William Timmons

Mr. TIMMONS

Mr. TIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome to Washington, D.C., His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christianity worldwide. As Archbishop of Constantinople--New Rome, His All-Holiness is recognized as the ``first among equals'' of Orthodox Primates and shepherds more than 300 million faithful across the globe. Since his election in 1991, Patriarch Bartholomew has been an unwavering advocate for peace, interfaith dialogue, religious freedom, and environmental stewardship, earning him the title of ``Green Patriarch'' and international recognition for his vision of reconciliation and unity. He has convened historic gatherings of Orthodox leaders, fostered dialogue with other Christian traditions, and extended a hand of friendship to leaders of the Jewish and Muslim faiths. In South Carolina's 4th District, the Greek Orthodox community has been a vital part of our religious and cultural life. Families in Greenville and Spartanburg have shared their faith and traditions for generations, strengthening the bonds of community and enriching the fabric of our state. On behalf of my constituents in South Carolina's 4th District, including the faithful at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Spartanburg, I extend a warm welcome to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. His presence in Washington is a reminder of the enduring bonds of faith, freedom, and shared values that unite people of all backgrounds.

Mr. TIMMONS

Mr. TIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 2056, the District of Columbia Federal Immigration Compliance Act. I have to be honest. I am kind of disappointed in the debate right now. My colleague from Massachusetts is talking about how we have previously granted the authority to the District of Columbia to do X, Y, and Z. He is correct, but with us granting power, there comes responsibility. My colleague from Washington, D.C., is talking about the home rule and this and that. This city makes me sad. I mean, I have hope now that President Trump is here that the D.C. Government is starting to do things that they should have been doing all along. What about Representative Cuellar, who was mugged, robbed at gunpoint in a carjacking? What about the Rand Paul staffer who was stabbed in a bar five blocks from here? I don't go there anymore. I don't go there anymore because it is not safe. What about Brad Finstad, who got robbed at gunpoint? What about the staffers who got robbed 6 months ago? Justice Sotomayor's detail shot an 18-year-old multiple times because he was trying to rob the Supreme Court Justice. In what world are you living in that you think that the power that we granted to the District of Columbia is being executed responsibly? We are talking about something very simple: Abide by Federal detainers. If the Federal Government says you have arrested an illegal immigrant who has a criminal detainer, you have to follow the law. We didn't give the billion dollars to the District of Columbia because they need to understand that actions have consequences. When I don't feel safe at night, when my constituents come here and I tell them to be careful, when my commanding officer stays at a hotel three blocks from here and I tell him not to walk to the baseball game, to take an Uber, what world are you living in? This is unacceptable. We will have law and order in this city. The President has said so much. We are going to use every tool in our toolbox to make this District what it should be. A nation's capital in decline is a nation in decline. We are not a nation in decline. The city of D.C. needs to live up to its obligations to keep us safe. Get the homeless people help. Letting them live in the streets is not helping them. You are hurting them. Get them mental health counseling. Get them a shower. Get them a job. Get them help. Letting them live under bridges is not helping them. It is wrong. The fact that I have to sit up here and tell you this makes me sad. We are going to make this city safe. We are going to show the world that we are not a nation in decline. We are going to not only Make America Great Again, but we are going to make the United States Capital great again.

Mr. TIMMONS

Mr. TIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, today I honor the life and legacy of Louise ``Weesie'' Whitmire Poole, a devoted servant of her community, a champion of conservative values, and a steadfast advocate for South Carolina families. Born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina, Weesie lived a life of faith, service, and unwavering dedication to the principles that make our Nation great. A true patriot, she was actively involved in causes that strengthened her community and upheld the conservative ideals of limited government, personal responsibility, and family values. Weesie played a pivotal role in advancing these principles through her leadership in the Upstate Republican Wonmen's Club, where she served as Chaplain. Through this work, she helped mobilize and inspire conservative women, reinforcing the importance of civic engagement, grassroots activism, and support for Republican candidates. Her presence in this organization was a guiding force, always leading with integrity and a deep love for her country. Weesie's love for South Carolina and its institutions was evident in her service to Clemson University, where she was an active member of the Parent's Council and the Board of Visitors. Her engagement reflected her belief in the importance of higher education that upholds traditional American values and prepares young leaders for the future. Her devotion to faith, family, and conservative ideals leaves an enduring legacy in South Carolina. She was a woman of grace and conviction who never wavered in her dedication to the causes she believed in. As we honor her memory, may we be inspired by her tireless efforts to serve others and uphold the values that define our great Nation.

Mr. TIMMONS

Mr. TIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, I was on the phone with a constituent and missed the first vote of the series. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 63.

Mr. TIMMONS

Mr. TIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of S. 709, the Federal Agency Performance Act. I also thank my colleague, Mr. Khanna, for partnering with me on the House companion version of this important bill and Chairman Comer for his support. The Federal Agency Performance Act will help the incoming Trump administration root out waste, fraud, and abuse within many Federal agencies. The Government Performance and Results Modernization Act of 2010 already made important strides in improving agency performance. This bill builds on those reforms by introducing new proven practices that will reduce frivolous spending of taxpayer dollars. Specifically, the bill requires agencies to develop clear strategic plans for how taxpayer money is allocated. Just as importantly, though, it holds agency employees accountable by requiring them to report their progress toward achieving those goals. By establishing a more rigorous strategic review process, improving access to publicly available data, and incorporating evidence-based practices into planning, we create a stronger framework for how taxpayer money is spent. This leads to greater transparency and accountability, not just for individual agencies, but across the government as a whole. To increase government efficiency and demand accountability, I urge all of my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation.

Mr. TIMMONS

Mr. TIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the city of Woodruff as it celebrates its 150th anniversary. Established in 1874 with a modest population of just 200, Woodruff has experienced remarkable growth over the past century and a half. Today, it proudly boasts about 5,000 residents and has ambitious plans to expand to 18,000 by 2029. In addition to its impressive growth, Woodruff recently received exciting news that the BMW Group will invest over $700 million to establish a high-voltage battery assembly plant along South Carolina Highway 101. This substantial investment signifies a new era of economic prosperity for the city. To commemorate this historic milestone, the city of Woodruff will bury a time capsule on June 28. The celebration will feature live music and fireworks, creating lasting memories for the community. The time capsule will be a gift to future generations and is set to be opened in 2074.

Mr. TIMMONS

Mr. TIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, I was on the floor but was distracted and missed the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 254.

Mr. TIMMONS

Mr. TIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, the weaponization of our justice system has been the hallmark of the Biden administration, and the verdict handed down against President Trump in New York last Thursday is further evidence that the Democrats will stop at nothing to silence dissent, limit speech, and oppress their political opponents. The fact of the matter is that these charges would never have been brought with such vigor against any other individual. It is no coincidence that this trial took place in a district that voted against Donald Trump by nearly 90 percent. It is also no coincidence that this persecution was perpetrated by a judge active in Democratic fundraising and a prosecutor who campaigned on going after President Trump. From top to bottom, it is clear that this case was politically motivated and was only brought to disparage President Trump, the leading candidate for the Republican nomination. That is why I call on the Supreme Court to utilize its original jurisdiction in this case and finally bring an end to these sham proceedings.

Mr. TIMMONS

Mr. TIMMONS. Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague, Ro Khanna, for his leadership on this bill. Over the past year and a half, the Oversight and Accountability Committee has investigated numerous instances of our government failing to provide adequate service to the American people. From passport backlogs to delays for veterans requesting personnel records, we simply need to do better. As Members of Congress, some of our most rewarding work is helping our constituents who are caught up in the web of government red tape. Whether they are a small business trying to get records from the IRS, someone in need of an emergency passport, or a senior requiring a long overdue answer from Social Security, our assistance is often how we make our most immediate impact on our communities. However, frankly, many of these issues we deal with most shouldn't require our assistance at all. They are a failure of agencies to prioritize innovation and customer service. In order to fix this failure, this Government Service Delivery Improvement Act tasks OMB with designating a senior official to coordinate agency efforts to work more efficiently and deliver services in a timely and unwasteful manner. This bill will also require the designation of a senior official for every Federal agency that will be responsible for improving the service delivery of that particular agency. This bill allows Congress to further hold agency heads accountable to drive necessary changes, enhance services, and ultimately foster greater trust with the people they serve. The Government Service Delivery Improvement Act isn't just about streamlining processes, it is about rebuilding trust between the government and its people. It is about ensuring that when Americans turn to their government for assistance, they are met with efficiency, reliability, and, above all, respect. With that, Madam Speaker, I, again, thank my friend, Mr. Khanna, for his leadership on this bill and Chairman Mace for her assistance in bringing this to the floor. Madam Speaker, I urge all Members of this House to support the bill.

Mr. TIMMONS

Mr. TIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, D.C. is the modern-day Rome, a bastion of freedom for the world to see, and the front door of our great Nation. In my few short years serving the Fourth District of South Carolina in Congress, I have watched a once proud city succumb to violent crime, vagrancy, and fall into lawlessness. There are many factors at play here, but the bottom line is this: I want to, in good faith, tell parents from my district that it is safe for the kids to come visit the Nation's Capital on their school trip. Right now, I can't do that. I actually do the exact opposite when people come to my office. I tell them that D.C. is not safe; they should take Ubers. I have had time and time again where I have had people tell me that they have had serious issues. Just, I guess it was, a month ago, my commanding officer in the Air Force was staying in the Navy Yard. I told him not to walk to dinner. He did. I called him at 6:30 in the morning, and I said: I bet you walked to dinner. He said: You are right. I am about to go for a run. I said: Well, you can't because there is an active shooter outside your building. That was a month ago. All this after years of vilifying and defunding the police, the District's violent crime and property theft have never been more blatant. D.C. criminals have never acted so brazenly and with more perceived impunity than I have witnessed in my years in Washington. In fact, just today, at 1:40 this afternoon--and let me reiterate, this was 3 hours ago and in broad daylight--there was a stabbing just blocks away; a stabbing. Twelve hours before that there was an armed carjacking a few blocks north of there. The last 24 hours, we know how bad it is here, we were just on the GW campus where the mayor refused to enforce the rule of law. There were 250 people trespassing on the yard. The president of the university begged for the city to enforce the rule of law, and they didn't for 10 days. It required an Oversight hearing for her to actually do her job, to tell the MPD to arrest people. I mean, all of this on top of the fact that an Uber driver that fled Afghanistan--and he was driving Uber Eats--a bunch of children under the age of 20 but over the age of 15 stole his car and killed him. They are going to get out of jail within a year or two, and they are going to have no criminal history. Are we serious right now? So, yes, the D.C. Council has lost the faith of this institution. Just this Congress, three Members have been held at gunpoint or assaulted, three Members of Congress in the last 18 months. This is out of control. This is a small step in the right direction, but we have to respect the rule of law. We have to respect law enforcement, and we have to fund law enforcement. We should have 3,000 law enforcement officers in Washington, D.C. You are going to be down to 1,500 here shortly because of the way that the city council treats law enforcement. It is unacceptable. These changes are just mere steps in the right direction. A 25-year- old is not a child. I can promise you this, in South Carolina, if a 16- year-old, a group of 16-year-olds killed somebody, they are going to be in prison for a while. They are going to be in prison for quite a while. The fact that they are not is exactly why we are having to do this right now.

Mr. TIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate D.C.'s desire to have self- rule, but there are responsibilities that come along with that. It seems that our Nation is a Nation in decline because of the lawlessness in Washington, D.C., and we have to get back on track. This is a step in the right direction. I thank my friend from Florida for proposing this legislation. I encourage all of my colleagues to support it.

Mr. TIMMONS

Mr. TIMMONS. Madam Speaker, I stand before you today to speak on the unbreakable bond between the United States and Israel, a partnership rooted not just in strategic interests, but in our shared values of democracy, freedom, and justice. This critical alliance not only shapes the destiny of our nations but also upholds the very principles that define our civilization. When Iran launched an unprecedented attack on Israel this past weekend, we saw the forces of tyranny emboldened against beacons of freedom. We saw the importance of U.S. leadership and alliances in chaotic regions, but ultimately, we saw the result of inaction. For 6 months, Israel, our greatest ally in the Middle East, has been at war for its very survival. We have supported them and prayed for their safety from the very beginning. In November, when they needed us, this House, the Republican majority, passed a bill to aid our friends. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle didn't want to take $14 billion out of the $80 billion they handed over to the IRS to pay for it. The result of this was weakness. We showed weakness to our allies and to the world. This cannot stand. The United States has a moral obligation to support our allies in democracy and regional security against the forces of tyranny and terrorism. We have a moral obligation to bring another bill to the floor to support this alliance. Let us send a clear message to Tehran and to the world: The United States stands unequivocally with Israel. We will not waver in our commitment to defend our ally from the threats of Iran and its proxies. We must do this to free the Palestinians in Gaza from the tyranny of Hamas. We must do this for Israel. We must do this to send a message to the world.

Mr. TIMMONS

Mr. TIMMONS. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 2799, the Expanding Access to Capital Act. This legislation would provide greater access to funding by strengthening public markets, expanding fundraising opportunities for entrepreneurs, and increasing investment opportunities for everyday Americans. This package represents a much-needed stimulant to capital formation and would empower small businesses throughout the country. One particular provision contained in this package is my bill, the Improving Capital Allocation for Newcomers Act, also known as the ICAN Act, which seeks to generate more regional venture capital participation outside of Silicon Valley by raising the cap on qualifying venture capital funds from $10 million to $150 million and raising the number of permitted investors from 250 to 600. This would allow venture funds to raise more money from more individuals, enabling funds to build an investor base outside of traditional financial centers. According to the SEC's Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation report, 78 percent of small business owners are concerned about their ability to access capital. My bill would alleviate some of this concern by making it easier for venture capital to expand into new regions and communities. Simply put, new venture funds mean new opportunities for small businesses and innovators to gain the funding they need to develop their ideas, promote good-paying jobs, and grow their companies. Mr. Chair, an entrepreneur in Spartanburg, South Carolina, should be afforded the same opportunities to grow their businesses as an entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. I am proud to say this legislation democratizes finances and allows for more South Carolinians to support local economic ventures, providing capital outside of traditional venture capital hubs and bringing these funds from Silicon Valley to the Fourth District of South Carolina.

Mr. TIMMONS

Mr. TIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, Americans have lost faith in the impartiality of the Biden administration. We have ample evidence that the DOJ, FBI, and IRS have refused to do their jobs. Americans deserve to know the truth, and Congress has a duty to investigate. The question is simple: What did President Biden know about his family's criminal enterprises and when? That is the question. That is why this inquiry is necessary. We have already uncovered that the Biden family received $25 million in payouts from foreign adversaries. Their scheme was simple: Foreign client has a problem; client pays a Biden; Vice President Biden travels to the foreign country; Vice President Biden leverages U.S. influence to force favorable outcomes for the client; and the Biden family earns their fee. That is the scheme. The proof of concept was Burisma in 2014, and they replicated it again and again. If President Biden was complicit, then our national security is vulnerable. His administration keeps stonewalling while the President repeatedly lies about his involvement. As a member of the Oversight Committee, I believe the evidence we have uncovered thus far demands further investigation. This vote is the only logical next step. I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. TIMMONS

Mr. TIMMONS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mary Ann Riley of Inman, South Carolina, for her decades of service to our community and dedication to the South Carolina Republican Party. Ms. Riley moved to South Carolina in 1982. That same year she began attending community meetings, getting involved in local campaigns, and was appointed president of the Spartanburg County Republican Women where she has served ever since. More than politics, Ms. Riley is a major contributor to her local pregnancy center and supports upstate veterans undergoing hospice care. She is also active in her church and other organizations that work to assist our fellow South Carolinians every single day. A former teacher, her life's work has been to make the world a better place for her students, her neighbors, and future generations. Ms. Riley is a true public servant who has made a significant and lasting impact on South Carolinians. I thank Mary Ann for over 30 years of service to the people of Spartanburg County and the upstate as a whole.

Mr. TIMMONS

Mr. TIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mary Ann Riley of Inman, South Carolina for her decades of service to our community and dedication to the South Carolina Republican Party. Mrs. Riley moved to South Carolina in 1982. That same year, Mrs. Riley began attending community meetings, getting involved in local campaigns, and was appointed President of the Spartanburg County Republican Women, where she has served ever since. More than politics, Mrs. Riley is a major contributor to her local pregnancy center, she has volunteered her time with the mental health divisions, the foster care community, and supports Upstate veterans undergoing hospice care. She is also active in her church and other organizations that work to assist our fellow South Carolinians every single day. She has served the South Carolina GOP in many roles and has attended local, state, and national meetings and conventions. She is the recipient of numerous awards including the ``Woman of Achievement Award'' from the South Carolina Legislative Republican Women Caucus, ``Woman of the Year'' from Spartanburg County Republican Women and has received the honor of ``Catholic Woman of the Year'' twice. A former teacher, her life's work has been to make the world a better place for her students, her neighbors, and future generations. Mrs. Riley is a true public servant who has made a significant and lasting impact on Spartanburg County, the South Carolina GOP, and the lives of countless South Carolinians. We will never be able to fully thank her for over 30 years of service to the people of Spartanburg County and the Upstate as a whole. She has left an indelible mark on the Palmetto State. I thank Mary Ann Riley for her years of service and friendship. May God continue to bless her.

Mr. TIMMONS

Mr. TIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, I was unable to vote on today's Previous Question. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 367. Stated against:

Mr. TIMMONS

Mr. TIMMONS. Madam Speaker, I was in my congressional district today during votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 143.

Mr. TIMMONS

Mr. TIMMONS. Good morning. I am William Timmons. I represent Greenville and Spartanburg, South Carolina. I got elected to the 116th Congress. My campaign slogan when I ran for Congress was, ``Washington is broken.'' To be the freshman member on the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress was really a dream come true. I got to work with Tom Graves, my mentor, and Derek Kilmer, and I saw them do something that doesn't really happen up here much: They worked together. They were respectful of each other, and they really made that a priority for the committee. All the Members got to know each other. We had a meeting at the very beginning. We talked about why we ran for Congress, what we wanted to change about this place, and we got to know each other on a personal level. We acted in the manner that we thought that this place should work. That leadership from Tom Graves and Derek Kilmer was inspirational for the committee, but it was rewarding for me professionally because we have worked hard to get things done, and we passed 202 recommendations. I have done my best the last 2 years to fill Tom Graves' void on the committee. I always joke that I am the vice chair with no hair. He has the best hair of any Member I have seen, so I always make that joke. I also thank the former Members. It is my understanding that we wouldn't have been able to do this without your efforts. Obviously, inevitably, some of the recommendations we made would devolve some of the power from leadership into the Members. We always talk about regular order, and I could imagine that many Speakers would not be inclined to do that. But the efforts made by current Members and former Members to have this select committee was critical. Not only did we get a year, we then got another year, and then we got 2 more years. We are not done, as the chairman said. We are going to continue working to implement the 202 recommendations we have made, and I am optimistic that we will have an even greater impact than we have already had. I thank you all for your help to have the committee created to push our recommendations forward. I thank Tom Graves, my friend and mentor, for showing me how this place can work. Most importantly, Chair Kilmer, it has been incredible to work with you. Thank you for all of your hard work. Last but not last, we have Derek Harley here. He is one of the staff directors. Yuri Beckelman is now a chief to a new freshman, so he is not here, but we couldn't do it without him. We were a team, and we got a lot done, and as the chairman said, we are not done yet. We are going to continue to push the ball forward. Thank you for all of your help and for having us here today.

Mr. TIMMONS

Mr. TIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ranking Member Bost and Chairman Takano for supporting this bill and bringing it to the floor today. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of our bill, H.R. 5943, to designate the outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Greenville, South Carolina, as the Lance Corporal Dana Cornell Darnell Outpatient Clinic. A native of Greenville, South Carolina, Dana Cornell Darnell was a lance corporal in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam war. On April 24, 1967, his platoon was ambushed by North Vietnamese Army forces. He quickly worked to silence enemy fire. Even after being temporarily blinded, he refused to be evacuated and quickly began assisting in the care of the wounded. For his extraordinary heroism, Lance Corporal Dana Cornell Darnell was awarded the Navy Cross. Renaming the Greenville VA clinic in honor of Lance Corporal Darnell will ensure we never forget the courage, service, and sacrifice of our fellow South Carolinian. Mr. Speaker, I thank the entire South Carolina delegation for their support of this bill. We believe the Lance Corporal Dana Cornell Darnell Outpatient Clinic will serve countless veterans throughout the upstate and uphold our promise to those who gave our country their all. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5943.

Mr. TIMMONS

Mr. TIMMONS. Madam Speaker, today, I rise to honor Jeff Price on his well-earned retirement from Milliken and Company, headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Milliken, a global leader in textiles and materials science, has a clear commitment to innovation, growth and leadership--which makes it a tough place to stand out. Yet, for 43 years, Jeff Price has done exactly that. Jeff joined Milliken after graduating from the University of North Carolina in 1979. Jeff started in Milliken on the plant floor and worked as a business manager before he was selected to run an essential division at Milliken: the global airbag and non-woven automotive division. Think about that level of responsibility. Countless South Carolinians, countless Americans, rely on airbags every day to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. We don't think about it when we get in our cars, to go to work or school or soccer practice, but we know we can do so with the highest level of safety because of the work of Jeff Price and his teams at Milliken. Jeff's demonstrated success in airbags and non-woven automotive led him to serving as president of Milliken's textile business, where he continued to focus on innovation and solutions-driven leadership. In that role, he co-chaired the American Manufacturing Trade Action Coalition (AMTAC) and was instrumental in the decision to merge AMTAC with the National Council of Textile Organizations (NCTO), where he also served as Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Board member. In 2019, after Jeff had held 13 different roles at the company, Milliken CEO Halsey Cook tapped Jeff to stand up a new position-- Executive Vice President of Operations--where he oversees corporate logistics and sourcing, environmental health and safety, corporate engineering and global security. If that sounds like a lot, that is because it is. Jeff's leadership in both manufacturing and general management make him an effective strategic leader in global operations for the company, and, by extension, for all communities in South Carolina and around the world where Milliken has locations. Earlier this year, Jeff's decades of success at Milliken were recognized when he was awarded the Roger Milliken Award--an exclusive recognition that honors individuals who have created lasting and measurable differences within the company and have built a legacy of their own at Milliken. Yet, greater than all the achievements and professional success I have shared, Jeff is the loving husband of Terri, proud father of Jennifer (husband Amine) and Christopher (wife Amanda), and grandfather of eight. I know his family joins me in celebrating his accomplishments for Milliken in and out of the manufacturing plant. Terri, pastor at Providence Presbyterian Church in Powdersville, South Carolina, is also retiring this year. I am pleased to be joined by Representatives Tom Rice (SC-02), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Ralph Norman (SC-05) in honoring Jeff Price as he prepares for his well-earned retirement from Milliken and Company at the end of this year. Congratulations and Godspeed.

Mr. TIMMONS

Mr. TIMMONS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1619, the Catawba Indian Nation Lands Act. I was proud to partner with the majority whip, Mr. Clyburn, and several other of my colleagues from North and South Carolina in introducing this legislation. This bill is straightforward. It would simply codify action taken by President Trump's Department of the Interior last year, granting 17 acres of the Catawba Indian Nation's ancestral lands into trust for the Tribe. This action by the Interior Department has been held up needlessly in the Federal court system, although the only decisions so far have been held in favor of the Catawbas. This bill would cut short that process and confirm the ability for the Catawba Indian Nation to move forward with their plans for this piece of land which, I would note again, is most certainly within the borders of their ancestral homelands. This piece of land will be critical in providing economic opportunity for a community that suffers from above-average unemployment and poverty rates. This will enable self-sufficiency and reduce the need for members of the Catawba population to rely on Federal and State governments for basic social services. This step has been many years in the making, and I am glad to have played a small part in getting it done. I would also like to thank our partners in the Senate, Senators Graham, Tillis, and Burr for spearheading this effort in their body. Hopefully, we can get this important piece of legislation to the President's desk in short order. Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in support of this bill. It is bipartisan, it is common sense, and it will very much help the 3,400 members of the Catawba Nation in North and South Carolina live more prosperous lives.

Mr. TIMMONS

Mr. TIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to recognize the Greenville, South Carolina Foothills Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association for their exemplary work to ensure that all of South Carolina's fallen Korean war veterans are never forgotten. In 2016, Congress enacted legislation that authorized the Wall of Remembrance as an addition to the Korean War Memorial, but they didn't fund the project. In response, the Foothills Chapter made it their mission to raise nearly $20,000 to cover the inscription costs of the 55 soldiers from Greenville County who died in combat during America's ``forgotten war.'' After 4 tireless years, the Foothills Chapter recently announced they raised $207,000, which is enough to provide inscriptions, not only for the 55 soldiers from Greenville County, but for all 483 servicemembers from South Carolina who were killed while serving their country in Korea, as well as 93 servicemembers who were captured and held as prisoners of war. Once again, I recognize the Greenville Foothills Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association and, in particular, my friend, former State senator Lewis Vaughn for carrying on the legacy of South Carolinians who made the ultimate sacrifice in Korea.

Mr. TIMMONS

Mr. TIMMONS. Madam Speaker, I want to congratulate Tommy Stevenson on his retirement after 36 years of service to our community. His well- lived life, risk-taking, and hard work paid off, and he achieved the American Dream by establishing the single most iconic restaurant in Greenville. More than a restaurant, Tommy's Country Ham House became the social and political heart of Greenville. There is a saying that ``the road to the White House begins at the Ham House.'' Over the years, generations of aspiring politicians visited Tommy's in the weeks leading up to South Carolina's ``First in the South'' primary. The many signed pictures hanging on the restaurant ``Wall of Fame'' are a testament to the esteem in which he is held by generations of public servants and other luminaries. His service to our community has also extended far beyond the political realm, whether it be feeding the Furman University football team before games or providing generous discounts to our law enforcement community. I would also like to commend Tommy for employing individuals with intellectual disabilities or substance abuse problems, who are often forgotten by society when they need a hand. Tommy treated all of his employees with the same kindness and respect that he showed his own family, and he allowed my staff to establish an ``unofficial'' office at the Ham House to assist countless disabled veterans and widowed constituents in obtaining much-needed Federal benefits. Tommy's giving spirit is truly an inspiration to us all. Although Governor McMaster has already bestowed Tommy with the Order of the Palmetto, our community will never be able to fully thank him for the past 36 years of service to the people of Greenville and the Upstate as a whole. As this chapter of Tommy's incredibly successful business career closes, my wish is that another, equally fulfilling chapter with his wonderful family opens. May God continue to bless him and his.

Mr. TIMMONS

Mr. TIMMONS. Madam Speaker, there are nearly 8 million job openings in the United States right now, yet the Federal Government is currently paying people to stay home instead of going to work. Last year, the government took steps to protect and support the American people during a once-in-a-lifetime global pandemic. It was the right thing to do at the time. Now science tells us that we can resume life as normal. Federal money was able to support workers during the peak of the pandemic, but now the best recovery plan is employment. The answer to our supply chain issues, rising unemployment rate, and inflation is not to continue to throw trillions of dollars at this problem. The real solution is to get people back to work. We need to follow the lead of States, like my home State of South Carolina, and discontinue participation in the Federal unemployment programs. Vaccines are available to anyone who chooses to get one. Let's get back to work.