Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, America awoke this morning to learn the tragic news that at least 170 people were massacred and over 600 wounded in terrorist attacks on the public transit system in Madrid, Spain. The Basque terrorist group, ETA, is believed to be responsible for these murderous bombings. This is only the latest in a global campaign of terror that seeks to undermine freedom and democracy throughout the world by taking the lives of innocent civilians. Since the terrorist attacks of September 11 here in America, there have been deadly attacks from Morocco to Indonesia and from India to Turkey and Russia, along with assaults in Iraq and Saudi Arabia. As British Prime Minister Tony Blair has rightly said this morning, ``This terrible attack underlines the threat that we all continue to face from terrorism in many countries and why we must all work together internationally to safeguard our peoples against such attacks and defeat terrorism.'' Our allies in Spain, led ably by the courageous prime minister, Jose Maria Aznar, should know that Americans mourn with them today. America is committed to stand by Spain to defeat global terrorism, as we are grateful for the Spanish heritage 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, America was thrust into war on September 11, 2001, when our Nation was viciously attacked by terrorists who seek to destroy American freedoms. Since that event, the U.S. military has been winning the war on terrorism, guided by the courageous leadership of President George W. Bush. Recognizing the true threat posed by the global network of terrorism who work closely with outlaw regimes, President Bush laid out a bold and decisive plan. America will not wait for another September 11 to occur before we take action to defend the American people. In the past 2\1/2\ years, our men and women in uniform, backed by dozens of coalition allies, have ended the oppressive terrorist supporting regimes of the Taliban in Afghanistan and Saddam Hussein in Iraq. This protects American families. Americans can be assured that, thanks to the commitment of President Bush and the valor of American military, that we will continue to win the war on terrorism, despite more attacks worldwide. In conclusion, may God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I am honored to speak today as the co-chair of the Caucus on India and Indian Americans, the largest country caucus on Capitol Hill with 183 members. I am grateful for the leadership of the prior co-chairman, the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce). I support this truly historic resolution which praises India's firm commitment to democratic principles. On January 26, 1950, after a long struggle for freedom led by Mahatma Gandhi, India began its formal existence as a parliamentary democracy. Republic Day is the second most important national holiday in India after Independence Day, which is celebrated on August 15. India modelled its constitution after America's and both our nations believe that the freedoms enshrined in the constitution are universal for all human beings. India's national elections occur next month, a historic occasion with more than the 600 million that voted in the last election expected to vote next month. The last national elections in 1999 had the largest voter participation of any election in world history. India's creation and adherence to a national constitution can serve as an example to newly liberated countries like Iraq of how much can be gained by creating a constitution supported by the people and respected by democratic institutions. India's struggles and success can be a source of inspiration to the people of Iraq. Since independence, India has struggled with high poverty and illiteracy rates, maintained a socialist economy, endured numerous conflicts with Pakistan, and sometimes even experienced internal conflicts between various religious and ethnic groups in India. Yet India has risen to the challenge every time, showing the rest of the world that a nation of more than a billion people can consistently adhere to elections at the local, state, and national levels and overcome challenges in its path. India has dramatically reduced its poverty and illiteracy rates and recently opened its economy to the world, experiencing nearly an 8 percent economic growth during the last fiscal year. India and Pakistan have begun a composite dialogue with the prospect of a negotiated agreement to the Kashmir dispute on the horizon. And India continues to make improvements to its economic infrastructure, judicial system, and electoral process to ensure that the freedoms outlined in the constitution are truly protected for all of India's people. India is most deserving of today's congressional recognition of this faithful adherence to democracy for more than 50 years. America and India have entered into a new era of friendship with victory in the Cold War. India as the world's largest democracy and America as the world's oldest democracy are realizing more every day that we have shared values. I want to commend President George W. Bush for his leadership in bringing America and India closer together as allies with his vision of a new strategic partnership. In conclusion, I would like to thank both the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach), chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), chairman of the Committee on International Relations, for allowing the committee to consider and pass this historic and important resolution. I urge my colleagues to support House Concurrent Resolution 15.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, one of my life goals in public service has been to promote democracy and freedom throughout the world. A leading proponent of this goal is the International Republican Institute, widely revered as IRI. Founded in 1983, this visionary nonprofit organization responded to President Ronald Reagan's call in 1982 that ``we must be staunch in our conviction that freedom is not the sole prerogative of a lucky few, but the inalienable and universal right of all human beings.'' IRI has advanced the march of freedom by teaching nations recovering from Communist and authoritarian totalitarian regimes how to self- govern through the rule of law. IRI adheres to the fundamental American principles of individual freedom, equal opportunity, and entrepreneurial spirit that foster economic development. I have seen IRI's success firsthand in Bulgaria, as I joined a delegation to observe their first free elections since victory in the Cold War. They have democracy efforts in 56 countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan, China, Slovakia, and Russia. I want to personally thank IRI's president, George A. Folsom, for his commitment to bringing the hope of freedom to people all over the world. 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, President Bush took office 3 years ago facing the challenge of managing a recession that began under the prior administration. Soon other factors bogged down our economy, including the attacks of September 11, corporate scandals and the ensuing stock market decline. Despite all of these negative events, President Bush and the Republican Congress have worked together to strengthen the economy in America. Due to the President's policies of tax relief, we have seen an increase of 366,000 jobs. And, according to the American Shareholders Association, the stock market is on pace to generate an astonishing $6.3 trillion of new resources since October 2002 for America's families. Additionally, unemployment has fallen below the average of each of the last three decades. However, more work is needed which the President has outlined. We must make tax relief for all taxpayers permanent, reduce regulation, ensure affordable health care for families and small businesses, and enact a sound national energy policy. In conclusion, may God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, this past Friday, I had the opportunity to make presentations about the improvements made to Medicare with medical students at the University of South Carolina Medical School led by Mark Versnick and with seniors in the Low Country, where Darren Katz of the Health Leadership Council joined me. I informed them that last year the Republican-led Congress passed a historic bill that finally provides prescription drug coverage for our seniors through Medicare. This was a central issue of recent campaigns, and Republican lawmakers and President George W. Bush have proven that their promises are trustworthy. The seniors I met with near Sun City at Hardeeville, South Carolina, were happy to learn that their benefits have not changed. Today's Medicare is better for seniors, meeting their needs while keeping costs sustainable. The new voluntary prescription drug benefit allows seniors to lead healthier lives, while preventing disease and avoiding unnecessary hospital visits that will keep costs down. I am proud of the work we have done to improve Medicare, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to build on this historic 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 rise today to commend a South Carolinian who has been a model of public service for the last 35 years. Eric Thompson of North Augusta, South Carolina, retired this January from his post as executive director of the Lower Savannah Council of Governments, where he had worked since 1981. The Council is a regional planning and development organization serving 6 counties and 45 incorporated municipalities. Mr. Thompson has helped the Lower Savannah Council secure nearly $172 million in State and Federal grants for cities and counties in the region, which includes Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, and Orangeburg Counties. He has worked previously as part of planning commissions for Aiken and Brunswick-Glynn County, and currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Development Organizations, where he has served as president. South Carolina is so thankful for Eric Thompson's dedication to our State, and I ask all of my colleagues to join me in commending him for his commitment to public service. 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, when Americans watch the nightly news images of U.S. troops on duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, they see them carrying out their most difficult duties, using the finest small arms in the world. Those weapons are proudly made in South Carolina's Second Congressional District by FNMI, FN Manufacturing, Incorporated, in Columbia, South Carolina. Since the mid-1980s, FNMI has been building the M-16 rifle, the M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon, and the M-240 Medium Machine Gun for the U.S. Armed Forces. In other words, FNMI is the principal supplier of small arms to the military. These arms are universally recognized as the finest infantry weapons in the world, perhaps the finest ever made. They are known for their ruggedness, reliability, and effectiveness and are on duty everywhere American troops are deployed in the war on terror, as I have seen first hand in Iraq. Additionally, FNMI is one of the largest defense industries in South Carolina, employing approximately 450 dedicated personnel. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in thanking the professional employees of FNMI Manufacturing, as their work makes it possible for our brave men and women to protect us in the war on 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, I received an inspiring letter from Jim Miles of Columbia, South Carolina, describing the valor of his grandfather, James Hanna and his five granduncles. Incredibly, these six coal-mining brothers from West Virginia served at the same time in World War II. Roy Hanna, U.S. Army, 10th Mountain Division, fought in Italy and Germany, receiving two bronze stars. Fred Hanna, U.S. Army, 1st Armored Division, was captured at Tunisia and then lost 90 pounds through torture and imprisonment, until he was liberated by British troops. Bert Hanna, U.S. Army, Armored Division, fought at Okinawa. Carl Hanna, U.S. Army Air Corps, 9th Air Force, fought in Europe as part of the anti-aircraft battalion. John Hanna, U.S. Army Air Corps, 8th Air Force, fought in Germany. James Hanna, U.S. Marines, 6th Marine Division, fought in Okinawa as part of a mortar crew, but was quickly recruited as a sniper when battle commenced. The Hanna brothers returned to Fort Jackson in South Carolina after the war, and John and James stayed to start their families in the Palmetto State. Even though all six brothers have passed away, their service will always be remembered as an enduring symbol of patriotism and duty. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Hanna brothers for their brave service. In conclusion, God bless our troops. We will never forget September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 6 and 7 on Tuesday, January 27, 2004, I was unable to cast my vote due to inclement weather, being detained Charleston International Airport with multiple day-long delays and cancellations. Had I been present, I would have voted the following: Rollcall 6, to extend the provision of title 39, United States Code, under which the United States Postal Service is authorized to issue a special postage stamp to benefit breast cancer research, I would have voted ``yea''. Rollcall 7, Medical Devices Technical Corrections Act, I would have voted ``yea''.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week history was made in the South Carolina State Senate when the Reverend George Elias Meetze presented the prayer for opening the Senate First Day of the Second Session of the 115th General Assembly on January 13. This marked the 55th year of service by the enthusiastic Dr. Meetze as chaplain of the Senate. He holds the historic record of being the longest-serving chaplain of a legislative body in the world. Every day, as he leads the Senate in prayer, he establishes a new record of devotion to the people of South Carolina. Dr. Meetze is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, New York Theological Seminary, and Lutheran Southern Seminary. He is the retired pastor of the Lutheran Church of the Incarnation of Columbia from 1942 to 1974. Dr. Meetze and his late wife, Margarete Allen, have two sons, George Allen Meetze and William Dagnall Meetze. In every way, Dr. Meetze is a vital participant of the Midlands community, never missing Rotary, promoting the Salvation Army, and serving the American Cancer Society. I urge my colleagues to commend Dr. George Meetze for his historic service as he begins a new session. In conclusion, God bless our troops. We will always remember September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, over the last year, our Nation has experienced extraordinary successes. The American military has fought a victorious battle in Iraq to overthrow one of history's most despotic regimes and are continuing today to protect the American people in the war on terror. Thanks to their valor, the world is safer knowing that Saddam Hussein is no longer a threat. In the last year, as our economy struggled to work its way back out of recession, Congress brought tax relief to American families and businesses at the right time to get this economy moving again. In the past few months, stock markets are up, jobs have increased and our GDP has soared. We were also successful in bringing prescription drug coverage to our seniors, health savings plans to restore hope in the future of Medicare, and we brought further reforms to education to ensure our children receive the best chance for success. Tonight we will hear our President's State of the Union address, and while we face challenges ahead, the President has many successes to celebrate over the last year. 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 move that the message of the President be referred to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered printed.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week, the visionary Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform, honored the South Carolina Policy Council with the rare and prestigious Dragon Slayer Award. President Edward T. McMullen, Jr., received a symbolic sword for the Council's efforts in fighting tax increases in South Carolina. Since 1986, the South Carolina Policy Council has educated South Carolina's legislature and citizens about State and local public policy based on the traditional values of individual liberty and responsibility, free enterprise, and limited government. In addition to President McMullen, I would like to give a special thanks to the dedicated staff of Administrative Assistant Marion Harsey, Vice President for Development India Hazzard; Vice President for Public Affairs Ashley Landess; Vice President for Policy Gerry Dickenson; Chairman of the Board Jake Rasor; and the courageous analyst Hal Eberle. The Palmetto State is truly blessed to have such talented people working on public policy, and I ask all of my colleagues to join me in thanking the South Carolina Policy Council for their vital service. In conclusion, God bless our troops, September 11, and the current December 7.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this week President George W. Bush gave an inspiring speech at Whitehall in London, while visiting the Royal Family and Prime Minister Tony Blair. The President stated clearly that the United States is committed to winning the war on terrorism. In one of the most important moments of the speech, President Bush explains why we cannot forget September the 11th and the innocent thousands that were killed that day. The President said, ``The hope that danger has passed is comforting, it is understandable, and it is false. The attacks that followed on Bali, Jakarta, Casa Blanca, Bombay, Mombassa, Najaf, Jerusalem, Riyadh, Baghdad and Istanbul were not dreams. They're part of the global campaign by terrorist networks to intimidate and demoralize those who oppose them.'' The President is absolutely correct and I encourage all Americans to remember the act of war brought upon our Nation just 2 years ago. I have confidence that our military will win the global war on terror and I commend the dozens of coalition countries that have joined us in this fight for freedom. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, may God bless our troops.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the conference report for H.R. 1, an historic bill that will include the creation of health savings accounts, a breakthrough program that gives control back to patients. The voluntary health savings accounts provide care that is affordable, flexible and portable. They restore the doctor-patient relationship, allowing Americans the freedom to choose their own doctor and their own care. Also, contributions, earnings and medical payments from these accounts are all tax-free. Health savings accounts will lower health insurance costs for millions of Americans and allow for price competition of doctor and hospital services. Moreover, these accounts stay with a person throughout their lives as they are portable from one job to the other. They also can be used during retirement to pay for retiree health care, Medicare expenses and prescription drugs. I strongly encourage my colleagues to support health savings accounts by voting in favor of H.R. 1 and give health care freedom to millions of Americans. In conclusion, God bless our troops. We will not forget September 11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to be here tonight. I would like to thank my colleague, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Gingrey), for his leadership in helping to present the truth about the prescription drug plan which is before Congress this week. I want our colleagues to know that it means so much to me that we have a physician such as the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Gingrey) here who has a background of working for quality health care for persons in Georgia and the southeastern part of the United States. And he has got a background of knowing what is needed for our citizens. And it just means a lot to have his leadership tonight. Additionally, I am happy to be here because of the support of AARP of the plan which is before us at this time. I am a member of AARP. I am proud of their promotion of the best health plan that they feel can be produced, and that is the bill before us this week. Additionally, I want to congratulate the gentleman from California (Chairman Thomas) of the Committee on Ways and Means who has worked so hard to try to balance interests and come up with a bill which is beneficial to the people of the United States. As we are quite familiar with the providing of prescription drugs, there are other features in the bill that I find very helpful. And I want to relate three of them tonight because I think they are going to have meaning to persons of all ages and particularly for younger people, for persons middle-aged, and, indeed, beneficial for persons who are AARP members. The first point I would like to bring out is that this bill provides for health savings accounts. This is a provision which in the past has been known as medical savings accounts. This has been a provision which the gentleman from Illinois (Speaker Hastert) here has been a primary proponent of because it provides new incentives for individuals to put money aside for health care. The H.R. 1 provisions provide that health savings accounts can provide for people to put, say, up to $1,000. If they have a deductible on their policy of $1,000 they can place $1,000 into an account which can be used to pay all qualified medical expenses. The contributions, earnings, and distributions are all tax free. These accounts are portable from job to job and into retirement. And, indeed, when persons pass away, the money that is left over will be passed on through their estate to their loved ones and their family members. Individuals, employers, and family members can all make contributions. This is a revolutionary effort on behalf of all Americans, both seniors and nonseniors. Because of the health savings accounts, less money will be spent by the taxpayer. And Americans can plan their futures and plan their ability to provide for better health. These plans will allow seniors to have more control over their health care options. Other features that I find very helpful in the bill that is before us are to provide for preventative care. The newly enrolled beneficiaries will be covered for a physical. And this I think is so beneficial. I know every time that I have had a health insurance plan, the first question I have after we sign up, unfortunately, is do we have a provision for a physical. And I found out that we did not in my law practice. So it was really very disappointing to me because I believe that if you can have a physical and you can have the normal test, that this will be beneficial to planning your health care. Additionally, cardiovascular screening, blood tests including cholesterol will be included in the testing provisions. And then another very important effort will be made for diabetes screening for at-risk beneficiaries. This is particularly appropriate to consider today because November is American Diabetes Month. And I know that in the southeastern part of the United States, that we, unfortunately rank very high with the number of persons who suffer from diabetes. These benefits do not have deductibles or co-pays so those with limited resources can access the benefits. These screenings will catch treatable, manageable conditions that would otherwise result in severe health consequences and cost the Medicare program an immense amount of money. But the main feature is it will help people live longer healthy and fulfilling lives. Another and final point that I want to bring out that had not received extraordinary attention is reform of the average wholesale price, the AWP, which needs to be reformed. And, additionally, the provision of oncology services. These are cancer treatments that we will provide in the bill for reimbursements to physicians in services to patients. And this has particularly been enhanced in the last several days because of concern that there may be a reduction in reimbursements and services to patients. I know firsthand how important this is and that one of our sons at the age of 17 was diagnosed with malignant thyroid cancer. But thanks to his treatment at the Lexington Medical Center, the detection by Dr. Butch Bledsoe, the surgery by Dr. Dan Davis, the pathology reports by Dr. John Carter, and the subsequent treatment by Dr. Tripp Jones, our son is in full remission. In fact, he was able to graduate from the Naval Academy, and he is following in the footsteps of the gentleman from Georgia (Dr. Gingrey). He is in his third year of medical school at Uniformed Services University here at Bethesda, Maryland. So we know firsthand that by getting proper cancer treatment in our family that people can recover and live full lives. The bill will provide fixes to a flawed system that is costing America's seniors in prescription drugs, but the oncologist and other practitioners are covered by the reform with assistance with practice expenses. Additionally, a final point, the average sales price, ASP, will be calculated at a rate that will be welcomed by the health community, including the much-appreciated oncologists and other specialists. As I conclude tonight, I want to say a message as always: God bless our troops. We will not forget the sneak attack of September the 11th on our innocent civilians in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, November is American Diabetes Month, and it is important that communities throughout our Nation participate in spreading awareness of the facts about the disease. Diabetes is a very serious health problem in America, as two out of three people who suffer from diabetes will die of heart disease or stroke. Diabetes also leads to other complications, including blindness, high blood pressure, kidney disease, nervous system disease, amputations, dental disease, problems in pregnancy and other health risks. This touches almost every family in every part of America. According to the American Diabetes Association, 13 million people have been diagnosed with the disease and an additional 5.2 million have been estimated to be unaware that they are living with the disease. As for my home State of South Carolina, we have the second highest rate of diabetes in the Nation. Also alarming is that 90 to 95 percent of diabetes cases are developed later in life, but Americans can reduce their risk by eating properly and maintaining regular exercise. I urge everyone to get the facts about diabetes during November, American Diabetes Month. In conclusion, God bless our troops.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to an issue debated during the Energy Conference, whose time for reform and resolution has come. I am speaking of the Reachback issue, established as part of the Coal Act in the 1992 Energy bill. This insidious tax has caused numerous businesses to fail over the past ten years as a result of its inequitable taking from those that should not have been included in this effort in the first place. The 1992 Coal Act, as part of the 1992 Energy Policy Act, established the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) retiree health benefit fund-- the Combined Benefit Fund (CBF)--to replace the health care programs that had been created through the collective bargaining process. Not only did the Coal Act require companies who were signatories to the 1988 collective bargaining agreement to pay, but it also retroactively went after companies--referred to as ``Reachback'' companies--that were no longer in the bituminous coal mining business, and assessed them liability for the CBF. These Reachback Companies did not sign the 1988 or later agreements, which were the contracts that guaranteed lifetime healthcare benefits for retired coal miners. Needless to say, the provisions of the Coal Act that created the Combined Benefit Fund were hastily crafted and rushed into law. This retroactive ``Reachback tax'' has been so crippling for a number of these companies that many have ceased to exist, and the very existence of others continues to be threatened. In order to pay this unfair tax, Reachback companies have had to significantly scale back spending on Research and Development, business expansion (jobs), and economic security. Many of us in the House, during both the 106th and 107th Congress, pursued legislation aimed at solving the Reachback issue in a comprehensive fashion. We took on these efforts in order to create stability and fairness in the Combined Benefit Fund, and to thereby provide a solution that would address the needs of all interested parties. I urge the Congress to act expeditiously to provide a solution that will permanently resolve this issue.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday we learned that jobless claims dropped to a 2\1/2\-year low, further signifying the success of the Republican tax relief championed by President George W. Bush. This follows last week's historic news that the economy is growing at the highest rate in nearly 20 years, as the GDP grew by 7.2 percent in the last quarter. Last week was the fourth straight week in which jobless claims were below 400,000, as claims dropped to 348,000. In headlines across America today, Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan said of the decrease in jobless claims, that ``the odds increasingly favor a revival in job creation.'' As Democrats continue to try to talk down the economy, the news of the recovery is just too clear to ignore: 126,000 new jobs in October were announced this morning. Republican policies of tax relief, fiscal discipline, corporate accountability, and national defense to protect American families from terrorists have restored our Nation's confidence and promoted a healthy business environment. In conclusion, God bless our troops.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, November 11, America will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Veterans Day, a day to honor our men and women who have fought to preserve freedom and liberty for generations to come. Veterans Day was formerly known as Armistice Day in recognition of the end of World War I, until President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed the name of the holiday to include all veterans in 1954. This year, we will honor the 25 million living veterans who have fought and the more than 1 million men and women who have died to ensure freedom and bring about peace in conflicts, including World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam, the Gulf War and today's war on terrorism. This will be an especially solemn occasion as our current military are engaged in a fight for democracy in Iraq, a critical battle in the war on terrorism that we will win, to protect the American people from terrorists. Since America was attacked on September 11, America has been awakened to a greater understanding and appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy here in our great Nation. This Veterans Day is an opportunity to thank those who are responsible for protecting our way of life and have joined in struggles around the world in defense of liberty. In conclusion, God bless our troops.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, congratulations to Governor-elect Ernie Fletcher, our colleague from Kentucky, on his historic election yesterday as the first Republican-elected Governor in the Commonwealth in 32 years. I was honored to spend the last 4 days campaigning door-to-door for the Fletcher team, and I discovered firsthand our colleague and his wife Glenna are greatly admired for their integrity and competence. Yesterday was also a big day in Mississippi with the election of Haley Barbour, who unseated a sitting Democratic Governor. As the RNC chairman, Governor-elect Barbour has proven he can make a difference. The Republican revolution inspired by Ronald Reagan for limited government and expanded freedom continues to consolidate throughout the South, building on last year's success in South Carolina with Mark Sanford, Georgia with Sonny Perdue and Alabama with Bob Riley. The past month's Republican gubernatorial victories begun by Republican Governor-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger of California underscores the confidence by the American people in President Bush's economic policies reflected by this 7.2 percent gross domestic product increase and by support of the President's serious resolve to win the war on terror to protect the American people at home. At this time, in conclusion, God bless our troops.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the students and faculty of Irmo High School in Irmo, South, Carolina. Irmo High just received recognition from the U.S. Department of Education as a blue ribbon school, their third such award. As Secretary of Education Rod Paige has said, schools chosen for the blue ribbon will be ones that are meeting our mission to ensure that every child learns and no child is left behind. Blue ribbon recipients will be national models of excellence that others can learn from. I want to personally thank the hard work of the faculty who have visited Washington, including Principal Gerald Witt, teachers Phil Tanner, Jan McCarthy, and JROTC director Colonel Pete Sercer. Also, School District Five school board members have supported the progress made at Irmo High School, especially Jan Hammond, Paula Hite, and Carol Sloop. Yet above all, the ones who really deserve recognition are the students who have achieved remarkably. Irmo High School is truly an example of educational success, and I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring the school today, a day highlighted by the visit of California Governor-elect Arnold Schwarzenegger. In conclusion, may God bless our troops.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome Romanian President Ion Iliescu to Washington, and I look forward to personally meeting him tonight. He is meeting with President Bush, Secretary of State Colin Powell, and other American officials during his trip. President Iliescu's Romania has become one of America's greatest allies on the war on terrorism, standing side by side with the United States in Afghanistan and now in Iraq. In what is a truly multinational effort, at least 600 Romanian troops are in Iraq working with American forces and military from at least 27 other nations. The Romanian people have a clear understanding of what is at risk in the war on terrorism, as they have a fresh perspective on freedom and liberty. They also know the importance of redevelopment in Iraq, as they have rebuilt their own country over top of the rubble of the former dictator Ceausescu's regime, emerging from communist totalitarianism into new candidacy for NATO membership. I join all my colleagues in welcoming a true friend, Romanian President Ion Iliescu, to America. In conclusion, God bless our troops.