Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, a historic meeting took place this past Friday in New York City between Indian Prime Minister Singh and Pakistani President Musharraf. This was an important step toward bringing about a peaceful ending to disputes over Kashmir and fears of nuclear conflict in the region. Both India and Pakistan have been strong allies of the United States in the war on terror and Secretary of State Colin Powell should be thanked for playing a significant role in bringing these leaders together. This is the latest example of positive progress in South Asia and the Middle East, thanks to the leadership and support of President George W. Bush and his administration. This month the world's largest Muslim nation, Indonesia, had its first direct democratic election of a president, and earlier this year Libya voluntarily gave up its program to develop weapons of mass destruction. Additionally, millions of Muslims have been liberated by coalition forces from brutal regimes in Afghanistan and Iraq and now will build a civil society which protects American families. In conclusion, may God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week Indonesians voted directly for the first time to elect their new president. The Charleston Post and Courier reported this marked ``a milestone on the road to democracy for the world's most populous Muslim nation.'' Both competing candidates were pro-American in the global war on terror. This historic election is another nail in the coffin of the lie that Muslim nations cannot become democracies. India, the world's largest democracy, has over 200 million Muslims. In Afghanistan, 10 million have registered to vote, despite threats from remnants of the Taliban and al Qaeda. The same will happen in Iraq. As Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi said to the defeatists last week in this room, ``Above all, they risk underestimating the courage, determination of the Iraqi people to embrace democracy, peace and freedom, for the dreams of our families are the same as the families here in America and around the world.'' Freedom and democracy are on the march throughout the Muslim world, and they are the greatest threat to the dark plans of terrorists who want to destroy American families. In conclusion, may God bless our troops. We will never forget September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, it is vitally important that our children have an understanding of the fundamental principles and values of our constitutional democracy. Last September, the first annual Congressional Conference on Civic Education was held. The conference was sponsored by the Alliance For Representative Democracy and co-hosted by the four leaders of the U.S. Congress. The conference established State delegations that returned to their States to advocate for better civic education. I would like to recognize Cindy Coker and Paul Horne, the facilitators of the South Carolina action team, for their efforts to improve civic education in South Carolina in the tradition of Sara Bookhart at the High School of Charleston in 1964. The South Carolina action team activities include advocating civic education programs and curricula, hosting a conference on the civic mission of schools, participating in the review of social studies standards, which includes civic education, and providing input on the value of civic education on the State's school report card. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking all of the participants of the Congressional Conference on Civic Education and wishing them further success during their next conference in December. In conclusion, may God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Donald R. Manuel has distinguished himself by exceptionally meritorious achievements in public service to this Nation by serving the United States Army for over 39 years. After being drafted in 1964, Mr. Manuel received his commission as a Second Lieutenant, Field Artillery. Demonstrating keen expertise and artillery skills, he moved through various positions in the units at Fort Sill, Oklahoma and the US Army Engineer Supply Center, St. Louis, Missouri. In 1968, Mr. Manuel began his superior career as a United States Army Civilian employee as Program Manager for Value Engineering, Methods and Standards, and Commercial Activities. Because of his demonstrated abilities, in 1980 he was moved to his current position as the Assistant for General Engineering in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Installations and Housing), Assistant Secretary of the Army (Installations and Environment). Currently Mr. Manuel is the Army's primary policy person dealing with base closure and realignment actions. Throughout his career, Mr. Manuel has provided outstanding leadership, advice, and sound professional judgment on significant issues that affected both the Army and the Congress. His actions and counsel were invaluable to Army leaders and Members of Congress as they considered the impact of important issues. Mr. Manuel's dedication to accomplishing the Army's mission has been extraordinary. He has been a truly outstanding career civil servant and will be missed by the United States Army.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, for the last 10 years, the House Republican majority has built a proud and positive record that has improved the lives of American families. In 1994, Republicans were overwhelmingly elected to bring leadership and accountability to Washington. Republicans had a clear vision to restore fiscal responsibility, rebuild our defense and intelligence, and create jobs through relieving the tax burden and reforming welfare, improving education for our children, protecting the lives of the unborn and the sanctity of marriage, and leading with honesty and integrity. In the last 10 years, the stock market has more than doubled in value. Poverty has decreased. Unemployment has declined. And household income has risen substantially. We have reformed welfare, passed the Defense of Marriage Act and promoted quality education in our schools, fulfilling the Reagan revolution. As a lifelong member of the Republican Party, I have never been prouder of our party. Under the leadership of our Speaker, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hastert); our majority leader, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay); the chairman of the Republican Conference, the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Pryce); and our majority whip, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt), working with President George Bush, this team will continue to promote America's families. In conclusion, may God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday President George W. Bush praised the valor of guardsmen and reservists fighting to win the War on Terror. President Bush is the 19th former guardsman to be president and he rightly pointed out that the National Guard is America's oldest fighting force. The Guard has played a vital role in all of our major conflicts, and especially in recent decades fighting in Vietnam, the Gulf War, and the War on Terror. The Guard is also called on in times of national emergency to provide invaluable support to local authorities. After the attacks of September 11th, thousands of Guardsmen across the country voluntarily stepped forward to help. When hurricanes strike our shores, it is the Guard that provides necessary communications and rescue services. As a proud 31-year veteran of the South Carolina Army National Guard, with two sons in the Guard one of whom is serving in Iraq, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in thanking all of the men and women serving in the Guard and Reserves today for protecting American families in the War on Terror. In conclusion, may God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11th.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I congratulate the gentlewoman from West Virginia (Mrs. Capito) for her leadership on this amendment, and include my prepared remarks for the Record. I would like to point out that we appreciate the expertise and competence of the employees of the IRS, and I am happy to be here to support the gentlewoman's amendment which reaffirms our faith in these Federal employees. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Capito amendment to H.R. 5025. Under the proposed authority granted to the IRS in the FSC/ETI legislation to ``contract out'' Federal tax collections, the Federal Government is held harmless for any violations committed by contractors. Specifically, the legislation states: ``No Federal Liability.--The United States shall not be liable for any act or omission of any person performing services under a qualified collection contract.'' (section 6306(d) of H.R. 4520) While the government can write contracts prescribing certain actions by contractors or their employees, the IRS does not have adequate contract oversight capabilities to ensure compliance. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) as recently as March, 2004 found that ``. . . a contractor's employees committed numerous security violations that placed IRS equipment and taxpayer data at risk. In some cases, contractors blatantly circumvented IRS policies and procedures even when security personnel identified inappropriate practices.'' (TIGTA Audit No. 200320010) Currently, IRS employees are the only personnel who may contact taxpayers and collect Federal income tax. These individuals are thoroughly trained in all laws and regulations governing the collection of taxes and are held accountable to the people. If IRS personnel commit violations, they are disciplined or terminated and taxpayers may take legal action against the IRS for such abuse. Under this proposal, the accountability shifts to third-party contractors whose employees may or may not have any specific training and who are motivated by an economic incentive, through a commission based payment, to ``push the envelope''. Because this proposal was contained in a very complex international tax bill, Members did not have the opportunity to directly consider this significant policy change. The Capito amendment provides Members with the opportunity and I urge all my colleagues to support the amendment.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week, al Qaeda-linked terrorists savagely attacked the Australian embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia. The blast killed nine and wounded more than 180 innocent people, most of whom were Muslims. Australian Prime Minister John Howard properly responded by saying, ``This is not a nation that is going to be intimidated by acts of terrorism. We are a robust, strong democracy.'' Indeed, he is exactly correct. Free nations must never be intimidated by hate-filled extremists which will only lead them to commit more murderous acts. The only proper response to terror is to aggressively go on the offense as President Bush and coalition partners have done for the past 3 years. Instead of waiting for another attack, we need to bring justice to the terrorists wherever they are and hold terror- supporting regimes accountable. Australia, Spain, Russia, Israel, America and many others have been attacked in a war started by radicals against the civilized world. Yet this campaign of fear will fail as nations who value freedom will continue to fight together to win the war on terror. In conclusion, may God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow I will join with many other South Carolinians to celebrate the 90th birthday of a Palmetto State legend, Mr. Austin Cunningham. In 1998, my predecessor Congressman Floyd Spence; made the following remarks before Congress describing the life of Austin Cunningham: As a young man, Austin Cunningham, went to work to help support his family when his father died. He worked during the day and went to both high school and college at night, earning a law degree from the University of Virginia in 1940. During his business career, Mr. Cunningham has been the president of five companies and he has owned two manufacturing plants in South Carolina. President Reagan recognized Mr. Cunningham for his work with the Jobs Tax Credit Program and he has been involved with the administrations of former Governor Carroll Campbell and Governor David Beasley in improving race relations in our State. He has also contributed his time and efforts in the Orangeburg area on behalf of: Crime Watch, Crime Stoppers, the People's Assault on Drugs (PAD), as well as the collaboration between South Carolina State University and the South Carolina Philharmonic, which has resulted in an annual three concert satellite series. As Congressman Spence rightfully pointed out, Austin Cunningham has been active in public service and community leadership throughout his life. He continues to make a large impact on South Carolina through his regular newspaper columns that are featured in newspapers such as the Orangeburg Times & Democrat and The State. I am honored to have been able to call Austin a close friend for many years, and I have learned so much from him. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Austin Cunningham a happy 90th birthday, and thank him for his years of service to others.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today, homeownership in America is at an all-time high. Republicans should be proud of this achievement, as we have worked along with President George W. Bush to make it easier for all families to afford their own home. We passed tax cuts for all Americans allowing them to keep more of their own money. We passed the American Dream Down Payment Act to help thousands of low-income families make the down payment on their first home. Minority homeownership has climbed to record levels of over 50 percent. Housing starts in 2003 were at the highest level in 25 years, and home sales were the highest ever. As a former real estate attorney, I know firsthand the joy of buyers and sellers. I know the jobs created for the construction workers, landscapers, and suppliers. I appreciate the success of Realtors, and this builds the local tax base for better schools. While Democrats continue to try to talk down the economy with pessimism, American families living in their own home know that our economy is strong and growing. In conclusion, may God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week the world watched in horror as militant terrorists murdered hundreds of Russian schoolchildren. No one can doubt that we are in a full-scale global war on terror. Since September 11, the terrorists have attacked in Tunis, Karachi, Bali, Jakarta, Casablanca, Bombay, Mombassa, Najaf, Riyadh, Baghdad, Istanbul, Madrid, and continued the campaign of terror against Israel. As British Prime Minister Tony Blair has stated, the world was transformed on September 11. We can no longer simply grieve for the victims of these evil acts; we must join together and defeat the terrorists before they can strike again. This is why President George W. Bush has brought together allies to liberate millions from terrorist-sponsoring regimes in Afghanistan and Iraq. Together with our allies, we are making major arrests of terrorists throughout the world, cutting off their financial assets, and increasing our intelligence capabilities. We must realize that this war cannot be won overnight. It requires perseverance and steadfastness. Yet, in the end, freedom and liberty will triumph over extremist hatred. In conclusion, may God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I offer my warmest congratulation, to the people of India and the Indian Diaspora as we approach India's Independence Day on August 15. On that day in 1947, India marched forward into a future of uncertainty. With a struggling economy and high illiteracy and poverty rates, many challenges lay in India's path. Now many of these challenges have been overcome and greater economic opportunities have been created every day for the people of India. More importantly, India is our ally and a democratic friend. America is the world's oldest democracy and India is the world's largest democracy. We are increasing bilateral trade and increasing military ties through military exercises. We face the same threat from joint terrorists who are targeting innocent civilians unable to defend themselves. Terrorists attacked an Indian airlines plane in 1999 and stabbed an Indian passenger to death, and this same network of terrorists have beheaded innocent people who have tried to help the people of the Middle East. This shows we are allies in the global war on terror and we must work together to eradicate this menace to civilization. In conclusion, may God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday's New York Times front page surprisingly detailed some of the progress being made daily in Iraq. The article described dozens of small-scale construction initiatives or microprojects that have been under way throughout Iraq. This includes digging wells to supply water to hundreds in small towns and helping to restore historic sites that are essential to the local culture. This is only a grudging glimpse of the good news that has been taking place in Iraq since the American military and coalition forces liberated the nation from Saddam Hussein's tyrannical regime. I have seen firsthand the positive progress being made in Iraq to build a civil society which fights terrorist training to protect Iraqi and American families. I am encouraged that media outlets, such as the New York Times that for too long ignored the good news in Iraq in favor of police-blotter journalism, are now showing limited signs of balanced reporting. In conclusion, God bless our troops. We will never forget September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, since 1956, residents of South Carolina's low country have gathered around the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in Beaufort for a Southern celebration. This year's 49th Annual Beaufort Water Festival will attract people from all over the world to come and enjoy sailboat races, sport tournaments, arts, crafts, music and other events which display the best of South Carolina's culture. Beaufort is South Carolina's second oldest city, is a picturesque port town with a rich history. Its beautiful views of waterways bordered by oak trees with Spanish moss and pre-Revolutionary homes have been featured in countless motion pictures and have made Beaufort a world-class vacation destination. I look forward to joining Beaufortonians this weekend in the Water Festival Parade, which moves along historic Bay Street. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in thanking this year's commodore, Marvin Morrison, and his team of coordinators for their efforts in making the 49th Beaufort Water Festival a great success. 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 along with my colleague, Mr. Barrett of South Carolina, would like to take this opportunity to commemorate the completion of Phase One of the John N. Hardee Airport Expressway. This will be announced to the people of South Carolina at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, July 12. The completion of this 2.8 mile expressway will provide easy and direct access to the Columbia Metropolitan Airport. This expressway, which widened Airport Road from Airport Boulevard to Platt Springs Road, will make a vast difference in the way South Carolinians and visitors commute to the airport. We are looking forward to the next and final phase of the project, which is currently under design and should begin construction in 2006. This will provide for a new four-lane road extending Airport Road to Interstate 26. Coupled with the success of the John N. Hardee Expressway, these two new roadways will reduce traffic and provide direct access to the growing Columbia Metropolitan Airport by passenger and cargo vehicles, removing some 25,000 vehicles each year from the local network surrounding the airport. We would like to thank the people at the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) for all of their hard work in completing this important project. Mrs. Elizabeth Mabry, Executive Director of SCDOT, and Mr. John Hardee, SCDOT Second District Commissioner for whom the expressway is named, thank you for your tireless dedication in getting this phase of the project completed. This expressway will be helpful to the people of the entire state of South Carolina, and for this you are appreciated.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 359, 360, 361, and 362 on Monday July 12, 2004, I was unavoidably detained due to inclement weather and delayed air service at Columbia Metropolitan Airport, and unable to cast my vote. Had I been present, I would have voted the following: Rollcall 359, the Holt amendment to H.R. 4755, I would have voted ``no.'' Rollcall 360, the Hefley amendment to H.R. 4755, I would have voted ``yea.'' Rollcall 361, the motion to recommit H.R. 4755, I would have voted ``no.'' Rollcall 362, final passage of H.R. 4755, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the impressive gains made by the Indian American Republican Council since its founding 2 years ago. Under the outstanding leadership of Chairman Dr. Raghavendra Vijayanagar, there are 11 independent IARC state affiliates, eight Indian Americans are delegates at the Republican National Convention, and President George W. Bush has appointed 14 Indian Americans to his administration, more than any other President. In particular, I commend the delegates attending the Republican National Convention: from Florida, Dr. Vijay, Dr. Zach Zachariah, Dr. George Thomas, and Dr. Akshay Desai; from Georgia, Mr. Narender Reddy; from Mississippi, Dr. Sampat Shivangi; from Maryland, Dr. Shambu Banik; and from Virginia, Shayam Menon, a prominent graduate of Washington and Lee University. The IARC has become a nationally respected organization due to the energy, commitment, and dedication shown by its board of directors lead by Dr. Vijay. I look forward to working with the IARC to further the growing ties between Indian Americans and the Republican Party based on the shared values of promoting families and limited government. 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, despite the constant partisan sniping that seeks to use the ups and downs of war to political advantage, President Bush was absolutely right to end Saddam Hussein's sadistic regime, and he did it at the right time. After September 11, we can no longer wait until threats fully materialize before we take action to protect American families. We are truly winning the global war on terror with coalition victories in Iraq and Afghanistan, the dismantling of Libya's weapons programs, the killing of al Qaeda leaders in Saudi Arabia and Algeria, and the capture of terror cells in England, Spain, Turkey, Pakistan, and Jordan. Bin Laden terrorist leader Abu Makki surrendered yesterday in Saudi Arabia. As President Bush said this week at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, ``Three years ago, the world was very different. Terrorists planned attacks with little fear of discovery or reckoning. Outlaw regimes supported terrorists and defied the civilized world, without shame and with few consequences. The world changed on September the 11th, and since that day we have changed the world. We are leading a steady, confident, systematic campaign against the dangers of our time.'' In conclusion, may God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, leave it to the former head of the KGB to inject a little common sense into the American political race, and leave it to the partisan American media to ignore it. During the recent G-8 Summit in Georgia, Russian President Vladimir Putin said to a gathering news media: ``I am deeply convinced that President Bush's political adversaries have no moral right to attack him over Iraq.'' I did not find this quote in the New York Times or The Washington Post because they refused to report it. I did not find it broadcast on CBS, NBC, or ABC News either. I found this quote in China Daily, straight from Beijing. We could have found the same quote in some Russian publications as well, including Pravda and the British-based Reuters News Service. But we could not find that quote in the American media except for one outlet, CBN. It is a sorry day for American journalism when they find themselves out-balanced by their counterparts in Communist China and Russia. It is a new low for partisan media bias. In conclusion, may God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today the conservative movement in America stands on the shoulders of giants: men such as Edmund Burke, T.S. Elliot, F.A. Hayek, Whittaker Chambers, and William F. Buckley, Jr. Of all these theorists, no one has made a deeper and more profound impression on my life than William F. Buckley, Jr. Since attending high school, I have read National Review, the magazine founded by Mr. Buckley in 1955. Through his stewardship of conservatism's flagship magazine, he was able to direct our visions and coherently communicate our positive philosophy. Indeed, Mr. Buckley defined the conservative movement as one that promotes a strong national defense to defeat communism and terrorism and for limited government, lower taxation, personal responsibility, individual freedom. These principles are still the basis of conservatism today, and the National Review after nearly 50 years is still our guidebook. Last week, Mr. Buckley turned over his ownership of National Review and ended a special era in American history. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in thanking William F. Buckley, Jr., for his service to the American political dialogue. In conclusion, may God bless our troops and we will not forget September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this week South Carolina learned the sad news that a U.S. Marine, Private Rodericka Antwan Youmans from Allendale, S.C., was killed by terrorists while serving in Iraq. Pvt. Youmans will be remembered for making the ultimate sacrifice to protect American families in the War on Terror. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Wilson family are with his friends and family. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in expressing our deepest sympathies to Pvt. Youman's two children, fiance, brother and parents. I request that the following article from The State be added to the Record. [From The State, July 8, 2004] Allendale Marine Dies in Iraq (By Chuck Crumbo) A bomb attack by Iraqi insurgents has killed a 22-year-old Marine from Allendale, the man's family said Wednesday. Pvt. Rodericka Antwan Youmans was one of four Marines who died Tuesday near Fallujah in Iraq's Al-Anbar province, said his father, Johnny Youmans. The elder Youmans said Marine Corps officials notified him of his son's death Tuesday. ``I was coming home, and I saw a government truck in front of the house. I knew it was nothing good,'' said Youmans, a 29-year military veteran. The Marines had not released by late Wednesday the name of Pvt. Youmans as one of the fallen Leathernecks. The Marines said only that the troops were conducting security operations in the province. Three Marines died Monday in a similar incident in An- Anbar. Twenty-one other members of the armed services with ties to South Carolina have died in the Iraq war. He is the second casualty from Allendale County. Marine casualty officers notified the family of his son's death about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Youmans said. The Marines first broke the news to Youmans' wife, Amanderlene. As he approached the house, his 17-year-old daughter, Sholanda, came out and told him Rodericka was dead, Johnny Youmans said. Johnny Youmans, a staff sergeant in 163rd Support Battalion of the S.C. Army National Guard, has been on active duty for 1\1/2\ years. He is serving on a security detail at Seymour- Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. Youmans said his son called home last week to say he was doing fine and that ``he loved all of us.'' On Monday, Rodericka Youmans called his 20-year-old fiancee, Stephanie Cuthbertson of Allendale. They were planning to marry in September when his unit was scheduled to return to Camp LeJeune, Cuthbertson said. ``I loved everything about him. His sense of humor and the way he treated me. He was very sweet and very giving,'' she said. Rodericka Youmans, a graduate of Allendale-Fairfax High School, joined the Marines about a year ago and went through boot camp at Parris Island, Youmans said. ``He was almost 21 when he joined. He couldn't find a job and when he did, he'd get laid off because the economy was so bad. He had two kids (ages 4 and 1) and needed to support them.'' Rodericka quickly fell in love with the Marines and wanted to make a career out of the military, Youmans said. ``He liked the respect that he received. It changed his whole life. He wanted to do the right thing.'' Other survivors include his children, A-Miyah, 4, and Mekhi, 1; and a brother, Johnny Youmans Jr., 24. Cave Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday the most liberal Member of the Senate chose the fourth most liberal Member of the Senate to become his running mate for Presidency of the United States. It is important for Americans to know the truth about John Edwards' liberal voting record that is out of touch with the mainstream values of America. John Edwards voted twice against President Bush's tax relief that has lifted the economy and helped create 1.5 million new jobs since August. John Edwards voted twice against the new prescription drug benefit added to Medicare that will help seniors live longer at reduced cost. John Edwards has voted against banning partial birth abortions. John Edwards has said he is against the Defense of Marriage Act. John Edwards has voted to cut billions from our military. John Edwards has also voted six times against President Bush's plan for the new Department of Homeland Security. John Edwards is the same as John Kerry, a liberal Senator that does not represent the mainstream values of America. In conclusion, may God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I along with my colleague, Mr. Barrett of South Carolina, would like to take this opportunity to commemorate the completion of Phase One of the John N. Hardee Airport Expressway. This will be announced to the people of South Carolina at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, July 10. The completion of this 2.8 mile expressway will provide easy and direct access to the Columbia Metropolitan Airport. This expressway, which widened Airport Road from Airport Boulevard in Cayce to Platt Springs Road in Springdale, will make a vast difference in the way South Carolinians and visitors commute to the airport. We are looking forward to the next and final phase of the project, which is currently under design and should begin construction in 2006. This will provide for a new four-lane road extending Airport Road to Interstate 26. Coupled with the success of the John N. Hardee Expressway, these two new roadways will reduce traffic and provide direct access to the growing Columbia Metropolitan Airport by passenger and cargo vehicles, removing some 25,000 vehicles each year from the local network surrounding the airport. We would like to thank the people at the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) for all of their hard work in completing this important project. Mrs. Elizabeth Mabry, Executive Director of SCDOT, and Mr. John Hardee, SCDOT Second District Commissioner for whom the expressway is named, thank you for your tireless dedication in getting this phase of the project completed. This expressway will be helpful to the people of the entire state of South Carolina, and for this you are appreciated.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as the leaders of India and Pakistan continue their efforts to bring peace to South Asia, a historic visit to Capitol Hill takes place this week by a delegation of parliamentarians from India and Pakistan for a joint political and cultural exchange. These 14 parliamentarians have traveled together as a team to America and represent the future hopes of more than 1 billion people. While India and Pakistan have lived in enmity for more than 50 years, the people of both nations share similar cultures and ambitions such as respect for family, religious traditions, and the desire to see South Asia prosper financially with peace between these two nations. These parliamentarians represent the symbolic interest of these common interests. The future of South Asia lies in the hands of its young men and women. I commend the American Council of Young Political Leaders for bringing this delegation of South Asian leaders to America, and I am confident that one day, India and Pakistan will live in peace as neighbors for mutual benefit as we all work together for victory in the global war on terror. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. They can be cheerful because they know they have a chairman of the Committee on Armed Services who is personally interested in their safety and security and in promoting democracy and protecting the American people. Additionally, I am very grateful to be here with my colleague from the north, the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes). I had an opportunity to visit with the gentleman at Ft. Bragg and visit with the Special Forces. It is so reassuring to see this new generation, to see how dedicated they are. Many of us had somewhat dismissed them as the Nintendo generation. Well, that is actually very positive because the equipment that they use is so high tech, it is crucial that they be able to operate equipment that is almost inconceivable in terms of advances in just a few years, and particularly even over the first Persian Gulf War, and the success of our troops and dedication is so heart warming. Additionally, I was happy to hear the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes) reference Pope Air Force Base. I have a nephew who is currently still in the Air Force, and I am really proud that he served at Pope. But the perspective I would like to make tonight is indeed as a veteran, I retired after 31 years of service, it was last July, with my service with the Army National Guard, and I saw again firsthand the capable people who are protecting our country, because my job was as pre-mobilization legal counselor and additionally mobilization counseling. People did not whine. They knew, men and women, that they would be serving to protect the American people. Additionally, I am happy to be the parent of three sons who are serving in the military. My oldest son is a young attorney from Lexington, South Carolina. He has been mobilized. He is serving in Iraq. I am in touch with him virtually every day by BlackBerry, by satellite phone. It is very reassuring. My second son is a graduate of the naval academy, an ensign in the Navy. I am very proud of him being in medical school. My third son was just commissioned a month and a half ago at Clemson University, in the Army ROTC; and he will have a career in the signal corps with the Army National Guard. I am just so proud that they have on their own seen that one of the best ways to promote our country is to serve in the military; and then, finally, as a Member of Congress, it has already been referenced by the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Hayes), I am very grateful to represent Fort Jackson, ably commanded by General Abe Turner. General Turner is so well known here in Congress because he was Army liaison to Congress and did a masterful job. I then ran into him, of all things, in Kuwait where he was one of the leaders there and helping us protect and promote our troops. Additionally, I represent the Marine air station at Beaufort. We are very proud of their service. It is a joint Navy and Marine facility with squadrons of both; and I also represent Parris Island, where the training takes place of our troops on the east coast, and I have been there in 3 days of parallel training; and it was an extraordinary opportunity again to see the dedication of these young people. I also represent the Beaufort Naval Hospital adjacent to McIntyre Air National Guard Base, Sully Air Force Base. I, again, over and over again, had the opportunity to meet young people, to meet people who are so dedicated in protecting our country. Indeed, it was 2 weeks ago today that I had the opportunity to go on a delegation with the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra) with the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and we had the opportunity to meet with the incoming Iraqi police being trained. We had the opportunity to meet with the new government officials, the Prime Minister, Ayad Allawi, and also President Ghazi al-Yawer. It was very encouraging. The Prime Minister is a real hero. He himself was a victim of Saddam Hussein's attempted assassination a number of years ago. I have heard it described he was virtually cut in half, but he recovered. His wife, though, did not. She had a permanent nervous breakdown. And so we have a very brave person serving as Prime Minister in Ayad Allawi promoting the people of Iraq to build a civil society. Many of us had the opportunity, thanks to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt), to meet with President Ghazi al-Yawer. He is a graduate of George Washington University; and he announced to us that he is an optimist, that he believes a civil society can be established in Iraq, and I believe that we have seen in the past 10 days, since he took power and since the Prime Minister took power on the 28th, that, indeed, they are working to rebuild a civil society in Iraq.