Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, indeed what we are talking about is jobs, because in the war on terrorism, if we were to have disruption of our economy as we did on September 11, it could be immediately catastrophic. With the container ships that we all very much depend on for products being sent from the United States by export, back to the United States by import, we know that there is a potential for an abuse there of explosives or whatever. So by having an interruption of our shipping, it could be absolutely catastrophic, particularly in the Northeast. If there was even a 3-day disruption of shipping, there could be a disruption of the oil and gasoline necessary for refining above New York City to the Northeast to the point where it would be catastrophic. We would have the return of the lines with the lack of fuel; people would lose jobs. In my home State, the number one industry is tourism. We already know that if we were to have a terrorist attack of some nature, that it would completely devastate the hospitality industry. This is just a ripple effect all over the United States, actually all over the world. So the war on terrorism is crucial for us to proceed. It is a war we must win. I want to thank both of my colleagues again for making this clear.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, that was something very startling. I was showing pictures to my family of my visit; and I, of course, had some terrific aerial photos as we were flying by helicopter. We had a perfect view of the communities. I saw during the flights that I had six buildings destroyed. I also saw sites where rubble was pushed up, so I knew there were buildings no longer there. But the infrastructure is in place. The bridges that had to be destroyed in Serbia, that did not occur in Iraq. The bridges were in across the Tigris and the Euphrates. When we talk about rebuilding, I hope the American people understand it is not because of the American destruction. The destruction is that created by Saddam Hussein. For example, in the schools, we are working very hard to show our good faith to the people of Iraq to get the schools open on October 1. When we talk about rebuilding the schools, we are not building beautiful edifices. Many of these schools are one- room schoolhouses which we are repainting. Particularly in the Shiite areas, the persons less likely to be followers of Saddam Hussein, their schools were closed or left to be dilapidated. They are not to American standards, but they are going to be very fine schools. And very importantly, the materials they have to learn from will be modern materials. No longer will the math book have contrived subliminal messages of how bad America is and how bad the West is. Now it will deal with math, and history will be authentic. This starts on October 1. Another part of the rebuilding that the American people should understand because it was not due to our destruction was the electrical transmission. Because Saddam Hussein had such a heinous dictatorship, there were two electrical transmission systems. This is, unfortunately, a very common occurrence in dictatorships, and that is the palaces had a system. Additionally, the Baath Socialist Party members, they were on the system that worked, and then the different government agencies were on that system, but then the general public was on another system. In fact, that system had been left in place during the 1930s and the 1940s, built by the British. That system is not only antiquated, it had rolling power service. The people who got service were the ones who paid a bribe to the people who administered the power plants. This is a bizarre circumstance. It is very difficult, obviously, for Americans to realize there are two transmission systems. We are going in to help rebuild that system because it is crucial for economic development. One of the greatest industries of Iraq is cement production to build buildings and have commerce. That is a very high-intensive use of electricity. By getting the electrical transmission, some people perceive that as we are just trying to provide frills; but, no, we are trying to provide basic services so the economy can come back. The bottom line is that is beneficial to America, because, as has been pointed out, after World War II we had the Marshall Plan. That was to rebuild Germany. It was not because we were fond of the Germans, but what it was is that we did not want that to become a breeding ground for communism, and the way to avoid that is for the economy to be revived. Our challenge in Iraq is to restore the economy so it will not be a breeding ground for terrorists.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. And, Mr. Speaker, the gentleman is being very concise in what he is saying. He is not overstating. The gentleman did not include the predictions of mass refugee formations going into Iraq out of Iraq through different regions. And if my colleagues will remember, there were dire predictions of urban warfare; there was going to be a massive quagmire. Did not occur. Even the quagmire that had been announced when we had like a 24-hour pause due to a sand storm, that did not occur. Then, finally, of course, there was people who made extraordinary predictions of mass starvation. That did not occur. And it did not occur because the American military made substantial planning. The American government, through U.S. Agency for International Development, did extraordinary planning. I had the privilege of being last year in Kuwait in November and learning of the plans that were being made in the event an invasion was necessary. I was very fortunate to go back in February to Kuwait and meet with the troops on the front lines, the 3rd Infantry Division from Hinesville, Georgia, and the 1st Marine Division, and I saw the preparation being made for the conflict and then for after the conflict to avoid the dire consequences that we had heard would occur and did not occur.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to be here tonight. I want to thank my colleague, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kennedy), for asking me to be here tonight. Prior to my visit to Iraq, the gentleman was very helpful to brief me on what to expect, what to look for. He was very incisive, he was very knowledgeable, and it certainly made the visit I had very helpful. Mr. Speaker, the central front in the war on terror is being fought in Iraq, and I was honored to be selected by the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), the Committee on Armed Services ranking Democrat, to serve on a delegation last week to newly liberated Iraq. Our troops are heroes of an historic military victory and I was privileged to see firsthand how they are professionally conducting peacekeeping as they enable democracy to develop in Iraq. This is not a war we sought, Mr. Speaker, but is a direct consequence of the September 11 attacks on America, leading to our fulfilling the President's plan to stop any country from harboring or supporting terrorists. As my colleague from Minnesota stated a moment ago, this is a war we must win. It is a war we can face head on in the terrorist breeding grounds overseas or it will return in full force on American soil. As I met in Baghdad with Lt. General Ricardo Sanchez, the commander of coalition forces in Iraq, I was impressed by our military competence and resolve. At each stop we met with top military Iraqi and coalition civilian officials, but a highlight was to meet informally with troops of all ranks from our home States. I was startled that instead of patrolling streets by remote armed vehicles, our soldiers were walking the sidewalks, really getting to know the people, who are favorable 70 to 90 percent to our presence, and this has led to improved human intelligence, reducing terrorist attacks, Mr. Speaker. When I asked General Sanchez about media reports of being mired, he responded very forcefully that this was untrue because real progress is being made. From his perspective, and that of Major General David Patraeus at Mosul, the coalition efforts are progressing much more quickly than what they had experienced in Bosnia and Kosovo. Daily administration of Iraq is capably led by Ambassador Paul Bremer of the Coalition Provisional Authority. His leadership has coordinated recruiting over 60,000 new Iraqi security forces and initiating over 6,000 community development programs for hospitals, schools, electrical transmission, business development, and road improvements. From South Carolina, we are very proud that Columbia attorney George Wolfe, counsel of the U.S. treasury, is detailed to the Authority in Baghdad. He is helping coordinate currency conversion of tons of Hussein dinars to be replaced by new money beginning this month. Following World War II, it took nearly 3 years to convert German Deutschmarks, but the coalition will complete this feat in only 5 months. The Iraqi Governing Council has been formed of 25 supporters of democracy to begin the process of self-government. It was encouraging on our delegation at the Al-Rashid Hotel to meet at a reception with Chairman Ahmad Chalabi. Since the fall of Saddam's dictatorship, more than 90 percent of Iraqi municipalities have elected town councils, and I met courageous supporters of democracy serving as mayors, council members, and provincial governors as we toured Baghdad and then visited Al Hillah to the south and Mosul to the north. Traveling by helicopter, I could see markets filled with people, bridges left intact with heavy traffic and minimal war damage. Visiting Al Hillah, I met the Polish general who is commanding over 20,000 coalition forces from 32 countries. In ancient Babylon, we were welcomed by religious university president Sayyed Qizwini, a descendant of Mohammed, who explained that Americans are revered as liberators. Then, as a chilling reminder of the Hussein dictatorship, the local governor escorted us to a mass grave site where thousands of women and children were slaughtered by the regime, which was cited a few minutes ago by my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Gingrey). Following meetings at the palaces of Hussein, which have been transformed into Coalition military headquarters, I was glad to see the vibrancy of Mosul, the northern city of 1.8 million people, which had been the ancient capital of Nineveh of the Assyrian Empire. We attended the reopening of Kisik refinery, where 300 new jobs were restored. The refinery was abandoned 4 years ago, but is back on line producing fuel to trade with Syria for electricity to be sent to Baghdad as the dilapidated infrastructure is being rebuilt, ignored for decades by Saddam Hussein as he put more money into his palaces. As our delegation returned last Tuesday, our transport carried a body bag containing a soldier who had died in Iraq, a sad reminder of the courage and sacrifice of our troops. He is a hero, protecting our homeland overseas from a hate-filled terrorist enemy, which has as its goal the destruction of modern Western democracy. His service should be an inspiration for Americans to take forcefully the new challenges we face. Again, I would like to conclude by thanking my colleagues here tonight. They are making excellent points and ones that need to be brought to the attention of the American people. I want to thank both of them for making such a difference on behalf of our troops, our country. Civilization as we know it is under attack, and this is not the time to quibble, it is a time to stand together, and both of my colleagues are making a difference.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the Historically Black College and Universities of the Second District of South Carolina. Benedict College, South Carolina State University and Claflin University serve more than 10,000 minority students seeking a better future for themselves and their families through education. I've personally had the chance to visit many of these institutions and have seen firsthand what a tremendous job they are doing in preparing our youth for the future. I have proudly cosponsored legislation to strengthen minority-serving institutions and help to break down barriers that currently prevent some students from pursuing their dreams through education. I have also cosponsored bills to assist minority-serving institutions as they participate in graduate programs under the Higher Education Act, as well as international and foreign language studies programs. Republicans in Congress have recognized the value of schools like Benedict, SCSU, and Claflin and have increased funding by 96 percent and by 172 percent for Historically Black Graduate Institutions (HBGIs) since 1995. This year, HBCUs received $214 million and the HBGI program received $53.4 million. The House-passed spending measure for next year adds another $10 million for HBCUs, bringing funding to nearly $225 million. And earlier this year the House approved legislation, the Ready to Teach Act, to strengthen the nation's teacher training programs, including creation of ``Centers of Excellence'' at minority-serving institutions to bolster teacher quality and training. The strong leadership provided by Presidents Dr. David Holmes Swinton of Benedict College, Dr. Andrew Hugine, Jr. of South Carolina State University, and Dr. Henry N. Tisdale of Claflin University combined with Congress' commitment to increase access to college for all Americans will ensure a brighter future for the students of South Carolina's Second District.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman very much for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, as a long-time volunteer for charitable organizations, I rise in opposition to this amendment and encourage all of my colleagues to vote no. The proper level of Social Services Block Grant funding is a welfare reform question, not a charitable giving issue. The House-passed welfare bill holds SSBG funding constant at $1.7 billion but allows States to transfer up to 10 percent of annual Federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, TANF, funds to the SSBG. This same 10 percent transfer provision has been included in H.R. 7. Adding more funds for the SSBG will make welfare reauthorization, as indicated by the gentleman from California (Mr. Herger), even less unlikely by providing more funds without updating work requirements. GAO estimates States today have almost $6 billion in unspent Federal TANF funds available for welfare, child care, and other social services. The 1996 welfare reform law has already resulted in more SSBG spending. I strongly support the underlying bill, H.R. 7, and want to thank the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt), our majority whip, for his leadership on this critical issue. This bill gets to the heart of what it means to be an American. We are a compassionate Nation where neighbors look out for one another. This bill helps institutions that have been historically successful in helping the less fortunate and encourages all Americans to increase their charitable giving. H.R. 7 is an important bill for America we should pass without this amendment. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 7 and vote no on the amendment.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I returned from a delegation to Iraq organized by the Committee on Armed Services' ranking member, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton). We visited with troops from Baghdad to Al Hillah in the south to Mosoul in the north, hearing directly from the heroes who have won the war and are now winning the peace in the war on terror. These dedicated warriors have trained over 60,000 new Iraqi security forces and initiated over 6,000 community development programs for hospitals, schools, electrical transmission, business development and road improvements. Led by Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez, they are allied with over 20,000 personnel in Iraq from nations all over the world. I was inspired by the development of democracy promoted by courageous mayors, governors, council members, and an Islamic religious university dean who is a descendent of Mohammed. We also met with Ambassador Paul Bremer, who clearly has recruited a competent team, including Colombians George Wolfe and Chris Harvin, to successfully promote democracy. A vital part of the war on terror is success in Iraq, and we have the right components of capable troops, local stalwarts for democracy, and a visionary Coalition Provisional Authority. In conclusion, God bless our troops.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Dr. Donald Capps and his wife, Betty for their leadership and 50 years of service to the blind in South Carolina. Dr. Donald C. Capps, a lifelong resident of South Carolina, became legally blind in 1953. Capps, a fighter for social change for the underprivileged, attended the South Carolina School for the Blind and the public schools of this state. Upon graduation from high school, Capps received his diploma from Draughton's Business College. He excelled after college in the vocational arena as a staff manager at Colonial life and Accident Insurance Company. Capps is married and has two children. He began his struggle for the blind with the movement to create the National Federation of the Blind of South Carolina (NFB of SC). The NFB was originally known as the Aurora Club. Capps served several two-year terms as president of this organization--a position he currently holds. Under Capps' leadership, his state organization has been responsible for the success of many initiatives to improve programs and services for the blind in this state. During his tenure as president of the state organization, 19 pieces of legislation affecting the blind have been passed in South Carolina, including the model White Cane Law. A major accomplishment of the South Carolina affiliate under Capps' leadership was the 1966 establishment of the South Carolina Commission for the Blind, an independent state agency. Among his many activities, Capps is editor of the Palmetto Blind, the quarterly publication of the NFB of SC. In 1960 he directed a campaign which led to the construction of the Columbia Chapter's education and training center, which was expanded in 1970 and again in 1978. Even though Capps has worked for the blind community, he has not been selfish in his endeavors to assist all the state's disabled population. Named to the Governor's committee on Employment of the Physically Handicapped in 1963, Capps also was honored in 1964 as Handicapped Citizen of the Year by the City of Columbia and by the State. Capps, an active member of the Kilbourne Baptist Church, serves as a deacon and member of the church personnel committee. His honors in working with the blind continue to cross any avenues. He was the recipient of the prestigious Jacobus tenBroek Award, presented to the blind American considered to have made dedicated and outstanding contributions to the blind. In the many years of its existence, the award has only been presented three times. Donald C. Capps Fellowship Hall at the Federation Center of the Blind was named in his honor for his lifetime service. In 1981 Donald Capps was appointed to the Board of Commissioners of the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind. He is the first blind member to be appointed to the policy-making board. In May 2001, Capps was given an honorary Doctorate of Public Service degree during commencement exercises at the University of South Carolina Spartanburg.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I learned just yesterday about the death of Joe Shine, who has been a longtime friend and advisor. We worked together when I was in the State Senate, as he served as the attorney for the Budget and Control Board. I am most appreciative of his chairmanship of the Lower Savannah Minority Affairs Committee for the Second Congressional District. My family and I offer our most sincere sympathy to Joe's family and friends. I would like to enter into the Record the following article published this morning in The State newspaper. [From The State, Sept. 11, 2003] Prominent Lawyer Joe Shine Dies at 53; Citadel Grad Was Former Counsel for Budget and Control (By Valerie Bauerlein) Joe Shine, respected lawyer, public servant and husband of a federal judge, collapsed and died unexpectedly Wednesday morning. He was 53. Shine was the second black graduate of The Citadel and a graduate of Harvard law school. He came back to his home state to work, and became the first legal counsel for the state's Budget and Control Board. Fred Carter, the board's former director and current chief of staff for Gov. Mark Sanford, said he felt like part of him was ripped out when he heard of Shine's death. ``I've had the privilege of working with thousands of people in state government,'' Carter said. ``I don't know that I could identify anybody that had greater integrity than Joe Shine.'' Shine grew up in Charleston, the son of a teacher and a cook on naval ships. From his mother, he once said, he learned to love knowledge and education, and from his father, adventure and a sense of the world. Shine went to The Citadel in 1967, with the encouragement of teachers at his high school, including Jim Clyburn, now a U.S. representative. Shine said he was razzed because it was part of The Citadel culture, and because he was black. One cadet kicked him under the table at meals until his shins bled. ``There's an atmosphere there that the fittest survive,'' he said in a 2002 interview with The Post and Courier of Charleston. ``I decided that no one would determine who I was but me,'' said Shine, who was named to The Citadel's board of visitors last week. As a student at the military school, Shine honed the discipline that friends say he carried through his life. He went to Harvard law school, served in the U.S. Air Force and earned an MBA from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. Shine worked in Washington, D.C., where he met his wife, Margaret Seymour, then an attorney with the Office of Civil Rights of the U.S. Department of Education. Shine loved the water and spent as much time kayaking and sailing as he could. ``Joe was a big outdoorsman,'' said Ed Evans, the Budget and Control Board's general counsel and Shine's former chief of staff. ``His first date with his wife was a sailing adventure,'' said Evans, laughing. ``He capsized the boat. Why she went out on a second date, I'll never know.'' Shine came back to South Carolina to serve as chief deputy attorney general. He and Seymour had been dating less than a year, but he proposed to her. They married in 1988. In 1993, Gov. Carroll Campbell picked Shine as the first general counsel for the Budget and Control Board, the administrative arm of state government. Shine supervised 11 attorneys at the board and defended the state in cases ranging from the mundane to the controversial, including a 1994 case on whether the state could fly the Confederate flag. Shine defended the state's legal rights. Many people told him he shouldn't. ``As a lawyer, I have an obligation to defend my client,'' he told The Post and Courier. ``My job was to try to have the case dismissed.'' ``You have to have public servants who recognize their responsibilities and are going to do their jobs. I don't choose my cases. The cases come to me.'' Shine retired last year from the Budget and Control Board. He became general counsel for the Savannah River Site in June 2002. Clyburn said Shine asked his advice about working at SRS, the subject of numerous discrimination claims. ``I told him he should do it,'' Clyburn said. ``I saw Joe's going down there as general counsel as a step in the right direction.'' Shine commuted to Aiken, with Seymour commuting to Spartanburg, where she is a federal district judge, the first black woman named to the federal bench in the state. The family lives in Columbia's Northlake community. Friends say Shine was devoted to his son, who turned 12 last Thursday. The cause of Shine's death was not known Wednesday. Shine leaves a legacy of public service, as a past president of the S.C. Bar Association Foundation, which raises money for indigent defense, and as a leader in civic groups, sailing clubs and his church, St. Martin's in the Fields Episcopal Church. ``Joe had a level of clarity knowing the difference between right and wrong that very few people had,'' Evans said. ``More than that, he had the courage to do what was right.''

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this moment marks the second anniversary of the surprise attacks on America in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. As we reflect on why America was attacked, I believe it is clearer than ever: It is because America is the symbol of liberty and freedom in the world. Our values of freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, and the opportunities for women to fully participate in society are cherished. But these values are a challenge to evil people who fear our freedoms as undermining their enslavement of others. Our resolve to promote democracy is unwavering, and the pledge of President Bush has never been more correct. We will not waiver, we will not tire, we will not falter, and we will not fail. Peace and freedom will prevail. Today, I depart on a delegation to Baghdad to thank our brave Armed Forces, and it has never been more appropriate to declare: God bless our troops and God bless America.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to thank and congratulate the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Barrett) for his leadership on this issue and his promotion of a great university. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 266. I would like to thank my hardworking colleague, the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Barrett), for bringing this resolution forward. Mr. Speaker, this resolution recognizes the achievement of the Clemson University men's golf team, the Tigers, for their NCAA Division I national collegiate championship. Clemson became the first school in NCAA history to win its conference championship, gain the NCAA regional title and the national championship all in 1 year. The national championship Tigers deserve recognition for winning the title by just two shots over host school Oklahoma State University after starting the day just one stroke apart. Clemson finished with a 72-hole team total of 1,191, 39 strikes over par. The championship Tigers will enter the 2003-2004 season with a streak of 18 consecutive top three finishes, a Clemson record. In addition to inspiring the team victory, three players distinguished themselves from the field by being named to the All-America teams at the conclusion of the season. Coach Larry Penley was named National Coach of the Year by the Golf Coaches Association and was the first Clemson coach in any sport to win a National Coach of the Year in over 10 years. The distinction earned by these individuals and the remarkable repeat victories of the team reflect the dedication of each player, the leadership of Coach Larry Penley, and the support of family, friends, and fans. I extend my congratulations to each of the hardworking players on this successful Tiger team, to Coach Penley, President Jim Barker, and to student body president Fletcher Anderson and all the students of Clemson University. I am happy to join my colleagues in honoring the accomplishments of this team and to wish them continued success. I would like to pause briefly now to relay the news I learned this morning of the death of a real institution in South Carolina. According to the Associated Press, Jim Phillips, whose voice carried the dreams and disappointments of Clemson fans for 36 years, died yesterday at age 69. Jim Phillips, the voice of the Tigers, did the play-by-play for Clemson baseball, football, and men and women's basketball. He will be missed, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family. I ask my colleagues to support this resolution, and I particularly am happy to be presenting this today in that my family has association with Clemson University. My son is a senior, Julian, who has been an intern here in Congress. I am very proud of his association, following in the footsteps of his late grandfather, Julian Dusenbury, who was a Clemson graduate. I am also pleased that the communications director of the second district congressional office, Wesley Denton, is a Clemson graduate and also the health care legislative assistant, Micki Howard. In conclusion, God bless our troops. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H. Res. 266.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, we do enjoy that. Many choose to stay, but the bottom line is we do have the warm relationship with the State of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Barrett).

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 266) commending the Clemson University Tigers men's golf team for winning the 2003 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men's Golf Championship.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to first thank the gentleman from New Jersey. It is very ironic, as the gentleman mentioned, that the persons who are on this team were native born, in the public institutions of South Carolina, but the State which provides the highest percentage of out-of-state students is New Jersey, and so we have a very strong relationship with our sister State to the north that people would not really recognize, but we have really benefited--

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow is the 2-year anniversary of the most heinous act of war this Nation has ever experienced. The September 11 attacks were made against unarmed Americans by a sadistic terrorist network beginning the war on terrorism. Today we are winning that war. Realizing the seriousness of the threat of our freedoms and liberties, our Commander in Chief, President Bush, has displayed true courage and leadership in hunting down terrorists all over the world and bringing them to justice. First by bringing down the barbaric Taliban in Afghanistan, and then by ending the evil regime of Saddam Hussein in Iraq, the men and women of our Armed Forces have eliminated the terrorist breeding grounds while bringing freedom to millions. Today, over 90 countries are part of the coalition against terrorism. Although we cannot predict the end of the war, we are thankful in 2 years since the 9/11 attacks there have not been other major attacks at home. While our Nation's resolve will be tested, I have faith with the President and his cabinet, we will continue winning the war on terrorism. May God bless our troops.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this past weekend marked the 19th Founder's Week and Church Anniversary Services for the New Covenant Assembly Christian Ministry of Columbia, South Carolina. Led by Pastor C.L. Hardy and his first lady, Cynthia Hardy, this ministry has risen from humble beginnings in 1984 at St. Andrews Community Center to an inspiring edifice changing lives across the midlands of South Carolina. Additionally, Dr. Hardy founded the NCA Community Development Center. Its mission is to aid, service, and develop people to reach their highest and fullest potential by providing special outreach programs, promoting educational success, and by enhancing permanent leadership. Dr. Hardy's success has been recognized by his appointment as Suffrogan Bishop in region three of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World and his election as chairman of the Carolina State Council. However, as Dr. Hardy often says, ``It's all about the Lord, not me.'' I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Dr. and Mrs. Hardy for their many achievements and wish them well for many more years of dedicated service to the people of both Carolinas.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, September 19, 2003 is National POW-MIA Recognition Day, and I urge my colleagues on that day to take a moment and reflect on the families whose loved one has never returned home. Our resolve to find our 88,000 MIAs should assure our fighting forces today that our support for them does not end after the victory parades. Let us also remember the more than 140,000 Americans since World War I who have endured the hardships of captivity and made it back home. Among the missing in action from Vietnam is Air Force Major Harold R. Sale of Lexington, South Carolina, shot down over Laos June 7, 1967. I wore a POW bracelet in his honor for years. I implore the governments of Laos, Vietnam, and North Korea to open their records and fully support our country's recovery efforts. We continue to need people of character like Harold Sale to serve in our Armed Forces to protect our liberties. Indeed his nephew, Lieutenant Colonel Scott Cromer, continues the family tradition today as an Air Force pilot, displaying the courage of American military personnel. In conclusion, God bless our troops.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today many South Carolinians mourn the loss of Sarge Frye, who died yesterday of heart failure at the age of 90. I ask that his obituary be included in the Record, as printed today in the State newspaper. [From the State, Sept. 4, 2003] Columbia.--Mr. Frye died Wednesday, September 3, 2003. Born in Medon, Tennessee, he was a son of the late Leonard A. Frye and Pearl Daniel Frye Allin. A combat veteran of World War II and Korea, he landed at Utah Beach on D-Day. He was decorated with two Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart, and Combat Infantry Badge. He retired in 1953 as a master sergeant after 23 years of service in the U.S. Army. While serving in the Armed Forces, Sarge was an outstanding athlete, participating in basketball, baseball, softball and track as a player and coach. He met his wife, Ruby, while stationed in Alabama. The family later moved to Columbia's Fort Jackson, where he was responsible for athletic facilities. Mrs. Frye died in 1997. It was in 1953 that he came to work for the University of South Carolina and was placed in charge of athletic facilities. His duties were expanded to include supervision of grounds for the entire university. South Carolina named its baseball facility, ``Sarge Frye Field'' in 1980 to honor its groundskeeper. The American Baseball Coaches Association named Frye National Groundskeeper of the Year in 1993. Sarge retired in 1977, but continued to supervise operations through mid-1997. In addition to groundskeeping and landscaping duties, Sarge operated the game clock for men's and women's basketball games at the Carolina Coliseum for many years. Sarge Frye was inducted into the USC Athletic Hall of Fame and the South Carolina Athletic Hall of Fame. He was an honorary member of the USC Association of Lettermen and the USC Alumni Association. Surviving are his daughter, Nancy Frye Stiehr of Columbia; son, Jerry L. Frye and his wife, Jayne, of Greenville; sister, Norma Pope of Dallas, Texas; brothers, Kenneth Frye of Jackson, Tenn., Huey Frye of Florida, and Martin Allin of Boliver, Tenn.; four grandchildren, Jay L. Frye and his wife, Kim, of Columbia, Mamie Frye Clayton and her husband, Richard, of Columbia, Debbie Stiehr Smith and her husband, Allen, of Charlotte, and Eric Stiehr and his wife, Marianne, of Columbia; and five great-grandchildren, Cole and Tucker Smith, Mary-Riley, Heyward and Emma Clayton. He was predeceased by a son-in-law, Pete Stiehr.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, a highlight of the August district work period was to accompany my 15-year-old son Hunter on a 70-mile backpacking trek at the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. Philmont is correctly identified as a scouting paradise due to the multitude of camps and breathtaking views of mountain ranges and Southwestern mesas. This 137,000-acre area ecological wonder is the result of its benefactor, the late Waite Phillips, who donated the properties now defined as the world's largest camping organization, staffed by 900 employees for over 25,000 hikers who come annually from every State. I saw firsthand the accomplishments of dedicated adult volunteers, Mike Apfeld and Jeff Geygan of the Milwaukee County Scout Council, who guided our crew of nine scouts, Crew Leader Brendan Apfeld, Daniel Gerlach, J.P. Geygan, Nicholas Haynes, Michael Mastroianni, Christopher Murphy, Danny Brownfield, John McClellan, Jr., and Hunter Wilson. They achieved climbing the ranch's highest peak on Baldy Mountain of 12,441 feet, encouraged by Ranger Michael Ferrin. Philmont Scout Ranch is a treasure for all Americans to enjoy, and I urge my colleagues to encourage their scout troops to participate in the exhilarating Philmont experience.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on July 27 we will honor the 50th anniversary of the armistice that ended the fighting of the Korean War. On that day, I encourage all Americans to remember the courageous men and women who sacrificed to prevent the spread of Communism and restore the freedom of South Korea. I am particularly proud to recognize an event to be held in Lexington, South Carolina, to honor those who served so bravely. Veterans speaking at the event will be E. Pickens Rish, a U.S. Army Ranger from Lexington who was awarded the Purple Heart, and Anthony Forker, a native Korean who served 30 years in the U.S. Army and is currently the President of the Korean Association of Columbia, South Carolina. As our military continues to fight in the War on Terrorism, we can find inspiration in remembering the Korean War victory over Communism, which reminds us that Americans have a long history of defeating enemies of freedom all over the world. In conclusion, God bless our troops.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Boehner) for his leadership on improving the educational opportunities for our poorest children and the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle), former Governor of Delaware, for his passion and dedication to this issue. I strongly support the improvements to the Head Start program and the School Readiness Act as the husband of a school teacher, as a parent, and as a new grandparent since March 14. We cannot allow fear of change to keep children from reaching their full potential. I hope we can all work together to help low-income children to be better prepared to learn as I learned from State superintendent of education Barbara Nielson. First, the School Readiness Act requires children to be taught early reading, math, and writing skills. It also directs that 50 percent of the Head Start teachers have a 4-year degree by 2008. Second, through an eight-State pilot program, States like South Carolina that already are committed to educating pre-K children will be able to combine efforts with Head Start to maximize resources and experiences to provide comprehensive, coordinated services that must generally meet or exceed Head Start services. The School Readiness Act does not dismantle Head Start. It reinvigorates and improves it by focusing on academic skills and allowing States to be innovative. Our military has proven that tactics must be constantly examined and improved to be successful in combat. The School Readiness Act brings this same philosophy to a 40-year program for one purpose: to better prepare our country's poorest children to succeed in schools. I urge my colleagues to vote against the Miller amendment and support the underlying bill. God bless our troops.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend India on its annual celebration of Independence Day on August 15, 1947. Happy 56th birthday, Republic of India, the world's largest democracy and friend of America, the world's oldest democracy. On that day, India became a free nation modeling its constitution after our own. For nearly 56 years the people of India have faithfully adhered to democratic principles. During the Cold War we were not allied as closely as we should have been. However, times have changed now. India's economy is rapidly reforming and historic joint military exercises are taking place between our two great nations. According to Ambassador Lalit Mansingh, trade between India and America soared 20 percent last year. Also, importantly, the Indian American community should be recognized for their leadership, entrepreneurship, family values and faith. Many Indian Americans left their homelands, immediately assimilated and have achieved great success in America. As cochair of the India Caucus I am so proud of this dynamic community in South Carolina and nationwide. It is my sincerest hope that this new friendship between the United States and India blossoms into a solid, serious relationship between mutual allies. In conclusion, God bless our troops.