Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Wicker). I appreciate his input. As I conclude, we have been going over success stories, and my colleague, the distinguished gentleman from the Third District of South Carolina (Mr. Graham), had submitted a success story that he wanted to be known by people of the United States. And I can identify with that, because I have been a volunteer with Habitat For Humanity. This is about Contessa from the Third District of South Carolina. ``When I was on welfare, I forgot that I was a valuable person, that my life mattered. I really did not have the proper esteem when I was on welfare. Things are so much better now that I am employed and my self- esteem has improved.'' A former welfare recipient, Contessa, like thousands of other Americans, has made the transition from welfare to work. Hired as a receptionist who was told that ``There is little chance of opportunity for you,'' Contessa has continued to move up, and today is a paralegal at a prominent law firm in neighboring Greenwood. One of the dreams that she has achieved is the ownership of her home. That is the American dream. Contessa has taken that bold step forward. I end with this quote: ``I have now purchased a home through the Home Authority Stepping Home Program, where a portion of your rent goes into an escrow account for the downpayment on a home. Becoming a homeowner really changes your whole outlook, as does the change from welfare to work.'' I would like to thank my colleagues who have participated tonight. We look forward to the discussion about the creation of jobs, the creation of opportunity with the welfare reform reauthorization.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Brown). I appreciate the gentleman's hard work, both in our State and now here in Washington to promote welfare reform.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman very much, and thank you for your thoughtful service for the people of Mississippi and all of America. Mr. Speaker, as we discuss the success stories of welfare reform, as the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Wicker) pointed out, you can also look at the facts that confirm the success. Most important to me, I have got four children, would be to point out that child hunger has been reduced nearly half since 1996. The 4.4 million children who could have been in hunger and were in 1996, that has been reduced to 2.6 million in 1999. That is just an extraordinary achievement for the children and the young people of the United States. Additionally, I would like to bring to your attention what the gentleman from Mississippi has already referred to, that with the implementation of welfare reform there has been a reduction of nearly half of the number of persons who are on welfare. Beginning in 1996, there were 4.4 million families that were in the welfare system. Currently, that has been reduced, due to the work of the professional social workers of our country, to 2.1 million families. The number of individuals receiving cash assistance has decreased by 56 percent. The number of families, as I indicated, has decreased and dropped from 4.4 million in 1996 to 2.1 million in 2001. Welfare rolls have fallen 9 million, from 14 million recipients in 1994 to just 5 million recipients today in the United States. Welfare caseloads have not been this low since 1968. Child poverty rates are at their lowest level since 1978. African American child poverty rates in poverty among children and female heads of families are at their lowest level in history. Another fact: at 11.3 percent, the overall poverty rate in 2000 was the lowest since 1974. A fact that we can all appreciate, because of what this means again for children, the rate of births to unwed mothers has leveled off; 2.3 million children have been lifted out of poverty. Another fact: child support enforcement, making parents pay for child care, is up by more than 210 percent. Another fact: the number of children living in single parent homes has declined, while the number of children living in married-couple families has increased, especially among minority families. Another fact: since 1996, nearly 3 million children have been lifted out of poverty. Finally, another fact: before 1996, recipients stayed on welfare for an average of 13 years and few worked; but that is changing, because people are getting jobs. They are having opportunity. They are leading fulfilling lives. I over the last couple of weeks have continued a practice that I have done in my prior service in the State Senate of visiting the Department of Social Service offices; and in the past several weeks, I have visited Allendale County in South Carolina. The director is Ms. Lee Harley-Fitts. I met with Mr. Fred Washington of Beaufort County, the Director. I went by and met with Bernie Zurenda of the Hampton County Department of Social Services. I met with Mr. Bill Walker of the Lexington County Department of Social Services. And I was very pleased to meet with Ms. Richelynn Douglas of Richland County, which is the capital of South Carolina. In each case I met with the social workers, and I delivered to them letters of appreciation for what they had done to create the extraordinary and historic social development of the change in welfare in the United States. It is these people who are frontline, and I had a wonderful time going by and visiting with them. Additionally, by telephone I worked with our State director, and this is bipartisan. She is, of course, a member of the cabinet of our Governor, Ms. Libla Patterson. It just is heartwarming to see these people on the front line working so hard and so enthusiastically at the office in Lexington. I will never forget that the intake persons who worked there are called cheerleaders; and in fact, that is what they do. When people come in, they cheer the people up. They tell the people who are applying for TANF that they can achieve, that they can have jobs created. Another office had pictures on the wall of success stories right there in the office. As the people would come in, of course, they would be down and out, discouraged; but they could look around and see pictures of people who had succeeded. I, too, as my colleagues, have run into specific situations; and in the interest of protecting privacy, I would like to read statements from persons who have truly benefited from the reforms of welfare in the United States that we need to continue, as the President has proposed. Robin, who currently now works at the Sunshine House Daycare Center, says that ``DSS builds your ammunition to get a job. The classes made me feel better about myself. They inspired me to get a job. Now I feel on top of the world.'' We have, as was indicated by the gentleman from Mississippi, situations where people have gone back to college. We have Melissa, who is currently at Benedict College in South Carolina. It is one of the largest Historically Black Colleges in the United States with 2,900 students. I was there last week with President David Swinton; and I was happy to be there with my special assistant, Earl Brown, who is a very proud graduate of Benedict College. Melissa says, ``I used to think badly about DSS, but DSS has helped me with bus tickets, a check, class, helped me when I thought I couldn't make it through. They even helped me move, with Christmas presents. DSS made me do things myself. I have a job now and I can go higher. I want to apply for a promotion and go back to adult education. I know now that I can make it.'' There was Kimberly. Kimberly currently works with Scientific Games in Columbia, South Carolina. ``I feel 100 percent better since getting a job. I no longer have to struggle. Now I only have to work. I am no longer living day by day and worry if my food runs out. Now I have my own transportation. DSS helped me with financial and moral support. They helped with my resume, even faxed it, and they told me to write thank you notes. I am thankful I have a job.'' Then there was Christy. She currently works for a billing service in Lexington. ``I have accomplished a lot with the help of DSS. I feel independent and self-sufficient. Getting a job has changed my outlook on life. I was in a slump, without transportation. Now I have a car that I bought with my taxes. DSS helped enable me to provide more for my kids with less assistance.'' These success stories are just so heartwarming, and they remind me over and over again of how important it is here in Congress to work for the principles to make the changes that can make it possible for people to have jobs and change welfare in our country. Currently, there are four principles that the Republicans have adopted and are using. First of all, it is to promote work, to strengthen the path toward independence on the State and Federal level. What that has meant is that we are very supportive of education programs, of training programs. We all understand that we need to provide quality child care, that we need to provide health care for the children for the persons who are on temporary relief. We need to provide for work to be proactive in regard to transportation, and even relocation assistance, if necessary, to move to locations voluntarily where jobs may have better pay and be more prolific. A good example on transportation in our State is that we were confronted with an extraordinary dilemma when we adopted welfare reform, and that is that persons could not qualify because they had excess assets if they had a vehicle which was worth more than $2,000, so the vehicle they had to own had to be $2,000 or less. In looking at this, we received information from both sides, Democrats and Republicans, that made it real clear. There was one outstanding feature of a vehicle that is worth $2,000 or less: it does not work. The other feature is it would take an extraordinary amount of money to promote the fixing of the vehicle. So we changed that to where persons could have a car that was worth $10,000. A second principle is improving child well-being and lift more children out of poverty. We have done that through working for stronger support enforcement for child support. Persons are required now to maintain current child support. Third, we are promoting healthy marriages and strengthening families. This, of course, was referred to by the gentleman from Mississippi. Even the Washington Post has identified that this is a very legitimate concern in an editorial on April 5 promoting marriage in our country, because we already know that the prior welfare laws were ones that promoted breaking up of families and of marriage. So the penalties of marriage have been done away with. The fourth point of the Republican principles and initiatives for welfare reform are to foster hope and opportunity, boosting personal incomes and improving the quality of life. Of course, to me, that also means that we have tax incentives for persons to hire, persons who were formerly on welfare, but also tax reductions. In fact, tomorrow, I am really looking forward to being here to vote to make permanent President Bush's tax reductions. That is money in the pockets of either the persons who are newly employed or in the pockets of all Americans so that we can employ more people. It is jobs. So when we hear about tax cuts and providing for incentives by reducing the taxes, think again of how that directly relates to creating employment in jobs. As I indicated a few minutes ago, one of the key people who has meant so much to me is the former chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means of the South Carolina House of Representatives, and he is here tonight. At this time I would like to yield to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Brown).

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, over the next couple of weeks we will have a very rewarding experience explaining to the American people the success of welfare reform by the law that was passed in 1996, but also we will have an excellent opportunity to show how rewarding the reauthorization will be as proposed by President Bush. I am a newcomer myself to Congress. I was sworn in 17 weeks ago today after a special election on December 18. This follows 17 years that I had the privilege to serve in the State Senate of South Carolina. I am honored to be on the Welfare Reform Task Force. I was appointed by the majority whip, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay). I am on the task force to study and promote welfare reform. It is a particular honor for me because there are only two freshmen on the task force, myself and the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Hart). I am certainly with a quality crew serving on that task force. My education in the area of social services, I give credit to my wife, Roxanne. She served for 14 years on the welfare board in our county, the Department of Social Services in Lexington County; and in that capacity I learned first hand of the great work of professional social workers working with persons who needed financial assistance, the problems of elder care and foster care, child care; and I learned firsthand that we have got the best people working to promote services to the people of our country. Additionally, I have a legislative background in the State Senate of South Carolina, and it is very similar to what is going on here in Washington, D.C. Back in 1995, I was honored to be the chairman of the General Committee of South Carolina in the State Senate. At that time people were questioning what the General Committee was. I knew first of all it had jurisdiction over the National Guard; and as a member of the National Guard, I was happy to serve. But I found out later that ``general'' meant any specific item or agency that did not pertain to specific other committees ended up in the General Committee. That was wonderful for me because the Department of Social Services came under their jurisdiction. So I was in place to work in South Carolina for the development of the Family Independence Act, along with David Beasley and our lieutenant governor, Bob Peeler; and I also worked with such distinguished persons as the gentleman who is the Speaker pro tempore tonight, the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Brown), who was chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means in the House of Representatives in South Carolina. We were able to put together a very similar welfare bill and legislation in South Carolina as has been enacted nationally, and there has been a remarkable record of success. The landmark welfare reforms of 1996 on the Federal level has focused on moving recipients from welfare to workfare. The 1996 reforms replaced guaranteed cash assistance with a work requirement. And when I say work, what I am talking about are jobs and education, training and giving persons the opportunity to be fulfilling citizens in our country. It has meant jobs, and it has meant education. So when we hear the discussion of welfare reform, that is what we are largely discussing. The best characterization that I have read of the success of the 1996 bill was in the Carolina Morning News, which is the Savannah Morning News edition of the low country of South Carolina for Beaufort County, Jasper County, Sun City, for Blufton and Hilton Head Island. The editorial last month said the 1996 welfare reform bill passed by a Republican Congress and signed by President Clinton stands as one of the great social policy successes of the last 50 years. It was to the cycle of dependency on the dole what the collapse of the Berlin Wall was to communism, both literally and symbolically. As we over the next couple of weeks discuss welfare reform, it is wonderful to really make it personal, and that is by having success stories brought to our attention. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Weldon) to review several success stories.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. We certainly appreciate the gentleman from Florida's hard work for the people of Florida, a proven story of success in yourself. Mr. Speaker, one of the most beneficial acts that you can have as you serve in the State legislatures is to travel around the country and meet persons that you recognize right away or superstars in terms of future legislative activity. I was very fortunate to have met a State legislator from Pennsylvania. I was so pleased to learn of her election to Congress. I am very pleased to yield to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Hart).

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman. I appreciate the gentleman bringing that to our attention. We indeed do have something positive this time to show a proven record of success. Mr. Speaker, I am very honored to in Congress serve adjacent to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston), from the very historic City of Savannah, which is practically becoming the sister cities of the communities that I represent in Hilton Head Island, so we like to claim that we represent very similar and wonderful, positive communities, and at this time I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Kingston).

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. I thank the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania. Again we appreciate her great service to the people of her district and the enthusiasm that she obviously has for the people of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, another treat that I have run into by being here in Congress and meeting the Members of Congress is to be reassured as to the competence level on both sides of the aisle of people who serve here in Washington. Not only the competent, but very thoughtful. One of the most thoughtful to me was the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Wicker). I yield to the gentleman from Mississippi.

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

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this week marks the 60th anniversary of the famous Tokyo raid conducted by Doolittle's Raiders, highlighted by a reunion of this courageous contingent being held in Columbia, South Carolina. General Woody Randall and hundreds of dedicated volunteers have organized a week-long tribute to our Raider heroes. The Raiders were assembled in the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, and trained at Columbia Army Airfield by the visionary General Jimmy Doolittle for their courageous service, which was crucial to raise America's shocked wartime spirits. The raid had profound strategic consequences for America's ultimate victory. South Carolina is especially proud of native son First Lieutenant William G. Farrow of Darlington. Lieutenant Darrow was one of eight members of Doolittle's Raiders who were captured by the Japanese. He endured 6 months of brutal torture and deprivation before being executed at age 25. Lieutenant Farrow's ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten, and his influence continues with his authorship as a student at the University of South Carolina of ``An American Creed for Victory.'' As we honor Doolittle's Raiders for their courageous sacrifices for our Nation during World War II, it is my hope that Lieutenant Farrow's patriotic words will inspire all generations of Americans to serve their country with pride and honor. The document referred to is as follows: Farrow's Creed After Raider Lieutenant William Farrow's execution on October 15, 1942, his mother found this list in a trunk belonging to him. President Franklin D. Roosevelt touted the list as an example to the Nation. It was printed in newspapers and church bulletins coast to coast. My Future (later called ``An American's Creed for Victory''). First, what are my weaknesses? (1) Lack of thoroughness and application. (2) Lack of curiosity. (3) Softness in driving myself. (4) Lack of constant diligence. (5) Lack of seriousness of purpose--sober thought. (6) Scatter-brained dashing here and there and not getting anything done--spur-of-the-moment stuff. (7) Letting situations confuse the truth in my mind. (8) Lack of self-confidence. (9) Letting people influence my decisions too much. I must weigh my decisions--then act. (10) Too much frivolity--not enough serious thought. (11) Lack of clear-cut, decisive thinking. Second, what must I do to develop myself? (1) Stay in glowing health--take a good, fast one-hour workout each day. (2) Search out current, past and future topics on aviation. (3) Work hard on each day's lessons--shoot for an ``A.'' (4) Stay close to God--do His will and commandments. He is my friend and protector. Believe in Him--trust in His ways-- not in my own confused understanding of the universe. (5) Do not waste energy or time in fruitless pursuits-- learn to act from honest fundamental motives--simplicity in life leads to the fullest living. Order my life--in order, there is achievement, in aimlessness, there is retrogression. (6) Fear nothing--be it insanity, sickness, failure--always be upright--look the world in the eye. (7) Keep my mind always clean--allow no evil thoughts to destroy me. My mind is my very own, to think and use just as I do my arms. It was given to me by the Creator to use as I see fit, but to think wrong is to do wrong! (8) Concentrate! Choose the task to be done, and do it to the best of my ability. (9) Fear not for the future--build on each day as though the future for me is a certainty. If I die tomorrow, that is too bad, but I will have done today's work! (10) Never be discouraged over anything! Turn failure into success.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the Good Book teaches us that the perseverance of a faithful few can touch the lives of many for the better. During the late 1800s in New Brookland, South Carolina, a small group of men and women met together for prayer and worship. By 1902, the group had grown and the Brookland Baptist Church was founded. For decades, the church has been a refuge of hope, and the church began a new chapter in 1971 when Rev. Charles B. Jackson, Sr., became their ninth pastor at the age of 18. Attracting large crowds of over 4,000 members, the church bought and renovated a nearby shopping center. I am honored that Earl Brown, a deacon, is my special assistant. Today, the church serves the community through HIV-AIDS program, homeless outreach, the Black Male Conference, scouting programs, recreational and tutorial programs, and has even organized a full- service credit union. The church is one of South Carolina's largest African American congregations. This year, as Brookland Baptist Church celebrates its 100th anniversary, it is very easy to see how this once-small group of believers has grown to make the lives of those around them immeasurably improved for the better.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, sometimes businesses become so interwoven within a community they become like family. Bi-Lo, a rapidly growing supermarket chain, is one such company endearing itself to the people of the Second Congressional District of South Carolina. Based in Mauldin, South Carolina, Bi-Lo has more than 280 stores in five States. In the second district alone there are 23 Bi-Lo stores employing 1,825 hard-working and dedicated South Carolinians. For these people, Bi-Lo has provided meaningful employment that gives each person a chance to excel. I should know because my two oldest sons have worked at the local Bi-Lo where they have learned the self-satisfaction that comes from hard work. Yet beyond offering quality groceries and providing meaningful employment, Bi-Lo has made charitable efforts a priority. Their programs donate money and food to Meals on Wheels, food banks, local schools, churches, and other groups. Also their Golden Apple Awards recognize the vital work of professional educators. All companies should take note of Bi-Lo's example that a strong business can best survive when they help to build a strong community.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Welfare Reform Action Team, I am here today to reopen the discussion on welfare reform. In 1996, after a contentious debate that will not soon be forgotten, Republicans rallied to pass welfare reform. Another thing that will not be soon forgotten is welfare reform's historic results. Republican-led welfare reform has proven successful in replacing welfare checks with paychecks, fostering independence, boosting personal incomes and improving the well-being of children. In 1996, Congress fixed a welfare system that was completely broken. The proof is in the numbers. Since 1994, welfare caseloads have been reduced by 9 million. The number of individuals receiving cash assistance has dropped by 56 percent. Nearly 3 million children have been lifted from poverty, and the child poverty rate is at its lowest level since 1978. That is real progress. Now that the success stories from many and the naysayers are few, it is my sincere hope that this House will support the President in reauthorizing welfare reform in a strong bipartisan fashion. There is still more work to be done. We must continue to strengthen the path toward independence.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Operation Anaconda has been successfully concluded, and while we are thankful for the courage and valor of our military in the field, we also owe thanks to those Americans who provide the weapons our troops need, which made this victory and future victories possible. Last week I toured a national asset in the Second Congressional District of South Carolina, FN Manufacturing of Columbia. This company makes over 75 percent of the machine guns, rifles and other small arms of the U.S. Armed Forces. These are the finest infantry weapons ever made: rugged, dependable and effective. Five hundred professional South Carolinians, skilled machinists, fabricators, designers, and engineers are dedicated to maintaining their world-famous high qualities. I met in person the hard-working FN employees who are making a difference for peace through strength. America is fortunate to have a proven supplier whose products are clearly needed and highly praised by those in harm's way as we proceed to victory in the war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last Tuesday I welcomed to Capitol Hill India's Ambassador to the United States, Lalit Mansingh, and Minister Ajay Swarup. I applaud the Indian government, one of the world's two largest democracies, for fighting the common enemy of international terrorism. Together, America and India can make South Asia and the world a safer place. I am happy to see economic ties with India booming. Trade increased since 1991 from $15 million to $15 billion today, and 2 million Indian- Americans have enriched America with their business acumen. With the victory of democracy in the Cold War, friendship has been restored between the people of India and America. I support President Bush's initiatives in building a strong partnership between America and India. I commend the efforts of Ambassador Mansingh and Minister Swarup in their efforts to bring America and India closer together as allies.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, I welcomed to Capitol Hill Ambassador Elena Poptodorova and Foreign Minister Solomon Passy of the Republic of Bulgaria. Ms. Poptodorova and Mr. Passy have been dynamic leaders to promote the establishment of democracy in Bulgaria. My appreciation of the people of Bulgaria began in June, 1990, when I served as an election observer for the International Republican Institute. I saw firsthand the end of Communist totalitarianism and the birth of democracy. Over the last decade, democracy has flourished in Bulgaria, and its economy grew 5 percent last year. In the war on terrorism, Bulgaria has been an enthusiastic ally of NATO and the United States. The people of Bulgaria have warmly reestablished friendships with the people of America. With its strategic location in southeastern Europe, with its talented people, and with its enthusiasm for democracy, I support Bulgaria's admission into NATO as soon as possible. I congratulate Ambassador Elena Poptodorova and Foreign Minister Solomon Passy for their efforts for coordinated defense in Europe.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise today to endorse welfare reform in America. There was an excellent lead editorial this week in the Carolina Morning News of Savannah dated March 4, and I quote: ``The 1996 welfare reform bill, passed by a Republican Congress and signed by President Clinton, stands as one of the great social policy successes of the last 50 years. It was to the cycle of dependency on the dole what the collapse of the Berlin Wall was to communism, both literally and symbolically.'' America provides more opportunities to its people than any other country in the world, and our educational system and entrepreneurial spirit are unmatched. Therefore, we should work with President Bush to ensure all Americans have jobs and can fulfill themselves to the highest of their abilities. Madam Speaker, as the newest member of the Welfare Reform Action Team, I am confident, working together, we can assist more and more people to achieve the American dream. I fully support welfare reforms that will accomplish this important task.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for President Bush in extending our war on terrorism to the countries that make up the axis of evil: Iran, Iraq, and North Korea. These countries have all been designated as state sponsors of terrorism, and all three are engaged in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Today, Iraq poses the most serious threat to America's national security. Iraq and Iran were engaged in a war from 1980 to 1988 which killed approximately 1 million people. Just 3 years after this war was over, in 1991, Iraq invaded Kuwait. Two years after the Gulf War in 1993, Iraq tried to assassinate President George H.W. Bush when he visited Kuwait. Iraq has consistently destabilized the Middle East over the past 20 years and is trying to acquire weapons of mass destruction which can be used against America and our allies. We should work with our allies to finally bring peace, stability, and democracy to the people of Iraq. We must also prevent other nations from undermining our efforts to bring about a stable, democratic government in Iraq. Mr. Speaker, I fully support President Bush's efforts to eradicate international terrorism, which threatens all free, democratic nations.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the charitable efforts of Worldcom Classic, the Heritage of Golf and the Heritage Golf Classic Foundation, a non-profit organization located at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, which sponsors the annual Worldcom Classic Golf Tournament in April of each year and which generates $56 million for the hospitality industry of Beaufort County and the low country of South Carolina. Since 1987 the Heritage Classic Foundation, chaired by Joseph B. Fraser, has given over $8.1 million to numerous charities, including noteworthy organizations such as Volunteers in Medicine of Hilton Head Island, the Shiners Hospital for Crippled Children in Greenville, Boys and Girls Club of Hilton Head Island, The Penn Center and Meals on Wheels. Also, 88 students have benefited from over half a million dollars distributed in scholarships to Beaufort County High School graduates. Last year they donated a record amount of $1 million, surpassing the $2 million total of the prior 7 years, which goes out to the 102 charities and colleges across South Carolina. I want to thank the tournament director, Steve Wilmot, and all those involved with Worldcom Classic, the Heritage Foundation of Golf, for their tireless efforts to support the low country of South Carolina and congratulate them on being an example to all communities of this Nation of how one group with the determination and desire to reach out and help neighbors can actually change lives and make dreams come true.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 11 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, very few experiences live vividly in one's heart for all the days of your life. For me, this is such a moment. First, let me say how deeply and profoundly grateful and appreciative I am to every citizen of South Carolina. Because of the election that took place yesterday, a rite of passage borne out and preserved by time-honored tradition, my job is to represent every voter in my district, regardless of age, gender, creed, color or party affiliation to the best of my ability. Today, I pledge to do that, so help me God. In taking this oath of office, I am not alone. The path which led me to this moment was well traveled by so many people to whom I owe debts of gratitude. These are debts that can never be repaid. First among those is my wife, Roxanne, and our family. Their love and strength are the greatest assets of my life. So many other people have given time, support, hard work, advice and prayers. I cannot possibly thank each by name; but without them, this moment would not have been possible. Still, there is one name which should not be veiled in silence, one person who for 31 years was my mentor and friend. That name is former United States Congressman Floyd Spence. It was Congressman Spence who first inspired me to run for public office. It was Congressman Spence who taught me that the first duty of government is to defend freedom. And it was Congressman Spence who taught us all that true public service does not spring from ambition. Real public service cannot be bought and sold, but must come from the deep regions of the heart and soul, as an expression of love to our country and all who make it one united Nation under God. Therefore, as I take this oath of office, I also make this pledge: I will do everything in my power to keep alive the legacy of service Congressman Spence exemplified. I pray that his spirit will always be with me. At this moment in the history of our Nation, we face very serious challenges at home and around the world. I look forward to working with my colleagues and our President to face these challenges. I know we individually and collectively will respond to those challenges with courage, with virtue, and with an unfailing spirit. Again to the people of South Carolina, thank you for the trust you have placed in me. I ask you to join me in that simple, majestic, one- sentence prayer that binds our Nation and hearts together: may God bless America.