Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlelady from Tennessee (Mrs. Blackburn).

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp).

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. David Davis).

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker I yield 3 minutes to the gentlelady from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert).

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from West Virginia (Mrs. Capito).

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 320 congratulating the University of Tennessee women's basketball team for winning the 2007 NCAA Division I women's basketball championship. I am happy to join my good friend and colleague, Representative Duncan, in honoring this exceptional team and all of its accomplishments, and wish all involved continued success. I ask my colleagues to support this resolution. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 121, which highlights the benefits and importance of school-based music education. I would like to thank the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cooper) and the gentleman from Nevada (Mr. Porter) for their leadership on this issue and for introducing this resolution we are considering today. Research has shown that students' involvement in their school music program is crucial to a complete education. Musical study develops critical thinking and self-discipline skills and improves a child's early cognitive development, basic math and reading abilities, self- esteem, SAT scores, ability to work in teams, spatial reasoning skills, and school attendance. In an analysis by the U.S. Department of Education, data on more than 25,000 secondary school students, researchers found that students who report consistent high levels of involvement in instrumental music over the middle and high school years showed significantly higher levels of mathematics proficiency by grade 12 regardless of a student's socioeconomic status. A 1999 report by the Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse found that individuals who participated in band or orchestra reported the lowest levels of current and lifelong use of tobacco, alcohol and illicit drugs. So it is not surprising that children involved with music education are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college and are less likely to be involved with gangs and substance abuse. In fact, many colleges and universities view participation in the arts and music as a valuable experience that broaden students' understanding and appreciation of the world around them. For these reasons, I support H. Con. Res. 121. The resolution states it is the sense of Congress that music education grounded in rigorous instruction is an important component of a well-rounded academic curriculum, and should be available to every student in every school. Music education is important to our children. It can broaden and strengthen their education and improve their lives. I join my colleagues in commending music educators and organizations across the country for the key roles they play in helping our students succeed in school and throughout life. As former President Gerald Ford said, ``Music education opens the doors that help children pass from school into the world around them, a world of work, culture, intellectual activity and human involvement. The future of our Nation depends on providing our children with a complete education that includes music.'' I urge my colleagues to support House Con. Res. 121 and music education in our schools. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, this Saturday a sad tragedy occurred during a Blue Angels air show at the Marine Corps Air Station at Beaufort, South Carolina. Toward the end of the show, Blue Angel No. 6, piloted by Lieutenant Commander Kevin Davis of Pittsfield, Massachusetts, crashed. Lieutenant Commander Davis did not survive. Fortunately, there were no other fatalities. Lieutenant Commander Davis was a decorated pilot who joined the Blue Angels in 2005. He served in the Navy for 11 years, 8 of them as a fighter pilot. He flew 26 combat missions in Afghanistan and the global war on terrorism. Lieutenant Commander Davis's parents, John and Ann Davis, are residents of Aiken, South Carolina. He has two brothers, Christian and Phil. The Blue Angels are an elite team of fighter pilots to fly F/A-18s in air shows around the country. Because of their high skill level, their courage and intense practices, accidents such as this Saturday's are uncommon. The thoughts and prayers of my wife, Roxanne, and I are with the Davis family. Americans will always cherish the service of Lieutenant Commander Kevin Davis for our Nation. 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, I yield myself such time as I may consume. According to the United States Department of Health and Human Services, there are over 500,000 children in foster care homes around the country. I am proud to support legislation recognizing the dedicated efforts put forth by foster parents. These men and women open up their homes and their hearts to these youths by providing them with a stable, caring environment for months and, in some cases, years. H. Res. 179 establishes a National Foster Parents Day to praise their contributions to society. These parents provide a vital role in the welfare and upbringing of children who need emotional support, guidance, and mentors. They teach children family values and morals and help them become significant members of society. Foster parents teach these values to help enable children become stable and confident adults. Children being cared for in foster homes can be traced all the way back to biblical times. Foster care became increasingly widespread in the United States when Charles Loring Brace, a minister and director of the New York Children's Aid Society, noticed a large number of homeless immigrant children in New York. In 1953, Brace came up with a plan to provide them homes by advertising for families in other areas of the United States who were willing to take them in. While many of these children were often indentured, Brace's movement is the origin of today's foster care program. Today, foster parents and families provide a safe and nurturing temporary home for children living in unstable conditions. There they can learn and grow until they have the opportunity to return living with their family. Foster parents are crucial towards ending the vicious cycle of neglect and child abuse that endanger children's lives. This resolution also calls on the President to issue a proclamation bringing greater awareness to foster care through various ceremonies, activities, and programs. These events educate communities and demonstrate support for foster parents who devote their lives lending a hand to children in need. Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to join me to support this resolution. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I have no other speakers at the moment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. I thank the gentleman, but we have no further speakers at this time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, for weeks the House has debated our strategy in Iraq and continued funding for the war. In the midst of this debate, the Democratic leadership adjourned for a 2-week spring break. Even today, we appear no closer to a solution that will support our mission and our troops and sustain an effective foreign policy. The Democrat leadership of both Chambers has indicated its desire to move their message of defeat. Fortunately, President Bush is standing by his commitment to veto the bill and promote our mission for victory in Iraq, to protect American families. Al Qaeda has stated Iraq is the central front in the war on terrorism. Osama bin Laden has characterized Iraq as the ``third world war.'' Withdrawing from Iraq will not end the global war on terrorism. I have confidence in our military leaders, who should not be micromanaged by Congress. Yesterday, Admiral William Fallon testified effectively that the new reinforcement course in Baghdad is producing positive results. We will face the terrorists overseas or again in the streets of America. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I had the honor 2 weeks ago of joining Congressman Solomon Ortiz for a codel across the Far East. We were privileged to meet with officials in Guam, U.S.A.; China; South Korea; and Vietnam. Having visited most of those capitals before, this most recent trip reaffirmed my hope for the future. This extraordinarily fast growing region presents great opportunity for growing friendships for America. In Korea and Guam, where America begins its day, we visited our servicemembers who are an inspiration of dedication, providing front line security for American families. In Vietnam and China, we saw dynamic developing free-market economies. Amazingly, Vietnam has become one of the fastest growing modern economies on Earth, and its number one trading partner is America. I am confident that phenomenal economic transformation can lead to expanded freedoms for the people of Vietnam and China. In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11. Our prayers are with Virginia Tech families.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, South Carolina early today lost a giant in broadcasting with the death of Eugene Klemick, who we all knew as the legendary Gene McKay. Gene began his service in Columbia at WIS Radio. He and fellow radio pioneers, Dave Wright, Bill Benton/and Dennis Waldrop, purchased WSCQ- FM in 1976, where Gene, along with co-hosts Dave Wright and Bill Benton, began to cheerfully wake up the Midlands with ``Good Morning Columbia.'' Following the sale of WSCQ-FM in 1997, Gene continued his early morning ``Good Morning Columbia'' radio show at WISW-AM with co- hosts Bill Benton and Doug Enlow. Gene had a keen insight which produced an instant humorous wit with profound political beliefs and a great love of America. He was a devoted family man and patriot who helped Midlands residents begin each day with cheer. He was a proud Polish-American from Chicago who became beloved in South Carolina. As an admirer and friend, our family extends our sympathy to Roni, Katherine, his extraordinary co-workers, and countless friends.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, 20 years ago Brent Bozell, armed with a handful of employees, a black and white TV and a rented computer, set up shop for what is now the acclaimed Media Research Center. Believing that an overwhelming percentage of news media exhibit a distinct liberal slant, Bozell intended to document and prove the bias existed. Bozell created a news-tracking system that provides comprehensive analysis based on scientific research. From its humble beginnings, the Media Research Center has grown to be the Nation's largest news monitoring operation, employing 60 staffers with a $6 million annual budget. Bozell, his employees, and their compatriots will celebrate 20 years of success tonight at the company's annual gala. As a former reporter, I congratulate them for their success; and while I remain hopeful liberal bias in the media will dissipate, I am proud the Media Research Center will be on watch until it happens. 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, what can brown do for you? You may be familiar with this phrase because it is the new UPS advertising slogan. During the past 100 years, UPS has done much for American workers and the American economy. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, UPS employs more than 427,000 people and is the world's largest package delivery company. It is incredible to know that this global behemoth began in Seattle, Washington, as a messenger service by a 19-year-old teenager who borrowed $100. Throughout 2007, UPS is celebrating its milestone 100th birthday by hosting employee events around the world. The celebration in more than 55 U.S. cities will revolve around the arrival of a mobile centennial exhibit. I was pleased South Carolina's Second Congressional District had the opportunity to participate in UPS's success when the birthday celebration came to the Midlands, and Rich McArdle was introduced as the new district manager. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I thank Congressman Hunter. I appreciate your service here in Congress, and I appreciate you being the parent of a veteran who has served in Iraq. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 1538, the Wounded Warrior Assistance Act of 2007, a bipartisan bill authored by Chairman Ike Skelton. Our men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces deserve the best medical care we can provide. As a 31-year veteran of the South Carolina Army National Guard, with four sons currently serving in the military, I was greatly concerned when learning of the inadequate living conditions our Nation's wounded veterans have been made to endure at Walter Reed Medical Center. My eldest son served for a year in Iraq and came under enemy fire twice. Had he been injured, I would have expected him to receive top- notch health care which should be provided to every soldier. While Walter Reed is renowned as a world-class facility, recent management neglected to provide adequate care. We have the best military medicine in world history, saving more lives than ever before and providing for the maximum recovery for patients. I know firsthand from Major David Rozelle of the successes at Walter Reed Army Hospital for our amputees, where dedicated staff members are so caringly effective helping our troops recover. In fact, Major Rozelle wrote an excellent book, ``Back in Action,'' the inspiring true story of the first amputee to return to active command in Iraq. I am pleased Congress is coming together to improve the paperwork complications and ensure our military medical system remains the best there is. I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill and provide America's brave, injured warriors the care they so deserve. 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, I rise today in honor of a true public servant of South Carolina's Second Congressional District. David Brown, chief executive officer of Beaufort Memorial Hospital of Beaufort, South Carolina, passed away Monday, March 19, 2007. Brown fell ill last month and was hospitalized at Johns Hopkins University Hospital, where he passed. Brown ably led the hospital during a time of tremendous growth. The facility is now twice the size it was when Brown took over in 1996. During his tenure as CEO, Brown developed a long-term affiliation with Duke University Health System in heart and cancer care. Most recently, he worked with Beaufort to bring additional workforce housing to the area and led the hospital's expansion of services across the Broad River. Brown, son of Emerson M. Brown and the late Winifred Ryan Brown, was born in 1951 in Germany, where his father was assigned as a U.S. foreign service officer. Brown also lived in India, the Netherlands, and Canada and attended high school in Switzerland and in Maine. He earned a bachelor of arts degree in 1974 and a masters of business administration with honors in 1976, both from Boston University. Brown began his career in healthcare in 1976 as assistant executive director of Prince George's County Foundation for Medical Care in Landover, Md., and became executive director within a year. In 1982 he joined the Greater Southeast Community Hospital in Washington as vice president for professional services. Before leaving the Washington area in 1996, Brown became president and CEO of the Greater Southeast Community Hospital Foundation, which operated two hospitals as well as long-term care facilities, home health agencies, pharmacies and other health care-related businesses. Brown is survived by his daughter, Caitlin Ryan Brown; son, Ryan David Brown; father, Emerson Brown of Reed City, Mich.; sister, Catherine W. Brown of Washington; and brother, Christopher G. Brown of Columbus, Ohio.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Democrats are as predictable as the sun: it continues to rise in the east, and they continue to tax and spend. The Democratic budget released last week proposes the largest tax increase in American history: $392.5 billion. Not only does it allow for the expiration of the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts, but it does nothing to control unsustainable entitlement spending. Republicans believe fiscal restraint and pro-growth economic policies will lead to budget surpluses and new jobs. Democrats believe out-of- control government spending should be subsidized with the hard-earned money of American taxpayers. Unfortunately, the Democratic budget continues to squeeze taxpayers' pocketbooks without tightening the belt of Big Government. Such reckless policies will chill our growing economy by reducing job creation. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the supplemental bill is dangerous for our troops and dangerous for America. Defense Secretary Robert Gates restated yesterday to the bipartisan Army Caucus that timetables will stop the military from completing its mission. The Washington Post has criticized the proposal, saying it could lead to massive civilian casualties, to al Qaeda establishing bases to attack America and our allies, and to a regional war of disastrous consequences. Al Qaeda spokesman Zawahiri has identified Iraq and Afghanistan as the central fronts in the global war on terrorism. Bin Laden has specifically referred to Iraq as the ``Third World War.'' As a 31-year veteran with four sons in the military, including one Iraq veteran, I understand the importance of supporting our troops in combat. I hope my colleagues of both parties will join me to support former Vietnam POW Sam Johnson's bill to fully support and fund our men and women in uniform. 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, our men and women in uniform deserve our wholehearted, unequivocal support protecting our freedoms. Our distinguished colleague, former Vietnam POW, Congressman Sam Johnson, has filed a discharge petition to bring to the floor of the House his bill, which declares to the United States Armed Forces that Congress will fully fund and support their mission. Unlike the proposed supplemental bill which undercuts our military, the Johnson legislation provides Members the opportunity to cast a clear vote in support of our troops. As a 31-year veteran and also the father of four sons in the military, including one that served in Iraq, I understand the importance of supporting our troops. Bin Laden and his cohorts are committed to our destruction, declaring the Iraq war as the third world war and the central front in the global war on terrorism. Democrats and Republicans should work together to promote our troops' success to protect American families. 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, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support House Concurrent Resolution 42, a bill to honor a group of servicemembers who are oftentimes forgotten, the glider pilots of the United States Army Air Forces. The United States Army Air Force began training glider pilots in 1942. These exceptional men provided an innovative and silent method of transporting troops and equipment in unarmed gliders during World War II, built of fragile balsa wood. As the son of a member of the Fourteenth Air Force during World War II who served with the Flying Tigers in China, I especially appreciate the courageous airmen. The glider pilots, along with airborne forces, participated in eight successful missions, landing behind enemy lines in their unarmed gliders in Sicily, Normandy, southern France, Holland, Bastogne, Rhine Crossing, Luzon in the Philippines, and Burma. During Operation Husky, which took place in Sicily on July 9, 1943, glider pilots carried British airborne troops, completing their mission despite heavy casualties resulting from landings at sea. In Operation Broadway, which took place in Burma on March 5, 1944, glider pilots took the Japanese completely by surprise; carried troops, airborne engineers and equipment by night; seized and prepared landing strips for forthcoming transport planes; and evacuated the wounded, accomplishing in 2 hours what would have taken 2 months by ambulance. Operation Overlord, D-Day, on June 6, 1944, glider pilots took part in the Battle of Normandy, the largest combined airborne and seaborne invasion in history, carrying troops of the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions and their equipment to landing areas behind enemy lines during the D-Day liberation. Tragically, many heroic glider pilots were killed as the hedgerows of Normandy of D-Day were actually rock walls that instantly destroyed the gliders. A survivor of the glider invasion was the legendary major, J. Strom Thurmond of South Carolina, who was elected to the U.S. Senate, achieving the age of 100 while still in office. During Operation Dragoon, which took place in the coastal area of southern France on August 15, 1944, glider pilots delivered troops and cargo despite wooden poles erected in open fields to impede their landings. Operation Market-Garden, the largest glider operation of World War II, took place in Holland on September 17, 1944. Glider pilots carried their usual cargo of troops and heavy equipment, thereby providing cover for an attempt to clear a road to Berlin. In Operation Repulse, which took place in Bastogne on December 27, 1944, as part of the Battle of the Bulge, glider pilots, although flying directly through enemy fire, were able to land every glider, delivering badly needed ammunition, gasoline and medical supplies that enabled defenders against the German offensive to persevere and secure the ultimate victory. America did not redeploy in the Ardennes offensive, but it stood with resolve for victory. Operation Varsity, which took place at the Rhine crossing in Wesel, Germany, on March 24, 1945, more than 1,300 glider pilots took part in their final European mission, delivering a fatal blow to the Axis forces. The gliders' final, and only, Pacific mission took place in the Philippine island of Luzon, Philippines, on June 23, 1945. In Operation Gypsy Task Force-Appari mission, glider pilots carried members of the 11th Airborne Division. In the words of one pilot, ``Imagine flying a motorless, fabric- covered CG-4A glider, violently bouncing and jerking on a 11/16-inch nylon rope 350 feet back of the C-47 tow plane. You see the nervous glider infantrymen behind you, some vomiting, many in prayer, as you hedge-hop along at tree-top level instinctively jumping up in your seat every time you hear bullets and flak tearing through the glider. You try not to think about the explosives aboard. It's like flying a stick of dynamite through the gates of Hell.'' Madam Speaker, we must not forget the sacrifices these pilots made for the betterment of our country and the world. Let us remember and honor the heroic service and the sacrifices made by the glider pilots. I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 42 and commend Congresswoman McCarthy for her leadership on this issue Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, again I want to congratulate Congresswoman McCarthy for her obvious appreciation of the veterans of World War II, her obvious sincerity for the veterans of World War II. We are so grateful that we have present today veterans who are the greatest generation. With my six visits to Iraq and twice to Afghanistan, I have seen the new greatest generation, and again, I want to congratulate Congresswoman McCarthy for her leadership and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of House Concurrent Resolution 42. Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield back my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, our new strategy in Iraq is working. Just last week, General David Petraeus, commander of the coalition forces in Iraq, gave his first briefing regarding the situation on the ground. Specifically, General Petraeus reported that the Iraqis are fulfilling their obligations, having sent 10 Army brigades and nine police brigades into Baghdad. The Iraqi Government has unshackled U.S. forces, allowing them to target both Shiite and Sunni militias. Numerous weapons reserves have been uncovered, car bomb factories have been destroyed, and top al Qaeda members have been captured. Unfortunately, too many of my colleagues refuse to acknowledge these successes. Some have lost sight of the most important factor, achieving victory. Al Qaeda spokesman Zawahiri has declared Iraq and Afghanistan the central front in the global war on terrorism. As the parent of an Iraqi service veteran, I know we must win to protect American families. 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, as we stand here today, the Iraqi people enjoy a freedom and sense of self-government they were not afforded 4 years ago. Since the United States originally liberated the Iraqis, they have established a democracy, ratified a constitution, and elected a representative government. Such rights were denied under the totalitarian regime of Saddam Hussein. General David Petraeus, the new commander of coalition forces in Iraq, is an expert in fighting insurgencies by murderers who defy laws of war. Our military officials have made necessary adjustments, and we are seeing signs of progress. Cutting funding, limiting reinforcements and setting artificial timetables only serve to undermine this end. Together, as Democrats and Republicans, we must achieve victory in Iraq to achieve victory in the global war on terrorism to protect American families. We must face the terrorists overseas, or we will face them again in the streets of America. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.