Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 386 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' personal explanation

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, though the triumphs go largely unreported by the media, our men and women in uniform and the Iraqi people are making tremendous progress every day in Iraq. An example is the Army Corps of Engineers is currently building 150 new primary health care facilities that will provide Iraqis with basic medical care, maternity and emergency services, and medical training. As families throughout Iraq welcome these facilities to their communities, our troops know they are greatly improving the lives of the Iraqi citizens. As a 31-year veteran of the National Guard with a son who has served a year in Iraq and two additional sons in the military, I know firsthand of the military's competence and success. Last month I along with the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Green) and over 118 other Members established the Victory in Iraq Caucus to ensure that more people are aware of the great achievements which protect American families. Today, the caucus announced a weekly e-mail service that will deliver the good news from Iraq. As our soldiers continue to fulfill their mission, we applaud them on the path to victory to win the war on terrorism. 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, Fridays are turning out to be a great day for American workers for more than one reason. Last Friday, the Department of Labor announced that over 146,000 new jobs were created for American workers in June. Over the last 25 consecutive months, 3.7 million Americans have gone to work due to President Bush's tax cuts. Additionally, the national unemployment rate has dropped over the past year to 5 percent, which represents the fastest decline in nearly a decade. More Americans are working now than ever before in our Nation's history and our tax receipts continue to rise as the Federal deficit continues to steadily decline. The Congressional Budget Office now predicts that our deficit may fall to under $325 billion. Friday's job reports continue to bring positive news for American families and prove that President Bush's tax cuts are moving the economy forward. 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 conclude every floor speech with the reminder, ``God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11,'' because I strongly believe that we must remember the lessons of that tragic day to protect American families. After witnessing a handful of terrorists murder thousands of innocent Americans, our Nation immediately took action to defeat terrorism at home and abroad. Yesterday, I observed hundreds of terrorists now detained at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and witnessed the tremendous progress our Nation is making in defending our freedom and defeating terrorism. Last week's brutal attacks on the streets of London demonstrated that we must remain on the offensive against terrorists who seek to murder innocent civilians and destroy our way of life. Terrorists who believe they can break our will through cowardly attacks are mistaken. As President Bush said, ``America will not retreat in the face of terrorists and murderers. And neither will the free world.'' In conclusion, God bless our troops; we will never forget September 11 and London's July 7.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, my legal career of 25 years was to represent small business owners. And since coming to Congress 3 years ago, I have worked consistently to make it easier for small businesses to grow and succeed in our country. I appreciate the leadership of the chairman, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), and my next-door neighbor, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Norwood), for their promotion of small businesses. However, OSHA regulations placed upon our small businesses continue to be among the most complex and difficult legal mandates imposed on employers. The Occupational Safety and Health Small Employer Access to Justice Act is a vital piece of legislation that significantly reduces burdensome government regulations. H.R. 742 levels the playing field for small businesses and encourages OSHA to better assess the merits of a case before bringing unnecessary enforcement actions to court against small businesses. By passing this vital legislation, Congress will enhance fairness for employers, especially small businesses; and give them new tools to defend themselves against OSHA citations they believe are unjustified. Small businesses provide, in the district I represent, 99 percent of businesses, creating 85 percent of jobs for working people; and Congress should act now to help them succeed. As a member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and cosponsor of the four bills today, I have been honored to work with Chairman Boehner and the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Norwood). I applaud their efforts to provide commonsense legislation that will reduce the burden placed upon America's small business owners. I urge my colleagues to support OSHA reform, H.R. 742.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, this weekend I joined a bipartisan delegation to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba led by the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter), House Committee on Armed Services chairman. We were all impressed by the professionals serving at Guantanamo and their commitment to maintaining a humane detention facility for hard core killers. The patriotic U.S. soldiers protecting America's families are successors to the 132nd Military Police Company of the South Carolina Army National Guard. Commanded by Major Brian Pitts, the 132nd served with distinction from September, 2002, through September, 2003. Upon their return, the media reported that Major Pitts summarized his service when he stated: ``Our goal was to treat the detainees well, and hope that if we were detained, that we would be treated as well.'' Guantanamo should be kept open as a symbol of America's resolve to win the war on terrorism. Ten released detainees have already resumed their horrific efforts to kill Americans, and further releases must be subject to administrative review. 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, on Saturday, I was grateful to join a 16 member delegation led by the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter), the Committee on Armed Services chairman, to view the detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. In the extensive briefings by Brigadier General Jay Hood with representatives of JAG, Naval medicine, the FBI, and interrogators, I am convinced we have patriotic professionals conducting a humane mission to protect American families in the war on terrorism. The detainees' meal was as good as any I had in my 31 years of Army Guard service, and I can see why the prisoners this year gained 5 pounds over last year. I urge all of my colleagues to visit the base to learn firsthand of the hard-core killers who are detained as interrogation proceeds to secure intelligence on terrorist cells. Not a single life has been lost at Guantanamo, but thousands of lives have been saved in the Middle East, Europe and America because of information which enables terrorists to be arrested before they murder at random. 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, President Bush and Republicans are working hard to protect Social Security for today's retirees and strengthen the program for future generations. This week Republicans offered several positive proposals that will help solve the problems plaguing Social Security. However, to ensure that we find a lasting solution, Democrats should join us at the negotiating table. On Wednesday, The Washington Post editorial page questioned: ``Democrats need to ask themselves, now what? Is it enough to keep sticking their fingers in their ears while saying no? Failing to act now will make the problem harder to fix down the road. Cuts or tax increases will have to be steeper the longer the problem goes unaddressed.'' President Bush has invited Democrats to share their ideas on Social Security, but unfortunately his request has been met with silence or obstruction. While inaction may be politically safe, it does not help the millions of Americans who rely on Social Security. 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 rise to honor the South Carolina delegation to the 2005 YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs. The Youth Conference on National Affairs brings together some of the best and brightest students from across the country. YMCA Youth and Government seeks to teach teenagers the process of learning about government through hands-on experiences and in-depth learning at state conferences throughout the country. The YMCA Youth Conference on National Affairs will be held the first week of July in Black Mountain, NC, and I am proud of each and everyone of the delegates that will be representing the Palmetto State. Viki Alvarez--Riverside High School, Greer. Dustin Atkins--Liberty High School, Liberty. Morgan Bauserman--Riverside High School, Greer. Martha Bordogna--Spartanburg High School, Spartanburg. Lucy Bullock--AC Flora High School, Columbia. Stephanie Dunaway--Riverside High School, Greer. Jason Hill--Riverside High School, Greer. Stephanie Hoo--Southside High School, Greenville. Samantha Jaeger--Riverside High School, Greer. Quentin James--Mauldin High School, Mauldin. Hart Moede--Wren High School, Powdersville. Leah Nakom--Spartanburg Day School, Spartanburg. Eric Novak--Porter-Gaud School, Charleston. Megan Novak--Mauldin High School, Mauldin. Niti Parthasarathy--Governor's School for the Arts, Greenville. Asha Purohit--Porter-Gaud School, Charleston. Dave Raheja--Riverside High School, Greer. Paul Richardson--Spartanburg High School, Spartanburg. Monica Ryskamp--Riverside High School, Greer. Rebecca Street--DW Daniel High School, Clemson. Meg Turlington--Southside High School, Greenville. Kyle Warren--Greenville High School, Greenville. Kyle Williams--AC Flora High School, Columbia I wish the delegates all the best for a great conference, and continue to thank them for their keen interest in improving our government and public service.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, more than 40,000 business and professional leaders from 150 countries have come together this week to attend Rotary International's Centennial Convention led by President Glenn Estess, Sr., in Chicago. During their first 100 years, Rotary International grew from a small club established by Paul Harris in Chicago to a diverse international network of community volunteers who are dedicated to building peace and goodwill in the world. Today, approximately 1.2 million Rotarians belong to more than 32,000 Rotary Clubs in 161 countries. Rotarians are carrying out humanitarian projects in their own neighborhoods, promoting youth exchanges, and raising money to eradicate polio worldwide. As a former Rotary Club president, I am proud to recognize the organization's distinguished record of volunteerism and thank all Rotarians who contribute to the success of this vital organization. I also appreciate my district director, Butch Wallace, as president of the West Metro Rotary Club; and my chief of staff, Eric Dell, as president of the Capitol Hill Rotary Club. 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, the people of Illinois and the United States are rightfully concerned about the recent smear and slander made by Democrat Whip Senator Dick Durbin. After Democrat Whip Durbin likened U.S. troops to murderous dictators, columnist John Kass of the Chicago Tribune called on Senator Durbin to apologize to the Nation for his irresponsible and dangerous comments. Kass wrote, ``Hitler, Stalin and Pol Pot murdered roughly 50 million people. At Guantanamo, suspected terrorists have been made uncomfortable, including a minion of Osama bin Laden's, but I haven't heard of anyone being killed there. We're at war, Senator.'' The people of Illinois deserve a Senator who accurately represents their strong appreciation for the men and women who bravely serve our country at home and abroad. Democrat Whip Durbin made his reckless comments almost a week ago, and he has still not apologized for his comments. As the second ranking Democrat in the U.S. Senate, Durbin should take responsibility for his comments and immediately apologize to the U.S. troops and American families. I am grateful my son served in Iraq. 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 yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cantor), the distinguished deputy majority whip.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I want to thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), our chairman, for his extraordinary leadership in bringing this important legislation which reforms the United Nations to the House floor today. It has been an honor for me to serve on the Committee on International Relations with Chairman Henry Hyde, a legendary gentleman of public service. I also appreciate the civility of my neighbor, the ranking member, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lantos). Mr. Chairman, for too long the United Nations has taken an unbalanced approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Nongovernmental organizations and commissions within the U.N. that monitor human rights abuses have often resorted to an anti-Israel campaign under the guise of protecting human rights. As a result, numerous organizations exist within the U.N. that are not constructively engaged in establishing peace in the Middle East, but, rather, serve to continue inflaming anti-Israel sentiment throughout the region due to one-sided reporting of human rights abuses. Chairman Hyde's legislation in section 107(b)(2) seeks to end duplicative efforts and fundings to organizations within the U.N. that focus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The legislation requires the Secretary of State within 60 days of enactment to audit the enlisted organizations and report to the appropriate congressional committees recommendations to eliminate these duplicative efforts. My amendment adds The Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories to the list of organizations that are to be audited and reported upon. This Committee was established by the U.N. General Assembly in 1968. In its most recent report dated September 23, 2004, it notes that the Palestinian people's hopes for their own homeland and a better future have been considerably diminished. Nothing could be further from the truth. The prospects of Palestine and Israel living side by side in peace for mutual benefit grows stronger every day as world leaders continue to work together to resolve this conflict. This Special Committee goes so far as to criticize Israel for building a security wall, without mentioning how the wall has made Israel more secure from suicide bombers, whose sole purpose is to commit the most egregious human rights violations by killing innocent Israeli civilians. Under these circumstances, it is entirely appropriate to add this U.N. Special Committee to the list of entities to be audited and reviewed. In conclusion, God bless our troops. We will not forget September 11. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Jindal). (Mr. JINDAL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today, I am happy to congratulate Jim and Karen Potter of Potomac Falls, Virginia, on the birth of their beautiful baby girl. Sarah Grace Potter was born Wednesday at 12:37 p.m., weighing 7 pounds, 15 ounces and measuring 21 inches long. Sarah 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, two suspected terrorists were arrested last week for plotting to blow up a supermarket in California. If they are convicted and sent to Guantanamo, they will be greeted by U.S. soldiers who treat them humanely and provide Korans, prayer rugs and nutritious meals. However, the Democrat whip Senator Durbin this week slanderously compared U.S. soldiers serving honorably at Guantanamo to mass murderers Hitler, Stalin, and Pol Pot. His statements were irresponsible, disrespectful and, most of all, dangerous. By likening American troops to brutal tyrants who killed millions of innocent civilians and misrepresenting the vital mission at Guantanamo, the Democrat whip Senator Durbin has put our soldiers and the American people at risk. His dangerous political diatribe will only embolden terrorists who seek to justify their determined war against our citizens at home and abroad. Senator Durbin should apologize to U.S. soldiers and American families for his smear and slander. As terrorists plot to infiltrate our country and murder innocent civilians, American leaders should not embolden their horrific agenda. 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 am proud today to recognize the tremendous achievements of L.C. Greene, a life-long resident of South Carolina who has demonstrated a tradition of excellence and a commitment exceptional leadership throughout his life. From his distinguished twenty-three year career in the U.S. Air Force to his thirty years of service in municipal and county government, L.C. Greene has exemplified the qualities that are critical for leaders of good government. After retiring from the military, L.C. Greene brought his leadership skills to the classroom. He later became the Emergency Medical Service Director for Aiken County, South Carolina. Because of his leadership skills and ability to handle crisis situations, L.C. Greene was then promoted to County Administrator, and served a total of eight years. During this time, Mr. Greene was awarded the Distinguished Service Citation, the highest Federal award to a civilian, by the U.S. Department of Defense, for his outstanding leadership and cooperation in the aftermath of a B-52 Bomber crash in Aiken County. He was also recognized by the U.S. Army at Ft. Gordon for the role he played in the recovery operation of this tragic accident. After serving as a director for Lockheed Aircraft Support Systems for two years, Mr. Greene became the City Manager for the Town of Winnsboro, South Carolina, serving in that capacity for eight years. During his service to the citizens of Winnsboro, Mr. Greene played a critical role in the recruitment of the Mack Truck Assembly Plant, which invested $168 million and created over 2,000 jobs, and the Rite Aid Southern Distribution Center, which invested $80 million and created over 325 jobs. Mr. Greene was also recognized by the U.S. Senate for his innovative approach to public-private partnerships and was invited to Washington, DC for a briefing. Mr. Greene's leadership skills in the area of natural disaster were also called upon in Winnsboro as he led the emergency preparedness and clean-up efforts after the town was struck by three different tornadoes. For the past fourteen years, L.C. Greene has been the Town Administrator for the Town of Lexington, which has become the fastest growing municipality in South Carolina. During this time, he has been instrumental in working with other state and local governments to form regional partnerships and cooperation, especially in the area of water and wastewater infrastructure. Mr. Greene is recognized throughout the state as having expertise in all facets of local government and is often called upon for assistance and advice from other municipal and county leaders as well as from state officials and past governors. He selflessly shares his wealth of information and wisdom in an effort to bring better government to all communities throughout the state. Mr. Greene has consistently led with a management style that focuses on people and the improvement of the quality of life for the citizens of his community. Whether it is in obtaining grant funding for blighted and impoverished areas, recruiting industries that will build investment and create jobs, responding to the devastating effects that a tornado had on the Lexington community, sharing scarce water supplies with sister cities in need, sending utility personnel to other States devastated by hurricanes or building a special-needs park for handicapped children, Mr. Greene's commitment to finding better procedures and more cost-effective measures to achieve the highest level of services to the citizens at the lowest possible tax cost is an inspiration to all who know him. He exemplifies the true spirit of leadership through the development of friendship, team building, and cooperation for the greater good. L.C. Greene is also a devoted family man, having been married to his wife Colleen for 48 years. They are the proud parents of five daughters and one son, fifteen grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Mr. Greene has also served on various boards such as the South Carolina Retirement Advisory Board, the Central Midlands Environmental Protection Agency Committee, the South Carolina Local Government Assurance Group, Lexington County Municipal Association, and the Lexington Economic Development Association Board. Additional awards and recognitions include recognition by: the South Carolina Senate; Low- Country Regional Emergency Medical Services; the Strategic Air Command; and the Midlands Human Sources Development Commission for service to Low-Income Home Energy Program. Mr. Greene was also named as the Jaycees ``Boss of the Year'' and was named Who's Who in Executives and Professionals in 1996-97. As L.C. Greene retires as Town Administrator of Lexington, it is only fitting that his selfless, lifelong commitment and service to his community, his State and his country be recognized by awarding the Order of the Palmetto. Truly, cities and counties are vital to the health of our State because they provide essential elements of our civilization. And, in order to have healthy, growing communities, there must be stalwart leaders of good government. L.C. Greene has been such a leader. When Mr. Greene retires on June 30th, he should take pride in knowing that our community and our State is better because of his exemplary service.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the world has entrusted peacekeepers from the United Nations with the tremendous task of promoting peace and international cooperation throughout the globe. Unfortunately, for years we have watched U.N. peacekeepers neglect their lofty goals and actually contribute to the demise of war-torn nations. From the jungles of the Congo to the swamps of Sierra Leone, U.N. peacekeepers have committed crimes, including sexual exploitation, corruption, sex trafficking, and the systematic rape of women. In Bosnia, the U.N. quashed an investigation into the involvement of U.N. police in enslavement of Eastern European women. Today, Congress has a rare opportunity to restore hope, order, and purpose to the U.N. Decades of U.N. waste, fraud, and abuse prove that strong action is the only remedy for the problems plaguing the organization. By linking U.S. support to U.N. reform, we can ensure the U.N. peacekeepers rightfully fulfill their mission. 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, as the largest financial contributor to the United Nations, the United States should be assured that U.N. programs are accountable, efficient, and results-oriented. Unfortunately, we still have no guarantee that our contributions are used for valuable purposes. Although U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan has discussed reform of the United Nations for years, his words have rarely resulted in action. In 1995, two dozen U.S. staffers defrauded or squandered up to $10 million in agency funds. Two years later, 16 U.N. employees were under investigation after siphoning off $6 million during an 8-year period. Additionally, in 2003, a U.N. probe into corruption allegations found that one senior U.N. official improperly gave 11 contracts to his wife. The Committee on International Relations chairman, the gentleman from Illinois (Chairman Hyde), requires the U.N. to drastically reform or risk losing 50 percent of America's contributions to the U.N.-assessed budget. Actions speak louder than words; and if we link U.S. support to U.N. results, the U.N. will be more effective. 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 am honored to congratulate Judge Garry Malphrus, his family and friends, on his appointment to the Federal Immigration Court. I am very grateful to represent the Malphrus family in Congress and one of the great honors of serving in Congress was having the opportunity on June 3rd to join in a swearing-in ceremony to recognize the achievements of a constituent. As a former attorney who has practiced immigration law, I know the importance of this judgeship. Garry was born and raised in Jasper County, South Carolina, a son of the Lowcountry, which is in the district that I represent. Garry's impressive career track includes his graduation from Thomas Heyward Academy of Ridgeland and his further education at the University of South Carolina for his undergraduate and law degrees. Garry was a law clerk to Federal Judges Chauncey Patterson and Dennis Shedd. I particularly appreciate the importance of clerkships because Judge Dennis Shedd was a clerk in our office. Garry also worked on the Senate Judiciary Committee for South Carolina's former Senior Senator Strom Thurmond and was an attorney for the current Bush Administration. I know he will do well with that list of former employers. Not only do I want to congratulate Garry, but I also want to congratulate the people who helped make this possible, his family; Judy and Donnie Malphrus, his brother Barry and sister Kim and his grandmother Lorene Langford. Garry has been instrumental in furthering the cause of justice for many years through his work on the judiciary committee and political campaigns. Garry has been involved for campaigns, including mine, for as long as I can remember. He and his brother Barry actually recruited my chief of staff, Eric Dell, involving him in politics for the first time in 1986 as a volunteer in the gubernatorial race of Congressman Carroll Campbell in his successful election. I always enjoyed seeing Garry and Barry at state conventions; it was encouraging to see their bravery and enthusiasm to be dedicated activists in a county where they were a persistent political minority. In the seventeen years I served in the South Carolina Senate, I had the opportunity to vote on dozens of candidates for judgeships and appoint numerous magistrates. In every election, I looked for judicial temperament of a person who would respectfully give every participant a respectful day in court, no matter who they were or what they looked like. I am confident Garry possesses this unique quality. Again, I want to congratulate Garry, his family, and friends on his appointment as a federal immigration judge and wish him success and Godspeed.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I see encouraging news each week proving that President Bush's tax cuts and his economic policies are clearly paying off for the American people and the American economy. In May, over 78,000 Americans found new jobs and over 3.5 million jobs have been created in the last 2 years. The job growth amounts to more jobs created in America than new jobs in France, Germany, England, Canada, and Japan combined. Although we have seen steady job gains for each of the last 24 months, I know President Bush will not be satisfied until every American who wants to work can find a job. Additionally, the gross domestic product has been revised upward for the first quarter from 3.1 to 3.5 percent. With more Americans working more than ever, our flourishing economy is also shrinking the national deficit. Last week, the Treasury Department announced the May deficit has decreased by $27 billion, which is the smallest deficit for the month of May since 2001. President Bush and the Republican Members of Congress are committed to cutting the deficit in half in 5 years. 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, Saddam Hussein was able to siphon off almost $10 billion from a UN-administered program that was designed to provide food and care to the Iraqi people. As Iraq continues to recover from Hussein's rule of dictatorship, I will urge the United Nations to recover these funds for the Iraqi people. Unfortunately, the Oil-for-Food scandal was only one example of a long litany of scandals associated with the United Nations. This week Congress will vote on the United Nations Reform Act of 2005, which will ensure efficiency, accountability and effectiveness at the U.N. If the organization fails to enact these changes, America's contributions to the U.N. assessed budget will be reduced by 50 percent. These reforms will assure the American people that their dollars are used only for legitimate and valuable U.N. projects. When we contribute billions of American dollars to the United Nations each year, the United States should not continue to pay for U.N. programs that operate with essentially a blank check. 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, June is American Homeownership Month, recognizing the benefits of achieving the American Dream. As a former real estate attorney for 25 years, I know firsthand the joy of homeownership. By purchasing a home, Americans are investing in their own futures, ensuring stability and promoting long-term financial security for their families. House Republicans are providing important incentives for homeowners and creating jobs and are paving the way for more American families to own their own homes. Today, homeownership is near record levels, with 69.1 percent of American families now owning their homes. According to the National Association of Realtors, sales of existing U.S. homes climbed 4.5 percent in April. Increased home sales are just another sign of continued economic growth in America. Last week, the Department of Labor also reported that the Nation's unemployment fell to 5.1 percent in May and that over 3.5 million jobs have been created since May 2003 when President Bush signed into law his tax reductions. Republicans remain dedicated to a successful, positive agenda that will grow the economy and provide more opportunities to 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 thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones) for yielding me this time. It is a great honor for me to be here today to speak on behalf of House Current Resolution 159, and I want to congratulate the authors, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Boozman) for his leadership in recognizing the importance of military families and designating June 12 as National Military Families Week. As I stand before this Chamber, I am very grateful to let the Members know that my appreciation of military families is because we are one, and I am very grateful that our family has multiple generations of recognition of how extraordinary it is and what a great honor it is to represent the people of the United States in uniform. As I think about the multiple generations, I was inspired by my dad, who served in the Flying Tigers during World War II, the 14th Air Force; and I had the extraordinary opportunity 2 years ago to visit with President Jiang Zemin of China, who told me of how the American military is revered in China for the liberation of their country during World War II. Additionally, I am inspired because of my late father-in-law, who served in the U.S. Marines during World War II. He had been advised that it was impossible for the American Marines to capture the Japanese headquarters at Okinawa, Shuri Castle. It had been fortified and refortified for 400 years, and of course the U.S. Marines took that as a challenge, and they did capture Shuri Castle, and I am very grateful that my late father-in-law was awarded the Navy Cross. But he understood sacrifice. He, following the conflict on Okinawa, was shot in the back by a sniper, and he spent the rest of his life in a wheelchair. But he never regretted his service to the American people. And the inspiration was to me. I had the privilege of serving 31 years in the Army National Guard, and the reason I stayed in so long is because the people that we meet in the military are dedicated, they are competent, they are patriotic. They are people that inspire people to want to be associated with them, and I urge young people in particular and families to get involved in the military process. I also want to give credit to my wife, Roxanne. She has had the great experience of raising three sons who are currently serving in the military today. Our oldest son, Alan, returned in February from serving 1 year and a day in Iraq in the Army National Guard. We are very proud of him. He is classic National Guard. He was mobilized 16 months ago. He was retrained, served for a year in Iraq. He has come back, and now he is Assistant District Attorney in our home county. In fact, this week he had his first case that began at the courthouse. So it is a real testimonial to our Guard members, how they can serve and be citizen soldiers and be proud of serving. Additionally, our second son 2 weeks ago was promoted to lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, and he is currently serving at the U.S. Naval Hospital in San Diego. We are very proud that he and his wife and two young sons have what I hope will be a long-term career in the U.S. Navy. And then this week is a big week for our family in that on Friday our third son will be graduating from officer basic school at Fort Gordon, Georgia. So I am really hopeful that we get out of here early enough on Thursday so I can fly to Columbia and drive to Augusta so I can see his graduation. So as I tell the Members how much I appreciate military families, indeed it is very personal; and I am so grateful for leadership here in Congress of both parties to recognize families. I have to point out that I just arrived back last week from my fourth visit to Iraq, and I had the opportunity to meet firsthand with our troops in Fallujah. I had the opportunity to meet with our troops at Balad and then at Camp Victory, and we got to meet with the generals. We got to meet with people from our home State, young enlisted personnel, the junior officers. The enthusiasm of our troops, the morale of our troops, just can warm the hearts of family members and also their employers back at home. A difference is being made. Our troops understand in the war on terror that they are protecting the American families by taking the war to the enemy oversees and that protects American families whom we are recognizing today. So, again, I want to thank the leaders on this particular bill. I want to urge support of my colleagues of H. Con. Resolution 159. And, in conclusion, God bless our troops; and we will never forget September 11.