Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, incredibly, March 22 The Washington Times lead front-page article by Ben Wolfgang was a remarkable journalistic achievement. It correctly warned of the ISIS-K terrorist attack on Russia, which gruesomely was correct that night with the murderous attack on the Moscow Crocus City Hall, killing over 140 innocent civilians. At a time of fake news and blatantly biased reporting by mainstream media, it is refreshing to know The Washington Times courageously stands for truth. The Washington Times President Christopher Dolan has launched the Threat Status newsletter with national security editor Guy Taylor to provide daily email updates. The March 22 article specifically cited an imminent terrorist attack in Russia, which war criminal Putin that day should have tried to prevent instead of his obsession with mass murder of Ukrainians. With Biden open borders and the warnings by the FBI, American families are sadly at a greater risk of attack today than ever. In the event of attacks to disrupt elections, all voting should be election day in person while accepting military absentee ballots. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Coach Dawn Staley and the USC Gamecocks.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on his first day in office, Biden launched a war on American fossil fuels when he killed the Keystone XL pipeline, destroying jobs and forcing dependency on Chinese batteries. Gas prices have doubled since Biden began his war, creating the highest level of inflation in 40 years, with high energy costs accelerating the delivery prices of all products. Biden is dictating regulations which are overly expensive. With conflicts of interest, Biden is forcing dependency on Chinese batteries, destroying American jobs. Yesterday, Republicans continued to counter the energy war by passing two bills for energy independence and to end the Biden push for Chinese batteries. In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism moves from the Afghanistan safe haven to America. We do not need new border laws. We need to enforce existing laws. Biden shamefully opens borders for dictators as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent, as warned by the FBI. Our prayers for the family of the late Richard Quinn.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the House Republican majority is delivering on behalf of American families. We are fighting to tackle inflation, create jobs, defend national security, make America energy independent again, secure the southern border, preserve our constitutional freedoms, restore the voice of people, and more. Highlights of Republican accomplishments include passing: the Secure the Border Act, the Fiscal Responsibility Act, the Lower Energy Costs Act, the Parents Bill of Rights, the condemn war criminal Putin kidnapping act, the Protection of Women in Sports, the No Funds for Iranian Terrorism Act, and the Born Alive Act. House Republicans will continue with the leadership of Speaker Mike Johnson to reduce inflation, create jobs, and keep American families safe. In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism moves from the Afghanistan safe haven to America. We do not need new border laws. We need to enforce existing laws. Biden shamefully opens borders for dictators, as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent as warned by the FBI.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, with Bidenomics of borrow, tax, and spend, American families have endured the highest inflation in 40 years, costing the average family $12,000 more annually to buy basics, including housing. Stephen Moore of the Heritage Foundation has revealed ``housing affordability has hit a 40-year low under Mr. Biden after affordability surged under Mr. Trump.'' The average monthly payment has risen from $1,500 a month to $2,600 today. ``What Mr. Biden fails to understand is that two factors drive homeownership: the interest rate and real income growth.'' House Republicans will continue to fight to reduce inflation and create jobs led by Speaker Mike Johnson. As a former real estate attorney myself, I especially appreciate the achievements of the real estate industry as it is the basis of good schools and safe communities. In conclusion, God bless our troops, who successfully protected America for 20 years, as the global war on terrorism continues moving from Afghanistan safe havens to America. We do not need new border laws. We need to enforce existing laws. Biden safely opened borders for dictators as more 9/11 attacks across America as imminent as warned by the FBI. Our prayers today are for the family of Dan Kildee.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the Biden vitriolic State of the Union speech failed to recognize the 13 servicemembers murdered at Abbey Gate with his decision to surrender in Afghanistan. Biden did not initially, in his ranting and raving, acknowledge his decision of open borders for murderers, which directly led to the bludgeoning murder of Laken Riley. Sadly, Biden ignored the killing 6 weeks ago of Georgia Army Reservists Kennedy Sanders, William Rivers, and Breonna Moffett, with 40 more Americans wounded by puppets of Iran, due to his decision to not effectively respond to over 150 prior attacks by Iran on Americans. As a reservist myself with four sons who have served overseas, I am particularly disappointed. We need Donald Trump for peace through strength. In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism moves from the Afghanistan safe haven to America. We do not need new border laws. We need to enforce existing laws. Biden shamefully opens borders for dictators as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent, as the FBI again warned yesterday.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I was otherwise detained in a meeting at the Senate off the floor yesterday. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 79 (H.R. 1752), and YEA on Roll Call No. 80 (H.R. 886).

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the insulting campaign speech last night of President Biden was correctly identified today as vitriolic by Gary David and Christopher Thompson of WVOC Radio in Columbia. President Trump is correct; the Biden false accusations are Trump derangement dividing the American people. Also, Senator Katie Britt is correct: ``Families are hurting.'' At our southern border, we see it. President Biden inherited the most secure border of all times, but minutes after taking office, he suspended deportations, halted the border wall, and announced a plan to give amnesty. We know that President Biden's border crisis was invited, with 94 executive decisions in his first 100 days. Every family is at risk of attack, as we see with the murder of Laken Riley. In conclusion, God bless our troops, who have successfully protected America for 20 years in the global war on terrorism, as it continues moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America. We don't need new laws. We need to enforce existing laws. Biden shamefully opens borders for dictators, as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent, as warned by the FBI.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on March 3, the Republic of Bulgaria celebrated National Day. Yesterday, with Co-Chairman Brad Schneider, the Bulgarian Caucus hosted a reception recognizing 120 years of diplomatic relations with America. We appreciate Bulgarian Ambassador Georgi Panayotov. On June 10, 1990, I observed, with the International Republican Institute, the first post-communist Bulgarian election. I was hosted by Professor Stefan Stoyanov, who was elected to the National Assembly and later reinstated Rotary Clubs across Bulgaria. This is the 20th anniversary of Bulgarian admission to NATO. Now, Bulgaria has equaled American per capita aid to Ukraine in the war of dictators with rule of gun invading democracies with rule of law. We welcome Sweden to NATO today, reinforcing peace through strength. In conclusion, God bless our troops, who successfully protected America for 20 years, as the global war on terrorism continues, moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America. We do not need new border laws. We need to enforce existing laws. Biden shamefully opens borders for dictators, as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent, as warned by the FBI.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. During the State of the Union speech tomorrow, Biden will blame others for the border crisis, which Biden alone created. Since Biden has taken office, nearly 10 million illegal aliens have crossed the border, including over 20,000 military-aged men from dictatorships in just the last 5 months. Yesterday, Elon Musk shocked America by exposing Biden secretly flew 320,000 unvetted aliens into the U.S. Musk warned: ``The groundwork is being laid for something far worse than 9/11.'' He also said: ``This administration is both importing voters and creating a national security threat. . . . ``This is why groups . . . fight . . . to stop voter ID requirements. . . .'' When America is attacked, voter ID should be mandatory for fair elections. The safety of American families is endangered by Biden's quest for more voters. In conclusion, God bless our troops, who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism moves from the Afghanistan safe haven to America. We do not need new voter laws; we need to enforce existing laws. Biden shamefully opens borders for dictators, as more 9/11 attacks in America are imminent, as warned by the FBI.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. During the State of the Union speech on Thursday, Biden will falsely claim that his policies are working, but in reality, Bidenomics is a failure. When Biden took office, inflation was 1.4 percent. Since then, inflation has risen by nearly 18 percent. Inflation is a tax on all families paying more for goods and services since Biden took office, including: electricity up 29 percent; food up 21 percent; auto insurance up 21 percent--just to name a few basic examples. Americans for Prosperity reveals the truth at Bidenomics.com. House Republicans led by Speaker Mike Johnson will continue fighting to reduce inflation and create jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism moves from the Afghanistan safe haven to America. We do not need new border laws; we need to enforce existing laws. Biden shamefully opens borders for dictators as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent, as warned by the FBI.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today I honor the life of Mr. Ellison Capers ``E.C.'' Grayson, Jr. and offer my sympathy to his family. E.C. Grayson, born in 1928 in Saint Paul, Minnesota, was known for his vibrant personality, dedication to family and friends, and lifelong commitment to civil service. From his early achievements as an Eagle Scout, student leader, and athlete, to his distinguished career in the U.S. Navy, serving during the Korean war and as Assistant Secretary of the Navy under President Reagan, and later as a successful CEO and leader, E.C. left a lasting impact on all who knew him, celebrated in a Memorial Mass on March 1, 2024, in Tiburon, California. We deeply appreciate his exemplary service and personal courage, which epitomized the highest traditions of Navy service. I include in the Record the following obituary for E.C. Grayson, Jr.: Ellison Capers ``E.C.'' Grayson, passed away peacefully and faithfully on January 13, 2024, in La Quinta, Calif. E.C. was born in Saint Paul, Minn., on September 7, 1928, son of Ellison Capers Grayson, Sr. and Inez Santos Grayson; and brother of Richard A. Grayson, Esq. E.C. will always be remembered for his big smile, boundless energy, eternal optimism, devotion to duty, honor, country, and his deep love of family and friends. E.C. loved the magic of relationships, knew everyone, and delighted in connecting them. E.C. was raised in St. Paul, Minn., and was a student leader and athlete. He was an Eagle Scout, President of Central High School, a lifeguard, and a varsity football player. At the University of Minnesota, E.C. was President of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and the Inter-Fraternity Council. He loved his summers on the Isle of Palms, S.C., where his family had a long history. E.C. was an athlete his entire life, still swimming at 95. He loved tennis, downhill skiing, running, rowing on the Bay and playing water polo on the Olympic Club team. As a member of the Saint Francis and Corinthian Yacht Clubs, he loved racing around the Bay on ``The Darby'' to the delight of his granddaughters and their friends. After graduation, E.C. joined the U.S. Navy as an officer during the Korean war. From his ship, he witnessed a nuclear detonation test off the Bikini Atoll. His active duty took him across the Pacific and ultimately, to San Francisco, where he met the love of his life, Jean Amy Mason. She was a flight attendant for United Airlines and for President Dwight Eisenhower during his presidential campaign. E.C. and Jean were engaged in Honolulu and married on Treasure Island Naval Base on December 26, 1953. They spent their honeymoon driving through Europe for three months and returned home to San Francisco aboard the QE II. Thereafter, E.C. had a successful career as an insurance industry CEO. He was very active in civic affairs, including as President of St. Mary's Hospital and The Navy League, a Regent at Saint Ignatius College Prep, Commanding Officer of a Naval Intelligence Reserve unit and an advisor to Mayors George Moscone and Dianne Feinstein and Governor Pete Wilson. In 1981, President Ronald Reagan appointed E.C. as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy. He received numerous awards, including the Navy's Distinguished Civilian Service medal. After serving in the Pentagon, E.C. returned to San Francisco and joined Spencer Stuart, becoming one of the country's top ``headhunters'' of Fortune 500 CEO's, CFO's, and board members, In later years, E.C. joined the Grayson Group as senior advisor and loving mentor to its founder, Laurie Grayson. E.C. especially loved The Bohemian Club and Grove. He was a true Bohemian in spirit and deed. He also greatly enjoyed The Alfalfa Club, The Knights of Malta, The Metropolitan Club of Washington, D.C., and serving on The Guardsmen board. He was a member of The Springs Country Club in Rancho Mirage and a devout parishioner of St. Hilary Church in Tiburon. E.C. is survived by his wife of seventy years, Jean Mason Grayson; his children, Darby Grayson Sutherland (Bruce) and William Ellison ``Bill'' Grayson (Laurie); his four granddaughters, Katherine (Washington, D.C.), Elizabeth and Caroline Grayson (Manhattan), and Lauren Gordon (Austin, Texas). He is also survived by Shadow, his beloved standard poodle. E.C.'s zest for life, service to his country, devotion to his family and love of his friends will continue to live on in all of us. The Memorial Mass was on Friday, March 1, 2024, at 1:30 p.m., at St. Hilary Church in Tiburon, Calif.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, it is encouraging that America's valued European allies are facing the Dictators with Rule of Gun invading Democracies with Rule of Law. The Axis of Evil war criminal Putin, the regime in Tehran, and the Chinese Communist Party are being recognized for their murderous conduct and threats. Last week I served on bipartisan delegations to Munich, Nurernberg, and Vienna. The Munich Security Conference delegation was led by Chairman Mike Turner with Ranking Member Jim Himes. For 60 years, the Conference has been an extraordinary forum for world leaders to provide their policies with many side meetings. Opening day was gruesomely coincided with the announcement of the assassination of Alexey Navalny by war criminal Putin. His widow Yulia Navalnaya courageously spoke to proclaim the efforts to resist Putin's oppression of the Russian people will continue. Highlights of our Saturday, February 17th meetings at the Munich Security Conference were Chairman Mike Turner hosting a ``Conversation'' with the Mayor of Kyiv Vitali Klitschko, the American German Institute at Johns Hopkins policy discussion with German Minister of Defense Boris Pistorius, a speech by Vice President Kamala Harris, a U.S.-Netherlands meeting with Dutch Ministers Kasja Ollongren of Defense and Hanke Bruins Slot of Foreign Affairs, U.S.-German meeting with Chancellor Olaf Scholz, the U.S.-Ukraine meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a U.S.-Iraq meeting with Prime Minister Shia' Al Sudani, a briefing by U.S. European Commander General Christopher Cavoli, and concluding with a dinner featuring former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, with Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov of Bulgaria, and Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna of Ukraine, as we later met President Iham Aliyev of Azerbaijan. The next day, on Sunday, February 18th at the Munich Security Conference, key meetings included a U.S.-Swedish bilateral session with Swedish Minister of Defense Pal Johnson, a breakfast meeting on national security challenges in space with former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, a U.S,-Romania bilateral meeting with Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Luminita Odobescu, a U.S.-Ukrainian bilateral meeting with Ukrainian parliamentarians led by Yehor Cherniev, and a meeting featuring former General and CIA Director David Petraeus. In the afternoon, as the Chair of the Commission on Cooperation and Security in Europe, I hosted the Commission's first-ever side event at the Munich Security Conference with the U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE, Michael Carpenter. The lunch discussion on the future of international institutions and U.S. support brought together Congressional and international organization leaders. Our international participants included Helga Schmid, Secretary General of OSCE; Mircea Geoana, Deputy Secretary General of NATO; Boris Ruge, NATO Assistant Secretary General for Political Affairs and Security Policy; Stephen Biegun, Senior Vice President for Global Public Policy, Boeing Company; Michael Georg Link, Member of Bundestag, Coordinator of Transatlantic Cooperation; Ambassador Gesa Brautigam, Special Envoy for Feminist Foreign Policy and Human Rights, German Foreign Office; Majda Ruge, Senior Policy Fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations; and Fabrizio Micalizzi, Chief of Staff to Coordinator of Transatlantic Cooperation, Bundestag. In addition to myself and Ambassador Carpenter, the U.S. delegation was honored to include Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Congresswoman Victoria Spartz, and Margaret Grun Kibben, Chaplain of the U.S. House of Representatives. Afterwards, en route to Nuremberg, the U.S. delegation presented a wreath in memory of the over 41,000 murdered at the Dachau Concentration Camp during the Nazi Holocaust targeting the Jewish people and others opposing Hitler's genocidal policies. Mr. Karl Freller, Director of the Bavarian Memorial Foundation, expert guide Alex Pearman, and Press Officer Verena Bierl provided the gruesome history of the infamous camp. At Nuremberg, the delegation met with Ukrainian community refugees at the German-American Institute welcomed by Professor Andreas Falke, Director of the German-American Institute in Nuremberg. Tuesday, February 20th, it was historic to host a field hearing at the Nuremberg Palace of Justice Courthouse, Room 600, where the Nazi war criminals were tried after World War II. The U.S. Organization for Cooperation in Europe delegation was bi-cameral with Senator Thom Tillis (NC) and bi-partisan with Congressman Lloyd Doggett (TX) and recorded testimony by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, as well as Congresswoman Victoria Spartz (IN), and Congressman Andy Harris (MD). This was a field hearing to examine how best to bring Russian perpetrators to account for their war crimes in Ukraine. The hearing was opened with welcoming remarks from Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, who, addressing the hearing in a video, said ``No war can be truly ended without bringing to justice those thugs responsible for sparking this war, killing, and torching, deporting children and adults . . . When determination arises and justice prevails, the aggressor falls and evil gets punished. Action makes a difference.'' Other welcoming remarks were given by Professor Christoph Safferling, Director of the Nuremberg Academy; Mr. Marcus Konig, Lord Mayor of the City of Nuremberg; Tobias Winkler, Member of the Bundestag; Ms. Angelika Schlunck, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Justice of Germany (pre-recorded video); and Dr. Georg Eisenreich, Minister of Justice of Bavaria (prerecorded video). Panelists included: Andriy Kostin, Prosecutor General of Ukraine; Prof. Veronika Bilkova, OSCE Moscow Mechanism Rapporteur, Head of the Department of International Law, Faculty of Law of the Charles University; Roman Avramenko, Director of Truth Hounds; Roksolana Burianenko, Program Manager, Ukrainian Archive, Mnemonic; Dr Gabija Grigaite-Daugird, Deputy Minister of Justice, Lithuania; Professor Christoph Safferling, Director of the International Nuremberg Principles Academy; and Both van Schaack, U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for Global Criminal Justice. Following the hearing, the delegation was given a tour of the Nuremberg Palace of Justice, including the office used by U.S. Justice Robert H. Jackson, who was the Chief U.S. prosecutor for the international Nuremberg trials in the 1940s, by Judge Stephan Husemann, Judge at the Higher Regional Court of Nuremberg, and Dr. Thomas Dickert, President of the Higher Regional Court of Nuremberg. On Wednesday February 21st, the CODEL met with IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi to discuss Iran and nuclear proliferation as well as the condition and safety concerns of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. The CODEL was accompanied by U.S. Ambassador Laura Holgate, U.S. Ambassador to the Vienna Office of the United Nations and to the International Atomic Energy Agency. They also met with staff of UNODC to discuss concerns about the vulnerability of Ukrainian refugees to human trafficking, including from the Research and Trend Analysis Branch: Angela Me, Branch Chief; and Fabrizio Sarrica, Research Coordinator; as well as from the Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Section: Ilias Chatzis, Chief of Section; Panagiotis Papadimitriou, Team Leader Technical Cooperation; and Silke Albert, Team Leader Child Trafficking and Survivor Engagement. The CODEL later received a very informative briefing by U.S. Ambassador Michael Carpenter, Permanent Representative of the United States of America to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, on developments in the OSCE. Ambassador Carpenter has been very effective and will be missed as he now has White House service. On Thursday February 22nd, I chaired the bipartisan U.S. delegation to the 23rd Winter Meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE PA) in Vienna, Austria. More than 230 parliamentarians from 54 countries participated in the meeting, which took place in the runup to the second-anniversary of Russia's illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. Our delegation joined with other like-minded parliamentarians to showcase broadbased international solidarity with Ukraine in its fight to repel the Putin invasion and restore Ukraine's territorial integrity. In addition, there was attention to the assassination of democratic opposition leader Alexei Navalny in a Siberian gulag, which underscores the Putin oppression of Russian citizens. During the course of the sessions, the delegation was grateful to host and meet with: President Pia Kauma of Finland, Secretary General Roberto Montella, and Ukrainian Head of Delegation Mykyta Poturaiev. It was appreciated to meet with Ambassador Peter Burian, former Foreign Minister and Ambassador to the United States for Slovakia, and the successful host of the Fall Assembly in Yerevan, Parliamentarian Sargis Khandanyan of Armenia. I was grateful to moderate a side event titled ``Enforcing the Sanctions Against Russia'' co-sponsored by the Norwegian and Ukrainian delegations. The panel featured Erlend B. Bjoertvedt, sanctions expert Corisk consultancy; Bill Browder, Head of the Global Magnitsky Justice Campaign; and Gunnar M. Ekelove-Slydal, Executive Director of the Norwegian Helsinki Committee. Our delegation, joined by Congressman Brad Schneider, held a bilateral meeting with members of the Israeli Knesset MK Ram Ben Barak (Yesh Atid Party), MK Hanoch Dov Milwidsky (Likud Party), and Israeli Permanent Representative to the OSCE David Roet. We also held a bilateral meeting with the Romanian delegation, including Romanian Head of Delegation Dan Barna, MP Hajdu Gabor, MP Christine Thellmann, and Romanian Permanent Representative to the International Organizations in Vienna Stelian Stoian. As we look back on this important and historic trip, I want to add my special thanks to the educated OSCE staff that helped make it possible, including Janice Helwig, Everett Price, Marcus Micheli, Jennifer McCuiston, Paul Massaro, Rachel Bauman, Mike Geffroy, Bakhti Nishanov, and Steven Schrage. Especially important is the incredible work and service of the excellent team of Marines who led the complex logistics of the trip, particularly MGySgt Wesley Helms, GySgt Catalina Delgado, and 2nd Lt Lauren Anderson. They and, and all of the individuals above, helped bring critical attention and energy to the historic challenges we face as we stand against dictators and the rule of gun, and for democracy and the rule of law, in Europe and the wider world.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, since Biden took office, over 10 million illegal aliens have entered America with over 340 on the terrorist watch list. Dangerously, this includes thousands of military-age young men from dictatorships. Last month, I joined Speaker Mike Johnson at Eagle Pass, Texas, and witnessed the madness. It is intentional irresponsibility thinking potential mass murderers will be low-information voters for a permanent one-party Democrat Big Government as criminals murder more Americans across our streets. Biden continues falsely to blame others, but he has the ability to protect American families. In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism moves from the Afghanistan safe haven to America. We do not need new border laws. We need to enforce the existing laws. Biden shamefully opens borders for dictators as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent, as warned by the FBI. I point out that war criminal Putin will face trial for the assassination of Alexei Navalny. His widow, Yulia, is a hero for the oppressed people of Russia.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, since Biden took office, there have been nearly 10 million illegal aliens entering America, with over 340 on the terrorist watch list. Sadly, this includes thousands of unaccompanied military-aged young men from dictatorships, as confirmed last night by Senator Marco Rubio with Sean Hannity. Last month, I joined Speaker Mike Johnson at Eagle Pass, Texas, and witnessed the madness. It is intentional irresponsibility thinking potential mass murderers will be low-information voters for a permanent, one-party Democrat, Big Government, as violent criminals cross to murder more Americans on our streets. In conclusion, God bless our troops, who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism moves from the Afghanistan safe haven to America. We do not need new border laws. We need to enforce the laws that we have. Biden safely opened borders for dictators as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent, as warned by the FBI. War criminal Putin will face trial for the assassination of Alexei Navalny. His widow, Yulia, is a hero for the oppressed people of Russia.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last night, with the bipartisan support of the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Mike Rogers, and Ranking Member Greg Meeks, the House passed the Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act. This legislation holds the regime of dictator Bashar al-Assad accountable for the murder of a million Syrians, with half of its population, 10 million people, losing their homes and businesses. Assad is an ally of war criminal Putin. The bill passed the House floor with a vote of 389-32. This legislation improves and strengthens the bipartisan commitment to punish offenders while providing additional protection for humanitarian organizations serving the Syrian people. The bill now awaits a vote in the Senate for final passage. In conclusion, God bless our troops, who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism continues moving from the safe haven of Afghanistan to America. We do not need new border laws. We need to enforce existing laws. Biden shamefully opens borders for dictators as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent, as warned by the FBI.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the world is in a conflict we did not choose between dictators with rule of gun invading democracies with rule of law. The anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine by war criminal Putin is near. Over 400,000 deaths and 10,000 were murdered in the 2014 Putin invasion. It has been over 100 days since the murderous invasion of Israel by Iran puppet Hamas, slaughtering 1,200 Israelis with 200 hostages, including Americans. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo exposed: ``China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and Venezuela represent a new axis of evil regimes that is pushing a dangerous model for the world.'' We must work together to stop mass murder. In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terror moves from the Afghanistan safe haven to America. We do not need new border laws. We need to enforce existing laws. Biden shamefully opens borders for dictators as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent, as warned by the FBI.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, families in South Carolina have been negatively affected by the failed policies of Biden, with the highest inflation in 40 years destroying jobs. Gratefully, in South Carolina, with the leadership of Republican Governor Henry McMaster, all statewide officials, and supermajorities in the General Assembly, budget surpluses have been achieved with responsible spending creating jobs. The South Carolina Department of Commerce, led by Secretary Harry Lightsey, announced $9.2 billion in investments with 14,000 new jobs. This is in the tradition of Governor Jim Edwards, recruiting the largest Michelin facilities in the world, and Governor Carroll Campbell groundbreaking the largest BMW assembly plant in the world. Governor Nikki Haley saved Boeing jobs, and Senator Tim Scott, with President Donald Trump, developed opportunity zones. In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism moves from the Afghanistan safe haven to America. Biden shamefully opens borders for dictators, failing to enforce laws. We don't need new laws as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent, as warned by the FBI.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, distinguished graduate of Columbia College, I am very grateful to be here with Congressman Mike Lawler. It has been 13 years since the Syrian revolution, where pro-democracy demonstrators peacefully gathered to express against the corrupt and murderous regime of dictator Bashar al-Assad. People carrying roses and shouting ``peaceful, peaceful'' were met with unspeakable atrocities. There was merciless scale slaughter, systematic rape, ultimately chemical warfare used against the people of Syria, as we saw when President Donald Trump acted so quickly to try to address the atrocities of chemical warfare. We had the devastating bombardment and the killing of so many civilians that the United Nations had stopped counting at over half a million innocent civilians. Assad did not act alone. His ability to kill opposition and regain territory was made possible by the support of like-minded war criminals and kleptocrats like war criminal Putin and the Iranian regime, both of which benefit from their alliance with Assad. Assad has displaced over half the population of Syria. That is nearly 10 million people in a country of 20 million. Sadly, families have been living in refugee camps for over a decade. They have lost their homes, their businesses, their religious institutions, their schools--multiple generations had worked together to build such a successful country, as was Syria. I am grateful that this bipartisan bill affirms the United States' policy of non-normalization of the brutal Assad regime. It holds those seeking to do business with the unrepentant, mass murderer and drug trafficker, Bashar al-Assad, accountable. It also includes comprehensive transparency mechanisms to prevent U.N. funding from being diverted or stolen to the regime while including robust protections of humanitarian assistance. Assad continues his reign of terror against the people of Syria, with help from war criminal Putin and the regime in Tehran, while destabilizing the region and trafficking the destructive Captagon drug, which is now reaching Europe, and with Chinese providing drugs to Africa to destroy families. The unconditional welcoming of mass murderer Assad into the Arab League, which we so appreciate the Arab League itself, was disgraceful. To do business with Assad is a normalization of death and depravity, in contrast to the moral standards of American allies who are members of the Arab League. The passage of this bill is a testament to the work of the Syrian Americans, many of whom are survivors of torture at the hands of the regime. All of them have lost a loved one. I am grateful to Speaker Mike Johnson, Chairman Mike McCaul, Ranking Member Greg Meeks, as well as staff, Gabriella Zach, Omar Hossino, and Stephanie Pendarvis, along with the Syrian-American patriots who are in the gallery today, who have worked to bring this bipartisan bill to the floor. I am also grateful to be working with my good friend, Congresswoman Kathy Manning of my sister State of North Carolina, and also Congressman Mike Lawler of New York. To the Syrian people: You are not forgotten and you will never be forgotten. Your country has a rich history of democracy. We will continue to stand for a free and democratic Syria against the dictators with rule of gun who are invading democracies with rule of law.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, 2 days ago, I issued a heartfelt warning for all families in America. This is bipartisan in that the terrorists consider all Americans as targets. I had been excusing the irresponsible open borders as recruiting millions of low-information voters to perpetuate Democrat elitist power. Sadly, well-respected Members of Congress, last weekend, clarified open borders is purposeful insanity, putting American families at risk everywhere of murderous attacks. With terrorists and millions of illegal aliens, more 9/11 attacks will lead to growth of government for elitist power. The ``ends justifies the means'' concentrates power in their worship of government run by elitists. Mr. Speaker, I urge that all American families, having full gas tanks, should prepare now with an attack rally point when communications are cut. Families should have a pre-chosen refuge of safety to face the terrorists that are facing our country. Most at risk of mass murder and starvation are the homebound and disabled elderly. There should be plans for their recovery. In conclusion, God bless our troops, who have protected America for 20 years in the global war on terrorism as it continues moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America with Biden open borders for terrorists. It is sadly clear that there will be more 9/11 attacks across America, as the FBI has indicated.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as co-founder and co-chair of the European Union Caucus I am grateful for the European Union last week voting to provide an additional $54 billion in aid to Ukraine. The EU has now provided more aid than any other ally and countries like Bulgaria and Poland have contributed more per capita GDP than even the United States. I appreciate Prime Minister Viktor Orban of Hungary supporting the funding. This fulfills my lifelong affection for the courageous people of Hungary. As a child I was inspired by Hungarian Freedom Fighters valiantly standing in front of the Soviet Tanks in Budapest. Hungary should always be cherished as the first Soviet satellite to stand up to totalitarian Moscow which was cited by Senator Barry Goldwater in his historic book Why Not Victory? for liberation of Central and Eastern Europe. The Goldwater Campaign featured actor Ronald Reagan in his historic speech ``A Tune For Choosing'' leading to his presidency with Pope John Paul, II, and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher achieving Victory. Viktor Orban is valiantly acting in the tradition of Hungarian Freedom Fighters who defied the Communist Hammer and Sickle symbol of mass-murdering totalitarianism. War criminal Putin has shamefully oppressed the talented people of Russia and has shamefully called for the resurrection of the evil Soviet Empire. I was shocked in June this year, to see the Communist Hammer and Sickle is still cruelly in place over the Russian Embassy in Berlin, Germany. It was so disgusting to see adulation of a symbol that in September 1939 was allied with the Nazi Swastika to conduct mass murder of 70,000 Polish patriots in the partition of Poland. European Council President Charles Michel is correct ``This locks in steadfast, long term, predictable funding for Ukraine.'' It was encouraging the correlation with Prime Minister Orban with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and French President Emmanuel Macron. In America there is bi-partisan majority support for Ukraine understanding war criminal Putin will not stop with his invasion of Ukraine with direct threats on NATO Members Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. President Donald Trump tried to deter the murderous invasion of Ukraine by providing Javelin missiles to President Volodymyr Zelensky to stop Putin tanks, courageously placing American troops for the first time in Poland and stopping the Nord Stream Two Pipeline financing of war criminal Putin oppressing Russian citizens as Putin contrived Western European dependency on his oil. House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, and Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner are stalwarts for victory in Ukraine. They are backed up with Democrat Ranking Members Adam Smith, Greg Meeks, and Jim Himes.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the failed policies of Biden and Democrats are costing American families over $11,400 more a year to buy the basics. The dollar stores I shop at are now $1.25. When Biden took office, inflation was just 1.4 percent. Since then, inflation has risen by 17.2 percent. Over the last year, families are paying 20 percent more for car insurance, 19 percent more for frozen juice, 11 percent more for beef steak, 10 percent more for transportation, and 7 percent more for baby food and formula. House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, will continue to fight to pass legislation to reduce inflation and create jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism continues moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America with Biden open borders for terrorists. It is sadly clear that there will be more 9/11 attacks across America imminent in our country as warned by the FBI. Families need a rally point now for safety when communications are cut.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, my heartfelt warning today is for all families of all political parties in America. I had been excusing the irresponsible Biden open borders as recruiting millions of low-information voters to perpetuate Democrat elitist power. This weekend, well-respected Members of Congress clarified open borders is purposeful insanity, putting American families at risk everywhere of murderous attacks. With terrorists and unknown millions of illegal aliens, more 9/11 attacks will lead to a growth of government for elitist power. This ``ends justifies the means'' concentrates power in their worship of government run by elitists. American families, having full gas tanks, should prepare with an attack rally point when communications are going to be cut. Congressional offices today have rally points. Families should have a pre-chosen refuge of safety to face the threats of terrorists. In conclusion, God bless our troops, who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism continues moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America with Biden open borders for terrorists. It is sadly clear that there will be more 9/11 attacks across America imminent in the country, as finally revealed by the FBI. Mr. Speaker, our prayers go out for the three Georgia National Guard members murdered by Iranian puppets.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, it has been over 100 days since the murderous invasion of Israel by Iranian puppet Hamas. There was merciless slaughter of over 1,200 Israelis and over 200 taken hostage, including Americans. One of the hostages still being held in Gaza is American-Israeli Sagui Dekel-Chen. When terrorists invaded on October 7, Sagui locked his wife and children in a safe room. He bravely fought but was ultimately taken hostage. While captive, his wife, Avital, gave birth to their third child. In the name of humanity, Sagui must be set free. As long as there are Hamas hostages, there can be no good-faith negotiations. All hostages should come home now to stop deaths caused by Hamas sacrificing human shields. In conclusion, God bless our troops, who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism continues moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America with Biden open borders for terrorists. It is sadly clear that there will be more 9/11 attacks across America imminent in our country as warned by the FBI. Our sympathy to the families of the three Georgia reservists murdered by Iranian puppet Houthi.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as a Korean Caucus co- chairman, I was grateful last week to participate in the Mutual Educational and Cultural Exchange Program. With prior visits it has always been inspiring to observe the phenomenal success of the talented people of South Korea. As the only Member of Congress still serving to have been on a delegation to North Korea, the contrast is astounding. The Republic of Korea is a beacon of achievement and success of free market democracy as contrasted by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea reducing its citizens to despotism. Per capita annual income in South Korea is $44,000, and in the north, it is $967. I appreciate being hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs led by Minister Cho Tae-yul and meeting with National Defense Minister Shin Won-sik, the Assembly Speaker Kim Jin-pyo, and with the National Security Advisor Chang Ho-jin. Business leaders are dedicated with Korean International Trade Association Chairman Christopher Koo, ILJIN Group President Chairman Lee Dong Seob, Hyundai Vice President Kim Il-Bum, Samsung Corporate VP Sang Pil Chun, Hanwha Vice Chairman Dong Kwan Kim, and AMCHAM Chairman James Kim. America is well-represented by DCM Joy Sakurai and U.S. Forces Korea General Paul LaCamera at Camp Humphreys with dedicated troops from South Carolina and Virginia. In conclusion, God bless Korea and America who are achieving peace through strength. Freedom is not free.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, Americans are saddened by the deaths and injuries of U.S. servicemembers yesterday in the Middle East. My thoughts and prayers are with the families. Americans are sitting ducks for primary attacks that are occurring abroad and at home because of policies of appeasement. A key priority is to provide the necessary tools and support for our military who so bravely protect American families. The Biden appeasement toward Iran and its terrorist puppets has resulted in inexcusable failure. A circumstance that I particularly appreciate, I am the father of four sons who have served in Iraq, Egypt, and Afghanistan, and my recognition of this tragedy is enhanced. Biden and Harris should resign to reverse the policies of appeasement which have exposed all American military worldwide to attacks. In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism continues moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America with Biden open borders for terrorists. It is sadly clear that there will be more 9/11 attacks across America imminent in our country as warned by the FBI.