Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Lieutenant General Garry L. Parks, the Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, soon to retire and return to private life after more than 35 years of proud service as a United States Marine. The departure of General Parks marks not merely the end of an illustrious career replete with many honors; it also marks the beginning of several initiatives that, by virtue of his strategic vision, will ensure the continued success of the Marine Corps into the 21st century. A native of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, General Parks graduated from the Citadel with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1969. After completing The Basic School, he was assigned to the 1st Marine Division in the Republic of Vietnam, where he served with distinction in a variety of positions to include platoon commander and company executive officer with the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion. For his heroism under fire, General Parks was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat ``V''. Next, General Parks served as a company commander with 2d Battalion, 3d Marines. General Parks' later assignments include Company Commander, Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina; the Infantry Officers Advanced Course, Fort Benning, Georgia, where he graduated on the Commandant's List; and company commander, 2d Battalion, 9th Marines, Okinawa, Japan. General Parks was an honor graduate at Marine Corps Command and Staff College; Commanding Officer, Recruiting Station, Raleigh, North Carolina; and the Joint Program and Budget Coordination Officer in the Requirements and Programs Division, Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. While assigned to the First Marine Division, General Parks served as Executive Officer, 5th Marines; Commanding officer, 2d Battalion, 5th Marines; and Commanding Officer, 9th Marines. While serving as Chief of Staff, Marine Forces Pacific, he was selected to Brigadier General. He next served as Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruit Depot/ Western Recruiting Region; Deputy Director for Politico-Military Affairs on the Joint Staff; and Commanding General, Marine Corps Recruiting Command. General Parks will continue to serve as the Deputy Commandant, Manpower and Reserve Affairs until his retirement in June 2004. While serving in this position he devoted his enormous personal energy into implementing manpower programs and policies to ensure the operating forces had the Marine Corps manpower required to succeed in Operation Enduring Freedom I and II, and Operation Iraqi Freedom I and II and to also ensure that Marine families had the support they required during these most challenging times. Throughout his career as a United States Marine, General Parks demonstrated uncompromising character, and a sincere, selfless sense of duty to his beloved Marine Corps and to the Nation. His powerful leadership inspired Marines to tremendous success no matter the task, and achieved results that will guarantee the United States' security into the future. On behalf of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I would like to recognize General Parks' extraordinary accomplishments and his devoted service to the Nation. Congratulations to him, his wife Earlene, son Garry, and daughter Tammy on the completion of a long and distinguished career.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, while we are all appalled and outraged by the actions of a few soldiers, let us not forget there are 135,000 honorable American troops, along with 23,000 courageous coalition partners, working day and night in Iraq to improve the Iraqis' quality of life. These fine men and women in uniform have built and repaired schools, reopened thousands of run-down hospitals and clinics, restored and improved electricity and water supplies, and put a new currency in place. The positive progress which I saw firsthand last month in Iraq has been astounding, despite daily terrorist attacks that seek to prevent democracy from taking root. The terrorists know that if freedom prevails in Iraq that it will spell the beginning of the end of their quest for tyrannical hold on the Middle East. Yet their desperate attempts will fail, and the American military will continue their noble work to make sure that Iraqis live in a free Iraq to protect American families from future acts of terrorism. 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, this weekend I had the honor of joining the nonprofit Armed Forces Foundation in Columbia, South Carolina, for Military Appreciation Day. There I met with hundreds of military and family members who gather to enjoy a day of recreation, fishing and appreciation for their service. Led by President Patricia Driscoll, along with fundraiser Wyatt Smith and founded by Jim Gorab, the Armed Services Foundation works to support the American military community. President Driscoll knows personally the sacrifice these men and women make, as her husband is on active duty in Iraq today, fighting to protect American families in the war on terror. Along with military appreciation events held throughout the United States, the Armed Forces Foundation coordinates care packages for troops deployed and offers travel assistance for families visiting wounded soldiers. Additionally, they give away thousands of turkeys every year for Thanksgiving and gift certificates for military children at Christmas time. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in thanking the Armed Forces Foundation for their service to those who defend freedom. 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, this week we will vote on H.R. 4227, the Middle-Class Alternative Minimum Tax Relief Act of 2004. We need to pass this important bill, sponsored by the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Simmons), to avoid 11 million taxpayers being hit with an average tax increase of $1,520. The AMT Tax Relief Act will ensure that this bipartisan tax relief will continue through 2005. As our economy continues its strong recovery, we must make sure that middle-income families keep more of their own money. Without the AMT Tax Relief Act, millions of middle-income families will face a tax increase next year by being forced into paying the alternative minimum tax. Married couples will see their AMT exemption drop from $58,000 to $45,000. Single individuals will see their AMT exemption drop from $40,250 to $33,750. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting continued tax relief for American families. Vote ``yes'' on H.R. 4227. 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, today's all-volunteer military protects Americans every day by bravely fighting the war on terrorism in Afghanistan, Iraq, and wherever terrorists attack. Despite the sacrifice and commitment service in our armed service requires, and despite the enemies of freedom who are attacking America and its allies, troops are reenlisting at rates exceeding our expectations. September 11 changed America's psychology. Americans know there is a real and visible threat to our life and liberty. The troops who are signing back up for service know better than anyone how important this fight against terrorism is to the future of our Nation and to freedom throughout the world to protect American families. Mr. Speaker, we have 1.4 million men and women who are on active duty, along with 1.2 million who serve in the Guard and Reserves. These volunteers and their families are dedicated individuals who have chosen a life of honor and duty to our country. I ask all my colleagues to join me in thanking servicemembers for their service. 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 yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California, and we appreciate greatly our colleague's past military service, we appreciate his service now as chairman of the Committee on Armed Services, and we are very grateful for the service of his son, who is currently in Iraq. We are just so pleased that the gentleman is leading the effort to explain to the American people the significance of the war on terrorism. Mr. Speaker, I will be providing for the Record a prepared statement, but I would like to give a brief synopsis, and it really relates to earlier this month my having had the opportunity to serve on a bipartisan delegation led by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Rogers) and the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Etheridge). The intent of our trip was to visit Iraq. On the way, though, we had several stops. First, it was to Qatar, then Iraq, then Jordan, and then Hungary. What I found out at every place that we stopped is that the war on terror is coming into place, and we have thousands of allies, professionals, working together to provide in the war on terror protection for the American people. When we first arrived in Qatar itself, we visited with the Iraqi Survey Group, and we found that there are hundreds of linguists putting together 32 million pieces of evidence, paper, video tape, computer disks, and computers themselves to put together the whole story and history of the Saddam Hussein dictatorship. This can be used for the later situation of a war crimes trial. Additionally, it can be used for putting together identification of criminals who are in the country of Iraq, in order to protect American soldiers. Then we visited Iraq itself, and I was very pleased at the airport to visit with the FBI command post and found the very dedicated FBI agents who are working to uncover the different bombings that have occurred in Iraq in order to protect the American citizens who are in Iraq. We also helicoptered to Kirkush to visit with the North Carolina Army National Guard. While we were there, we of course met with troops from our home State, from my situation in South Carolina. It was a 2-day visit. At each stop we would visit with enlisted personnel, junior officers, and in meeting with them, it was so encouraging. When I was there in September, the young service members told me that 70 to 90 percent of the people that they met on the streets, and that is how they patrol. It is not by speeding Humvees. They walk the streets. Seventy to 90 percent are supportive of the liberation of their country and the ability to develop a democratic Iraq. Now when I was there just this month, the number is 90 percent. I kept stretching and asking them, are you sure? They told me that indeed the people are supportive of the efforts made by all of our allies. We have got 32 countries with 25,000 troops in Iraq working to build a democratic country. We also had the opportunity to visit with personnel who had helped reestablish the Ministry of Health in Iraq. Currently there are 240 hospitals in Iraq which are open and 1,200 primary health care clinics. This is extraordinary because traditionally that has not been available for the average citizens. Health care was for the elite of the Baath Socialist Party. Additionally, we visited Jordan. In visiting Jordan, I found visiting the International Police Training Center that there are professional police from 20 countries who are training in classes of 500 Iraqi police. Ultimately by the end of next year, 32,000 police officers will be trained to serve in Iraq. That night I visited with the chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the AmCham, in Jordan, who told me that there have been two business conferences where there are in place contracts to establish hopefully over a million new jobs in the country of Iraq. This is extraordinary, the progress being made. Finally, we came back through Hungary. We visited the International Law Enforcement Academy in Budapest, where since 1995 law enforcement officers have been trained to fight organized crime and they are preparing for police officers from Iraq to fight organized crime which works with terrorism. I am so encouraged by the visit to Hungary. It was symbolic. Fifteen years ago, Hungary was a totalitarian police state. Today it is a democratic member of NATO. Nobody would have ever dreamed this could occur in 15 years. That is the vision that our President has for the Middle East, that it be democratic, that it be peaceful and that it protect the people of the United States from terrorist activities. I thank the gentleman again for his efforts. Thank you Mr. Chairman, we appreciate your past military service and now chairmanship of Armed Services Committee, we are grateful for your son serving in Iraq. Mr. Speaker, during the first week of April, I served on a bipartisan delegation led by Congressmen Mike Rogers and Bob Etheridge to visit Iraq, but I found every stop in Qatar, Iraq, Jordan, and Hungary to be a crucial part of the Global War on Terror. I saw first hand courageous coalition forces of dozens of nations working with determination to stop terrorism from destroying modern civilization. Without fanfare or attention, American families are being protected by professionals who are making every reasonable effort to keep the terrorists on the defensive overseas and deter further attacks on civilians in North America. As the media correctly reported the violence of the week in Iraq, the global interrelation with terrorism was evidenced by another bombing in Madrid while terrorist cells with truck loads of explosives were arrested in England and Jordan. The worldwide conflict is not solely war in Iraq. The Jordanian explosives yesterday were revealed to include chemicals which could kill up to 80,000 civilians. In Qatar, we were immediately taken to Camp As Sayliyah for a briefing by the Iraqi Survey Group. Hundreds of linguists and analysts are cataloging 32 million documents retrieved from Iraqi Government ministries, terrorist sites, Saddam Hussein's many palaces, and dual- use laboratories to recreate a paper, computer disk, and videotape history of the Hussein dictatorship. The evidence of war crimes will be presented at upcoming trials and the recovered individual criminal records can now be used to protect American troops from violent criminals released by Hussein prior to Iraq's liberation. Visiting troops from South Carolina was a highlight of my trip, and I enjoyed seeing personnel of all ranks enthusiastic with high morale. It was especially meaningful to meet with Columbian Major David G. Ellison who still has a will I prepared for him when I was a mobilization JAG officer with the S.C. Army National Guard. With 2 days in Iraq at the height of renewed violence we found morale high, and the South Carolina troops who patrol by walking the streets said 90 percent of the Iraqis were grateful for liberation, which is higher than the estimates I learned in a September visit. My appreciation for the troops and their families is profound. My oldest son is now deployed in Iraq, and I was able to speak by phone with him as he begins his year of active duty. In Baghdad, we visited the FBI Command Post where experienced agents from across America lead investigations of identifying terrorists, uncovering terrorist financing, and analyzing bombings and murders of Americans. This came to life with Congressman Rogers, a former FBI agent, and by the accompaniment of Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Tom Fuentes who has an extensive career of professional investigation. We helicoptered to Kirkush to visit with the newly arrived troops of the North Carolina Army National Guard. Their morale was high as it was explained that the local Iraqi security forces were making a real impact establishing order. Proof of the local forces' effectiveness is that Hussein loyalists are brutally attacking them with the Iraqis fighting back with a new resolve to build democracy. In concluding our briefings we met with Jim Haveman, formerly Community Health Director of Michigan, who explained the upgrading of Iraqi healthcare. The previous system, which was totally focused for the Baath Socialist Party members, has been expanded for all citizens and the Ministry of Health was among the first to be transferred to Iraqi control. All 240 Iraqi hospitals and more than 1,200 primary care clinics are open. Visiting Jordan was an unexpectedly pleasant surprise. Jordanians are enthusiastic in helping the coalition rebuild Iraq because a stable Iraq protects Jordan's growing economy. At the Jordan International Police Training Center, professional police from 20 nations are training classes of 500 Iraqi police trainees with a goal of producing 32,000 graduates by December 2005. Without notice or preselection our delegation interviewed four Iraqi students who told of their heartfelt desire to play a role in building a democratic Iraq. That evening I met with the Chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce (AmCham) in Jordan. The AmCham had recently hosted in Jordan a second business conference on Iraq, together with Amman World Trade Centers. The conference was attended by many Iraqi business people during which it was suggested that contracts that are either in place or soon to be awarded to hopefully create more than 1 million new jobs in Iraq. The AmCham is promoting Jordan for the value it offers as a launching pad for doing business in Iraq. Hungary is home of the International Law Enforcement Academy at Budapest where since 1995 police officers from formerly communist nations have been trained to detect and fight financial and organized crime. Iraqis will soon join the classes to learn of the relationships between organized crime and terrorism, which work to acquire financing and provide munitions. In the former totalitarian police state of Hungary, which is now a dynamic member of NATO, it is a dream come true to see freedom flourish in just 15 short years of democracy. President Bush has this same vision of democracy for the Middle East, which he knows will benefit the people of the region and is the best way to protect American families from future terrorist attacks. Just as in Hungary, the road is bumpy, but the benefits are crucial for peace and freedom. After World War II we rebuilt Germany to deter it from being a breeding ground for communists and now in Iraq we can stop it from being a breeding ground for terrorists. September 11 confirmed we are in a global war we did not seek, but we clearly now have a choice of fighting terrorists overseas at their homes or we will fight them in America at our homes. From Qatar to Iraq to Jordan to Hungary competent and dedicated patriots are making a difference. In conclusion God Bless our Troops, we will not forget the attacks of September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I have previously expressed my support for the International Republican Institute's (IRI) outstanding work in Iraq, Eastern Europe, and Africa and want to reiterate my support as IRI celebrates its 20th anniversary. Tonight, IRI led by president George Folsom will celebrate this auspicious occasion during its 2004 Freedom Dinner at which IRI will present the Freedom Award for advancing democracy to Dr. Condeleeza Rice, the National Security Advisor, and honor the late Sergio de Mello, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights who was killed in Iraq. I also want to focus on the unique opportunities which IRI provides for Americans to share the skills they have honed on campaign trails and in the halls of Congress with their counterparts in developing democracies. Volunteers from across the U.S. augment IRI's operations in over 56 countries by conducting specialized training missions on crafting campaign finance laws, strengthening political participation among women and youth, and implementing political polling. Additionally, IRI frequently sends volunteers to serve on election observation missions. Recently, my own Chief of Staff, Eric Dell returned from an election observation mission in Macedonia where he worked with IRI professionals from across the globe. Mr. Speaker, IRI's use of volunteers builds goodwill for the U.S. as Americans assist men and women overseas to strengthen political parties and democratic institutions. For example, interactions between a city administrator from rural South Carolina and a mayor in Malawi can go far in breaking misconceptions about the U.S. and about the prognosis for democracy in Africa. IRI volunteers demonstrate to newly elected parliamentarians in Eastern Europe that building democratic institutions is not only a goal of U.S. government officials but that it is the desire of the American people. I hope that my colleagues and their staffers consider participating in IRI training missions as one of the best opportunities to play a critical role in implementing U.S. foreign policy.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last year President Bush signed into law historic bipartisan legislation that adds critically needed benefits to Medicare and solidifies the program for future generations. I have been traveling throughout the Second District of South Carolina to discuss these changes, and the seniors I talk to are enthusiastic to learn that for the first time Medicare will encourage preventative care. First and foremost, the new prescription drug benefit will allow seniors to afford the medicine they need to prevent disease. Yet, while the prescription drug benefit has been widely publicized, many seniors are unaware of other important preventative measures now available to them. All newly enrolled beneficiaries will be covered for physicals, cardiovascular-screening blood tests including cholesterol, and diabetes screening for at-risk beneficiaries. These benefits do not have deductibles or co-pays, to make sure there are no hurdles for seniors with limited resources. These screenings will catch treatable, manageable conditions that otherwise would result in senior health consequences, preventing a healthy and happy retirement. 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, 33 years ago today, John Kerry appeared before the Senate to talk about Vietnam. Many veterans, including myself as a veteran, view John Kerry's testimony that day as one of the worst public slanders ever against the valor and character of the American military. In a sad act of political theater, John Kerry accused American soldiers of rape, torture, murder, and even offered up comparisons of Genghis Khan. What he said that day has been discredited. Some of the men used as sources for war crimes later were found to have never been to Vietnam. Yet just last Sunday on ``Meet the Press,'' John Kerry failed to apologize for his extremist accusations. His words in 1971 are important because he used false information to turn public opinion against the men who were serving their country honorably, such as the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson), who survived 7 years as a POW in Vietnam. These troops returned to face unfair persecution, and John Kerry owes them an apology. 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 weekend I had the privilege of joining thousands of visitors from across the world in celebrating the MCI Heritage Classic of Golf Tournament held on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The Heritage has a rich history, with the first tournament won by Arnold Palmer in 1969. This year's champion is Stewart Cink, who won in dramatic fashion on the fifth playoff round with Ted Purdy. Yet the more important story of this popular Lowcountry event is the work of the Heritage Golf Classic Foundation. This nonprofit organization operates the tournament every year while generating over $50 million for the South Carolina and Georgia hospitality industry. The Heritage Golf Classic Foundation also distributed a record $1.2 million to charities in 2003, including such areas as education to public health. Heartfelt congratulations are due Heritage Classic Foundation Chairman Joe Fraser, Vice President Ed Dowaschinski, Secretary John Curry, and Tournament Director Steve Wilmot for yet another successful tournament hosted by the Sea Pines Resort led by President Michael Lawrence. 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, this month I served on a bipartisan delegation led by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Rogers) and the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Etheridge) to visit Iraq. But I found every stop in Qatar, Iraq, Jordan, and Hungary to be a crucial part of the global war on terror. I saw firsthand courageous coalition forces of dozens of nations working with determination to stop terrorism from destroying modern civilization. As evidenced by another bombing in Madrid, while terrorist cells with truckloads of explosives were arrested in England and Jordan, this is truly a worldwide conflict, not solely in Iraq. Despite the renewed violence, we found troop morale high. Incredibly, the South Carolina troops who walk the streets said 90 percent of the Iraqis were grateful for liberation. September 11 confirmed we are in a global war we did not seek. We must confront the terrorists overseas where they train, or we will fight them in America at our homes. From Qatar to Iraq to Jordan to Hungary, competent and dedicated patriots are making a difference. 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 rise today to highlight the important work of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin, or AAPI, which includes 35,000 physicians and 10,000 medical students and residents throughout America. Indian-American physicians have been pioneers in medicine and health care for centuries, and by working together through AAPI, they have made important contributions to the American medical profession. In South Carolina, Indian-American doctors such as Dr. Kaushal Sinha are especially meaningful, giving service in rural communities. Also, an Indian-American, Dr. Seshadri Raju, performed a life-saving double-lung transplant on my predecessor and mentor, the late Congressman Floyd Spence. Congressman Spence incredibly lived an additional 13 years thanks to Dr. Raju and then was able to serve his country as chairman of the House Committee on Armed Services. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking AAPI for their visionary leadership in health care, particularly President Dr. Sharad Lakhanpal, as well as Dr. Rakesh Shreedhar, Dr. Sampat Shivangi, and Dr. Raghavendra Vijayanagar. 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, on Monday there was a historic ceremony at the White House where President George W. Bush welcomed Bulgaria, Romania, Lithuania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, and Latvia into NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. I am particularly pleased of Bulgaria's entry as they are rapidly rising from decades of communist totalitarianism, which I have seen firsthand since my first visit to Sofia in June 1990. Bulgaria has been one of America's most courageous allies in the war on terrorism, providing troops for the liberation campaigns in Afghanistan and Iraq. I want to personally thank the visionary Bulgarian patriots who have worked so hard to make today possible, including Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg Gotha, President Georgi Parvanov, Ambassador Elena Poptodorova, Foreign Minister Solomon Pasi, Defense Minister Nikolai Svinarov, Speaker Ognian Gerdjikov, Deputy Chief of Mission Emil Yalnazov, Ambassador Stefan Stoyanov, and Congressional Liaison Officer Zlatin Krastev. 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, it is an honor for me to be here today with the gentleman from Alabama. I appreciate very much his leadership to promote the ROTC and Military Recruiter Equal Access to Campus Act of 2004. I have heard the comments by the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Armed Services, the gentleman from California; and I agree with him that this is about providing choices. It is also about providing opportunities. I know firsthand. I had the opportunity to experience a career of 4 years of ROTC at Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. From that it led to my ability to serve in the National Guard for 31 years. I am very grateful for what ROTC did for me. Additionally, my oldest son is a graduate of Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina, ROTC. He went on to law school and now is serving in Iraq. I am very proud of his service because of ROTC and the opportunities it has provided. And in 5 weeks I am looking forward to attending the graduation of my third son from Clemson University. He is in Army ROTC, as one might expect. I am just really proud of his service and the opportunities that he will have to serve in the military. I also am aware of opportunities for minorities in the State of South Carolina. A classic case is someone who is known here in Congress, General Abe Turner. General Turner is a graduate of South Carolina State University, which is one of our historically black colleges which is very distinguished. I was with General Turner. He is now the commanding general of Fort Jackson in South Carolina. These are opportunities that have been provided to young people to go to college and have the ROTC experience. Finally, I want to point out that particularly for law schools, I think it is important to have access. I served in the Judge Advocate General Corps for 29 years. There is no better way to get trial experience, to learn about the law and the laws of the United States than to serve in the JAG Corps. I urge that this bill be passed, that indeed we have access for law schools. I am just grateful for this and urge my colleagues to support this act for ROTC recruitment.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson) for her leadership in proposing this resolution. I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 386 which congratulates the U.S. Air Force Academy on its 50th anniversary and recognizing its contributions to the Nation. It is particularly meaningful to me to be here today. I have several perspectives. In addition to being a Member of Congress, I am a veteran myself. I served 31 years in the Army National Guard. But I greatly appreciate the service of the Air Force. It has been extraordinary, the military professionalism that truly has been generated by the Air Force Academy. I had the extraordinary opportunity firsthand to accompany the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), as the ranking member of the Committee on Armed Services, to visit Iraq last September; and I saw firsthand the success of the precision bombing which protected the civilian population and protected the schools and the mosques while the military targets were utterly destroyed in one of the most successful military operations in the history of the United States, protecting the American people from the terrorists by going after them in Afghanistan, going after them in Iraq. And American families are safer. Additionally, I am grateful to be a service academy parent. I know firsthand how academies promote the high standards of academics. Actually, my son went to an academy which is in the State of Maryland, not in the State of Colorado, but I do have great appreciation for the Academy. There are facts that should be known, that 32 cadets have been selected as Rhodes Scholars, including our colleague, the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson), who also has, I think, the great distinction of being the first female graduate of the Air Force Academy serving in Congress. Additionally, six cadets have accepted Marshall scholarships; nine cadets have received the Harry S. Truman scholarship; 92 cadets have been accepted as Guggenheim Fellows. There is so much to be appreciative of of the military service, the academic success of the Air Force Academy. Mr. Speaker, I urge support of the resolution.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, in the global war on terrorism, it is reassuring that President George W. Bush is keeping focused on winning the war which was forced on America by the murderous attacks of September 11. In the midst of Monday morning quarterbacking, we should see the facts of success: the Afghan and Iraqi dictatorships which supported terrorism have met regime change. An emboldened Pakistan has 70,000 troops uprooting terrorists on the border of Afghanistan, and Libya has abandoned its banned weapons programs. Libya has seen the light. It is reassuring to learn from Thursday's Washington Post that the Libyan dictator's son Saif Islam Qaddafi has made the case for peace and freedom clear to other Arab countries: ``Instead of shouting and criticizing the American initiative, you have to bring democracy to your countries, and then there will be no need to fear America or your people.'' In conclusion, God bless our troops. We will never forget September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Republican budget carefully crafted by the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Nussle) for fiscal year 2005, because it is a responsible plan that sets clear priorities. As we fight the war on terrorism, we will make sure we have the tools that we need to fight the enemy abroad and protect our homeland. Defense spending has increased 7.1 percent, and homeland security has increased 9.5 percent. Additionally, we are committed to continuing the policies of economic recovery through job creation. The budget allows for making tax cuts, like the marriage penalty and child deduction, permanent so American families can keep more of their own hard-earned money. Finally, we are going to cut the deficit in half in 4 years by holding the line on nondefense and nonhomeland security, and by eliminating waste, fraud and abuse. We must be better managers of the taxpayers' money, and this budget will be a positive step in the right direction. 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, it is clear why misleading allegations have been made by Richard Clarke, a former adviser of Presidents Clinton and Bush. His motivations have become evident over the last few days to the American people as his comments have been timed to the release for sales of his book. And we learned he was passed over for promotion and that he is a close friend of Rand Beers, an adviser to the current Democratic nominee for President. Mr. Clarke's strange accusations about Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice and President Bush's handling of the war on terrorism are false as the facts refute the rhetoric. President George W. Bush and his team, with our troops, have shown bold leadership to successfully fight the war on terrorism, have encouraged Libya to disarm, inspired Pakistan to deploy 70,000 troops to fight al Qaeda terrorists, and have led to the liberation of millions from terrorist-sponsoring regimes. President Bush has taken the battle to the terrorists so that we can reduce further attacks on 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, I rise today in opposition to recent proposals to raise the Federal gas tax. As the former chairman of the South Carolina State Senate Transportation Committee, I know that raising taxes on America's families is not the proper answer to building a better road system. The gas tax is a regressive tax that affects low-income Americans disproportionately. The revered Heritage Foundation recently noted that analysis shows that increasing the gas tax would depress economic activity and the incomes of millions of Americans. It would also significantly raise less revenue than its proponents project. Instead of raising the burden on over-taxed American families, we should better manage taxpayers' money. Millions of dollars are diverted every year on low-priority roadside enhancements that are not urgent safety matters. Also, we should repeal Davis-Bacon. As the Nonpartisan Americans For Tax Reform has noted, transportation costs would decrease by an estimated 8 to 30 percent if Congress would remove the Davis- Bacon prevailing wage requirement. I ask all of my colleagues to oppose any attempt to raise the gas tax on 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, I ask unanimous consent to take my Special Order at this time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, in cooperation with the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter), the Committee on Armed Services chairman, I recently sent every Member of the House a copy of ``Iraq's Legacy of Terror: Mass Graves,'' a report that highlights the worst human rights atrocity of Saddam Hussein's regime. Hundreds of thousands of murdered Iraqis, including women holding their children with bullet holes, lie in at least 270 mass grave sites around the country. Saddam's mass graves represent a crime against humanity surpassed in scope only by the World War II Nazi Holocaust, Pol Pot's Cambodian communist killing fields in the 1970s, and the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Thanks to the leadership of President Bush and the valor of the American military, along with our international allies, Iraqis no longer live in fear of Saddam's brutal regime. Today, the Coalition Provisional Authority is working with thousands of Iraqi families to identify and rebury their loved ones. 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 am profoundly disappointed in some of the rhetoric from Democrats in this election year debate. As we have all heard a few weeks ago, Terry McAullife, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, said that President Bush had served in the National Guard but, quote, ``never served in our military and our country,'' end of quote. This is a double slander of the President and the National Guard. To imply that the National Guard is not a military service, Chairman McAullife dismisses the sacrifices of tens of thousands of National Guardsmen and women presently serving, and is a slap to the face of their service and their families. As a retired National Guard member myself with 31 years service, with two sons in the Guard, one of whom was deployed to Iraq this week, America deserves an apology and the Democrats should find better leadership. Terry McAullife's comments were wrong and they were offensive to me, my family, to the thousands of South Carolina National Guard members fighting in the war on terrorism today. Apparently Chairman McAullife is unaware of the distinguished history of the National Guard, which is America's oldest military service. The South Carolina National Guard dates back over 300 years to 1670 when colonists united to defend their homeland against Spanish invasion. In fact, the valor of those early guardsmen has been enshrined in the South Carolina State flag when they defended the Carolina coast with a fort built of palmetto trees during the Revolutionary War. Perhaps Mr. McAullife is simply unaware that guardsmen fought on the front lines of World War I, World War II, the Cold War, the war in Vietnam, the Korean War, the Gulf War, and now the war on terrorism. And on the morning of September 11, when we were not sure how many planes had been hijacked or how many sites had been targeted, the President ordered the Air National Guard to fly combat patrols over Washington, D.C. and New York. Thank you to the Guard's 119th Fighter Wing whose F-16s defended the skies over Washington that morning and to the Air National Guard 102nd Fighter Wing whose F-15s rose to the defense of New York City. At a time of great peril and uncertainty they were America's first line of defense and we will never forget it. Right now there are more than 193,000 National Guard members and reservists currently serving our country in the war on terror. They are steadfast servants to our country, who have given up their own civilian occupations and left their homes and families to ensure liberty for others. Some of these men and women are on the front lines who serve as the wedge between terrorism and freedom. They are serving our country. I find Chairman McAuliffe's characterization insulting and demeaning. Terry McAuliffe disgraces himself and insults the National Guard by saying it is not military service. His baseless insinuation diminishes the National Guard as an institution, and he owes an apology to the guardsmen and -women in uniform serving our country and protecting their fellow Americans. Chairman McAuliffe has a right to speak freely. But it is shameful that in one statement he dishonors some of America's bravest service members. Chairman McAullife's comments represent the worst of election year politics. President Bush has been talking about the issues that matter to Americans: strong national defense, tax relief to promote job creation, and quality education for our children. Yet the Democratic leader has chosen to engage in personal partisan attacks and reckless comments that insult our men and women in uniform and the families supporting them. It is a sad day for the Democratic Party whose leader publicly denounces, degrades, and dishonors a fighting force that at that moment is fighting for freedom and democracy and have devoted their lives to fighting terrorists around the world. It is a time for truth. It is a time to raise the level of public debate in this country. It is a time for accountability. It is a time for honesty. It is past time for an apology, and it is time for the Democratic Party to find new leadership. Mr. Speaker, as I conclude, I would like to offer, again, God bless our troops. We will never forget September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, thanks to the leadership of President George W. Bush, the valor of the American military and the courage of our coalition partners, 1 year ago this week the liberation of Iraq started marking the beginning of the end of Saddam Hussein's brutal regime. My gratitude for this historic success is as a Member of Congress. I had the opportunity to go with the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) and visit our troops in Iraq. Additionally, I am grateful as a veteran myself. I retired last July after 31 years of service with the Army National Guard, and I am so proud of what our active Guard and Reserve forces have done. But additionally, I am proud and grateful as a parent. I have three sons who are in the military of the United States, and one of my sons began his deployment in Iraq this week. We are very proud in the Wilson family of our contribution and the success of the American military. Some today have incorrectly accused the administration of saying Iraq was in imminent threat. In reality, the case for the war with Iraq was made precisely because Iraq was not yet an imminent threat. After the hard lesson of September 11, we can no longer wait until our enemies grow stronger and more deadly before we take decisive action to prevent future tragedies. Saddam Hussein posed a unique danger to the people of the United States and the world. He ignored 17 United Nations resolutions for over a decade, harbored and supported terrorists, and had used biological and chemical weapons on his own people, had a history of violent aggression against his neighboring countries, and attempted to assassinate a President of the United States. Today, Saddam Hussein's regime of terror has ended and the world is a safer place for it; yet we know the war of terrorism is not over. We need to remain vigilant to protect America's families by promoting this resolution today, and I urge its support. In conclusion, God bless our troops. We will never forget September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, 1 year ago this Friday the historic liberation of the Iraqi people from Saddam Hussein's vicious tyranny began. Thanks to the leadership of President George W. Bush and the courage of our military with coalition partners, Iraqis no longer fear Saddam's torture chambers and executions. Instead, millions enjoy the hope of freedom and democracy. Today, Iraqi women have the freedom to participate in government and children are going to newly renovated schools. Decades of neglect by Saddam are being reversed in record time as health clinics, water sources, electricity and sanitation are being restored throughout the country. Most importantly, the world no longer lives under the constant threat of a madman who harbored and supported terrorists. After World War II, we helped rebuild Germany to assist it from becoming a breeding ground for communists, and we were successful. Today we are rebuilding Iraq to assist it from being a breeding ground for terrorists, and we will be successful in protecting American families. In conclusion, God bless our troops. And we will never forget September 11.