Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, we need a permanent fix to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, and we need it now. Our enemies will not take a vacation if the Protect America Act is left to expire. Therefore, it is dangerous for American families to let our intelligence-gathering capabilities be limited because of a failure by Congress. We face an enemy well equipped to exploit the technologies of the 21st century for their evil purposes. Our intelligence community knows what it needs to combat that enemy and has told us on countless occasions. Yet the efforts by some to water down a fix to FISA or punish American businesses for cooperating with the government has brought us to another deadline. We face the choice of acting to defend this country or further delaying a fair solution. I hope we take the bipartisan Senate bill and pass this fix immediately. Let's get this done to protect 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. Madam Speaker, yesterday morning a friend and colleague, Representative Tom Lantos, passed away. Throughout his life, Congressman Lantos fought for liberty. As a young man in Hungary during World War II, he opposed the spread of Nazi fascism and survived the Holocaust. During his 27 years in Congress, Congressman Lantos earned a reputation as a leader for human rights and democracy around the world--in particular as the Ranking Member and the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. I had the privilege of working with Chairman Lantos as a fellow member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Together, we were able to strengthen the partnerships between the United States and nations throughout the world. Chairman Lantos brought an unmoving optimism to both his life and his career that served himself and his adopted nation of America well. Tom Lantos was a beloved and respected member of the House of Representatives, and he will be dearly missed. During this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Annette, their two daughters, and his entire family and friends.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, congratulations to President Boris Tadic and the people of Serbia on his re-election as President of the Republic of Serbia. President Boris Tadic has been a strong and vibrant leader for the people of Serbia. He has led his people in their bid to become a member of the European Union because he understands that inclusion in the EU would be a strong step toward growing the Serbian economy and advancing the cause of peace and freedom in the region. The Serbian people have an extraordinary history and culture, and I am hopeful the principles of freedom and democracy embodied by the leadership of President Tadic will continue to thrive. As a proud member of the Serbian Caucus, I look forward to working with my colleagues and our diplomatic partners in Serbia to forge a growing partnership between our two nations. Congratulations to President Tadic and the people of Serbia for building a robust free market democracy which is crucial for our Balkan nations. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th. My deepest sympathies to Annette Lantos, the Lantos family, staff and constituents on the death of Chairman Tom Lantos. He lived to see Hungary, his birthplace, become a thriving free market democracy.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to bring attention to an anomaly in Federal higher education policy that I have been trying to fix. It has been Federal policy for many years to provide incentives to individuals to work in either high-growth professions, high-need areas, or both. These incentives have included a variety of loan forgiveness and loan cancellation programs. In fact, this chamber just created a new program for public sector employees last year. The Federal Perkins Loan Program is a relatively small student loan program targeted at low-income individuals. It provides these individuals with low fixed-rate student loans. Additionally, the Federal Government is willing to cancel these particular loans for borrowers who work in high-growth professions and/or high-needs settings for at least 5 years. Unfortunately, when my office examined the Federal Family Education Loan Program and the Direct Loan Program to see if these programs were treating their borrowers in a similar fashion, we found inconsistencies. One such inconsistency is the fact that individuals who borrow Perkins Loans, obtain a degree in speech-language pathology, and work in a Title I school for 5 years can seek to have a portion of their loan cancelled. The net result is an increase in individuals providing necessary services to children who require specialized care. However, both the FFEL and Direct Loan programs do not treat school- based speech-language pathologists like their special education teacher colleagues with whom they work side-by-side with as they provide valuable education services to children with disabilities. The teachers receive the incentive; the speech-language pathologists do not. Four years after the re-authorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, while we are in the midst of a re- authorization of the No Child Left Behind Act, and while we know how critical the academic performance of children with disabilities affects a school or school district, I think it is unwise and unfair to deprive these children of the opportunity to receive the special education services they need to succeed. I will work with my colleagues on the House Education and Labor Committee and our counterparts in the Senate to try to resolve this matter. I look forward to discusing this matter with them as we proceed to a conference with the Senate.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the City of Berkeley, California, recently disgraced itself by referring to brave marines with slander when the city council voted to tell the Marine Corps to close its recruiting station. As a veteran, as the son-in-law of a veteran, and as the father of four sons in the military, I know firsthand of the education and opportunities provided by military service while promoting freedom. In response to Berkeley, Congressman John Campbell has introduced legislation that would remove $2 million in secret earmarks for the City of Berkeley and instead send the money to the Marines. While I believe wholeheartedly in free speech, we owe respect to the very people who are sacrificing so much to defend our freedoms. I invite the Berkeley City Council to visit Beaufort, South Carolina, home of Parris Island, the naval hospital, and the Marine Corps Air Station to see how our patriotic community supports the brave men and women who serve as proud marines. In conclusion, God bless our troops and the United States Marine Corps, and we will never forget September the 11th.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call on the Democrat majority to pass a permanent fix to our Nation's foreign surveillance law and give our intelligence community the tools they need to protect American families. It has been 6 months since this body passed a temporary patch to the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. If Congress fails to pass a permanent fix, our Nation's intelligence community will once again be limited in their ability to track terrorists and defeat their efforts to murder Americans. In his State of the Union address last night, President Bush reiterated to Members of both parties that the time to act is now. On this most important of issues, we owe it to the American people not to put American families at risk. We can all agree that the safety and well-being of our Nation's families is our utmost priority, so let's work together on an agreement that will ensure that we meet the challenge of defending our Nation for the long term. Our enemies will not hesitate to exploit our intelligence loopholes. It is imperative that we not give them that opportunity. 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, I rise today to thank the bipartisan leadership and the White House for including a bonus depreciation provision in the proposed economic stimulus package. Currently, the package we plan to vote on tomorrow will include a 50 percent bonus depreciation for the first year for certain machinery and equipment purchases. This increase in bonus depreciation was included in the Jobs Tax Relief Act of 2003 and contributed to the productivity of small businesses, a boost in job creation, and a steady rise in the growth of the economy over the last 5 years. This incentive for small businesses enables them to compete with foreign competitors. The best way to weather this current economic storm is to build on the principles that have made our economy the envy of the world. That means lower taxes, less government regulation, and economic incentives for American businesses. We should promote the concept that the people should keep their own money which they know how to spend best as explained by editor Jerry Bellune of the Lexington County Chronicle. 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 the House of Representatives passed unanimously a resolution condemning the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Included in the resolution was a reaffirmation of our commitment to assist Pakistan in the global war on terrorism and to help promote democratic principles there, a cause for which Ms. Bhutto ultimately gave her life. I had the honor with Congressman David Dreier and Congressman Darrell Issa to have breakfast with Ms. Bhutto at her home in Islamabad just 4 weeks prior to her murder. I was tremendously impressed with her passion for the principles of democracy and dedication to seeing democracy spread throughout Pakistan and the region. No doubt, these are principles which her assassins were determined to stop. It is incumbent on us to continue to stand up for the principles Ms. Bhutto championed, to help our partner work toward a more open and democratic Pakistan, and, above all, not to tire in our stopping of the terrorists who wish to stand in the way of free and democratic societies. Stopping terrorists overseas is the best way to protect American families at home. 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, I rise today to recognize the service of Ravdan Bold, Ambassador of Mongolia to the United States. Ambassador Bold is retiring as Mongolia's emissary to the United States, and I want to thank him for his service on behalf of the Mongolian people. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and co-chair of the Mongolia Caucus, I've had the pleasure of getting to know Ambassador Bold over the past few years. During his tenure, America celebrated the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries. He is an honest and capable public servant whose work here in Washington has been vital to the growth of democracy in Mongolia. Mongolia remains a strong and strategic partner of the United States. Mongolian troops proudly serve in Liberia, Afghanistan, Kosovo and Iraq. I'm particularly grateful for Mongolia's continued support of our efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan as the central front in the larger global war on terrorism, and I look forward to working with the future ambassador to strengthen this partnership. I wish Ambassador Bold; his wife, Oyuum; his two daughters, Buyandelger and Buyanjargal, all the best in the years to come. 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 January 2nd of this year, Sergeant Shawn Hill of the South Carolina National Guard's 218th Brigade Combat Team lost his life when his Humvee was struck by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan. The community of Wellford, SC, where Seargent. Hill had been an all-region football player at Byrnes High School and worked as an electrician while serving with the National Guard lost a fine citizen and friend. Sergeant Hill's funeral was attended by almost 700 people who came to honor the life and sacrifice of this brave American. His commander in the field, BG Bob Livingston described Sergeant Hill as someone who ``didn't have to go to Afghanistan, but he went because he thought it was the right thing to do.'' He further noted that it was through the courageous and selfless acts of Sergeant Hill and his fellow soldiers that parts of Afghanistan that were once considered lawless had become peaceful and safe for the citizens of Afghanistan. This success is a tribute to his life, a life that General Livingston said had ``made more of a difference than 99 percent of the people will make in their entire lifetime.'' Our thoughts and prayers are with Sergeant Hill's wife, Julie Ann, his children, and all his family, friends, and fellow soldiers of the 218th Combat Brigade during this difficult time. Sergeant Hill's death is a reminder of the tremendous sacrifice so many of our citizen- soldiers make to protect American families. His life was a testament to the strength and selfless dedication so many Americans have for the defense of liberty. We should always remain grateful for their service.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, as a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I note that January 19 will mark the 18th anniversary of an historic and tragic day in the history of the country of Azerbaijan. On the night of January 19, 1990, 26,000 Soviet troops invaded the capital city of Baku and surrounding areas. By the end of the next day, more than 130 people had died, 611 were injured, 841 were arrested and 5 were missing. This event is memorialized as ``Black January,'' and for the citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan this event left an indelible mark on the minds of all citizens. Soviet troops entered Azerbaijan under the authority of a state of emergency declared by the USSR Supreme Soviet Presidium and signed by then President Mikhail Gorbachev. In the face of growing unrest among the people of Azerbaijan, a national independence movement which had gained a strong foothold, and emerging democratic groups who were projected to succeed in an upcoming Parliament, the Soviet Union sought to ``restore order'' by indiscriminately firing on those peacefully demonstrating in Baku, including women and children. The protesters were calling for independence from the Soviet Union and the removal of Communist officials. The Soviet incursion in early 1990 was intended to suppress the growing independence movement. Instead, it further incited Azerbaijani nationalism. In the end, Azerbaijan's pro-Moscow regime grew weaker and by 1991, popular pressure led the country to break away from Soviet rule and declare its independence. On August 30, 1991, Azerbaijan's Parliament adopted the Declaration on the Restoration of the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and on October 18, 1991, the Constitutional Act on the State Independence of the Republic of Azerbaijan was approved. November 1991 marked the beginning of international recognition of Azerbaijan's independence. The United States opened an embassy in Baku in March 1992 and remains committed to aiding Azerbaijan in its transition to democracy and its formation of an open market economy. Some historical observers have noted that the violence inflicted on the citizens of Baku may have been intended to send a message to other Soviet republics that similar aspirations of nationalism would not be tolerated. In the wake of this horrific act and inspired by the strength of the Azerbaijani people's belief in the principles of democracy, the Republic of Azerbaijan has maintained its independence for over 16 years, despite lingering economic and social problems from the Soviet era. Today, Azerbaijan has developed into a thriving country with double digit growth, in large part due to a freely elected president and parliament, free market reforms led by the energy sector, and most importantly, no foreign troops on its soil. The road to independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity for the Azerbaijani people has not come without adversity and sacrifice. Even though Azerbaijan thrives today, the people of Azerbaijan recognize those who lost their lives on Black January in 1990 and honor their sacrifice through their commitment to the ideals of democracy. On the anniversary of this terrible tragedy, we who believe in the tenets of freedom and the hope of democracy should recognize the incredible sacrifice made by the people of Azerbaijan and by free people all around the world.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

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

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

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, in conclusion, I urge the strongest consideration of the Wilson/Kline amendment. I would like to point out that it would provide for full implementation of the MINER Act of June 2006. Additionally, it has the provisions, as well explained by Congressman McKeon of California, the provisions and concerns of the late Congressman Charlie Norwood of Georgia, providing for drug testing are included. As I conclude today, I would like to read and summarize an op-ed which was in the Lexington Herald Leader, a McClatchy newspaper. This op-ed was printed on November 26, 2007: ``New mining bill premature.'' The author is Rick Honaker. Professor Honaker is the Mining Foundation's distinguished professor and chairman of the University of Kentucky Department of Mining Engineering. Professor Honaker says, ``Eliminating coal mine accidents is an achievable goal. In recent years we have seen a dramatic decline in fatalities at the Nation's 550 underground mines, though the tragic accident earlier this year at a mine in Utah underscores some of the serious problems we face. ``But Congress has gotten ahead of itself. However well-intentioned, it is considering new legislation before the industry has been able to implement and assess the effectiveness of a major mine safety law passed last year. ``It seems very strange, almost incomprehensible, that a move is afoot in Congress to impose an entirely new set of requirements on coal mine operators and mine inspectors, even before there has been an opportunity to comply with the far-reaching provisions of the MINER Act. It threatens to disrupt the all-important emergency rescue provisions of the law. ``That process will require more work from the coal community, not more laws from Congress. Rather than leap into an abyss with new legislation, let's give mine safety and health experts an opportunity to implement the existing law.'' Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon), the distinguished ranking member of the Education and Labor Committee.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kline), a ranking and valued member of the Education and Labor Committee.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of mine safety and in opposition to this bill. The Wilson/Kline amendment combines the key elements of the Wilson amendment offered in committee with the important safety teams amendment also considered during markup. There is much that we do not know about the tragedy of Crandall Canyon. It would be premature to legislate on many of these issues until the Crandall Canyon investigation is complete. Once the investigation is complete, we can determine if any further initiatives are necessary. It also should be noted that few, if any, of the provisions in the underlying legislation would have had any impact in preventing the accident in Utah this summer. Our amendment would require the Department of Labor to more regularly communicate with the Bureau of Land Management, BLM, regarding safety concerns. Given that personnel from the BLM inspect mines daily, the Mine Safety Health Administration, MSHA, should have the benefit of knowing what BLM is observing and what concerns the agency has regarding safety. Our amendment would also require two studies: one to address deep mine safety, and another to address pillar removal. Regarding deep mining, it is no secret that the mining industry is mining deeper underground. In order to assure that they have the most sophisticated science available to them, a study about the elements of deep mining should be undertaken. It is also important to recognize that deep mining and pillar removal are two separate issues, and our amendment was crafted accordingly to give each issue thorough consideration. Finally, there is great concern about how information during a mine rescue and recovery effort is communicated to the public. Our amendment would create a public relations protocol similar to that used by the National Transportation Safety Board. In this way, all parties to the rescue and recovery effort must clear any information through MSHA before releasing it to the public. This amendment takes the NTSB's well-regarded approach to communications. Before anyone associated with the rescue and recovery effort can make public comments, they must be approved by MSHA. In this way, we can ensure that the families have been fully briefed, that any information given to the media is factual, and that it does not interfere with the ongoing efforts of any future investigation. The S-MINER Act may address some of these issues, but ultimately the underlying bill is not narrowly crafted to focus on the Crandall Canyon tragedy. Instead, it provides for a complete rewrite of a successful law. In addition to these four specific policy opportunities that respond to the tragedy that occurred at the Crandall Canyon mine, our substitute builds on the MINER Act by actively engaging miners in safety teams and implementing substance abuse testing. It is important to note that the MINER Act was the most significant piece of mining legislation passed in 30 years, which was signed into law in 2006. The Wilson/Kline substitute ensures that the MINER Act is not derailed by excessive new regulations. The MINER Act has put in motion regulations, studies, and industry improvements that will be negatively impacted by H.R. 2768. I oppose the S-MINER Act and urge you to vote in favor of the Wilson/Kline substitute. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I thank Congressman McKeon very much for the introduction. I appreciate his leadership on the committee. I speak in opposition to the bill and in favor of mine safety, as fully explained by the Statement of Administration Policy dated January 15, 2008, from the Office of Management and Budget. In 2006, the President signed the Mine Improvement and New Emergency Response, MINER, Act, the most significant mine safety legislation in nearly 30 years. The administration has worked with miners, mine owners, miners' representatives, and other stakeholders in the mining industry to meet the safety improvement goals set forth in the original MINER Act, including issuing regulations to strengthen emergency mine evacuation practices, improve the strength requirements for seals, and increase civil penalties. In addition, on December 26, 2007, the President signed the Omnibus Appropriations Act, which mandates additional rulemaking on belt air and refuge chambers on rigorous timetables. H.R. 2768, the Supplemental Mine Improvement New Emergency Response Act, the S-MINER bill, would place in jeopardy meaningful achievements and efforts currently under way as a result of these measures. In particular, several of the regulatory mandates in the S-MINER bill would weaken several existing regulations and overturn regulatory processes that were required by the MINER Act and are ongoing. These changes would provide no opportunity for stakeholder participation in the regulatory process and would impose burdensome and unrealistic time requirements. The S-MINER bill would also fundamentally change the investigation of mining accidents and jeopardize the ability to hold mine operators accountable for violations of mine safety regulations. For these reasons, the administration strongly opposes House passage of the bill. If H.R. 2768 were presented to the President in its current form, the President's senior advisers would recommend he veto the bill. The S-MINER bill requires new regulations on the strength of mine seals, even though a new emergency temporary standard on mine seals was issued in May 2007 and a final regulation will be issued in February 2008. To reopen this process would cause confusion within the industry and put on hold improvements already being made to underground mine seals. The S-MINER bill would weaken current regulations requiring a mine operator to contact the Mine Safety and Health Administration, MSHA, within 15 minutes of a serious accident by creating a new two-tiered notification system of 15 minutes or 1 hour, depending on the severity of the incident. Of particular concern is a provision requiring the MSHA to adopt the recommended exposure limits issued by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health as permissible exposure limits, PELs. This provision overturns a Federal court decision that requires agencies like the MSHA to perform a risk assessment prior to issuing a PEL. This provision would mandate the adoption of potentially hundreds of PELs without any input from stakeholders and without determination of whether the PEL is economically and technologically feasible. The S-MINER bill would allow a stakeholder to challenge a PEL only after its issuance. This process undermines the rigor of the normal rulemaking process and places the burden of proof of technological and economic feasibility on stakeholders instead of the Department of Labor. The S-MINER bill would potentially quadruple the number of investigations into multi-injury or multifatality accidents by adding a requirement for another investigation by an independent investigative team and by giving the Chemical Safety Board, as well as the Office of the Inspector General within the Department of Labor, the right to investigate mine accidents. These provisions undermine the government's ability to hold accountable mine operators who violate mine safety and health regulations since multiple investigations potentially using different methodologies and reaching different conclusions could prejudice the government's ability to prosecute civil or criminal investigations of mine safety and health standards that contributed to or exacerbated an accident. Current law gives MSHA the sole authority to investigate mine accidents, and when MSHA investigators uncover possible criminal violations, they identify the necessary enforcement action to take against a mine operator and make an appropriate referral to the Department of Justice.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise today to wish a fond farewell to a member of the Second Congressional District staff, Amber McDaniel. A member of our team from the very beginning, Amber served as deputy campaign manager during my 2001 run for Congress, as a field representative and as our office manager. She will be joining Emerging Markets Private Equity Association as their executive assistant. Amber's hard work and dedication have earned her a reputation as someone that is willing to always go that extra mile to get the job done. I have had the privilege of getting to know Amber as someone of immense personal and professional integrity, as well as a dear friend. Her service will be missed. As a 4-year letterman graduate of the University of South Carolina, Amber is the daughter of Pete and Andi Riddell of Westerville, Ohio, and sister of Andrew Riddell and Richard Fleeman. We are all tremendously proud of Amber and wish her the best in the years to come. 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 wish a fond farewell to a member of the Second District staff, George Harper. George has been a member of our team for almost 2 years, and he has brought a strong level of professionalism and personal integrity to the job. I am happy to report that George will not be traveling far as he joins Congressman Jon Porter's office as a legislative assistant. A graduate of the University of Nebraska, George first came to Capitol Hill as a summer intern in the office of Senator Jim DeMint of South Carolina. After serving as a deputy legislative assistant to Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, he joined our office, first as a scheduler and then as legislative correspondent. George's hard work, dedication and pleasant demeanor have made him an invaluable member of our staff as we work hard to address the needs and concerns of the people of the Second Congressional District. Our office will miss George tremendously. And we wish him all the best in all his future endeavors. 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, today America's great ally, the Republic of Korea, elected a new President. To provide congratulations and in recognition of the achievement of President- Elect Lee Myung-bak, I wish to submit the following article from the Associated Press regarding today's presidential election in South Korea. Lee Claims Win in South Korea Election (By Burt Herman) Seoul, South Korea (AP)--Former Hyundai CEO Lee Myung-bak claimed victory Wednesday in South Korea's presidential election, as voters overlooked fraud allegations in hopes he will revive the economy. Lee's two main rivals both conceded defeat after returns and exit polls showed him winning nearly double the votes of his closest competitor. ``Today, the people gave me absolute support. I'm well aware of the people's wishes,'' said Lee, of the conservative Grand National Party. ``I will serve the people in a very humble way. According to the people's wishes, I will save the nation's economy that faces a crisis.'' The National Election Commission said Lee had 48.6 percent of the vote with 98 percent of ballots counted. Liberal Chung Dong-young was a distant second with 26.2 percent. The victory margin was by far the largest in any South Korean presidential election. Lee, a former Seoul mayor who turned 66 on election day, has led the race for months. His victory ends a decade of liberal rule in the South, during which the country embarked on unprecedented reconciliation with rival North Korea that has led to restored trade and travel across the heavily armed frontier dividing the peninsula. ``I humbly accept the people's choice,'' Chung told reporters late Wednesday. ``I hope (president)-elect Lee Myung-bak will do a good job for the country.'' Candidate Lee Hoi-chang, who was trailing in third with 15.7 percent of the vote, congratulated Lee Myung-bak on his win. ``I hope he would uphold the people's yearning for a change in government and correct what the outgoing government has done wrong in the past,'' he told reporters. The office of liberal President Roh Moo-hyun congratulated Lee. ``We respect the people's choice shown in this election,'' presidential spokesman Cheon Ho-seon said in a statement. Hundreds of supporters watching results on a giant TV in front of the Grand National Party's headquarters burst into song Wednesday evening as returns showed Lee winning. Lee has pledged to take a more critical view of Seoul's engagement with North Korea and seek closer U.S. ties. Efforts to end North Korea's nuclear weapons ambitions stand at a critical juncture, with the communist country set to disclose all its programs for eventual dismantlement by a year-end deadline. State Department spokesman Tom Casey congratulated Lee on his victory. ``We have a long history of cooperation and friendship with South Korea and fully expect that'll continue with this new government,'' he said. ``Certainly, we've got a number of important issues on our bilateral agenda including our mutual cooperation in the six-party talks.''

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I wish to recognize James E. ``Jimmy'' Bristow of West Columbia, South Carolina for his many years of public service to the people of South Carolina and the country, and congratulate him on a successful year of leadership as President of Ruritan National. Ruritan National is a national civic organization made up of 33,000 members with 1,178 clubs in 25 States. Since its founding in 1928, Raritan has built a strong reputation as one of our Nation's leading community service organizations. Under the excellent leadership of Mr. Bristow, Ruritan has continued to grow and make a substantial and positive impact in the community. Mr. Bristow is a graduate of The Citadel with 31 years of experience working with community businesses. He now serves as vice president and resident construction lender for Security Federal Bank. In addition to his work with local businesses, Mr. Bristow is a life-long member of the Mount Hebron United Methodist Church where he has taught Sunday school for 22 years. Over the last decade, he has served as Scoutmaster for Troop 331 of the Indian Waters Council of the Boy Scouts of America. For his years of public service, Mr. Bristow has received numerous honors and recognitions including the Order of the Silver Crescent from South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford--the State's highest honor given for volunteer and community service. I am grateful for Mr. Bristow's service to his community. I want to recognize and thank his wife Fran and their three sons--Jeremy, Andrew, and Ryan--for their years of support, and wish them many more years of happiness.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week the majority forced a vote on a faulty fix to the alternative minimum tax, AMT, that raises taxes elsewhere. Consequently, this bill had no chance of ever becoming law, and everyone knew it. The Senate resoundingly rejected the tax increase legislation the week before and instead passed legislation that offers a clean fix of the AMT. The majority in the House knew this, and yet they chose to pursue a political statement rather than a solution. Instead of getting down to business and working with the Senate, House Republicans and President Bush, the majority leadership in the House has failed to repeal a tax that unnecessarily threatens 23 million Americans. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson has already made it clear that the delay in passing a fix or a complete repeal will cause delays in tax refunds for 50 million Americans. This is the price of inaction. The American people should not have to pay that price. The majority needs to bring a clean AMT fix to the floor, and not another tax increase. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th.