Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, soldiers of the 218th Brigade Combat Team of the South Carolina Army National Guard, under the leadership of Brigadier General Bob Livingston, are successfully returning to South Carolina. For the past year they have been in Afghanistan as part of Task Force Phoenix working to build the Afghan military and police. As a 28-year veteran of the 218th, I know firsthand of their competence and patriotism. These citizen soldiers have built one Afghan military battalion to be fully independent with 13 additional battalions to be operational by this summer. After overhauling the Afghani police forces to eliminate corruption, the 218th helped build an Afghan police force of 79,000. Additionally, the 218th provided humanitarian relief, including the construction of schools, hospitals and roads. They conducted 200 medical assistance missions and delivered 300 tons of food and supplies to the 37,000 Afghans. At this time, we also remember the fallen. Staff Sergeant James D. Bullard, Sergeant Shawn F. Hill and Sergeant Edward O. Philpot lost their lives during the year-long deployment. These patriots gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of American families by defeating terrorists overseas. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th. In addition to the information provided above, the 218th Brigade Combat Team has had extraordinary success in working alongside the Afghan forces. During the past winter--a time when Taliban forces often regroup--soldiers from the 218th, along with Afghan soldiers, stayed in forwarding operating bases around Afghanistan and took the fight to the Taliban. This action kept the enemy from gathering strength. Due to the commitment and professionalism of the men and women of the 218th, the Afghan army now has a reenlistment rate of 55 percent--more than double the 20 percent a year ago. The percentage of Afghan soldiers ready for duty has gone up from 55 percent to 85 percent. Their absent without leave percentage has dropped to eight percent, and they have 29,000 recruits that have completed basic training. The Afghan police continue to grow in size and ability. As a sign of success, this winter the police were able to defend and hold their 364 district centers. This is something they have not been able to accomplish since the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001. I appreciate the above factual information provided by embedded reporter Chuck Crumbo from Kabul, Afghanistan, in The State of Columbia, South Carolina, on April 27, 2008.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the United States Army Reserve. On this date, we should take a moment to honor their proud tradition of service and sacrifice. The Reserve was first established by President Theodore Roosevelt on April 23, 1908, when he signed into law the Medical Reserve Corps. Four years later, the Regular Army Reserve was established, and they have gone on to duty and served in every major conflict operation of the last century. America's Army Reserve has served in both world wars, the Cold War, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and in Iraq and Afghanistan as the central fronts of the global war on terrorism. As a veteran of the Army Reserve, the 460th Replacement Detachment of Florence, South Carolina, and the 815th Personnel Service Company of Orangeburg, South Carolina, I wish to express my immense gratitude for the hard work and dedication of our Reserve soldiers. Our Nation is safer because of their sacrifice. The best way to protect American families is to defeat terrorism overseas. 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, last week, South Carolina honored a favorite son and patriot, Daniel Iradell Ross, Jr., of Blackville, South Carolina. As a World War II veteran of the China-Burma-India Theatre, he championed a strong military to promote peace as State Commander of the American Legion. He courageously worked as a pioneer in the modem Republican Party establishing not only a two-party system in South Carolina but also the rise of Republicans from virtually no elected positions to majority status across the state. In 1970, Mr. Ross chaired the campaign of legendary Greenville advertising executive Jim Henderson for Lieutenant Governor. Mr. Henderson was only the second Republican to run for the position in the 20th century. In 1974, Mr. Ross co-chaired the campaign of oral surgeon Jim Edwards of Mount Pleasant for Governor with Julia Ravenel Dougherty of Charleston and William B. ``Rusty'' DePass, Jr., of Columbia as manager. Governor Edwards became the first Republican governor since 1876. In 1980, as State Party Chairman, Mr. Ross was the Father of the First in the South Republican Presidential Primary. With the leadership of Executive Director Wayne Adams, the primary produced lists of new Republican recruits which fueled the Reagan Revolution with California Governor Ronald Reagan's victory in the primary, victory in the general election, and ultimate victory in the Cold War. The following is the obituary as published by ``The State'', of Columbia, South Carolina on April 17, 2008: Blackville.--Daniel Iradell Ross Jr., 84, died Tuesday, April 15, 2008. Services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 19, 2008, in the Folk Funeral Home Chapel, Williston. Interment will follow in Blackville Cemetery with military honors accorded. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 18 at the funeral home. Memorials may be sent to American Legion Post #91, 5130 Reedy Branch Road, Blackville, SC 29817; Blackville Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 365, Blackville, SC 29817; University Library, Thomas Cooper Library, USC, Columbia, SC 29208; or Ashleigh Place, 4435 Ashleigh Road, Blackville, SC 29817. Born in Blackville, he was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Daniel I Ross Sr. His wife, Jeanniene Prater Ross of Johnsonville, preceded him in death. Ross graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1943 with a degree in geology and later achieved a master's degree from the University of Texas. Ross was a proud American veteran, having honorably served in the U.S. Army during WW II. He was devoted to public service, serving in various political capacities in both local and statewide positions for many years including state commander and state chairman of the Republican Party. He was also campaign chairman for former Governor James B. Edwards. Ross is most remembered for his patriotism, his service to others, and his generous spirit. Survivors include: Helen Halford Barnes Ross, Dawn Ross Hollingsworth, Lauren Hollingsworth, Jessa Hollingsworth, Michael Hollingsworth; stepchildren: Bettis Richister, Charlene Barrett, and Maree Shay; 9 stepgrandchildren, 22 stepgreat-grandchildren, and 6 stepgreat-great-grandchildren.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the Democrat majority in this House has said they have a plan to lower gas prices and help make America more energy independent. Since January 2007, we have seen no plan but we have seen the price of gas go up over $1 per gallon. Our outdated domestic refinery capacity, our dependence on foreign oil, and a growing global demand for oil are responsible for the increase in oil prices. So we need to target those issues. We need to build more refineries in the United States, promote all alternative energy sources, and tap unexplored oil and natural gas reserves, including ANWR. This majority wants to target the American taxpayer and raise taxes on American companies. We need to stop turning our backs on the resources we have here at home and start reinvigorating our energy infrastructure. We need to start investing in American ingenuity and alternative fuels and stop trying to tax our way to energy independence while blaming American companies. 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, this week Silvio Berlusconi has been reelected as Prime Minister of Italy. His coalition won a strong majority in the Italian Parliament. Prime Minister-elect Berlusconi, the conservative leader of the Forza Italia political party and the new People of Freedom party, had been a strong ally of the United States in his previous tenure as Prime Minister. No doubt his reelection will mean a strengthening of our partnership with the people of Italy who have so positively influenced American culture. Berlusconi's election follows a growing line of European leaders, including Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and President Nicolas Sarkozy of France, who have run on a platform of greater support for a strong alliance with America. Additional presidents promoting improved friendship with America have recently been elected in Indonesia, Serbia, Liberia, Peru, Korea and Russia. America has earned admiration of most nations in the world, as identified yesterday by Pope Benedict XVI at the White House as he indicated America is the beacon of liberty and freedom. 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, tomorrow Pope Benedict XVI will make his first papal visit to the United States of America. This is an exciting time for America and the over 64 million American Catholics to celebrate the relationship between our Nation and The Vatican and our continued work towards peace and humanitarian needs around the world. During his trip, the Pope will visit New York City and Washington, D.C., where he will attend Mass at Nationals Park and Yankee Stadium, visit the World Trade Center site, and attend ceremonies and meetings at the White House with President George W. Bush. As an extraordinary sign of respect, the President will welcome the Pope at Andrew's Air Force Base in Maryland and escort him to the White House. Pope Benedict is just the third Pope to visit the United States, and this visit marks the 25th meeting between a sitting President and a Pope. On behalf of the citizens of the Second Congressional District of South Carolina, I welcome Pope Benedict to the United States. I hope his visit will be a positive reminder of the importance of our relationships. In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September the 11th. Welcome Michael McCrory Wilson, who was born on April 11, 2008, at Lexington Medical Center, West Columbia, South Carolina.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, yesterday, General David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker presented their reports to Congress. Their testimonies were professional, fact-driven accounts, and I am extremely grateful for their service. During the hearing, I summarized al Qaeda spokesman Zawahiri, who has outlined his plan for Iraq. The first stage, expel the Americans from Iraq. The second stage, establish authority in Iraq. The third stage, extend the jihad wave to the secular nations neighboring Iraq. And the fourth stage, the clash with Israel and extermination of the people of Israel. Ambassador Crocker acknowledged these goals, but said al Qaeda may not follow this timeline. They may try to attack America as soon as possible. The Ambassador also agreed al Qaeda would not be satisfied with simply the destruction of the people of Israel. We should remember what is at stake in Iraq. A failure in Iraq, a defeat at the hands of these extremists, would mean a failed state, a breeding ground for extremists. It is the scenario we saw in Afghanistan prior to 9/11. 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. Chairman, on rollcall No. 167, I was delayed due to attending the Foreign Affairs Committee hearing for Gen. David Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan Crocker, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, on Monday, funeral services were conducted in the Midlands of South Carolina for two gentlemen who symbolized achieving the ``American Dream'' of extraordinary fulfillment promoting their families. Louis Gonda and E.D. Phillips will always be cherished in our community for their service to others. Louis Gonda was born in Murska-Lobota, Yugoslavia, and immigrated at age four to Cuba. In 1960, he fled with his family to America for freedom, where he established the innovative Fergon Tool & Machine Co. His courage was proven when he was preparing to flee Communist Cuba. He bought multiple suitcases at a local shop, and as he arrived home, the secret police met him to interrogate him about his unusual purchase. The totalitarian enforcers accepted his story that his children were taking a short trip to New York to visit a sick aunt. E.D. Phillips was a proud native of South Carolina and graduate of the University of South Carolina. As an independent entrepreneur, he founded the Phillips Farmer Garden and Phillips Plants at the State Farmers Market. He courageously ran as a pioneer for the State House at the beginning of the new Republican Party in 1968 and 1970. He and his late wife, Emily, were among the founding members of Republican efforts in Richland, Orangeburg, and Lexington Counties providing the foundation for dozens of successful candidates at the county, State, and Federal levels. In 1988, they were Congressional District chairmen for President George H.W. Bush. Both Mr. Gonda and Mr. Phillips were married to active, strong, and supportive wives, who partnered with them to raise outstanding children as loving families. Mr. Gonda is survived by his wife, Nena, who he met when he was 11 and she was 8. Their children are Luis Gonda, Maria Gonda Smoak, Diane Gonda, Frank Gonda, and Rick Gonda. Services were at St. Peter's Catholic Church of Columbia. Mr. Phillips is survived by his children Becky Phillips, Deedie Belangia, Jackie Finch, Hal Phillips, and Steve Phillips. Services were held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Windsor Lake Ward of Columbia.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, this morning I joined many of my colleagues from both political parties with over 400 Iraq and Afghanistan veterans at an event organized by Vets for Freedom. This nonpartisan organization is dedicated to supporting our veterans by achieving victory in the global war on terrorism to protect American families by defeating terrorism overseas. I am proud to stand with these patriotic Americans. Their visit to Washington comes on the eve of General David Petraeus' and Ambassador Ryan Crocker's presentation to the House of their report on Iraq. I hope my colleagues will listen to General Petraeus and Ambassador Crocker with an open mind. As a grateful veteran with two sons who have served in Iraq, I know these two men serve the best interests of our troops and the safety of American families. They deserve attention to what they have to say. The old, failed talking points that ``the war is lost'' or ``so the surge is a failure'' do a disservice to this debate. Those claims have been soundly refuted by the facts on the ground, as I saw last month on my ninth visit to Iraq. Let's be sure our policy going forward is based on the facts. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today has been historic for the Capitol building, in that today we were able, through the Friends of Scotland Caucus, to welcome the First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond. This was a great honor for me because he presented to the Heritage Golf Foundation an authentic golf club from the St. Andrews course. This was presented to the trustees of the Heritage Golf Tournament, the members who were present, John Curry and Bill Miles. And this is in recognition of the strong relationship that we have of the United States, particularly the State of South Carolina and Scotland. We were very pleased that the very first golf course located in North America was in South Carolina. In recognition of this, we have the Heritage Golf Classic which is held every year, April 14, this year, through the 20th, at Hilton Head Island at Sea Pines Golf Course, sponsored by Verizon. Indeed, the money raised for this goes for scholarships for persons in the low country. This has been an exciting time for those of us Scottish heritage. Last night we had a reception with the St. Andrews Society of Washington, recognizing Alex Ferguson, the Speaker of the Scottish Parliament. For me, the week began with a Kirkin' o' the Tartan at the First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina with a program that was hosted by the St. Andrews Society of Columbia. And our church, the First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, is very grateful that our pastor is Dr. Sinclair Ferguson, who is a native and very distinguished son of Scotland.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, right now Americans are feeling the pinch from rising gas prices, health care costs, and food prices. There has been a slowdown in the growth of our economy. In light of this, it seems downright wrong for Congress to be proposing a budget that will raise $683 billion in taxes, the largest tax increase in America's history. This will hit 116 million Americans, while spending billions more on wasteful government spending. American taxpayers will have to foot this bill if we do not stand up and protect their wallets from the Washington tax and spend machine. I support the Republican Study Committee budget, a plan that meets the needs of the American people, balances the Federal budget by 2012, fixes the AMT, addresses the runaway entitlement crisis, and does not raise $1 of taxes on hardworking Americans. At a time when Americans pay too much at the pump, at the store, and at the hospital, it is wrong to ask them to pay more to the government. 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 cousin Elizabeth Hatchell Burt and her husband Travis Ryan Burt of Columbia, South Carolina, on the birth of their new baby girl. Sarah Elizabeth Burt was born on March 31, 2008, weighing 8 pounds and 3 ounces. She has been born into a loving home where she will be raised by parents who are devoted to her well-being and bright future. I am so excited for this new addition to our family. I want to congratulate Sarah's grandparents James Clarence Hatchell, Jr., and Dale Wilson Hatchell of Lexington, SC, and George W. Burt and Ramona L. Burt of Williston, SC. Additionally, I wish to send our best wishes to Sarah's great grandparents Richard Bryan Wilson and Mary Dale Lott Wilson of West Columbia and James C. Hatchell, Sr., of Columbia, as well as Frances Burt of Alabama. On behalf of my wife Roxanne, and our entire family, we want to wish Elizabeth, Travis, and Sarah all the best.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, it's been over 40 days since the Protect America Act expired and our Nation's ability to defend itself was jeopardized. Before Congress left for a 2-week recess, the majority leadership brought a bogus bill to the floor that narrowly passed the House of Representatives, that probably will never see the light of day in the Senate, and most assuredly would be vetoed by the President. They knew this. And yet they chose a flawed piece of legislation over a bipartisan fix to the FISA loophole. There is a bill that has been supported by a bipartisan majority of Senators, including the chairman of the Select Senate Committee on Intelligence, the Department of Justice, the White House, our Intelligence Community, and publicly by Democrats in the House. Rather than take the necessary steps to protect American families by holding a vote on this legislation, the majority leadership has chosen to try and discredit the entire issue and claim that all is well. The American people know better and deserve better. 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. Chairman, the Democrats proposed budget is tax and spend all over again. Instead of preserving tax relief for Americans, the Democrat budget includes a $683 billion tax increase. This is $683 billion dollars the majority plans to take from everyday American, who are already feeling the pinch from rising gas prices, increasing food costs, and credit card debt. These horrendous tax increases are meant to pay for the tens of billions in wasteful, new Federal spending proposed in the Democrat budget. And where is the entitlement reform that we so desperately need to ensure our children and grandchildren are not saddled with the price of our inaction? It is nowhere to be found in the Democrat budget. For a majority leadership that sailed into power under the guise of change, it is terribly obvious that what this budget represents is merely more of the same--more of the same wasteful spending and tax increases to pay for it all. Washington does not have a revenue problem. It has a spending problem. The Democrat budget has got it backwards. 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 recognize Peggy Dodds, a native South Carolinian for her service, loyalty, and dedication upon her retirement from the South Carolina Research Authority, SCRA. Before her commitment to SCRA, Mrs. Dodds worked for Columbia College for 13 years. concluding her tenure as the executive assistant to the president. On its upcoming 25th anniversary, SCRA is looking forward to celebrating its two and a half decades of building and managing multi- organization teams for industry, government, and academia to advance our country's technical competitiveness, During Mrs. Dodds' service to SCRA, she dedicated herself to the premise that SCRA was founded upon-- to more quickly deploy our research successes for practical and competitive uses. This is still the bedrock of the organization across many disciplines, which include: manufacturing, shipbuilding, composites, law enforcement, homeland security, health care, and energy. Mrs. Dodds rose to the position of director of corporate relations and has been an integral contributor, often behind the scenes, to SCRA's many successes. As Bill Maloney, SCRA's CEO and president, has said, ``in a variety of ways and across a variety of programs, Peggy has provided consistently effective interface and execution capabilities on behalf of both the CEO and the entire company, punctuated with a unique signature of polite, pleasant professionalism.'' During Mrs. Dodds' 18 years of service to SCRA, she has skillfully served and admirably performed in her capacity. Mrs. Dodds actively coordinated official business matters with the State's General Assembly and the South Carolina congressional delegation on behalf of SCRA presidents. Other responsibilities included scheduling and interaction with the SCRA trustees and chairman, recording secretary for the company and the All-Associates' meetings, and program management for the South Carolina Nutrition Research Consortium. Mrs. Dodds also assisted program management for SC Launch!, which is working to expand the knowledge economy of South Carolina. Additionally, she has contributed significantly to not only the day-to-day execution, but also the long- term transformation of SCRA. Her integrity is reflected in the thoughts and comments of her peers. Robert Henderson, past president and CEO of SCRA. has remarked that ``she was a great friend and an astounding organizer.'' Another former president and CEO of SCRA, Larry Druffel, says it best with ``Peggy was not only the soul of the organization but she knew the history, the people and most importantly the culture, which she worked to nurture.'' I am grateful for Peggy Dodds' service to the South Carolina Research Authority and her service to the many lives she has helped to improve in the State of South Carolina and the Nation. I know Peggy looks forward to focusing on her lamily and her church as well as traveling with her husband, Dave. I wish her good health and Godspeed for her future.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I wish to recognize Mr. Nick McNair, Jr., who resides in Lexington, SC, on the occasion of his retirement from AgFirst Farm Credit Bank on April 1, 2008. Much of Nick McNair's life and career has been dedicated to agriculture and the cooperative Farm Credit System. His interest began as a child growing up on his family's row crop and livestock farm south of Leary, GA. At a young age, Nick began to appreciate the vital role that agriculture played in his community and in his home State. After receiving his education from Leary Elementary School and Edison High School, Nick pursued his education at Georgia Southern College in Statesboro, GA and graduated in 1967. From 1961 through 1963, Nick supported himself by working at Morris Cattle Company in Leary, GA. He also worked for Arlington Oil Mills, Inc., in Arlington, GA, in their cotton ginning operation. As Nick's interest in agriculture continued to grow, he worked for the Baker and Newton County ASCS offices as a performance reporter during the summers of 1963-1966. In August of 1967, Nick began his career with the Farm Credit System as a fieldman and association appraiser for the Federal Land Bank Association of Camilla in Camilla, GA. Over the next several years, Nick was employed as a vice president with the Northeast Florida Farm Credit Service in Jacksonville, FL and also the FLBA of Dawson, before being selected as President of the FLBA of Ahoskie in Ahoskie, NC, in 1979. In 1982, Nick was employed by the Farm Credit Bank of Columbia, SC, now known as AgFirst Farm Credit Bank. He has served in many capacities including vice president of marketing as well as vice president of legislative and public affairs. In 2001. he was named Distinguished Cooperator of the year by the South Carolina Cooperative Council. He has also served as president of the Friends of Agriculture in South Carolina. I certainly appreciate the outstanding work Nick has done throughout his distinguished career to promote not only cooperative principles but the vital role that agriculture plays in our everyday Iives. I thank his wife. Phyllis, and two daughters, Shonna and Angie, and the entire McNair family for their support of Nick throughout the years. I congratulate Nick on his retirement and thank him sincerely for his many positive contributions to AgFirst and the State of South Carolina.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, today I have introduced a resolution calling on Congress to recognize and embrace the success we have seen on the ground in Iraq and dedicate ourselves to support these efforts in achieving victory. I have visited our troops in Iraq nine times. I have seen firsthand the success of the surge. While meeting with General David Petraeus last week in Baghdad, he reported an over-60 percent reduction in violence, with al Qaeda on the defense in Anbar province. The success our military men and women and people of Iraq have achieved is real. The best way to protect American families is to stop terrorists overseas. The best way to end the war is through victory. We, as representatives of the American people, must put aside politics and recognize what is at stake in Iraq. As my resolution states: ``Congress must support the idea that the war in Iraq is not lost'' and that it ``will do all it can to ensure coalition victory.'' 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, for over 20 days, the majority leadership in this House has refused to bring a permanent fix to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to the floor. Everyone knows that the bill which passed the Senate would pass the House with bipartisan support. Yet, we have seen no action on the part of the majority. We need to send a clear message to our law enforcement, to our military, and to our intelligence community that they will have every lawful resource necessary to do their jobs and to protect American families. We need to send a clear message to our friends and to our enemies that America will do everything possible to stop those who have declared war on all Americans anywhere, anytime. It is misguided to obstruct our ability to track our enemies out of an unfounded fear that our intelligence community has the intent and the time to go spying on everyday Americans. The original FISA law addresses those concerns. This fix to FISA is about tracking potential terrorists overseas and not punishing individuals and businesses that would cooperate with our government. 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, last weekend I was honored to travel with a delegation to visit our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. I am grateful to report that I saw significant success while walking the market district of Haditha in Anbar province, Iraq, to driving across Asadabad, Afghanistan, to see a new bridge under construction. Violence in Iraq has declined by over 60 percent since the beginning of the surge. In Afghanistan I appreciate the success of the 218th Brigade of the South Carolina Army National Guard, led by Brigadier General Bob Livingston, to train Afghani forces to secure their own homeland. The best way to protect American families at home is to stop terrorists overseas. There are many challenges we face both in Iraq and Afghanistan, but the brave men and women fighting on the front lines have done everything we have asked of them. So let's do what they have asked of us. Let them complete the mission, protecting American families. 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, the budget season is upon us. Today, the Budget Committee will meet to mark up the 2009 budget resolution. With a new year and new opportunity, I hope the majority does not resort to the Big Government policies of the past. That means no more tax increases for hardworking Americans. Taxpayers already pay enough out of their pockets to fund the Washington bureaucracy. They should not be asked to fork over more money to subsidize billions of dollars in new wasteful government spending. Republicans and Democrats need to craft a budget that accurately reflects the needs of the American people, honors our obligation to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, and above all, takes a realistic and proactive approach to reining in runaway entitlement spending. Future generations should not be forced to pay the price while the leadership here in Washington refuses to make the tough decisions. 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 rise today to remember a founder of the modem conservative intellectual movement, William F. Buckley, Jr., who passed away yesterday morning. Mr. Buckley was a man of all trades--author, soldier, musician, activist, editor, television personality, among others. Above all, he was a true patriot who believed in the ideals of limited government and the promotion of individual freedoms. Those goals were embodied in his extraordinary publication, National Review, which brought to light the mainstream conservative values that many Americans cherish and upon which our Nation was founded promoting victory in the Cold War. Since high school, I have been an avid reader of National Review. I was inspired not only by the commonsense ideas that Mr. Buckley espoused, but just as much by his passion and dedication to those principles. He brought an uncanny wit and intellectual quality to his speeches and writings which endeared him to many--even those who disagreed with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Buckley family during this time. William F. Buckley, Jr., made a positive difference for America. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, March 1, 2008 marks the 47th anniversary of the Peace Corps. It is only fitting that we pause to congratulate this tremendous organization and all of its volunteers for the incredible work they do on behalf of millions of people around the world. Since 1961, over 190,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have served in 139 countries. As teachers and consultants, they bring a broad range of intellectual acumen to concerns as diverse as business, economic development, health care education, and agricultural improvement. Their dedication speaks to the highest ideals of our Nation; it shows our global neighbors the true face of American compassion and generosity. Currently, there are 18 citizens of the Second Congressional District of South Carolina volunteering their time in countries around the world ranging from Romania to Jamaica: Coy Beale, Christopher Belser, Erin Curtis, Michael Edmonds, Lee Enzastiga, David Hart, Rebecca Hartz, Karla Hoppmann, Amanda Jackson, Danielle Kuczkowski, Lucy Marcil, Ingrid Martens, Cynthia McDonald, Carol Preston, Crystal Reardon, Alexis Serna, Phillip Shealy, and Erin Swails. I am grateful for their service and wish to recognize their tremendous efforts. These leaders and their fellow Peace Corps volunteers deserve our utmost respect. Congratulations to the Peace Corps on its 47th anniversary.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, if at first you don't succeed, try, try again. The Democrats have failed three times to push through their energy tax increase but here it is on the floor again today. When will our neighbors across the aisle realize we cannot tax our way to energy independence? Innovation and competition, the free market forces that have led to extraordinary discovery, do not emerge from tighter bureaucracy and punitive tax policies; yet, the majority still wants to raise taxes on the American people. The truth is that our antiquated domestic refinery capacity, a dependence on foreign oil, and a growing global demand for oil are responsible for the increase in oil prices. Raising taxes on American companies simply punishes American taxpayers by implementing a policy which will raise the price at the pump and hit us all in the wallet. Let's expand our energy development and workable conservation programs, but let's promote innovation, not new taxes. 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, Fidel Castro has stepped down as President and dictator of Cuba and handed over his communist rule to his brother Raul. The news of Castro's resignation was met with cautious optimism by many who see this as an opportunity for the Cuban people to build a new and free society. However, it appears that for now the Castro family elite will continue to reign in a communist state and stifle the voices of reform. Today, political prisoners remain housed in inhumane conditions. The current Cuban legal system that authorizes the arrest of people for the crime of pre-criminal activity must be drastically reformed. The Cuban people deserve to live in a democratic society based on the rule of law that recognizes the rights of its citizens to the freedoms of speech, religion, and association. I am inspired by the phenomenally successful and patriotic Cuban American business leaders in the community I represent, such as Louis and Nena Gonda, who have always kept alive the ideals of a free Cuba to provide opportunity for the people of Cuba. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th.