Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week, General Jack Keane, a retired four-star general and former Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Army, urged the Armed Services Committee to ``find the courage that our troops display so openly, to deserve their honorable and selfless sacrifice, and to not squander their sacrifices and the gains they have made.'' General Keane reviewed that the counteroffensive led by General David Petraeus is reducing sectarian violence. Sunnis are rejecting al Qaeda, and more Iraqis are working with our troops. Osama bin Laden has described Iraq, quote, ``The most important and serious issue today for the whole world is this third world war. It is raging in the land of the two rivers. The world's millstone and pillar is in Baghdad, the capital of the caliphate.'' We must have resolve to stop our enemies and support our brave troops who are fighting to defend our freedom and 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, the final report from the President's bipartisan Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors was released. The main goal for the Commission is to assure that every member of our Armed Forces receives the prompt, exceptional care most are already receiving. Included in these recommendations were prevention and treatment of posttraumatic distress disorder and strengthening VA support for families of the wounded. In addition, a single point of contact for patients and families is crucial so the way toward recovery is simplified. We are striving to ensure that our brave men and women returning from battle are given the best treatment possible. Commission Co-Chair Bob Dole points out that, ``Today, seven out of eight survive, many with injuries that would have been fatal in past wars.'' I am grateful for the medical personnel that are working diligently to make sure our brave troops are receiving the care they deserve. 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, today marks the 100th year of the Boy Scouts. On August 1, 1907, Robert Baden-Powell, along with 20 young men, opened a camp at Brownsea Island, England. Since that day, Scouting has been responsible for inspiring more than 300 million individuals from over 216 countries and territories. The role and mission behind Scouting is to create an education program that promotes common ideals such as loyalty and honor. Scouting has achieved success with dedicated adult volunteers who encourage young people to be constructive citizens. As the grateful father of four Eagle Scouts, encouraged by my wife, Roxanne, I have seen firsthand the positive influence of Scouting. Four years ago today, I participated in my second backpacking trek at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. I wish the Boy Scouts a happy 100th birthday and congratulate them on their 21st World Scout Jamboree. 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 thank the gentleman for yielding. I appreciate your leadership for the people of the United States. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 2831. This legislation is being improperly classified as a narrow bill with limited ramifications, that simply overturns a Supreme Court decision made on May 29, 2007. In actuality, it is one of the most overreaching pieces of wage discrimination legislation that has ever been considered. If enacted, this legislation would make it impossible for businesses to defend themselves against actions that occurred years in the past. We all oppose discrimination. Action against those who discriminate in the workplace should be taken quickly. Current laws ensure that disputes over discrimination are addressed expeditiously and with certainty. This bill would eliminate the 1964 Civil Rights Act statute of limitations governing the time within which a party must make a pay discrimination claim, currently 180 days or 300 days, depending on the State of employment. As an inactive attorney and a person who practiced for 25 years and the proud father of an attorney, who appreciates the legal profession, I believe a statute of limitation serves many purposes. It encourages the timely filing of claims, helps prevent the filing of stale claims, and, most importantly, protects against abuse of the legal system. Cases should be brought to court as soon as possible after an incident occurs to guarantee memories are fresh and witnesses are available to testify. In the absence of a statute of limitation, a worker or retiree could sue for pay discrimination resulting from an alleged discriminatory act that might have occurred 5, 10, 20 or even 30 years earlier. This same worker or retiree could seek damages against a company run by employees and administrators that had nothing to do with the initial act of alleged discrimination that occurred dozens of years ago. I am grateful for the leadership of the Education and Labor Committee ranking member Buck McKeon on this issue. I urge my colleagues to oppose this flawed legislation

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this week history was made in India. Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil was elected President. On July 25 she became the first woman to serve as head of state, now serving as India's 12th President. Mrs. Patil was born in 1934 in the western state of Maharashtra and has a distinguished record of public service. Joining the Congress Party in the early 1960s, she spent over two decades in the state legislature. She then went on to participate in national politics and served in both the lower and upper chambers of India's national parliament. In 2004 Mrs. Patil became the first woman governor of Rajasthan. Congratulations, President Patil, for continued success leading 1 billion citizens. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and co-Chair of the India Caucus, I welcome this achievement. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and President George Bush have developed a strategic partnership between India and America. Friendship between the world's largest democracy and the world's oldest democracy have never been better. The future is bright for both India and America. 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, some Members of Congress are proposing legislation that would attempt to develop a new military strategy for our troops in Iraq. This meddling by politicians ties the hands of our capable military. We should trust in the leadership of GEN David Petraeus and not second-guess his efforts to protect American families. Senator Joe Lieberman, former Democratic Vice Presidential candidate, recently said, ``The fanatics . . . who exhort the tens of thousands to shout `Death to America' . . . don't distinguish between Republicans and Democrats . . . and we should have the common sense, let alone the sense of responsibility to our country, to come together to defend our Nation against those who want to destroy us.'' Failing to secure Iraq will provide a fertile ground for terrorist safe havens, threatening America and our allies. Osama bin Laden and Zawahiri have both stated that Iraq is a central front in the global war on terror. We must stop the terrorists overseas and not face them again in the streets of America. 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, after serving nearly 8 years in a Libyan prison, five Bulgarian nurses yesterday were joyously released home to Sofia, Bulgaria, escorted by Cecilia Sarkozy, wife of the President of France, America's first ally. These nurses and a Palestinian doctor were sadly sentenced to life in prison for allegedly contaminating children with the AIDS virus. This successful outcome could not have been achieved without the diligent efforts of the state of Qatar; the European Union; and the President of the French Republic, Nicolas Sarkozy. I commend their efforts to reach a peaceful result with Libya. This is positive for the people of Libya and the people of Bulgaria. This is a crucial achievement of extraordinary advances for North Africa and Southeast Europe, who will be partners with America. As the co-Chair of the Congressional Bulgaria Caucus along with Congresswoman Tauscher of California, it is my privilege to work with Ambassador Elena Poptodorova. God bless the nurses of Bulgaria. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th and the terrorist attack on Glasgow Airport.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, last Tuesday the Post and Courier of Charleston, South Carolina, editorialized: ``After more than 5 years of impasse and hostility, the patient multinational diplomacy launched by President Bush has borne its first fruit in North Korea. The intricate deal reached last spring for a path to a nuclear- free Korean Peninsula is advancing with the shutdown of a reactor that produces plutonium for the dictatorship's nuclear weapons program. ``It signals that North Korea is committed, so far, to a step-by-step bettering of relations with its neighbors and particularly with the United States. The shutdown was confirmed by the International Atomic Energy Agency.'' In 2003, I participated in a rare delegation visiting Pyongyang, and I am grateful that ``the six-nation framework devised by Mr. Bush and ably hosted by China . . . has led to the current progress.'' I saw firsthand where North Korea can benefit by opening its economy. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th and the Glasgow airport attack.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, all Americans should be grateful that the New York Stock Exchange closed at a record high of 14,000 last Thursday. Students benefit as college endowments grew, reducing tuition costs. Retirees benefit as retirement accounts appreciated. And with increased liquidity, jobs are created for small businesses. The stock market in 5 years has soared 91 percent from the decline caused by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. More than 2 million jobs have been created in the last year, and 8.2 million jobs have been created since the tax relief was initiated in June 2003. This has led to an unemployment rate lower than the average of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. There is record high homeownership. The Republican tax reductions are helping workers. I urge my colleagues to act immediately to make the tax cuts permanent so American workers, not the Federal Government, can continue to decide how to spend their hard-earned money. This proves the point of Jerry Bellune, editor of the Lexington County Chronicle, that the earnings of America's workers belong to the people and are not a handout from the government. 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, I am happy to congratulate Joseph and Kathryn Murray of Alexandria, Virginia, on the birth of their beautiful baby girl. Joella ``Ella'' Gale Murray was born on Thursday, June 21, 2007, at 1:03 pm weighing 7 pounds 4 ounces and measuring 19 inches long. Ella has been born into a loving home, where she will be raised by parents who are devoted to her well-being and bright future. Her birth is a blessing.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, congratulations to our troops for capturing the highest ranking Iraqi in al Qaeda's leadership. Mashhadani, known to be the most senior Iraqi in al Qaeda leadership, operated as chief communicator between his terrorists and senior al Qaeda leaders, including bin Laden and Zawahiri. This arrest further confirms the connection between al Qaeda and Iraq and the global terrorism network. I believe this news is significant in proving that the al Qaeda our troops are fighting in Iraq is inseparable in the front on the global war on terrorism. Our troops are fighting to protect American families. Stopping the terrorists in Iraq, which Zawahiri and bin Laden have identified as the central front in the global war on terrorism, is vital to this effort. Our troops' courageous efforts in Iraq are working, and we must support our brave men and women in uniform to defeat this enemy who promotes mass murder. 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, yesterday morning the National Intelligence Estimate report was released outlining threats to the United States over the next several years. I am grateful that since September the 11th counterterrorism efforts have stopped terrorists from additional attacks on American soil. The report confirms that the threat to America is real, and al Qaeda has intensified efforts to attack the United States. I appreciate the brave men and women worldwide in the fight in the global war on terrorism so that we do not face another attack here at home. They are fighting to protect American families, and their presence in Iraq and Afghanistan is vital to this effort which al Qaeda has identified as the central front. The report reiterates the threat to the United States and the significance of our mission in Iraq. We must remain on the offense everywhere and remember that the threat to our Nation is real. Al Qaeda is like a cancer which must be stopped at all sources or it will spread. 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 object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

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. Madam Chairman, I rise today in support of the amendment introduced by my friend Mr. Kline of Minnesota, a dedicated U.S. Marine veteran, which restores much needed funding to the Office of Labor Management Standards (OLMS). I applaud Representative Kline's continued efforts to draw attention and support to this very important issue, and I appreciate his dedicated leadership in this area. This straightforward amendment would add $2 million to the current legislation and restore funding for OLMS to its fiscal year 2007 levels. This addition would also enable the agency to hire 13 full-time employees. The Office of Labor Management Standards plays a vital role in administering and enforcing provisions of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, LMRDA. This bipartisan law was enacted by Congress to ensure standards of democracy and fiscal responsibility in labor organizations representing employees in private industry. When enacting the LMRDA, Congress expressed that union members and the general public would benefit by having access to information about labor unions. As a result, each union subject to LMRDA is required to submit annual financial reports to OLMS. This public accountability is achieved through the filing of LM-2 forms. Millions of working Americans have a portion of their paychecks given to labor organizations, and they deserve to know where their hard-earned money is going. According to a September 2006 Wall Street Journal article, up to 60 percent of labor organizations' budgets are going to PAC contributions and lobbying activities. In one instance, only 36 percent of the funds actually went to representing union members in labor negotiations. There is a high level of demand for this information. In fact, between May 2006 and May 2007, there were 767,908 hits on OLMS's website. That's an average of about 64,000 per month and over 2,100 per day. Again, I am pleased to recognize the important work of the Office of Labor Management Standards, and I urge members to support this amendment.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remind my colleagues that we are engaged in what truly is a global war on terrorism. The war in which we are fighting does not have borders. It is not contained to Iraq and Afghanistan. Again last week the United Kingdom reported that up to eight police officers and several public officials were uncovered with ties to extremist groups, including al Qaeda, who may have also attended terror training camps in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Everyone should be concerned about the recent series of suicide bombings in northwest Pakistan. Al Qaeda has established safe havens in the border areas of Pakistan, a nuclear armed nation. The tribal area of North Waziristan announced on Sunday that they are ending a 10-month ceasefire with the government. These terrorist attacks follow last week's mass murder of police officers in Algeria, and the beheading of 10 Army personnel in the Philippines. Americans must face the threat that modern civilization is under attack worldwide. I am proud of our brave men and women in uniform who fight daily to ensure that American families are protected. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we'll never forget September the 11th.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, America's National Guard is taking a crucial role in the global war on terrorism. They make up a vital part of our deployed forces, serving our country to stop terrorism overseas, protecting American families. I am proud the National Guard exceeded its recruitment goals for the month of June, which reflects the new greatest generation. Through the month of May, the National Guard has 351,400 troops. Numbers have not been this high since November 2001. As a 31-year veteran of the Army National Guard, I understand the importance of their mission as explained by Captain James Smith. I am particularly grateful my former unit, the 218th Brigade, is serving in Afghanistan, where they're actively working to train the Afghani police and army. As the father of four sons in the military, I am grateful for each and every American who decides to serve. Our all-volunteer Armed Forces are making the ultimate sacrifice, and today democracy is more widespread throughout the world than any time in history 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, in the past weeks terrorists with possible al Qaeda ties have attempted car bombings in London. Following these failed attempts, terrorists struck the Glasgow, Scotland airport. This attack by two doctors in a flaming Jeep Cherokee, doctors who have been sworn to protect life, were arrested for attempting mass murder by incineration of innocent civilians. In addition, terrorists held children captive in a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan; and an al Qaeda homicide bomber in Yemen murdered seven Spanish tourists and two Yemeni guides while they were visiting a temple of the ancient Queen of Sheba. Recent events such as this should alert Americans that the global war on terrorism is a worldwide threat and that Iraq and Afghanistan remain the central front of the battle as claimed by bin Laden's spokesman Zawahiri. Instead of practicing party politics, Congress should rely on the leadership of our military leaders such as General David Petraeus. By stopping terrorists overseas, our troops are protecting America's 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. Thank you, Congressman Hunter. Thank you for your leadership on behalf of our troops. And I appreciate that your son, Duncan, Jr., has served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Mr. Speaker, just today we received President Bush's report to Congress on progress in Iraq. I find it sad for American families that on the same day the House is considering legislation that sets arbitrary deadlines and timelines for retreat, the provisions of H.R. 2956 mandate a hasty troop withdrawal starting within 120 days. Additionally, the bill states that this withdrawal would be conducted in a safe and orderly way. Logistically, it would be impossible to remove our troops safely from Iraq in this short time line. Such rapid retreat would embolden the enemy, leaving American forces subject to ambushes, rockets and IED attacks. As a 31-year veteran of the Army National Guard, and as a father of four sons in the military, my oldest an Iraq veteran, I especially understand the threats to our troops. In my seven visits to Iraq and three to Afghanistan, I've been continually inspired by the competence of our military leaders and the dedicated troops. In today's edition of the Washington Post, the lead editorial makes the case against arbitrary withdrawal. It states, ``The generals who have devised a new strategy believe they are making faithful progress. Before Congress begins managing rotation schedules and ordering withdrawals, it should at least give those generals the months they ask for to see whether their strategy can offer some new hope.'' Additionally, al Qaeda has stated that Iraq is the central front in the global war on terrorism. And I believe to withdraw our troops before their mission is complete would invite future attacks at home. The Washington Post editorial states, ``Advocates of withdrawal would like to believe that Afghanistan is now a central front in the war on terror, but Iraq is not; believing that doesn't make sense.'' In conclusion, God bless our troops. We will never forget September the 11th. I urge defeat of H.R. 2956.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 2669 and in support of the McKeon alternative. As the father of three college graduates and a college sophomore, I understand the financial burden higher education poses on families and students. That is why I am proud of Republican efforts, particularly those of Representatives Buck McKeon and Ric Keller to expand college access and increase affordability. As lawmakers, our number one education priority should be to ensure that college is affordable for any student. Unfortunately, H.R. 2669 pits the Federal Family Education Loan program against the Direct Loan Program and creates an imbalance in the student loan industry. Instead of helping students, the Democrat entitlement bill would require student borrowers to pay thousands more for a college education. H.R. 2669 creates nine new entitlement programs, placing the interests of colleges and universities above the needs of low-income students, and does nothing to expand college access and affordability for middle- class families. Congress should not be playing politics with college educations. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the McKeon alternative. 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, during the past week the Midlands of South Carolina was in mourning due to the tragic drowning of Austin Whetsell. On Sunday, July 8, the following tribute was placed in the service program at Lexington Presbyterian Church with the service conducted by Dr. David Sinclair: Austin Pierce Whetsell, born April 1, 1992 died while on a missions trip with his church in Zihuatanejo, Mexico on Sunday, July 1, 2007. Austin was the beloved son of Walter G. Jr. and Kimberly Taylor Whetsell, and the devoted elder brother of Taylor, Trace and Emma Whetsell of Lexington. He was a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. Austin was an alumnus of Heritage Christian Academy and had just finished his first year of home school. He was a diligent student who consistently made straight A's and had recently won Second Place for Biology in a school Science Fair. Although he was an avid reader, Austin also enjoyed being outside boating, swimming and fishing with his family and friends. His great enjoyment of sports began at an early age. He was an avid Gamecocks fan and enjoyed playing baseball, tennis and basketball. Most recently, Austin was selected as an All-Star with the Lexington Dixie Majors. His zeal for doing his best and winning never overshadowed his respect for his opponents and having a godly attitude on the field. Austin was also an apprentice to his father in his political consulting business and was instrumental in implementing various aspects of the family's direct mail business. Austin's life's goal was to live for God and glorify him. This devotion to his family and friends, as well as his commitment to serve in his church gave evidence to his conviction that his life belonged to God. In preparing for this, his first missions trip, Austin had taken Spanish at the Midlands Home School Resource Center. He wrote that his reasons for going on this trip were to serve the Lord, and to show others what it means to truly be a Christian. He finished well and his life gives testimony to Missionary Jim Elliot's quotation ``. . . he is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.''

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, Sunday marked the 80th birthday of James Burroughs Edwards of Mount Pleasant, SC, who was instrumental in the Reagan Revolution which transformed the political system of South Carolina. I learned firsthand his competence and integrity when I served as his assistant to organize the Charleston County Republican Party in 1964, when he selected me for the State Development Board in 1975, when he appointed me Congressional District chair for Gov. Ronald Reagan for President in 1976, and when he asked me to serve as Deputy General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Energy in 1981. I will always be grateful for the positive impact he has had for me, my family, and our region. This appreciation is evidenced by a birthday tribute by Ron Brinson published June 24 in the Post and Courier, of Charleston, SC. [From the Post and Courier, June 24, 2007] Former Governor Should Write a Book That Defines His Legacy (By Ron Brinson) So I'm biased, but the facts speak for themselves. Jim Edwards was a darn good governor and is a genuine public leader with a knack for aligning principles and intellect to the congeniality of a very nice man. Edwards celebrates his 80th birthday today, and, Governor, I have a suggestion, sort of a reverse birthday gift--write us a book. Your career and personal life include notable public achievements. It's a story that offers life-lesson insights about political patriotism and the values of civility. Your memoirs could provide inspiration and encouragement to others who might consider the path you took to public service. It would define your legacy and serve to control the rascals of revisionism in future generations. And if you write it in your usual communicative style, it will be an entertaining read about important stuff with many humorous anecdotes. Please don't leave out the stories about the rock barges and bootleggers. Jim Edwards could write several interesting books that would link his Depression-era childhood, his World War II service as a merchant seaman, his high-achieving college and medical school days, a thriving oral surgery practice, and then a public service career that included some unusual stops and challenges. And, as he would quickly point out, along the way he ``married well,'' and he and Ann Darlington Edwards built a home, restored another and nurtured a comfortable family life with their two children. Edwards assumed personal risks and economic sacrifices when he answered the call of the political stage, and failure at any point would have squandered his sacrifice. In practice, his affability and humanism bracketed a huge intellect and driving determination to accomplish the right objectives the right ways. In political life, Jim Edwards didn't always win, but folks who disagreed with him often walked away wondering why. In the late sixties, he carved time from his busy Charleston practice for leadership roles in the resurging South Carolina Republican Party. He was elected to the state Senate, then in a quirky stream of political drama in 1974, he became South Carolina's first Republican governor since Reconstruction. In 1981, he became U.S. Secretary of Energy and did some heavy lifting--and took some political body blows from The Washington Post--directing President Reagan's ill-fated idea to eliminate the Department of Energy. In 1982, he returned to Charleston and began a 17-year tenure as president of the Medical University of South Carolina. An important chapter in the Edwards book would be his answer to the question, what motivates a highly successful surgeon approaching middle age and with a growing family toward the political arena? Political scientists would be interested and future generations would find his motivations relevant and inspirational. Think about just a few of the possible chapter topics in the Edwards political career. An oral surgeon and raw rookie state senator, he defeated Gen. William Westmoreland in 1974 for the Republican gubernatorial nomination. The drama was only beginning. State Democrats figured Edwards was simply the next token general election candidate. Only 35,000 South Carolinians had voted in the 1974 GOP primary; 341,000 cast ballots in the Democratic primary runoff that nominated Charles ``Pug'' Ravenel. After residency challenges eliminated Ravenel, Dr. Edwards polled 266,100 votes and defeated Rep. William Jennings Bryan Dorn by three percentage points. In a swirl of political theater, Dr. Edwards suddenly became Gov. Edwards. Would Jim Edwards have defeated Ravenel? It's hard to say, but Dr. Edwards polled 79,000 more votes in the general election than Ravenel did when he defeated Dorn in the Democratic runoff. As governor, Edwards and the small handful of Republicans serving in the General Assembly got along well with the Democrats who controlled the legislative process. Maybe they had no choice, but there was a nurtured mutual respect and civility even when their many disagreements were aired. In contrast, these days, it seems, Republicans who control just about every part of state government often have trouble getting along with themselves. In 1975, Gov. Edwards vetoed appropriations for 1,600 new state jobs. Many agencies through their heads and their boards lobbied strongly. The veto was overridden. The nice- man governor struck back and with the support of Democratic Sens. Marion Gressette and Rembert Dennis, and the Budget and Control Board, Edwards pushed legislation that would prohibit state employees to lobby the legislature. Edwards' marketing performance as governor has been grossly under-appreciated. There were many successes, including attracting the Bosch and Michelin operations to South Carolina. Many believe these two industrial giants provided the threshold for the BMW plant in Greer. In 1980, Edwards supported Texan John Connelly for president, then ended up in President Reagan's Cabinet. It seems like the citizen politician had turned master politician. How did that happen? And was Reagan serious about abolishing the Energy Department, and was Budget Director David Stockman really as officious and bull-headed as many working in Washington back then thought? At MUSC from 1982-1999, Edwards presided over dramatic growth. The school's budget increased from $148.3 million to $845.6 million. Dr. Edwards emphasized the school's enterprise operations and the state subsidy dropped from 45 percent in 1982 to 15 percent in 1999. The school's image soared and grant support increased nine-fold. The MUSC Health Services Foundation assets grew from $6.8 million to $152 million. That's impressive management in the dynamic universe of health care. These days Jim Edwards promotes Mitt Romney's presidential campaign and tends to a variety of civic activities. Occasionally, he works from a MUSC office area shared with former Sen. Fritz Hollings. Imagine the fly-on-the-wall entertainment when the governor and senator share their experiences. All that and more would make an excellent book, Governor, and maybe even a good movie. Too bad John Wayne is not available as leading man. But you should be sure to include a mini-chapter about the night you and Mrs. Edwards dined with the Duke. Remember? He didn't eat his asparagus.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, as we approach the Fourth of July, I want to thank our troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and across the world. It is because of their service that we are able to celebrate our freedom. In my seven visits to Iraq and three to Afghanistan, I have seen firsthand the new greatest generation. Our coalition forces are stopping the terrorists overseas to protect American families at home. Osama bin Laden's right-hand man and al Qaeda spokesman Zawahiri has proclaimed that Iraq and Afghanistan are the central fronts in the global war on terrorism. I look forward to honoring the sacrifices of our troops this Fourth of July weekend at the Celebration of Liberty service with Pastor Wendell Estep of First Baptist Church in Columbia. 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, this past weekend I had the opportunity to meet with council president Jim Smith and vice president Ted Brice, as well as other members of the Hilton Head Island Council of the Navy League. The Navy League was formed in 1902 with the objective and purpose of educating and motivating the American people to support our maritime capabilities, services and personnel. One of their main focuses is on maintaining a strong maritime component to our national defense. As a member of the Subcommittee on Sea Power and Expeditionary Forces and a member of the Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus, I have seen firsthand that the decline in our Naval ships is a threat to our national security. In the past 20 years, the U.S. Naval fleet has been cut in half to its lowest numbers since World War I. We need to push to increase our Nation's shipbuilding capability from our current average of six ships a year to a minimum of 10 so that we can be able to meet America's global security needs. 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, yesterday I had the pleasure of joining Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter on tours of the Marine Corps air station at Beaufort and the Marine Corps recruit depot at Parris Island. I was honored to have the Sergeant Major of the Marines Corps, Carlton W. Kent, join us as well. The mission at Parris Island became crystal clear as we had breakfast with the dedicated drill instructors followed by a briefing led by its commanding officer, Brigadier General Paul Lefebvre. It was inspiring to see the determined recruits in action as they practiced firing the SAW M249, learned swimming, and participated in pugle sticks. Lieutenant Colonel William Ferrell welcomed the Secretary to the air station. After visiting with the Secretary and community leaders, I am more confident than ever that the air station is uniquely suited to take on F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. County Council Chairman Weston Newton, Council Military Liaison Skeet Von Harten, Beaufort Mayor Bill Rauch, Port Royal Mayor Sam Murray, along with other chamber and civic leaders expressed support for the Marine and Navy installations. I'd like to thank the Secretary, the Sergeant Major, Lieutenant Phil MacNaughton and their staffs for making this visit so possible. In conclusion, God bless our troops. We will never forget September 11th.