Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on September 11 terrorists took over commercial flights by using only box cutters. No one would have known their evil intent, but now we have an opportunity to stop and deter future hijackings and acts of terror by arming our pilots. The gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure chairman, and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica), the Subcommittee on Aviation chairman, offered a common sense solution for preventing the passengers and crews of commercial flights from becoming sitting ducks. Their bill, H.R. 4635, Arming Pilots Against Terrorism, would begin a 2-year test program allowing a percentage of the current pilot workforce to be armed and trained for proper use. At least half of the Nation's commercial airline pilots have military or law enforcement backgrounds and are highly skilled and trained in self-defense. We trust pilots daily with our lives operating high-tech aircraft. I know we can depend on their competence as armed protection. I urge my colleagues to vote yes on H.R. 4635 and give our pilots a fighting chance to protect innocent civilians from murderous terrorists.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Mancor Carolina, located in Lugoff, in Kershaw County, South Carolina. In 1987, Mancor opened a manufacturing business with 45 employees, serving customers such as Dana Corporation and Mack Trucks. In 1998, Dilip Teppara became Vice President and General Manager of Mancor Carolina. During the last 4 years, under Mr. Teppara's leadership, Mancor has more than doubled its sales; and the company has grown to nearly 175 employees. Mancor Carolina is now a major supplier to companies such as Dana in Lugoff, Freightliner in Gaffney, John Deere in Augusta, Komatsu in Newberry, Caterpillar, and Mack Trucks in Winnsboro. Mancor is one of the largest private employers in Kershaw County, and the company is undergoing a multimillion dollar expansion which will create new jobs for the community. I want to commend Mr. Poul Hansen, Mr. Preben Ostberg, and Mr. Art Church for their vision in making Mancor Carolina a world-class manufacturing company. Most importantly, though, the success of Mancor Carolina is due to its employees and their families. Mancor would not be where it is today without their commitment, sacrifice, and dedication.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Alzheimer's disease affects 4 million Americans, and that number is expected to triple within the next 50 years. Nearly half of those over the age of 85 have Alzheimer's. It is a disease that touches almost every American family in some way, and I believe it is time to increase funding for Alzheimer's research to find a cure. The disease process can begin in the brain as many as 20 years before the symptoms appear; and, once diagnosed, a person's average life-span is 8 years. Due to lost productivity of employees who are caregivers and the health care costs associated with Alzheimer's, the disease costs American families more than $61 billion annually. South Carolinians are particularly concerned about Alzheimer's because one of our favorite sons, former Congressman and Governor Carroll Campbell, is undergoing treatment for the disease and is being encouraged by his devoted wife Iris with his sons Carroll, Jr., and Mike. I would like to commend the efforts of the Coastal Carolina, Mid- State and Upstate chapters of the Alzheimer's Association along with the Alzheimer's facility of the Lexington Medical Center. These South Carolinians have worked tirelessly to spread awareness about this disease, and their efforts today to find a cure will hopefully save many Americans in the future.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow marks the 6th anniversary of the Hampton County Watermelon Festival Parade. This parade will begin at 10 a.m. in Varnville, and I am honored to be participating once again in this annual event. The theme for this year's festival is ``Patriotism, the Spirit of America.'' Last year, according to the South Carolina State Troopers, approximately 50,000 spectators attended the festival. Mr. Speaker, this annual watermelon festival parade honors the dedication and sacrifices made by our farmers throughout South Carolina, who work so hard to feed so many Americans. Our farmers support rural economies and continue a tradition that has existed for centuries in America. I would like to commend the efforts of this year's festival chairman, Hugh Gray and vice-chairman, Susan Hatcher, along with parade chairmen Rodger Roberts and Otis Harrison; Mrs. Mary Ellen Bowers, the Estill congressional district office director; as well as the efforts of the South Carolina Farm Bureau and Ag First Farm Credit Bank in helping to feed America and make our country strong.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, 735,000 jobs; 735,000. That is the estimate of the number of jobs that will be created if the President gets to sign a comprehensive energy bill that reduces our dependence on foreign sources of oil. This body has done its part. Last August the Republican-led House with the support of the President passed the most comprehensive energy package this country has seen in decades. Unfortunately, our friends on the other side of the Capitol see things a little differently. They voted to ignore working families and some of their own supporters, and instead keep the status quo when it comes to America's dependence on foreign countries for our energy needs. That is too bad because most of our foreign oil comes from the Middle East, which is the least stable part of the world. This is the same Middle East which is the home to thousands of al Qaeda operatives, and this is the same Middle East that houses Saddam Hussein and his tyrannical dictatorship. Let us put that number, 735,000, in perspective. That number would equal one job for every person in the district I represent. I do not know about the other side of the aisle, but when I can vote to create one job for every citizen in my district, I will not hesitate to do so.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Americans have sent a clear message to Congress: Seniors need a prescription drug benefit now. We can no longer rely on rhetoric and empty promises. We must take action now to make sure that seniors receive help. Now, thanks to the leadership of Republicans, we have a prescription drug benefit plan that not only provides for a long-term permanent benefit, but also makes sure that relief is given now in the short term. This is a plan that does not discriminate between different groups of seniors, as everyone should have access to the prescription drug if they choose to use it. And the most important part of this plan is that it provides options. We will give seniors real choices to make sure they get a plan that best suits their individual needs. Many on the other side of the aisle want to make this a partisan issue. They offer up plans that have no basis in reality, calling for a $800 billion program with no way to fund it. This is politics as usual, rhetoric with no results. The Republican prescription drug benefit is a responsible and realistic plan, and we can get it to our seniors now.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow will mark the 227th birthday of the United States Army, the most powerful ground force the world has ever known. Since June 14, 1775, the Army has always been prepared for defense of freedom and democracy. Today, our brave soldiers are on the front lines defending the American people in the war on terrorism. As we recognize and celebrate the Army's birthday and reflect on this great institution, a simple truth arises: one of the world's greatest professions is the Profession of Arms, and one of the greatest callings is theirs, serving our Nation. Thanks to American soldiers, freedom's light shines as a beacon throughout the world. Just yesterday, we were reminded of the dangers these men and women have volunteered to accept, as we learned of three American military that died in a plane crash. These are not only soldiers fighting on some distant soil, they are sons and daughters, sisters and brothers, mothers and fathers. The courage and dedication of those who serve so honorably in the United States Army, Active, Guard and Reserve, is an inspiration to us all.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to Huntington's Disease which affects approximately 30,000 people in the United States. Each child of a parent with Huntington's Disease has a 50 percent risk of inheriting the illness, meaning that there are 200,000 individuals who are at risk today. Huntington's Disease results from a genetically programmed degeneration of nerve cells in certain parts of the brain. While medication is available to help control the symptoms of Huntington's Disease, sadly, there is no treatment to stop or reverse the course of the disease. According to the Huntington's Disease Society of America, this disease is named for Dr. George Huntington who first described this hereditary disorder in 1872. Huntington's Disease is now recognized as one of the more common genetic disorders in America. Huntington's Disease affects as many people as hemophilia, cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy. Early symptoms of Huntington's Disease may affect cognitive ability or mobility and include depression, mood swings, forgetfulness, clumsiness, involuntary twitching, and lack of coordination. As the disease progresses, concentration and short-term memory diminish and involuntary movements of the head, trunk and limbs increase. Walking, speaking, and swallowing abilities deteriorate. Eventually the person is unable to care for himself or herself. Death follows from complications such as choking, infection, or heart failure. Huntington's Disease typically begins in mid-life between the ages of 30 and 45, though onset may occur as early as the age of 2. Children who develop the juvenile form of the disease rarely live to adulthood. Huntington's Disease affects men and women equally and crosses all ethnic and racial boundaries. Everyone who carries the gene will develop the disease. In 1993, the Huntington's Disease gene was isolated and a direct genetic test developed which can accurately determine whether a person carries the Huntington's Disease gene. I would like to commend Dr. Ruth Abramson of Columbia, South Carolina for her leadership and dedication for conducting ongoing research to find a cure for Huntington's Disease at both the University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the South Carolina Department of Mental Health. I also want to commend my chief of staff, Eric Dell, and his courageous mother, Ouida Dell, for their efforts in fighting Huntington's Disease within their family. I encourage the American people to be aware of their own family histories, to be aware of the issues in genetic testing, and to advocate for families with Huntington's Disease in their communities. I also call on my colleagues in the House to join in this effort to find a cure for those suffering from this disease. To that extent, I would like to read this concurrent resolution about Huntington's Disease which I have introduced in the House of Representatives. ``Concurrent resolution. Whereas about 30,000 people in the United States suffer from Huntington's Disease; whereas each child of a parent with Huntington's Disease has a 50 percent risk of inheriting the illness; around 200,000 individuals are at risk; whereas Huntington's Disease results from a genetically programmed degeneration of nerve cells in certain parts of the brain; whereas this degeneration causes uncontrolled movements, loss of intellectual faculties, and emotional disturbances; whereas presymptomatic testing is available for those with a family history of Huntington's Disease, and medication is available to help control the symptoms, yet there is no treatment to stop or reverse the course of the disease; whereas Congress as an institution and Members of Congress as individuals are in unique positions to help raise public awareness about the need for increased funding for research, detection, and treatment of Huntington's Disease and to support the fight against this disease: ``Now, therefore, be it resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), that it is the sense of the Congress that subsection 1, all Americans should take an active role in the fight against Huntington's Disease by any means available to them, including being aware of their own family history, being aware of the issues in genetic testing, and advocating for families with Huntington's Disease in their communities and their States; ``Section 2, the role played by national community organizations and health care providers in promoting awareness should be recognized and applauded; ``And section 3, the Federal Government has a responsibility to, A, endeavor to raise awareness about the detection and treatment of Huntington's Disease; and B, increase funding for research so that a cure might be found.'' Mr. Speaker, as May marked Huntington's Disease Awareness Month, we must do everything possible to ensure we search out hope for thousands of Americans by finding a cure for this disease.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition of the 90th anniversary of the Girl Scouts, an organization that has empowered girls to reach their full potential through partnerships with caring adults. Since 1948, the Girl Scout Council of the Congaree Area of South Carolina has served girls from age 5 through 17 in Lancaster, Lexington, Sumter, Fairfield, Newberry, Richland, Saluda and Kershaw Counties, along with the city of Great Falls. With the dedicated leadership of President Ann Addy and Executive Director Pamela Hyland, the Congaree Area Council today boasts a membership of nearly 10,000. Nationally, the organization has grown to 3.6 million Girl Scouts, part of a worldwide family of 10 million in 140 countries. The key to the success of the Girl Scouts is very simple: they have stressed the values that every person should strive to uphold. These values include integrity, respect, inclusiveness and responsibility to the community. Through the Scouts, girls learn that to realize true satisfaction in life a person must grow in mind, body and spirit.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, it is a real honor for me to be here with my colleague, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Weldon), and an honor to be here with my colleague, the gentleman South Carolina (Mr. Brown). I was very honored to serve with him in the General Assembly of South Carolina. He served as the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means in the House of Representatives, which was one of the highest positions of our State, and we are just very fortunate that he was elected 2 years ago to serve here in Congress. Those of us from South Carolina are proud of the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Brown). I am very happy and honored to have been elected more recently. I ran in the primary last October. I was elected on December 18; and, in fact, I am the second most recent Member of Congress. I am number 434 out of 435. And with that distinction, the point I want to make is that I also have the most recent experience, some of us would call it real- life experience, of being with the public in a private position in my job. And I was very proud of my employment as an attorney. I served as a real estate attorney, and I was a probate attorney until December 18 last year when I was elected to Congress. My experience in civilian life of being a real estate attorney, probate attorney, is that I heard so much about death taxes and that is why I want to commend my colleague, the gentleman from Florida, for his leadership in working to eliminate death taxes in the United States. This needs to be done. Because I know firsthand how this has chilled the value of real estate, it has chilled development, it has chilled home building, and it has had a negative effect for businesses, particularly small businesses in our country. Additionally, I know that it has created confusion for those of us who work in preparing wills and assisting people in preparation of wills. But the ultimate confusion has been a law which will provide, as the gentleman correctly indicated, a tax increase. That tax increase will take place on January 1, 2011, when it just kicks in. So what we have is an indeterminate law, in effect, which is the worst kind. I know from being recently in campaigns, talking with people, meeting with people in their businesses, in their homes, on the street, at meetings, that this is a key issue. And I want to commend the gentleman for bringing this up, and I really look forward to the vote tomorrow. I also had the experience of looking back at the debate involving a wonderful colleague, the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth), who spoke on this last year. And I want to commend the membership for passing the tax cuts last year. It was a year ago, on June 6, 2001, when the reforms were put in place to eliminate the death taxes and reduce other taxes. The way this tax cut would work that was passed provides that there would be a phase-out of the death taxes over the next 9 years, and then it would completely disappear in the 10th year. However, the sunset provision that the gentleman explained provides that after December 31, 2010, on the very next day, the taxes would be fully put back into place, a tax increase, as the gentleman has said correctly. So persons would almost have to plan, which cannot be done, and we do not want it to be done, to pass away on December 31, 2010. It is not only just illogical, it is immoral. In other words, unless we want to make the tax elimination permanent, we need to vote positively tomorrow, and I look forward to doing so. What we have is a situation where if people did pass away prior to December 31, 2010, they would not pay a death tax. But if they live 1 day more, to January 1, 2011, they would pay a tax, possibly equal to 60 percent of all their assets. I believe that the death tax is possibly the most ethically disgraceful tax which is levied by the Federal Government; and then, in fact, most States also have adopted this tax through tax conformity. So this can really be beneficial. Not only what we are doing on the Federal level; the impact will be to eliminate death taxes at the Federal and State level. You have tax on assets already taxed. We need to vote tomorrow to permanently eliminate the death tax. Another definition of the death tax would be taxes on the property owned at the date of death. When someone dies, the surviving family, not the deceased, and there is some debate, we can call it an inheritance tax, but the general term is death tax. The surviving family pays a tax up to 60 percent on all assets currently over $675,000. When we hear about $675,000, I know from personal experience working with people who are of average means, they do not realize that their homes have appreciated substantially. They could immediately be put into a taxable situation. Many people do not realize that insurance is included within the estate and provides immediately for taxes to be assessed. For the past 20 years, as a member of the Army National Guard, I have been traveling all over South Carolina with legal counseling teams assisting people in preparing wills and powers of attorney in the event that they were mobilized. Person after person has had property that has appreciated. It is real estate which was formerly in rural areas, and is now in resort areas. This could result in people having to cut timber early, which would be negative. Timber has been a phenomenal resource which appreciates in value so quickly that immediately people who are of average means become taxed upon the death of a loved one. I think that another point that needs to be made is that the Federal death tax was enacted in 1916 to provide for funds to fight World War I. We heard a few minutes ago that it needs to be reformed and not eliminated. I will say that reform is simply a code word for keeping the door open for abuse. The best way to handle any tax is to eliminate the tax. It may sound good that we would reform it and it would apply to a very tiny percentage, but we all know that that is leaving it alive so that in the future it could be increased and they could come back and have it on the books and simply say this is a technical amendment, we understand what that means, and suddenly we have taxes which are increased in all directions. The real question on this is in regard to grandparents. They should be encouraged to save for their children and for their grandchildren. To me this is an assault on grandparents who have worked hard all their lives. They want to provide for their families and want to pass it on. Tomorrow I will be looking forward to voting on this for the grandparents of America. The bottom line, a good question, is that normally government will tax gains. That is assets that are appreciating by gains. But why does the government have a right to tax the ultimate loss, which is someone's life?

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to a disease which affects thousands of people in the United States. Approximately 30,000 people in the United States suffer from Huntington's Disease. Each child of a parent with Huntington's Disease has a 50 percent risk of inheriting the illness, meaning that there are more than 200,000 individuals who are at risk today. Huntington's Disease results from a genetically programmed degeneration of nerve cells in certain parts of the brain. While medication is available to help control symptoms of Huntington's Disease, there is no treatment to stop or reverse the course of the disease. I would like to commend Dr. Ruth Abramson of Columbia, South Carolina, for her leadership and dedication in the fight against Huntington's Disease. I encourage the American people to be aware of their own family histories, to be aware of the issues in genetic testing, and to advocate for families with Huntington's Disease in their communities, such as the Wayne and Ouida Dell family of Ridgeland, South Carolina. I also call on my colleagues in the House to join me in this effort to find a cure for those suffering from this disease.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Nucor Corporation, our Nation's largest steel producer, for their investment in South Carolina and their commitment to our economy, our families and our environment. Nucor's commitment to South Carolina's economy is demonstrated by its 4 statewide facilities professionally managed by Mike Gurley of Darlington, Ladd Hall of Berkeley, Lynn Strock of Florence and Jeff Carmean of Swansea. These facilities have produced more than $1 billion in total sales and have contributed more than $1 billion in total investment back into the State's economy. Nucor has touched the lives of families across the Palmetto State by employing 1,800 skilled and dedicated South Carolinians and by contributing over $300,000 in education scholarships last year. A leader in environmental stewardship, Nucor is the largest recycler in America, and through efficient fuel consumption, Nucor saves enough energy annually to power the city of Los Angeles for 8 years. Mr. Speaker, I commend Nucor for their wise investment in South Carolina's economy, families and environment.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to condemn the recent terrorist attack in Kashmir that killed 30 innocent civilians, including two dozen women and children, and which injured nearly 50 more. This terrorist attack is yet another aimed at civilians, specifically Hindus, in Kashmir. Just last month, the suicide squad attacked and killed innocent worshipers at one of the largest Hindu temples in Kashmir. Innocent Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims have been targeted by terrorists in Kashmir. An editorial in yesterday's Washington Post entitled ``The General's Broken Promise'' states that Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf has not done enough to rein in these terrorists who attack Kashmiri civilians. While President Musharraf has taken steps to assist the American war on terrorism, he must do more to stop these terrorist attacks from occurring in Kashmir and in Indian. Once Pakistan moves away from the path of supporting terrorism, a real peace initiative can begin between India and Pakistan. After more than 50 years of hostility, it is time for India and Pakistan to live in peace as neighbors. This can only begin after Pakistan stops supporting terrorism in India.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I have good news to report. The good news is that today we are going to vote on the welfare reform bill which will constructively change the lives of millions of people. In 1996, Congress passed legislation that opened the door of independence, and today it is critical that we vote to keep that door open. We must continue the successes that started with Republican leadership 6 years ago. Welfare reform's new goal will be to spur States and welfare recipients to even greater levels of success. Through employment, work- related services, child support reform and counseling for healthy family relationships, America can continue down the path of independence. We made a historic and positive change in our society 6 years ago when we passed welfare reform legislation, but we have just turned the corner. Our work is far from done. Let us make sure we keep the door of independence open for those in need. Let us get willing people back to work. There is nothing more satisfying than the smiling faces of success. Vote ``yes'' for welfare reform reauthorization.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, in May we celebrate National Military Appreciation Month. This month we are reminded to actively honor and support all of our men and women in uniform who voluntarily risk their lives so we may achieve peace through strength. I would like to give special recognition to America's oldest military branch, the National Guard, which has celebrated 365 years of service. As a son of a World War II veteran, myself a colonel in the South Carolina Army National Guard and with three sons in the military, I have seen the service the Guard provides in defense of America's homeland. My colleagues are extraordinary people who train year-round and are ready at a moment's notice to leave their families and jobs to defend liberty. In South Carolina we are fortunate to have dedicated leadership with Adjutant General Stan Spears. Most recently in the war against terrorism, over 50,000 Guardsmen and women have been called to duty. Today's National Guard continues its historic dual mission: protecting life and property within our borders while providing units trained, equipment, and ready to defend the United States and its interests all over the globe.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, in 1986 a group of South Carolina civic leaders dedicated to improving their State joined together and created the South Carolina Policy Council. South Carolina at that time was dominated by a legislature which controlled an array of semi-autonomous boards and commissions that fostered red tape and hindered accountability. Through the visionary leadership of the late Thomas A. Roe, the Policy Council was formed to fill the void of reformist conservative philosophy. By publishing timely reports, comprehensive white papers, and hard- hitting editorials, the Policy Council grew in stature and membership. In the beginning of the Republican Revolution, Ed McMullen was chosen as its president. The Policy Council has played a role in every major reform debate. From modernizing State government, to promoting performance audits, to reforming welfare, to cutting taxes, the Policy Council was there. It was further energized by dedicated researcher Hal Eberle and now South Carolina Senate Clerk Jeff Gossett. Today the South Carolina Policy Council boasts a membership of over 5,000 and regularly participates in policy debates with political, religious and business leaders throughout the Palmetto State. I am honored to take this opportunity to thank the Policy Council and to wish them well on the ongoing fight to conserve the principles of limited government and traditional values.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the bill be passed over without prejudice.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to say that welfare reform works. Yes, welfare reform works. The monumental reform that this Republican House achieved in 1996 allows families to defeat poverty and regain their independence. However, it is time to continue the good work from 1996. I voted last week for the Working Toward Independence Act approved by the Committee on Education and the Workforce, and we need to continue to support measures that promote healthy, two-parent families, and oppose provisions that penalize married couples. President Bush has set an aggressive agenda for keeping families together, and this House has a chance to solidify this effort through the Republican bill for reauthorization. The 2.3 million families who have used the reforms to become self- supporting deserve this reform. The countless numbers of families who are still working to achieve independence need this reform. Why do we need this reform? Because welfare reform works.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong support for Romania's membership into NATO. I was warmly welcomed to Cluj-Napoca, the sister city of Columbia, South Carolina, and I have seen firsthand as the roots of democracy flourish in Romania. A recent article in The Washington Post cited the successful reform efforts of Romania, as well as the cooperation that Romania has offered to America to fight the war on terrorism. Romania has unconditionally opened its airspace to its allies with 20 NATO military flights daily. Its brave young men and women serve as peacekeepers in Kabul, and the Romanian government has offered a specialized mountain unit for service in the rugged terrain in Afghanistan. I commend the efforts of Ambassador Sorin Ducaru, Foreign Minister Mircea Geoana, and Deputy Chief of Mission Stelian Stoian for their continuing important reforms and for joining the war on terrorism. Romania is proving itself as a trustworthy ally and should be granted membership to NATO with its neighbor, Bulgaria.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Heritage Community Services was formed as a coalition of community-based abstinence educators from across South Carolina with combined experience in the field totaling nearly 75 years. It was awarded a Title V abstinence education grant for implementing a state-wide program in 1998. Schools and communities have responded enthusiastically. The Heritage programs are community-wide, serving more than 29,000 adolescents. The program's founder and CEO, Mrs. Anne Badgley, has been invited to address a number of Title V training programs across the country, as well as brief Pentagon undersecretaries of defense, the Army and Navy, and has testified before Congress.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my support for the expansion of NATO to include the Republic of Bulgaria and to welcome Bulgarian Prime Minister Simeon Saxe-Coburg- Gotha to America. An April article in The Washington Times notes that U.S. Ambassador to NATO, Nicholas Burns, was impressed by Bulgaria's reforms during his visit to Sofia. A recent Washington Post editorial noted Bulgaria has already assisted America and Afghanistan and can make substantial contributions for Europe as a member of NATO. I commend the efforts of patriots like Prime Minister Simeon Saxe- Coburg-Gotha, Ambassador Elena Poptodorova, Foreign Minister Solomon Pasi, Defense Minister Nikolai Svinarov, Deputy Chief of Mission Emil Yalnazov, and Ambassador Stefan Stoyanov for continuing important reforms. I was an observer of Bulgaria's first democratic elections in 1990, and I have witnessed the progress of Bulgaria's democracy. Bulgaria is strategically located, and would enhance NATO for the mutual defense of southeastern Europe.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman. Again, I am very honored to serve in the same community with the gentleman, Hilton Head Island. Of course, the gentleman and I are looking forward to the Heritage Golf Classic this weekend, which even relates to the issue at hand, Mr. Speaker, in that in terms of welfare reform, the jobs that are created. The Heritage Golf Classic will generate $56 million to the hospitality industry of the low country of South Carolina and Georgia, and then it will create a thousand jobs. So we are grateful for the Heritage Golf Classic that is under way right now.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. And that includes Newport and Jasper, too.

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