Senior Pastor of Callie Self Memorial Baptist Church of Greenwood. Mr. Scott and his wife, Verlene O'Kelley Scott have two children, Keith and Lisa and four grandchildren. He is also a member of the South Carolina Baptist Singing Churchmen. On April 5, 2009, more than 150 band alumni and their families gathered together in Abbeville to honor Mr. Scott. They presented a bronze plaque that will be permanently displayed in Abbeville as a tribute to Mr. Scott. Present to give tribute to Mr. Scott were his former Band Director from Parker High School, Mr. James Senn and Mrs. Virginia Ferguson, who served as instructor to the Color Guard and Bagpipe regiment. Former band members traveled from as far away as California, Virginia and Maryland to honor Mr. Scott and to see old friends. Mr. Scott brought much more than music to Abbeville High School and his students. For many students, it was their first chance to travel outside the county, their first chance to belong to a ``winning team.'' In addition to learning to play a musical instrument, his students learned the importance of hard work, dedication, commitment to a group activity, the benefits of setting goals, school spirit, the power of positive thinking, and patriotism. A favorite saying that his students recall even 30 years later is ``If you can dream it you can achieve it.'' Mr. Scott did not just bring his students together, but brought an entire community together. He brought parents as well as members of the community together to support and enrich the band program. Abbeville is a better community because of Sandy Scott. Music Education in South Carolina is better because of Sandy Scott. The lessons these students learned have served them well as adults who have gone on to serve in their communities. His students have gone on to be doctors, nurses, paralegals, business owners, teachers, federal employees, congressional staff, first responders, ministers, members of the armed services, and even music directors. I am honored to pay tribute to my constituent, Mr. Leland Sanders ``Sandy'' Scott.

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, unfortunately I missed recorded votes on the House floor on Friday, June 12, 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall vote No. 335 (On Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1256).

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, unfortunately I missed recorded votes on the House floor on Monday, June 15, 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 336 (Motion to Suspend the rules and Agree to H. Res. 430), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 337 (Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H.R. 2325), ``nay'' on rollcall vote No. 338 (Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to HR. 729).

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, unfortunately I missed recorded votes on the House floor on Monday, June 8, 2009. I ask that the record reflect that had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall vote No. 311 (Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H.R. 1736); ``nay'' on rollcall vote No. 312 (Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H.R. 1709); ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 313 (Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H. Res. 420).

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, due to unforeseen circumstances, I unfortunately missed one recorded vote on the House floor on Thursday, June 4, 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 308 (On Agreeing to the Issa of California amendment to H.R. 626).

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, unfortunately I missed recorded votes on the House floor on Thursday, May 21 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Nay'' on Roll Call vote #282 (on agreeing to H. Con. Res. 133), ``Nay'' on Roll Call vote #283 (Table Appeal of the Ruling of the Chair), ``Nay'' on Roll Call vote #284 (on ordering the previous question to H. Res. 464), ``Nay'' on Roll Call vote #285 (on agreeing to H. Res. 464), ``Aye'' on Roll Call vote #286 (on agreeing to the conference report to S. 454), ``Aye'' on Roll Call vote #287 (on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 1676), ``Aye'' on Roll Call vote #288 (on agreeing to the Burgess of Texas amendment to H.R. 915), ``Aye'' on Roll Call vote #289 (on agreeing to the McCaul of Texas amendment to H.R. 915), ``Aye'' on Roll Call vote # 290 (on agreeing to the motion to recommit with instructions to H.R. 915), ``Nay'' on Roll Call vote # 291 (on passage of H.R. 915)

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, unfortunately I missed recorded votes on the House floor on Tuesday, June 2, 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Aye'' on Roll Call vote #292 (Motion to suspend the rules and Agree to H. Res. 421), ``Aye'' on Roll Call vote #293 (Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H.J. Res. 40), ``Aye'' on Roll Call vote #294 (Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H. Res. 489)

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, unfortunately I missed recorded votes on the House floor on Wednesday, May 20, 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Nay'' on Rollcall vote No. 273 (on agreeing to H.Res. 456), ``Nay'' on Rollcall vote No. 274 (on ordering the previous question to H.Res. 457), ``Nay'' on Rollcall vote No. 275 (on agreeing to H. Res. 457), ``Nay'' on Rollcall vote No. 276 (concur in all but section 512 of Senate amendment to H.R. 627), ``Aye'' on Rollcall vote No. 277 (concur in Section 512 of Senate Amendment to H.R. 627), ``Aye'' on Rollcall vote No. 278 (Motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 297), ``Aye'' on Rollcall vote No. 279 (on agreeing to the Kratovil of Maryland amendment H.R. 2352), ``Aye'' on Rollcall vote No. 280 (on agreeing to the motion to recommit with instructions to H.R. 2352), ``Aye'' on Rollcall vote No. 281 (on agreeing to H.R. 2352).

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, unfortunately I missed recorded votes on the House floor on Tuesday, May 19, 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 270 (Motion to Suspend the rules and Agree to H.R. 1089), ``nay'' on rollcall vote No. 271 (Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to S. 896), ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 272 (Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H. Res. 360).

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, unfortunately I missed recorded votes on the House floor on Monday, May 4, 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 229 (Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H. Res. 230), and ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 230 (Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H. Con. Res. 111).

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, unfortunately I missed recorded votes on the House floor on Monday, April 27, 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 207 (Motion to suspend the rules and Agree to H. Res. 329), ``nay'' on rollcall vote No. 208 (Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H.R. 1746), and ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 209 (Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H. Res. 335).

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Madam Speaker, tonight I rise in opposition to this budget, a budget that will hurt the American people. People who live in the real world, people who work for a living understand that you can't spend money that you don't have. These people don't need to hear from us about sacrifice. They sacrifice every day--the mother and father who sacrifice by cutting back at home to make sure their daughter has the school supplies that she needs, the business owner who sacrifices to make sure that she can meet this month's payroll. They're making tough decisions and are living off bare bones budgets, but they look up here to Washington, and they see we're spending more money than we ever have. So it's no wonder that they're angry. It's no wonder that they're fed up with wasteful spending. They should be mad. They know it and so do we. This budget taxes too much, borrows too much and spends too much. This budget is just another example of how Democrats fail to understand the commonsense values that Americans use every day. The worst thing you can do in a recession is raise taxes. John F. Kennedy knew it and Ronald Reagan knew it. Apparently, the current President doesn't get it because raising taxes is exactly what President Obama's budget does to the tune of well over $1.5 trillion, much of which will be placed squarely on the shoulders of my State's number 1 job creator--the small businessperson. The truth is that, despite all the claims to the contrary, this budget won't create new jobs back home. It won't grow our economy. It will pass on debt to children because of bad decisions and bad debt. People back home deserve better, Madam Speaker. My children, as do yours, deserve better, Madam Speaker. I urge my colleagues to vote against this Democrat budget.

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Not only is the gentleman from Iowa a stalwart when it comes to the conservative cause in this House, he is a classmate of mine and a dear friend. So I certainly thank him for all the fights he has been in in the past and will continue to be in in the future. H.R. 1913, the Hate Crimes bill, this legislation is wrong and I oppose it because it creates a special class of victim, suppresses religious freedom, and criminalizes thought. I ask you tonight why does Lady Liberty wear a blindfold? Isn't it because our Constitution demands equal, not special, but equal protection under the law? Under this bill, justice will no longer be equal. It will depend on a victim's race, gender, or sexual orientation. This legislation would allow for different penalties to be imposed for the exact same crime. While I'm not a constitutional scholar probably like my friend from Iowa, it's abundantly clear to me that this bill would violate the 14th amendment by creating a special class of victims who deserve some type of special protection under the law. More importantly, I fear this legislation would unwind a key thread to our judicial system by placing higher value on one life or lifestyle over another. In addition to creating a special class of victims, this legislation could allow for criminal prosecution of religious leaders or members of religious groups who express their beliefs of their respective faiths. Pastors, imams, rabbis, people from across the country would now be forced to question the legality of the words that they preach. Consequently, this bill would inhibit religious freedom in our society. A scary thought. Unfortunately, constitutionally protected speech is not the only freedom jeopardized by the Hate Crimes bill. This legislation would go so far as to guess what? Criminalize thought. No matter how fervently we disagree with what someone thinks, we cannot punish them for thinking it. It is the criminal action that merits swift justice. The action, not the thought or the motivation. I fear that H.R. 1913 is a step in the wrong direction. When I think about justice, I think about justice for all no matter who you are in the United States of America. And I would urge all my colleagues tomorrow to vote ``no'' on H.R. 1913 because I certainly will be. I thank the gentleman from Iowa for yielding. I thank him for weighing in on this fight.

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately I missed recorded votes on the House floor on Tuesday, April 21, 2009. I ask that the Record reflect that had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on Rollcall vote No. 193 (Motion to suspend the rules and Agree to H.R. 388), ``nay'' on Rollcall vote No. 194 (Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H.R. 411), ``aye'' on Rollcall vote No. 195 (Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H.R. 1219).

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam Chair, I rise today in opposition to this budget resolution. People who live in the real world who work for a living, who build houses, wait on tables, they understand you can't spend money you don't have. They know you can't spend your way out of an economic crisis. They are cutting at home and at work. They are cutting out the extras. There is no fluff in their budgets, and there shouldn't be in any in ours. But the Democrat budget fails to reflect the commonsense values of Americans every day. This budget spends too much, it borrows too much, and guess what, it taxes too much. John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan both knew that the worst things that you could do during a recession is raise taxes. But unfortunately, that's exactly what President Obama's budget does, to the tune of well over $1.5 trillion, much of which will be placed squarely on the shoulders of my State's number one job creators, small businesses. The truth is that despite the claims to the contrary this budget won't create new jobs in places like Westminster, South Carolina, and Due West, South Carolina, and New Ellenton, South Carolina. It will crush them. In the long run, this budget will saddle future generations of Americans with mountains of unsustainable debt. This budget finances the present by mortgaging our children and our grandchildren's future. The people back home deserve better, Madam Chairman. The next generation deserves better, Madam Chairman. And that's what the Republicans are going to give this House tomorrow. I urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``no'' to the Democrat budget, vote ``no'' against higher spending, vote ``no'' against higher taxes, and vote ``no'' against borrowing.

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, unfortunately I missed recorded votes on the House floor on Monday, March 30, 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted ``Present'' on rollcall vote No. 163 (on motion to table H. Res. 295), ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 164 (Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H.R. 20), ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 165 (Motion to Suspend the Rules and Agree to H.R. 479).

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, we are facing serious economic challenges. In my home State of South Carolina, the unemployment rate is right at 11 percent. We all know someone who has been personally affected by these tough times, a friend, a neighbor, a family member. We have all seen the ``going out of business'' signs hanging in the front doors of local shops and stores. The people we represent are looking to Congress for answers, Madam Speaker. But the so-called solutions coming from the Washington Democrats call for more spending, more borrowing, and more taxing. The President's budget increases taxes by nearly $2 trillion, doubles the national debt in less than 6 years, and spends $4 trillion alone this year. And, of course, who can forget all of the wasteful spending in the stimulus bill: $50 million for the National Endowment for the Arts, $300 million for green golf carts, and $30 million to protect a mouse in San Francisco. And that is just to name a few. Taxpayers have had enough. Across our State and across this country, they are gathering together to voice their outrage. Inspired by our Nation's early patriots, thousands of taxpayers are gathering at hundreds of modern-day tea parties to protest Washington's wasteful spending, the Democrat-written stimulus package, the housing bailout, and President Obama's budget. A recent tea party in Greenville, South Carolina, attracted more than 2,000 participants, and a similar rally in Cincinnati drew more than 4,000 dissatisfied taxpayers. I want to let the people know that I hear what they are saying, and, Madam Speaker, I am doing something about it. Today I am introducing the Taxpayer Empowerment and Advocacy Act, the TEA Act. Over the next 5 years, the TEA Act will save taxpayers over one-half trillion dollars by reducing spending, restricting the growth of government, and strengthening the definition of emergency spending to close loopholes and prevent abuse. Across South Carolina, around kitchen tables and behind the small business counters, individuals are making tough decisions about their budgets. But Congress has refused to do the same, and it is time for that to change. I believe the TEA Act is a start to setting Congress on a new, more accountable course, and to protect the taxpayers' best interest. Enough is enough. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill and protecting the American taxpayer.

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor of H. Res. 252.

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of the House passed version of H.R. 1105. Requesting Member: Congressman J. Gresham Barrett Bill Number: H.R. 1105 Provision: Division I, Title I Department of Transportation, Account: Transportation, Community, and System Preservation Account Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Clemson University Address of Requesting Entity: 300 Brackett Hall Box 5702 Clemson University Clemson, SC 29634 Description of Request: The purpose of this appropriation is to provide $285,000 in funding for roadway improvements aimed at addressing current safety concerns for the Clemson University Advanced Materials Center in Anderson County, SC. Funds will be used principally for signage and road visibility, particularly at night and during inclement weather. These improvements are important to the continued development of the Center, which is dedicated to the research and development of advanced materials, technology transfer thru IP migration from the laboratory to the boardroom for everything from commercial to military applications, and also to support existing industry. This request is consistent with the intended purpose of ensuring efficient access to jobs, services, and centers of trade for the Federal Highway Administration's Transportation, Community, and System Preservation (TCSP) Program as authorized under Section 1117 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU, Public Law 109-203). The State of South Carolina has committed $4 million to this project and private industry has committed an additional $5.3 million.

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina

Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, due to unforeseen circumstances, I unfortunately missed one recorded vote on the House floor on Wednesday, February 25, 2009. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on Rollcall vote No. 84 (On Ordering the Previous Question to H. Res. 184).