Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the failure of border security under Biden-Harris has endangered every American family. President Donald Trump and House Republicans will secure the border and restore safety to American families. The final 2024 U.S. Customs and Border Protection report showed that since Biden, up to 16 million illegal aliens have entered America, as cited by Speaker Mike Johnson. Border czar Harris has put Americans at risk by failing to remove 99 percent of illegal aliens released into the United States and allowing 300,000 illegal crossings in December 2023, the highest month in history. There have been 14,000 convicted murderers who entered into the United States. American families have spoken. President Donald Trump has nominated a proven border czar, Tom Homan, to work and serve with Governor Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security. The Homan-Noem team means safety for American families. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Open borders for dictators puts all Americans at risk of more 9/11 attacks imminent, as warned by the FBI. Trump will reinstate existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the irresponsible policies of Biden and Harris have cost American families $13,000 a year. However, with the return of President Donald Trump partnered with Speaker Mike Johnson and Senator leader John Thune, Republicans will drive down prices and increase jobs for American families. Due to Kamalaflation, prices have risen over 20 percent--22 percent in South Carolina alone. Americans are spending more on everyday necessities compared to President Trump just 3 years ago. Eggs are up 69 percent. Gasoline is up 38 percent or more. Baby food and formula is up 31 percent. Chicken is up 25 percent. Leading the Trump-Vance innovations will be the talented Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy co-leading the newly created Department of Government Efficiency. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Open borders for dictators put all Americans at risk of more 9/11 attacks imminent, as warned by the FBI. Trump will reinstate the existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the people spoke and Donald Trump and J.D. Vance achieved the most historic political comeback in American history, while also naming extraordinary patriots to his cabinet: Elise Stefanik as U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Tom Homan as the border czar, Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary, Mike Waltz as National Security Advisor, Lee Zeldin as Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, Governor Mike Huckabee as U.S. Ambassador to Jerusalem, and the extraordinary Susie Wiles as Chief of Staff, working with the deputy chief of staff for policy, Stephen Miller. The Trump mandate is a recognition of his policy achievements, which I submitted to the Congressional Record, January 21, 2021, pages E60- E62, and achievements to the First Lady, Melania Trump, on January 21, 2021, pages E52-E53. As chairman of the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia Subcommittee and chairman of the Helsinki Commission, I especially appreciate Donald Trump, who will achieve peace through strength. Without equivocation, he stood with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, clearly stating Iran must not secure a nuclear weapon, threatening our Arab allies from Kuwait to UAE to Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, along with NATO member Turkiye. Trump stood with Ukraine against war criminal Putin, supplying Volodymyr Zelenskyy Javelin missiles, placing troops in Poland, and stopping the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which financed Putin's murderous atrocities. Trump stood with Taiwan, supplying defensive weapons to deter the Chinese Communist Party from an invasion threatening the Korean and Japanese shipping lanes, along with the shipping capabilities of our great ally, India. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Open borders for dictators put all Americans at risk of more 9/11 attacks imminent as warned by the FBI. Trump will reinstitute existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, congratulations to Speaker Mike Johnson for his achievements of the passage of critical legislation in the House and his leadership in maintaining the Republican majority. ``We flipped blue seats red . . . and we kept this majority,'' said the Speaker today on the Capitol steps with the proven leaders Steve Scalise, Tom Emmer, and Richard Hudson. The Speaker heard from the American people and has given them voice and change that Americans deserve. Families have suffered high prices for everyday items, dangerously open borders, and national security in jeopardy. Speaker Johnson has pledged: ``We are going to raise the America First banner over this place.'' I was grateful in July to be with the Speaker in Milwaukee to lead the applause for his statement of being a Reaganite for peace through strength. In October at Lake Como, Italy, I was there as he represented America so well. Last month at Mar-a-Lago, I was grateful to be present as he confirmed the Trump-Johnson partnership. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Open borders for dictators put all Americans at risk of more 9/11 attacks imminent as warned by the FBI. Trump will reinstitute existing laws to protect American families.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the obituary of George Constantine Shissias clearly presents a loving review of his meaningful achievements for the citizens of the Midlands of South Carolina. In addition to the successes listed, he was a co-founder of the First Tuesday Republican Club of Richland and Lexington Counties, which worked to provide a low-cost Rotary-like opportunity for political involvement. Having lasted for over 50 years, it is now the longest surviving political luncheon in South Carolina. At the memorial service, Governor Henry McMaster provided heartfelt appreciation of the dynamic couple, George and his wife, State Representative June Shissias. The Governor cited the success of electing Charlie Boineau to the State House in August 1961 as the first Republican legislator of the Twentieth Century. This achievement led to now super Republican majorities in the State House and Senate with all statewide offices, and eight of nine Federal offices held by Republicans. The following obituary was published upon his death: George Constantine Shissias, of Columbia, died October 13, 2024. A memorial service will be held at Eastminster Presbyterian Church on Sunday, October 20 at 2:00 pm, with a reception to follow. There will be a private interment at Fort Jackson Military Cemetery. Born in Camden, NJ, to immigrant parents, George graduated from Cornell University in 1957 with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. He served in the Army and was honorably discharged as first lieutenant, having run an Officers Club during his military service where he met his future wife June. In 1959 he began his career in hospitality management by accepting a position as manager of Forest Lake Country Club in Columbia. He held that position for 42 years until his retirement in 2001. George was one of the founders of the Richland County Republican Party. In 1961, George was instrumental in the election of the first Republican candidate to the South Carolina State House of Representatives since Reconstruction. In the early years, victories were few, but George never gave up and worked tirelessly on behalf of Republican candidates to build a two-party system in South Carolina. It was George's grit and determination that contributed to the growth of the Republican Party to dominance in South Carolina, all while managing one of the finest clubs in South Carolina. He was a charter member of the Forest Acres Rotary Club which he served faithfully since 1968. George was born June 20, 1936 in Camden, NJ, to the late Constantine N. Shissias and the late Alexandra (Kazantzis). He is survived by his wife of 63 years June (Strother), brother Nick Shissias and his wife Sophia, and many wonderful nieces and nephews. Surviving also are sons Charles and his wife Marlo Smith, Alexander and his wife Anne (Abercrombie), and beloved grandchildren Hunter Alexander Shissias, Charles Logan Shissias and Janna Shissias. In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to The Tunnels to Towers Foundation or MPN Research Foundation.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, South Carolina will always recognize and cherish the dedicated service of Dr. Barbara Nielsen. She heroically was the first Republican elected State Superintendent in 125 years, in addition to being the first woman. During her service as a member of the State Senate Education Committee, I know of her relentless devotion that all students can achieve. Below is the obituary of the historic Sauls Funeral Home recounting her life of December 2, 1942, to September 3, 2024. She and Dennis are noted for their beautiful Moss Creek home in Bluffton, highlighted by 500-year-old oak trees at the entrance of U.S. Highway 278, which they saved when the highway was widened to eight lanes. Dr. Barbara Nielsen of Hilton Head Island, SC, passed away on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Dr. Nielsen was a shining light in the field of education. Dr. Nielsen believed fiercely in the God-given potential of every student and dedicated her life to equipping them to reach it. She never lost faith in the belief of what a great education can bring. Dr. Barbara Nielsen was the first woman to ever be elected as South Carolina's Superintendent of Education and served two consecutive terms from 1991 to 1999. During her tenure as superintendent, Dr. Nielsen campaigned for significant legislation on education reform. Most noteworthy among these were the state's 1998 Education Accountability Act, the law that made possible the state's first full-day kindergarten program, and the legislation that paved the way for the establishment of charter schools in South Carolina. Prior to her role as superintendent, Dr. Nielsen's career in education spanned three decades as an administrator, an educational consultant, and as a teacher in Louisville, KY and Beaufort, SC. She held a doctorate degree in educational administration and planning and a master's degree in guidance and counseling from the University of Louisville, and an undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton. A multitude of accolades and tributes continue to pour in, reflecting the widespread respect and admiration she garnered over the years. Among her highest awards were The South Carolina Order of the Palmetto, and she was Commissioned as A Kentucky Colonel. Even after her retirement, Dr. Nielsen never ceased her efforts in advocacy for students and teachers alike. In 2023, she notably chaired the state's 17-member Teacher Recruitment and Retention Task Force, a panel dedicated to finding innovative ways to recruit and retain quality educators within the state. Governor Henry McMaster called Nielsen's death ``a profound loss'' for the state and hailed her as ``a true pioneer and an inspiration to many.'' He said, ``Her commitment to modernizing and reforming our education system transformed the lives of thousands upon thousands of our children.'' Her passion and devotion to family were most important to her. She was especially proud of her grandchildren and loved every moment she had with them. Left to cherish our memories of Barbara are her Husband: Dr. Dennis J. Nielsen; her Daughters: Michelle Preli (Evan Sklar) of Brooklyn, NY and Tina Beck (Jamison Beck) of Charleston, SC; her Brothers: Larry Stock (Linn) of Cincinnati, OH, Dennis Stock (Carolyn) of Cincinnati, OH, Tony Stock (Sally) of Cincinnati, OH, and Mike Stock (Becky) of Cincinnati, OH; her Sisters: Judy Forrester of Cincinnati, OH and Patti Reilly (Tim) of Cincinnati, OH, and her Grandchildren: Emmitt Sklar, Ava Sklar, and Jacob Beck. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude's Hospital would be appreciated. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Dr. Barbara Stock (Stock) Nielsen, please visit our Tree Store (https:// www.saulsfh.com/obituary/DrBarbaraNielsen/1068742/memorial- tree).

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, illegal aliens are voting in America. This actually subverts democracy. It is basic that registration confirms citizenship and voting-- confirm photo identification to preserve democracy for all political parties. Elon Musk suggests a leftwing strategy with the lack of citizenship enforcement, saying: ``If Dems win President, House, and Senate . . . they'll grant citizenship to all illegals, and America will become a permanent one-party deep socialist state.'' House Republicans passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act to protect and preserve the right of American citizens to vote. This should not be partisan. The bill requires States to obtain proof of citizenship in person when registering and requires States to remove noncitizens from existing voter rolls, as correctly promoted by President Donald Trump. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. We do not need new border laws. We need to enforce existing laws. Harris shamefully opens the borders for dictators as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent, as repeatedly, sadly, warned by the FBI.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution ensuring accountability in the Biden-Harris administration. Sadly, as a student of history, the Biden-Harris administration's failures in Afghanistan, I believe, have been the most catastrophic ever in American foreign policy and national security. Thirteen Americans were murdered at Abbey Gate, and three Georgia Army reservists were murdered on January 28 of this year, with dozens of Georgia reservists also suffering permanent traumatic brain injury. Americans were left behind. Afghan mothers gave up their babies over the wall so that their children could live in freedom. Patriotic Afghans fell from the planes as the Biden administration deserted the people of Afghanistan. Surrender in Afghanistan, with Afghanistan becoming a safe haven for terrorists, has opened borders for every American family to be at risk of mass murder as we see dictators who have the ability to now come into our country and the potential of mass murder, as has been warned by the FBI. War criminal Putin has been encouraged, as we see dictators, to conduct the mass murder in Ukraine. The Iranian puppets have slaughtered innocent people in Israel. The agreements reached in Doha were conditions based, achieved by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. We had testimony before the Foreign Affairs Committee by General Milley and General McKenzie. They testified that the conditions were broken. They were broken from the beginning, and this certainly gave the opportunity for Biden-Harris to change course and not to be slaves of a particular time. President Donald Trump has affirmed over and over--and I have been with him at different events in the past year--that he would have left a contingent of military allies at Bagram base to deter terrorism worldwide. President Trump would have achieved peace through strength. He would have achieved maintaining the Bagram base so that we would not have it under the control of Taliban terrorists or the Chinese Communist Party. Additionally, I especially appreciate the success of Afghan veterans keeping America safe for 20 years, with my youngest son, Lieutenant Hunter Wilson, serving in Afghanistan for a year as an Army engineer. I appreciate that so much. I am also grateful that my former National Guard unit, the 218th Mechanized Infantry Brigade of the South Carolina Army National Guard, served for a year in Afghanistan. With the leadership of Adjutant General Bob Livingston, they established what they called a brotherhood with their Afghan brothers. They have been heartbroken to know, as Chairman Mike McCaul has so correctly stated, that by abandoning so many people in Afghanistan, they have been executed. We know and hear women can no longer go to school, that they must stay in their homes. I saw with the USAID programs where young girls were being able to go to school, and it was just so inspiring to see this. Now, women are being totally subjugated due to the Taliban, and this must stop. The way to do that is to never have this occur in the future. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of the resolution.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as we approach the anniversary of the passing of the Florence-born Phillip Truluck on October 6, 2022, I am grateful for his contributions to Congress while at the House Republican Study Committee and during his long tenure as the valued leader of the Heritage Foundation. He is missed. The following obituary was published upon his death: A son of South Carolina, Phil was born in Florence, South Carolina, on June 18, 1947 and passed away October 6, 2022. He spent his childhood and teenage years in Lake City, where he attended public schools. His beloved mother, Ethel Mason Truluck, taught him American History and famously refused to grant him the well-deserved annual history award for fear of appearing partial. He later went on to earn a B.S. in Finance at the University of South Carolina. His leadership skills were recognized early and he was elected President of Chi Psi fraternity. Perhaps to make up for the history award, his mother arranged for Phil to go to Washington and work for then Senator Strom Thurmond--as a driver and envelope stuffer. Cream rose to the top and he went on to work in several congressional offices, as Deputy Director of the House Republican Study Committee and, for over 38 years, as a leader of the Heritage Foundation. Along the way, he met, courted and married Ann Wrobleski on January 6, 1979. Mason Martha was born ten years later, followed by twins, Walker Edward and Sutton Arthur. Phil liked to say he went from man to man to zone defense in 30 months. Phil was a born developer--of people and real estate. As Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Phil managed the day-to-day running of Heritage. An astute policy analyst, strategic leader and gifted executive, Phil ensured the rigorous training and intellectual equipping of a generation of conservative leaders as they passed through Heritage's doors. He claimed many scholars, commentators, and members of Congress as former employees and enjoyed pointing out that so and so ``had been at Heritage.'' Heritage was never far from his thoughts. When called for jury duty and asked if he had any connection to law enforcement, he replied that well, actually, (former Attorney General) Ed Meese reported to him. He was quickly dismissed. A frustrated architect and contractor, over the years he initiated and managed the physical transformation of Heritage from a townhouse on Capitol Hill to the block long 250,000 square foot complex in the shadow of the Capitol that it is today. Along the way he realized he loved the challenges of acquisition and renovation. During the years when there was no project at Heritage, he put his skills to work in the Washington residential real estate market. He and Ann moved seven times in 37 years--in contiguous zip codes. Christmas vacations usually required a passport. He believed traveling together was the best present he could give his family--his favorite trip was floating down the Nile in perfect weather on Christmas day. He also traveled the world to attend meetings of the Mont Pelerin Society and for 20 years spent the weekend after New Year's at Sea Island attending The Awakening. The August congressional recess meant several weeks at High Hampton in the western North Carolina mountains. After retirement, he and Ann split their time between beautiful Cashiers, NC, and Charleston, SC. He also took up oil painting, concentrating on landscapes in the mountains and water and marsh scenes from the Low country. He was an easy man to like, with a ready smile and a kind heart. His optimism was contagious and he rarely raised his voice. He was kind, gracious and gentle. His integrity was unquestioned and his word was his bond. He was proud of his children for their accomplishments but principally for their character. While raised a Southern Baptist, he attended Catholic Church with his family every Sunday, believing that a family should worship together. After the children were grown, he found a home in the Episcopal Church and became a member of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Cashiers. He attended Grace Church Cathedral in Charleston. He is survived by his wife, Ann Wrobleski; their children and their spouses Mason (and Hunter), Walker (and Karen), and Sutton (and Ashley); and grandchildren, Halliday and Myers Morris; his sister, Linda (and Ted) and brother, Mason.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize former staff member Beatrice Holding for her service to the citizens of the Second District of South Carolina.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I was otherwise detained seeking medical attention after taking ill. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 412; YEA on Roll Call No. 413; NAY on Roll Call No. 414; YEA on Roll Call No. 415; NAY on Roll Call No. 410; YEA on Roll Call No. 411; and YEA on Roll Call No. 409.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I was otherwise detained seeking medical attention after taking ill. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 416 and YEA on Roll Call No. 417.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on January 28 of this year, three patriotic Americans, Specialist Kennedy Ladon Sanders, Sergeant William Jerome Rivers, and Specialist Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, Georgia Army reservists, were murdered by an Iranian drone attack in Jordan by Iranian puppet Hezbollah. Sadly, on June 27, Biden denied their deaths. On March 13, I sent a letter requesting the level of severity and number of injured in that attack. On July 19, nearly 4 months later by delay, the response was that with these three courageous American reservists from Georgia, an additional 74 servicemembers were injured, including 68 diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries. These deaths must not be forgotten. We must achieve peace through strength, not wars through weakness. In conclusion, God bless our troops who have successfully protected America for 20 years in the global war on terrorism as it moves from the Afghanistan safe haven to America. We don't need new border laws. We need to enforce the existing border laws. Harris shamefully opened the borders for dictators as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent, as repeatedly warned by the FBI. Our sympathy to the family of Dr. Barbara Nielsen, the late State superintendent of education of South Carolina.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the South Carolina Blythewood Coach Pitch All-Stars baseball team for their win of the 2024 South Carolina AA State Championship in Walterboro, South Carolina. The outstanding team of twelve, 7- to 8- year-old boys, are now heading to Orangeburg to represent South Carolina in the Diamond Youth Baseball World Series where they will compete against all-star teams from eleven states across the Southeast. On behalf of all South Carolinians, I would like to congratulate the Blythewood All-Stars on this impressive achievement and wish them the best of luck as they represent Team SC in the World Series. The Blythewood All-Stars team includes players, Wylie Branham, Robert ``Chandler'' Douglass, Colton Hack, Adam ``Graceson'' Holland, Jameson Hubbard, Brody Hughes, Maddox Olver, Reed Peake, Chandler Perry, Declan Schultz, Trenton Wilburn and coaches, Dustin Branham, Ryan Douglass, Matt Hubbard, and Matt Hughes. Their journey began with these twelve young gentlemen being selected out of ninety-five ball players further divided amongst twelve teams in the Blythewood Youth Baseball Softball League. The team has been practicing day in and day out from the time the team was formed up until they went to the South Carolina Diamond Youth Baseball District 4 Tournament in early June. There they went on to score a total of 38 runs, allowing only 7 runs against them, defeating the Midland Coach Pitch All-Stars, Lexington National All-Stars, and Dentsville 8U All- Stars, becoming the District 4 champions. After a well-deserved break, they resumed practice and made the trek to Walterboro, where they played teams from Clinton and Hartsville, outscoring their opponents 27-3 the first day of tournament play. These wins advanced Blythewood through a bye the following day, where they picked right back up the next day playing Hilton Head and Clinton again, outscoring opponents 15-9. With these wins, Blythewood automatically advanced into the championship bracket. However, they fell short in a hard-fought battle with Hilton Head in a historical game that lasted 15 innings, with a score of 3-4. Although, since it was a double-elimination tournament, they were not out, they would face Hilton Head again for a winner-takes-all-game. In true Blythewood fashion, the team fought back hard, took an early lead in the game, and kept the lead to beat Hilton Head 4-2, to become the 2024 South Carolina AA State Champions. This victory of the Blythewood All-Stars Team is well-deserved, and I congratulate the team, coaches, families, and community for all their hard work and support, making the kids' dreams come true.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize Amy Boyette, Director of the Office of External Affairs at the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site, on her retirement after 32 years of federal service with the Site. Her remarkable career at SRS has witnessed many groundbreaking accomplishments in the history of the department, state, and nation that contribute to both our national security and environmental stewardship. From her service as liaison to the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board to managing the U.S. Origin Nuclear Material Removal Program, her journey has been marked by dedication, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to public service. Beyond her professional commitments, Amy's kindness, mentorship, and support for her colleagues and the community have created a legacy that will undoubtedly be an inspiration for many to follow. I know her son, Nick Poston, parents, Milton and Shirley, her colleagues, and the citizens of both South Carolina and Georgia share my appreciation for her contributions to our states and service for Americans. Congratulations to Amy on a truly remarkable career and best wishes on her future success.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, on Friday July 19th, 2024, I was otherwise detained due to the nationwide CrowdStrike/Microsoft Outage and was unable to deliver the commencement address at Southeastern College. The following are the remarks I prepared to share with the graduating students: Campus President Melissa Jackson, esteemed faculty, members of the class of 2024, family members, and distinguished guests, what an honor it is to be with you today. I want to thank President Jackson and Dean Herlene Williams-Ancar for the opportunity to speak to such a remarkable group of men and women. In my role as a U.S. Congressman, I serve as a senior Member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, as well as a member of the Caucus for Career and Technical Education, so I am especially grateful to be here with you today. As a grateful father of four sons, I want to give a special greeting to all the families here today. My wife Roxanne and I have had our fair share of graduations and know firsthand how proud you are of your husbands and wives, sons and daughters, and mothers and fathers. What an exciting time for you. We are here today to congratulate and celebrate the more than 70 members of this years' graduating class, who have put in countless hours of hard work to reach their goals. What an esteemed group of students you are. Your accomplishments speak for themselves, and you deserve recognition for all the hard work you have put in to reach this point. You have sacrificed spending time with your families and given up most of your free time to push yourself and receive the certificate or diploma you are about to be awarded. Each of you has a different story as to how you came to this precise moment. Many of you may not have picked up a textbook in years, yet jumped back into becoming a student, all while managing the other aspects of your life. Whether it be working full-time to provide for yourself and your family or trying your best to be a superstar parent or spouse, you were able to juggle all these responsibilities and receive a degree. Just one of these tasks is a job all in its own, so the dedication to your studies should be celebrated and admired. And your commitment to contributing to our workforce is admirable. As you well know, Southeastern College is a unique and challenging place to learn. The education you have received in the fields of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Medical Assisting, Radiologic Technology, Surgical Technology, Cosmetology, and Professional Clinical Massage Therapy have prepared you for a new professional career ahead. Because of the knowledge you have obtained during your time here, you are now the best equipped to assist within the profession you have chosen to benefit the lives of your neighbors and community. I am sure the hours spent reading quietly alone in a library or surrounded by your noisy family at home have satisfied a thirst you all share for knowledge, and they will serve you as you head on to future endeavors. Your accomplishments have allowed you to be far more knowledgeable and will set you apart from others applying for jobs within your field of choice. In a National Teacher Appreciation Day Proclamation in 1988, former President Ronald Reagan stated that ``Education is a lifelong process that benefits individuals and entire communities and countries and helps lay the foundation of the future.'' Over the course of your life, you have learned countless lessons, many of which have been obtained through reading a textbook, and others from your personal experiences. The need for hard work will always be there and I encourage you to never shy away from a tough challenge. You have shown what you can accomplish when you put your heart and mind to doing something worthwhile. So, each of you should be extremely proud of your accomplishments. You have worked hard to receive a wonderful education, so be confident of your abilities and be optimistic as you meet the future head on. Our society faces many challenges right now, and politics can seem more divided than ever, but I can tell you from my own experience that there is no greater honor than service to your community. I want to thank President Jackson and the faculty again for the honor of being with you today. I want to thank the families and friends for letting me share in the celebration of these graduates. And, of course, I want to thank you, the Class of 2024 for the opportunity to be with you today. I wish you all the best in the years to come. May God Bless.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, during the last three years, Americans have endured the highest inflation in 40 years, costing the average family $13,000 more a year to buy the basics. Under President Donald Trump, inflation was 1.4 percent. Since then, costs have risen over 20 percent. Families saw prices for Fourth of July celebration staples skyrocket: Ground beef was up 23 percent Sodas up 22 percent Hot dogs up 16 percent Ice cream also up 16 percent . . . just to name a few. House Republicans and Donald Trump are committed to stopping reckless spending and restoring fiscal responsibility. Corrupt Judge Merchan has unintentionally re-elected Donald Trump and removed Biden, clearly earning my invitation to the Trump Inauguration. Unethical conduct backfires. In conclusion, God Bless Our Troops as the Global War on Terrorism continues. We do not need new border laws; we need to enforce existing laws. Biden shamefully opens borders for dictators, as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent, as repeatedly warned by the FBI.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize the 100th birthday of Greg Shorey, a patriot who has been so important for families in South Carolina developing the modern two-party system. As South Carolina Republican Party Chairman from 1958 to 1961, he was a courageous pioneer to launch the modern Republican Party. Beginning with the first elected Republican of the Twentieth Century, Charlie Boineau was elected to the State House in August 1961, representing Richland County. Now, Republicans have super majorities in the State House and Senate, all statewide officials are Republicans, and eight of nine federal officials in the U.S. House of Representatives are Republican. Chairman Greg Shorey is a champion for promoting limited government, expanded freedom, and peace through strength as hallmarks for Republican success.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the Republican National Convention Was inspiring for the future of American families with the nomination of Donald Trump and JD Vance. The Trump-Vance ticket has a proven record of creating jobs, limiting inflation, controlling the border, recovering energy independence, and achieving Peace Through Strength. I have attended Republican conventions since being a Youth Delegate in 1972 in Miami Beach. This convention with grandsons Addison, Hunter, and Michael in the aftermath of the miraculous assassination survival was a positive revelation of Donald Trump as the leader American families can trust. Corrupt Judge Merchan has been unanimously condemned for his unethical backfiring and re-electing Trump and now removing Biden. My invitation for Merchan to be my guest at the Trump Inauguration is more profound than ever. In conclusion, God Bless Our Troops as the Global War on Terrorism continues. We do not need new border laws; we need to enforce existing laws. Biden shamefully opens borders for dictators, as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent, as repeatedly warned by the FBI. My deepest sympathy for the family of my friend and colleague, Sheila Jackson Lee.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chair, I thank our chairman, Chuck Fleischmann, from Tennessee for his leadership. Mr. Chair, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chair, our Nation's strategic nuclear deterrence is perhaps the best example of peace through strength. With the murderous invasion of Ukraine by war criminal Putin and Russia's recent decision to transport nuclear weapons to Belarus, and with nuclear submarines 60 miles from the United States being in Cuba, which is obviously a threat to our neighbors in Florida, the United States must be ready to face any challenge if provoked. Plutonium pit production modernization is one of the most critical and pressing national security needs of the United States, which has not had the ability to produce new pits since the 1990s. Employees of the Savannah River Site in South Carolina, with employees from Georgia, are working around the clock, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to bring the Savannah River Plutonium Processing Facility to life, which will produce the majority of our Nation's supply of plutonium pits online as soon as possible. As the only Member of Congress who has worked at the Savannah River Site, I know firsthand the dedication and the competence of the Savannah River Site employees, and I am very grateful that Chairman Chuck Fleischmann visited the site recently and saw the world-class facilities. The bipartisan program began under the Trump administration and has been rightfully continued under the Biden administration. Further, Congress correctly rejected this same amendment during consideration in last year's energy and water appropriations bill by a wide margin of 116-303. I am grateful to represent the site with my Democratic colleague, Jim Clyburn; with my next-door neighbor, Rick Allen of Georgia; and another next-door neighbor, Jeff Duncan of South Carolina. Given the uncertainties regarding plutonium aging and the evolving geopolitical landscape, a current war of dictators invading democracies, the United States cannot postpone reestablishing this critical capability. Delaying the restoration of this capability could result in significant cost increases and risk to national security. Further, the Savannah River Site will take advantage of its nearly 75 years of successfully manufacturing components for the nuclear weapons stockpile as the right place to complete this mission. Mr. Chair, I urge a ``no'' on this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chair, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Allen), my neighbor.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chair, I yield an additional 30 seconds to the gentleman from Georgia.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chair, I yield to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Duncan).

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chair, I yield back the balance of my time.