Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, the American people are fed up with rising energy prices. They are fed up that the leadership here in Washington does not seem to have the will to step forward and make tough decisions so that we can begin to ease the pain at the pump. I am proud to be working with many of my colleagues in the House of Representatives to try to bring real relief to the American people. In particular, I am proud to be supporting legislation such as the American Energy Independence and Price Reduction Act that would open up a small part of ANWR for energy production and exploration today and use funds obtained through the sale of land leases to invest in alternative energy sources for tomorrow. These plans would adhere to the strictest environmental requirements in our Nation's history. This type of comprehensive approach is direct. It is timely. It is vital to building a stronger strategic energy portfolio. The American people demand and deserve action. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Congress adjourned for Memorial Day having failed to pass an emergency troop funding bill that our military says is vital to successful operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, including pay for our brave men and women in uniform. Because the majority refuses to bring a clean bill to the floor, the military has announced that they will shift funding from one priority to another in order to meet the needs of our troops and civilian military employees. It is disappointing that when our military needs money to protect American families, the majority refuses to appropriate the funding without tying on billions more in unrelated spending. On behalf of my constituents, many of whom serve proudly in the military, we need to work together for a clean emergency supplemental bill to be brought to the floor immediately for consideration. Our Nation is at risk with a delay in military funding, a failure to renew FISA, and limits on our energy independence. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, May 23rd through May 28th has been designated Poppy Week by the American Legion and American Legion Auxiliary of South Carolina. I am grateful to have this opportunity to express my gratitude to the American Legion and to our brave servicemembers they honor this week. The Poppy is the official flower of the American Legion. The flower symbolizes remembrance and serves as a memorial for the brave men and women of our armed forces who have given their lives in defense of this nation and our many freedoms. Since World War I, the Poppy Program has offered direct assistance to our veterans and their families. As this year's Memorial Day approaches, I want to commend the American Legion for their hard work on behalf of our nation's military. The poppies that are distributed by the American Legion do more than just raise awareness. Through their tireless and coordinated efforts, the men and women of the American Legion are able to raise valuable charitable donations that can be used to increase awareness about the needs of our veterans and military families and even directly assist those families and their loved ones who may be disabled or hospitalized. I wish to thank Ms. Ethel Atkins. Poppy Chairman for the American Legion Auxiliary of South Carolina, for her hard work as well as Ms. Dorothy Tunstall, President of the American Legion Auxiliary of South Carolina. I appreciate the success of Past President Willie Wingard of Lexington. Their efforts and the work of all members of the American Legion honor the sacrifice of our brave American soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this majority has accumulated a number of broken promises since taking over the majority, but perhaps the most disappointing and painful for the American people has been their lack of a plan to lower gas prices and help American families. There are very deliberate steps that can be taken in bipartisan cooperation to lower the price of gasoline--investing in local energy exploration, building new refineries, promoting conservation, investing in alternative energy resources like nuclear power that are proven, clean, and cost effective. These steps, some short term, some long term, will give the American people relief at the pump and at the store. And while most agree we should invest in 21st century energy sources, it seems some in this body are adamantly opposed to taking the necessary steps to provide American families relief with the resources we already have here at home. America's blessed with oil and natural gas reserves. We are blessed with the ingenuity and technology to take advantage of our natural resources without damaging the environment. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, on April 10, Mr. Gopal Raju, a pioneer of Indian American Journalism, leader in his community, and founder of the publication India Abroad, News India-Times, and the Indian American Center for Political Awareness (IACPA), passed away at the age of 80. Mr. Raju spent a lifetime supporting the Indian American community and promoting a stronger relationship between India and the United States. In particular, the Washington Leadership Program that was formed under the IACPA has allowed nearly two hundred Indian Americans to participate as interns on Capitol Hill--some of whom have even served in the office of the Second Congressional District of South Carolina. Additional achievements include launching the Indian American Foundation (IAF)--which raised millions of dollars for causes in India--and the India Abroad News Service that for over 20 years has been a vital channel for information sharing between the United States and India. Most recently, Mr. Raju was the editor and publisher of News India-Times, Gujarat Times, and Desi Talk. A man of passion and committed to the needs of his community and his people, Mr. Raju received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor which is given to immigrants for their contributions to the United States, the 2000 Asia Society's Leadership Award, the 2006 Taraknath Das Foundation award, and in 2007 he was recognized by India with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman award. A memorial service for Mr. Gopal Raju was held on May 17th at the Maharaja Hall in Royal Albert's Palace in Fords, New Jersey. It was organized by India Abroad and the South Asian Journalists Association. I was honored to have met this incredible individual. I know his humility and selfless contribution to the lives of the millions his programs and publications touched will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Raju's family and the entire Indian American community.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, today, May 21, is being designated as the International Day of Solidarity with the people of Cuba. On this day we recognize the plight of political prisoners in Cuba and the threats to human rights that still exist in that nation. For almost 50 years, Fidel Castro ruled Cuba with an iron-fist. While he recently stepped down as President, the Communist dictatorship he headed still remains under his brother Raul, The stranglehold this regime has upon its people, its economy, and many facets of daily life is unacceptable. This form of oppression stifles the human spirit and denies progress and prosperity. On this date, the international community should speak with one voice to the people of Cuba that we understand their struggle. As a Nation built upon the foundation of freedom from tyranny, the United States must continue to lead the way in bringing democracy and freedom to the people of Cuba.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last Saturday I had the honor of attending a memorial service celebrating the life of Sergeant First Class George Walter Koon. Sergeant Koon was a soldier of the United States Army Infantry during the Korean War. He was a POW murdered while in captivity in 1951, but his body remained unrecovered for over half a century. It was not until recently that the hard work of his family and the Department of Defense helped positively identify Sergeant Koon and return him from North Korea to his family in Leesville, South Carolina. The life and story of Sergeant Koon is an example of tremendous courage and commitment. His brother Reverend Carl Koon correctly stated that ``freedom isn't cheap and it isn't free.'' His sacrifice and that of his fellow American soldiers will never be forgotten to liberate dozens of countries so that more people today live in free market democracy than ever in the history of the world. The memorial service was conducted by Reverend John McKeown and Reverend George A. Koon, nephew namesake of the deceased hero, at the Old Lexington Baptist Church of Leesville. He received full military honors. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on May 14, the National Association of Realtors celebrated 100 years of support to Realtors and the communities in which they serve. The NAR consists of 1.3 million members from around the country who are working together to promote positive and ethical service to Americans looking to sell or purchase a home. They are an advocate for homeownership, sound housing policies, and property rights. As a former real estate attorney, I have worked with the Realtors for over 25 years, and I know firsthand of their professionalism. Homeownership is part of the foundation of the American dream. It is a sign of success and prosperity for millions of Americans and, most often, the largest investment a family will make. Today, a record of almost 70 percent of Americans own their own homes. This is a testament to the excellence efforts of Realtors. I commend the Realtors for their hard work and congratulate them on their anniversary, ably led in South Carolina by Andy Walker as State president and Nick Kremydas as executive director. I'd like to pay a special tribute to Jerry Fowler who was one of our finest Realtors who sadly passed away over the weekend but what a great citizen, and he will always be remembered. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity to state my strong support for this legislation. I am grateful to my colleague Representative Jeff Miller for introducing this bill. The terrorist bombing of the Khobar Towers in 1996 was a vicious attack upon the United States and our allies in Saudi Arabia. It took the lives of 19 brave U.S. servicemembers and hundreds of civilians were injured. This attack was and remains a clear example of the type of enemy we face in the Global War on Terrorism. And so, it is incumbent upon us all to honor the lives of those lost as we comfort the families that were forever changed by this horrible event. As we pause to remember their lives and their sacrifice, we should recommit ourselves to doing all we can to protect Americans--those serving overseas and those here at home. We must be ever vigilant of the enemies we face and resolve to do all that is necessary to defeat terrorism wherever it may be.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, today the House of Representatives will debate an emergency supplemental spending bill meant to provide needed resources to our military. It should only provide money for the brave men and women fighting terrorists in Iraq and Afghanistan to protect American families at home. It is, therefore, disappointing that the supplemental bill crafted by the Democratic leadership contains billions of dollars in nonemergency spending. While there may be components of the bill that should be debated, this is not the time and certainly not the bill to be having those debates while our troops are desperately in need of additional funding. Defense Secretary Robert Gates and our military leadership have told Congress that the money is vital to ensuring our troops have the resources they require to defeat terrorists overseas. Including billions of dollars in unrelated spending is a dangerous impediment. I hope my colleagues will instead support the clean supplemental bill introduced by Representative Jerry Lewis of California. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, it has been 86 days since the Protect America Act expired, and the Democrat leadership refuses to bring a permanent extension to a vote. Our intelligence community has stated unequivocally that our ability to track and spy on potential enemies has been degraded. The Senate passed a fair and commonsense extension to the Protect America Act months ago, and it has received vocal bipartisan support in the House of Representatives. That is why it is particularly disappointing that the Democrat leadership has failed to bring the bill to the floor. They refuse to do so because they know it will pass. For leadership to deny a vote on such an important piece of legislation, because they know it will pass, is an insult to the majority in this House who want to defeat terrorists overseas. With each day, our intelligence community is being told to do their job without the tools and resources we can and should provide for them. This is unacceptable to keep American families at risk. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I am happy to congratulate my longtime friend and former law partner Heath Preston Taylor and his wife Julie Hartley Taylor of Sandy Run, South Carolina, on the birth of their new baby boy. Cooper Addison Taylor was born on April 17, 2008, weighing 6 pounds and 5 ounces. Addison is an old family name. Cooper joins an older brother, Andrew Preston Taylor. He has been born into a loving home where he will be raised by parents who are devoted to his well-being and bright future. I am so excited for this new addition to the Taylor family. I want to congratulate Cooper's grandparents George Preston Taylor and Judy Wilkes Taylor of Sandy Run, South Carolina, and Forrest Andrew Hartley, III, and Barbara Bickford Hartley of Atlanta, Georgia. Great grandmother is Gladys Taylor of Sandy Run, South Carolina. Among the happy aunts and uncles are my former law partner Henry H. Taylor and his wife Molly D. Taylor of West Columbia, South Carolina.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, throughout our history, Americans have risen up to help our troops win wars--from merchants and storekeepers in the Revolutionary War to Rosie the Riveter in World War II. Today, that tradition continues, as average citizens directly support our troops in Iraq and in Afghanistan. A non-profit charity called Troops Need You delivers resources our troops need--from medical supplies and equipment to school supplies and water purification systems, Troops Need You was founded by a military man himself, Major Eric Egland, an intelligence officer and former counter-terrorism operative who has served around the world, including in Afghanistan and Iraq. He knows what it takes to win. Troops Need You has already mobilized over one thousand Americans, and is based on innovations so effective that they earned not only a partnership with General David Petraeus but even praise from the President of the United States himself. We are at a critical point in Iraq, defeating the terrorists to deny them a safe haven to attack American families and our allies. Success requires more Americans to rise up and help our troops succeed. A great way to do that is through Troops Need You.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, American men and women are on the front lines of the Global War on Terrorism defeating our enemies abroad so we do not have to face them here at home. Unfortunately, at home, Democrats are threatening to push through an emergency war supplemental spending bill, without committee consideration, that includes unrelated spending. Funding for our troops should be priority number one. However, it is not the time nor the place to add additional spending on top of what our military has requested in an effort to push it through on the coattails of our bravest and brightest. If the majority wishes to increase spending on other programs unrelated to the Global War on Terrorism, then they should bring those requests up under regular order--not hidden in an emergency troop funding bill. As Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen has made it clear, this supplement spending bill is vital to our security. Without passage of the supplemental, our soldiers will stop getting their paychecks and our ability to equip our troops will be undermined. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I wish to express my strong support for the Copper-Base Casting Technology Program, C-BCT, a program of great importance to the people of South Carolina, as well as the men and women serving in the United States military at home and overseas. The C-BCT program is a cooperative relationship between the copper industry and the Department of Defense, working to apply high- performance copper alloys in military applications. Since it's inception in 2004, the C-BCT program has provided multiple, breakthrough technologies for defense and industrial systems that have benefits for all branches of the military. Advances include the design and creation of prototype high-efficiency induction motors using copper rotors. Copper rotors increase motor energy efficiency, lower manufacturing costs due to reductions in overall materials used, increase motor life, and reduce motor weight and size. C-BCT provides the military a technology that has produced crucial advances for the American war-fighter in land base, shipboard, and aerospace applications and has done so in a cost-effective manner. I would like to recognize Daniel Gearing with the Defense Logistics Agency, DLA, for his support and oversight of the launching of C-BCT. In addition, Victor Champagne with the Army Research Lab, ARL, has begun advanced work to apply C-BCT in applications that advance the defense community requirements. The applications are driven by the need for higher efficiency, lighter weight, lower cost, environmentally friendly, and more reliable materials. Reduced weight, in particular, is a common goal for all weapon systems and logistics support items. With DLA and ARL's commitment to continue the success of C-BCT, advances to date may soon be brought to our service men and women serving overseas. Together with the Copper Development Association and the Advanced Technology Institute, these organizations are working to demonstrate and evaluate copper's ultimate potential for our military. I recognize the crucial benefits that C-BCT offers both the domestic copper industry and the U.S. armed services as well as the successes of the current program and the critical nature of copper in most military applications.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, Americans are paying the price at the pump for the inaction of this majority. Democrats promised the American people 2 years ago last week that they had a plan to address rising gas prices. It appears that plan was nothing more than election year politics. That's a shame because right now, Americans are paying nearly $4 a gallon for gas. The effect of these rising prices is felt not just when we fill up our tank. We see the rising prices at the grocery store because our food is shipped in trucks all across this country. The American people do not expect a quick fix, but they do expect us to work toward energy independence rather than simply pointing fingers and blame. We live in a global market and many nations are competing for oil. Let's start by promoting American alternative energy. Let's invest in American oil. Let's advance American energy exploration. The co-ops of America, led by National President Jack Wolfe, are leading the way. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Chairman, I do urge my colleagues to support the amendment. The amendment is really, I believe, quite simple. It provides for a sequence of investigation, development of regulations, and promoting safety in the workplace. I urge a positive vote on the amendment this evening. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. While I share the majority's commitment to ensuring workplace safety, I believe the underlying bill fails to provide for the most effective means to ensure that safety. Currently, there are several initiatives concerning dust under way at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA. Since October, the agency has implemented a combustible dust National Emphasis Program. This agency has sent high hazard alert letters to over 30,000 businesses emphasizing the need to prevent dust from accumulating. Most importantly, OSHA is in the midst of the investigation of the February disaster at the Imperial Sugar refinery. The Imperial Sugar refinery in Georgia is located in a community adjacent to the Second Congressional District of South Carolina, which I have the honor to represent. Instead of undermining the progress of existing combustible dust safety efforts, this substitute requires the Department of Labor to gather all necessary information about the Imperial refinery explosion specifically, as well as the broader dust hazard being examined through the National Emphasis Program. Once that information has been gathered and analyzed, the Secretary of Labor will be able to determine whether and what type of combustible dust standard is necessary. Should the Secretary determine that existing safety requirements can effectively protect against the combustible dust hazard, the Secretary will be required to report to Congress as to why no new regulatory framework is necessary. But if the National Emphasis Program and the results of the Imperial refinery investigation show that additional guidance and regulation are needed, this substitute requires OSHA to complete a rigorous regulatory process that includes all relevant stakeholders within a fixed time frame. Our amendment will allow for the regulation to be completed expeditiously and thoroughly without circumventing the Occupational Safety and Health Act, the Regulatory Flexibility Act, the Administrative Procedures Act and other laws and regulations that ensure effective Federal regulations. We have heard concerns from OSHA that the underlying bill will be difficult to comply with and difficult to enforce. This leaves workers at risk. I have trust in my constituent, Monty Felix of Sandy Run, South Carolina, who is the National President of the American Composites Manufacturers Association, to promote safety. We need the expertise of successful manufacturers. Our goal today should be to move forward with the most effective strategy to ensure a safe workplace. I believe this substitute achieves that goal, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this substitute. I yield at this time to the ranking member from California (Mr. McKeon).

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Chairman, indeed, I would like to commend Chairman Miller and Congressman Barrow. I know that the intent is very positive to address a terrible tragedy that occurred in February at Port Wentworth with the Imperial refinery explosion. I do want to point out that it has been stated that we do not have sufficient regulations relative to combustible dust, but that there are 17 standards addressing combustible dust which do apply, and would submit these for the Record. Appendix A. Standards Addressing Combustible Dust 1910.272 Grain Handling. 1910.94 Ventilation Standard. 1910.22 Housekeeping. 1910.176 Housekeeping violations in storage areas. 1910.269 Housekeeping violations at coal-handling operations. 1910.132 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). 1910.119 Process Safety Management. 1910.307(b) Electrical Violations 1910.178 Powered Industrial Trucks. 1910.252 Welding, cutting, and brazing. 1910.145 Warning Sign. 1910.1200 Hazard communication violations. Subpart E--Means of Egress 1910.33-37 1910-156-157 Fire protection violations. F1910.263 Bakery equipment violations. 1910. 265 Sawmill violations. 1928 Agriculture. The only provisions discussed in this NEP which may be cited in connection with agricultural operations are the hazard communication standard (see 29 CFR 1928.21) and the general duty clause. Industries in SIC 0723, Crop Preparation Services for Market, Except Cotton Ginning, listed in Appendix D, are engaged in agricultural operations. Additionally, it has been stated that combustible dust maybe doesn't apply to some of the associations that are referenced in the letter that I previously handed in. I would like to point out that in fact it may appear that way, but just a few minutes ago I just met with members of the National Association of Home Builders. I am still a dues-paying member of the Greater Columbia Home Builders Association. And as we were discussing this bill with members who were visiting in my office, they expressed concern that they felt like that this could be negative toward the home building industry. So, indeed, it doesn't appear sometimes that things apply, but they do even where you wouldn't expect it. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Chairman, I have an amendment made in order under the rule.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Chairman, I submit for the Record a letter dated April 29, 2008, from the OSHA Fairness Coalition, which is two dozen industry associations, relative to this issue. OSHA Fairness Coalition, April 29, 2008.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. I would like to introduce appendix D, which are industries which may have combustible dust. And, indeed, Chairman Miller and myself are learning that there is a broad array of industries, dozens of them, that could be impacted by combustible dust and I believe that we are actually helping by bringing this to the attention of the American people.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I wish to recognize the non-governmental organization Severus Worldwide and the work they are doing on behalf of the health and well-being of the Iraqi people through their project, ``Operation Iraqi Healing.'' Prior to the fall of Saddam Hussein's regime, Iraqi citizens suffered from a humanitarian crisis perpetrated by a totalitarian dictatorship focused on preserving power rather than providing for the citizenry. Following the liberation of Iraq, remnants of that broken system and the emergence of destabilizing violence created a scenario where the Iraqi people are in dire need of medical supplies and medical facilities to support a healthy nation. While the American military and our coalition partners have worked hard to help build an infrastructure in the face of ongoing violence, our efforts have been impeded by an enemy that targets Iraqi infrastructure and an Iraqi medical community that has not been fully engaged. Thankfully, private organizations are stepping up and providing invaluable assistance. Severus Worldwide's ``Operation Iraqi Healing'' brings together Iraqi physicians and medical personnel along with civil affairs officers from both the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps to provide the necessary funding and infrastructure to build, staff, and equip hospitals and clinics to serve the people of Iraq. This type of comprehensive strategy is needed, and I am grateful for Severus Worldwide's tremendous efforts on behalf of the Iraqi people. The time to act is now. The success that can be achieved by strengthening the healthcare system of Iraq is two-fold. The people of Iraq will have the tools and resources to treat the sick and wounded. But, just as important, the stability that a strong and growing infrastructure can bring to this nation will be invaluable in helping the young democracy of Iraq flourish. The men and women of Severus Worldwide and the numerous other private and public organizations that have continued to contribute to a stable Iraq should be commended for their compassion.