Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize the upcoming celebrations for National School Choice Week. Partnering with over 27,000 schools around the country, the focus is to inform parents of the education options available, meeting the needs for each family. This year, there will be over 390 bipartisan events in South Carolina bringing attention to the education options available. Districts are beginning to provide open enrollment practices, such as Richland County School District One. Open enrollment allows choosing the right school for unique learning and childcare needs. Educators are also appreciated, beginning with my wife, Roxanne, a dedicated educator and teacher. I am also grateful for South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver for their promoting leadership. 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 there will be more 9/11 attacks across America imminent, as has been warned by the FBI. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the voters of Iowa for supporting Donald Trump.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, we all appreciate the great work and leadership of Congressman Moore of Utah, as he is conducting tonight's Special Order. As the anniversary approaches for the 1973 infamous Supreme Court ruling Roe v. Wade, I was grateful to attend Proudly Pro-Life events at the South Carolina Statehouse in Columbia 2 weeks ago supporting mothers and children. As part of that weekend, I joined South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, State Senator Mike Reichenbach of Florence, and other State leaders for the 50th March for Life. The march began at Russell House on the University of South Carolina campus, and a rally began on the statehouse grounds. It was well attended by many supporters despite very cold weather. Founded by South Carolina Citizens for Life in 1974, the group is a State affiliate of the National Right to Life Committee, the largest single issue right-to-life organization in the Nation. It exists solely to protect innocent human life from abortion, infanticide, assisted suicide, and euthanasia while supporting mother and child. Courageous leaders in South Carolina are Holly Gatling, Lisa Van Riper, and Sally Zaleski. I am grateful that my eldest grandson, Addison Wilson III, several years ago participated in a National Right to Life March with classmates of the Holy Trinity Classical Christian School of Beaufort, South Carolina. Through the legal and peaceful means of education, legislation, and political action, South Carolina Citizens for Life works to restore the right to life of the preborn and to protect the lives of medically vulnerable individuals, including elderly, disabled, mentally ill, chronically ill, and terminally ill persons. After the U.S. Supreme Court correctly overturned Roe v. Wade, State legislatures have become the determiners of abortion access. South Carolina, with strong bipartisan support in the General Assembly, is a right-to-life State. Additionally, South Carolina is upholding the State's ban on abortion after a fetal heartbeat is detected, as interpreted by the South Carolina Supreme Court. South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, in a statement, welcomed the decision saying: ``The right to life is foremost and absolutely must be protected and prioritized.'' This law protects life by prohibiting abortions after a fetal heartbeat has been detected with exceptions for rape or incest during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, medical emergencies, or fatal fetal anomalies. Upon signing the bill into law, Governor Henry McMaster said: ``This is a great day for life in South Carolina, but the fight is not over. We stand ready to defend this legislation against all challenges and are confident we will succeed. The right to life must be preserved, and we will do everything we can to protect it.'' It is sad that Biden has abandoned his pro-life position to export extremist, radical, murderous abortion of babies up to the time of birth. This is infanticide, killing viable babies, which is condemned across the world except in dictatorial China and dictatorial North Korea. In conclusion, God bless our troops, who have protected America for 20 years since the 9/11 attacks. Sadly, currently, due to the appeasement in Afghanistan, the global war on terrorism continues with Afghanistan as a safe haven for terrorists to bring more attacks to America with Biden open borders. All Americans must be alerted that terrorist attacks could be imminent and are imminent in America, as warned by the FBI.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I was grateful to participate this weekend in the legislative exchange program of the Association of Marshall Scholars to Oxford and London, led by co- chairs, Mark Green and Jim Himes; with emeritus co-chairs, Linda Sanchez and Mike Turner. It was historic as the alliance was fulfilled as real with actions. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met in Kyiv on Friday with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to announce billions more aid for Ukraine. We observed Parliament on Monday where he provided details warmly welcomed by all political parties. Simultaneously, Britain and America launched air strikes in self- defense against Tehran regime Houthi puppets. Yesterday, at Chatham House in London, we met with Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, who warned Iran: ``We see you, we see through what you're doing.'' 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 there will be more 9/11 attacks across America imminent, as warned by the FBI.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I was detained chairing a hearing in the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia. Had I been present, I would have voted ``NAY'' on Roll Call No. 6, H.R. 788.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Korea, I am grateful to recognize Korean American Day. Celebrated annually on January 13, it commemorates the arrival of the first Korean immigrants on that day in 1903. In 2003, President George W. Bush, proclaimed January 13, as Korean American Day, and in 2005, the U.S. House and Senate passed resolutions demonstrating their unanimous support for the recognition, and appreciation of the Korean American community. South Carolina is blessed to be the home of a large and vibrant Korean American population. For almost 20 years, Columbia, South Carolina, has welcomed thousands of people from across the state for their Korean Festival, an experience filled with food, music, dancing, and traditions at the Korean Presbyterian Church on Richland Street. I was also grateful to have celebrated the 70th Anniversary of the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement on July 27, with Ambassador Hyun-Dong Cho and several members of the Korean National Assembly ruling party, People Power Party Leader, Assemblyman Gi-Hyeon Kim, members of the National Assembly Chul-Gyu Lee, Seok-Ki Kim, Sang-Bum Yoo, Min-Kuk Kang, and Chairman of the International Relations Committee of the People Power Party and former National Assemblyman Jae-Young Lee. On several occasions, I have had the good fortune of visiting South Korea and have personally experienced the warmth of its people. In 2023, I visited North Korea at Pyongyang and I saw firsthand the contrast of dictatorship there of darkness in the North as contrasted to the vibrancy of the South. I am grateful for the vast contributions Korean Americans bring to our community, from business to culture, and to commemorate this day. Their continued success is a tribute to the American Dream fulfilled.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Biden issued a statement in December falsely claiming job creation and reduced inflation as the American people have endured the highest inflation in 40 years. His war on energy independence has led to devastating fuel costs for cars and homes. The reality is much different, as American families know. As described by Stephen Moore of the Committee to Unleash Prosperity, also last month: ``The economy is still creating jobs. . . . The bad news: It is government spending and debt that continue to finance the job creation. This year . . . the largest employers have been Federal, State, and local governments. . . .'' I am grateful that, last year, Republicans passed the largest deficit reduction package in American history, supporting job creation. 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 there will be more 9/11 attacks across America imminent, as our country has been warned by the FBI.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Turkiye Relations and Turkish Americans, I am grateful to recognize the Honorable Hasan Murat Mercan, Ambassador of Turkiye to the United States, for his past three years of service reinforcing Turkiye as a crucial NATO ally of America. This significant alliance is mutually beneficial for our nations, NATO membership with courageous troop participation in the Korean War in 1950, promotion of important fuel pipelines for European energy independence, facilitation of grain shipments to Egypt and Africa, restored economic relations with Armenia, to early crucial drone support of Ukraine, and Swedish admission to NATO. Prior to being appointed as Ambassador of Turkiye to the U.S., Mercan served as Ambassador to Tokyo, in Japan, Deputy Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and Chairman of the Turkish Foreign Affairs Committee during the 23rd Term of the Turkish Parliament. Mercan also served as Chairman of the Turkish Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the European Interparliamentary Defense and Security Assembly as well as the vice-president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Turkiye has been well represented with Ambassador Mercan and Mrs. Inci Mercan. A highlight of my service in Congress was in August of last year, when I presented a wreath on behalf of the American people at the Mostafa Kemel Ataturk Memorial at Antikabir in Ankara. I am grateful for my opportunity to coordinate with Ambassador Mercan in supporting the warmest relationship for Turkiye with their appreciated ally America and look forward to continuing that work with his successor.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week, I joined Speaker Mike Johnson and Republican colleagues from 26 States at the border in Eagle Pass, Texas. What I witnessed and heard was madness. Each month, Border Patrol agents, county sheriffs, and public safety personnel are assaulted with unaccompanied children and tens of thousands of illegal aliens crossing. Since Biden took office, there have been over 7 million illegal crossings, including 300 on the terrorist watch list. The irresponsible failure of Biden encourages drug smugglers, human traffickers, and terrorists to enter, with terrorist attacks imminent in America. Democrats should promote the Republican-passed H.R. 2 border security bill to stop destabilization, as condemned by New York Mayor Eric Adams. In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully 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 there will be more 9/11 attacks across America imminent, as warned by the FBI.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the American people extend congratulations to the Honorable Javier Milei on being sworn in as the President of Argentina on Sunday, December 10, 2023. His success as a member of the Argentine Chamber of Deputies, as well as a macroeconomics professor, author, and radio host, demonstrates his ability to be a great versatile leader. Best wishes to President Javier Milei for continued success to address Argentina's economic crisis alleviating poverty, creating jobs, and promoting prosperity. Historically Argentina with its enterprising citizens and natural resources has been recognized for extraordinary capabilities. I still cherish, as a teenager, in Charleston, South Carolina, meeting Argentine President Arturo Frondizi when he arrived at the Fort Sumter Hotel on the historic Charleston Battery at White Point Garden. The inauguration of President Milei featured an overwhelming amount of support for him, as thousands of people from across the country and foreign dignitaries from around the world, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, gathered in downtown Buenos Aires on Sunday. I am grateful for the commitment of President Milei to strengthen relations with the United States, support Ukraine in response to war criminal Putin's murderous invasion, and diversify trade away from China, currently their second-largest trade nation. Free nations must work together as our adversaries threaten national security and sovereignty. President Zelensky wrote this week that ``Freedom is what unites us, Ukraine and Argentina. We truly cherish it, protect it, and stand ready to strengthen it together.'' I look forward to working with President Milei on achieving Peace Through Strength, in the war we did not choose between Dictators with Rule of Gun against Democracies with Rule of Law.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Chairman Mike Rogers and Ranking Member Adam Smith for the diligent work for this bipartisan NDAA, which I support. The axis of evil, war criminal Putin, the regime in Tehran, the Chinese Communist Party, dictators with rule of gun invading democracies with rule of law makes the passage of this bipartisan legislation more important than ever. I am grateful to have provisions included such as authorization for operations for critical missions at Savannah River Site, including plutonium pit production and the Tritium Finishing Facility; the U.S.- Israel Future of Warfare Act, which provides for collaboration on defense and technology for border security; the Foreign Extortion Prevention Act, which is protecting American companies from demands for bribes by corrupt foreign officials. This is the most significant anticorruption law since the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, which promotes peace through strength.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Virginia Foxx for yielding, a former college president herself, who understands these issues. I am very grateful for Republican Conference Chairwoman Elise Stefanik, who is courageously leading this resolution that condemns anti-Semitism on university campuses. Most Americans are shocked at the insane campus anti-Semitism that has developed. I reviewed this in a lead Op Ed in the Washington Times on December 7. My analysis was: Sadly, college campuses have descended from coveted citadels of intellectual freedom to illiberal sewers of intolerance and bigotry. Diversity and inclusion are a George Orwell 1984 implementation excluding conservative thought. Over the years, as infantile leftists hire only other infantile leftists, the most extreme hire even more extreme, as each tries to outdo the other in leftism. This leads to today's suicidal derangement, even as the regime in Tehran, coordinating with war criminal Putin, develops missiles for a nuclear attack on the big Satan America, which would vaporize college campuses. The solution for close-minded intolerance on campuses is obvious. To liberate academia from denial of free speech, there should be the inclusion and diversity of more conservative academics overcoming today's blatant discrimination. All Americans in good faith want college education to be uplifting for students to achieve the American Dream. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with my colleague, Congresswoman Manning. This should be bipartisan.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last month, the Biden press secretary falsely fabricated: ``The data shows that households remain in a strong financial position.'' In reality, even CBS News admits: ``The typical American household must spend an additional $11,434 annually just to maintain the same standard of living they enjoyed in January of 2021,'' when Biden was sworn in. Additionally, it now requires $119.27 to buy the same goods and services a family could afford with $100 before the pandemic, according to Bloomberg. Bidenomics is disastrous for families. House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, will continue 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 there will be more 9/11 attacks across America imminent in our country, as finally revealed by the FBI.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I have warned over 110 times that the global war on terrorism is not over with appeasement in Afghanistan leading to terrorist attacks on American families with Biden open borders. The threat is clear. We see the shocking number of trained, well- financed mass murderers invading America, this year reaching 169. Ukraine was invaded, then Israel was invaded. Now America invaded. House Republicans addressed the border issue earlier this year with the Secure Borders Act, blocked by Senate Democrats. It promotes restarting wall construction, advancing technology, adding border patrol, ending catch and release, and reversing executive authorities. Each Congressional office has a rally point in the event of an attack. I urge all families to plan a rally point. Communications may be disrupted, and every family member should know where to gather for safety before the roads are closed. In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully protected America for 20 years. It is sadly clear, there will be more 9/11 attacks across America, imminent as the FBI has finally revealed last week.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur for her leadership in promoting the bipartisan remarks tonight, which reinforce what former Chairman Greg Meeks has already stated, and that is that there is overwhelming bipartisan support, Democrats and Republicans, for the people of Ukraine as they will achieve victory over war criminal Putin. I support the supplemental with clear consistency. There should be security for all borders--American borders, Ukrainian borders, Israeli borders, and Taiwanese borders--to achieve peace through strength to prevent global conflict. On February 24, 2022, war criminal Putin launched a full-scale mass murderous invasion of sovereign, democratic Ukraine, claiming Ukraine does not exist. Patriotic Ukrainians, even grandmothers, raced to arm themselves and protect their land and families. The world underestimated the resolve of Ukrainians. I was in Kyiv in December 2021, prior to war criminal Putin's murderous invasion, when the planning for resistance and guerilla warfare was anticipated to be overwhelmed. Ukraine valiantly fought back for freedom and proved the world wrong. I visited again in May of this year and saw firsthand courageous Ukrainians led by the very courageous Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ukrainians are the front line in a conflict we did not choose as dictators with rule of gun invade democracies with rule of law. The axis of evil fights first for the death of Ukraine and then the death of Israel, and then they chant ``death to America.'' All Americans should know that we have a treaty obligation to support the territorial integrity of Ukraine. In 1994, with the signing of the Budapest Memorandum between the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Russian Federation, Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons in exchange for security guarantees and territorial integrity. A consequence now, sadly, is that other countries will not give up nuclear weapon capabilities because Russia violates every treaty it signs. It is not realistic to believe that any peace can be achieved without full Ukrainian victory, which is territorial integrity. I appreciate that President Donald Trump worked to avoid the war criminal Putin invasion by providing Javelin missiles to Ukraine, placing American troops in Poland, and stopping the Nord Stream II pipeline, which financed the dictatorship in Moscow. Just as America would fight for territorial integrity, as there is no State that we would abandon, there is no State that would abandon a county. We know that appeasement to invaders would actually promote something warned by Speaker Mike Johnson. Speaker Johnson states that Putin would continue his deranged dream of a resurrected Soviet Union, threatening Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, and NATO members Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland, along with all the countries of Central Asia. The Republican tradition has been bipartisan for peace through strength with Eisenhower-Nixon, reinforced by Barry Goldwater and: Why not victory over communism? He also explained the alternative of victory is defeat. Then there was the ultimate Ronald Reagan expression to our enemies: ``We win. You lose.'' This is why it is so critical that we commit today to protecting the borders of America, Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan for peace through strength.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, over 110 times since Biden appeasement in Afghanistan, I have warned the global war on terrorism is not over as terrorists plan to attack American families with Biden open borders. The threat is clear with a shocking number of trained, well-financed mass murderers who are invading America--reaching 169 persons this year. Ukraine was invaded, then Israel, now America--invaded. House Republicans addressed the issue earlier this year with the Secure the Border Act, which was blocked by Senate Democrats. It promotes restarting wall construction, advancing technology, adding Border Patrol, transparency on illegals, ending catch and release, and reversing executive authorities. Each congressional office has a rally point in the event of an attack, and I urge all families to plan a rally point. Communications may be disrupted, and every family member should know where to go for safety before roads are closed. In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully protected America for 20 years. It is sadly clear there will be more 9/11s across America imminent as the FBI has finally, last week, revealed.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the disastrous decisions by Biden hurts the pocketbooks of Americans and destroys jobs, made even more obvious as we enter the holiday season of Christmas and Hanukkah. Bidenomics inflation has overcome hourly raises, reducing the spending power of Americans by $11,434 annually in the two Biden years. Under Biden, prices for the same Thanksgiving dinner were 25 percent higher in 2023 than in 2019. As Christmas approaches, Americans are challenged. In a WalletHub survey, more than one in three Americans are foregoing gifts this year due to Bidenflation. Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, will continue to fight to reduce inflation and create jobs. Speaker Johnson is correct that we must support the borders of Ukraine and America. In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully protected America for 20 years in the global war on terrorism as it continues moving from the safe haven of Afghanistan to America with Biden open borders for terrorists. It is sadly clear there will be more 9/11 attacks across America imminent, as finally admitted by the FBI.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the Midlands of South Carolina this week celebrated the life of Dr. Kaushal Sinha on Sunday with a memorial service at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home in Lexington. Dr. Sinha was born February 10, 1940, in Bande Vishunpur, India, the son of Srimati Indirawati Devi and Sri Puneet Sinha. He and his beloved wife, Arunima, came to New York City with only $6 each in their pockets when they arrived. His first job in America was limited to cleaning medical equipment with his medical degree supplemented by being a night janitor. From the humble background of a village without electricity, he became the first college graduate of the village, leading to becoming chief of the orthopedic department of Lexington Medical Center. I was grateful to volunteer with Kaushal and Arunima to establish the Hindu Temple and Cultural Center of South Carolina. Dr. Sinha and the Indian-American community of over 4 million citizens reinforce, with the highest income per capita of any household of an ethnic group, that the American Dream is alive for persons who work hard to achieve based on their personal effort, not government dependency. In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully protected America for 20 years in the global war on terrorism as it continues moving from the safe haven of Afghanistan to America with Biden open borders for terrorists. It is sadly clear there will be more 9/11s across America imminent in our country.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, sadly, under Biden, only 36 percent of voters said the American Dream is achievable--that is, if you work hard, you will get ahead, especially with equality and not being held back by forced equity sameness. This is according to a recent Wall Street Journal national opinion poll. This gruesomely indicates it has been reduced from 53 percent 10 years ago to where it is now at 36 percent. Even ``CBS News'' reports with the failing Biden economy: The typical American household must spend an additional $11,443 annually just to maintain the same standard of living they enjoyed in January of 2021. That is before inflation even soared to 40-year highs. Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, will continue to fight and push for legislation to reduce inflation and create jobs. We send our sympathy and appreciation for the life of Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who served with President Richard Nixon. He is beloved in South Carolina because he became a naturalized citizen in our State at Camp Croft in Spartanburg. 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 9/11s across America imminent in our country.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize the 2023 Army Congressional Fellow, Major Gustavo Caruso, for his service to the office of the Second Congressional District of South Carolina. His yearlong service in Congress is ending, and Gus will be missed. He has been an indispensable contributor to legislative goals, including the fiscal year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. He has been a valued team member for the military and veterans. Gus has received deserved awards in his 14 years of service, including combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was deployed to the Poland-Ukraine border to face the murderous invasion of Ukraine by war criminal Putin. Gus hails from Georgia, has a bachelor's degree from the University of Hawaii, and holds two graduate degrees. His next assignment will be at the Pentagon, where Gus will continue his promotion of peace through strength. In conclusion, God bless our troops who have successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism continues, moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America. Senator Tommy Tuberville is correct that there will be 9/11 attacks ``every few days'' due to Biden's open borders for terrorists.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I was grateful last weekend as chairman of the Commission for Security and Cooperation in Europe to chair the American delegation for the Fall Meeting in Yerevan, Armenia. Parliamentarians from nearly 50 countries were present with sessions led by OSCE Parliamentary Assembly president Pia Kauma of Finland. Armenian Head of Delegation Sargis Khandanyan was a very successful host for the warm Armenian welcome. Sessions featured active participation of many productive points of view on corruption as a fundamental threat and respect for all people affected by conflict. There was wide recognition the civilized world is sadly in conflict as it did not choose of dictators with rule of gun invading democracies with rule of law as war criminal Putin has invaded Ukraine and Iran puppet Hamas invading Israel. It was impressive the dynamic economy of Armenia, 9 time zones and 6,441 miles from Washington. It was encouraging to meet National Assembly Deputy Ruben Rubinyan serving as special envoy on a normalization with Turkiye, America's valued NATO ally. God bless Armenia. God bless America.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize Mike Budney, Manager of the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site, on receiving a 2023 Presidential Rank Award (PRA). The PRA is one of the highest awards bestowed upon career senior executives by the President of the United States for making extraordinary and lasting achievements for their respective agencies. During his service at the Savannah River Site, Mike has overseen completion of the tank waste treatment system with the startup of the Salt Waste Processing Facility, spearheaded the Accelerated Basin De- inventory project, saving taxpayers billions of dollars, and broken ground on the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative, a facility that will bring government, industry, and academia together to develop and share advanced manufacturing technologies. Leading a workforce of over 12,000 government and contractor personnel to successfully accomplish these critical tasks demonstrates his commitment and service to this nation. This is in addition to his 29 years of service in the U.S. Navy, including commanding officer of the USS Emory S. Land and the USS Pennsylvania. I am grateful to Mike for his service in helping to keep America strong and safe. Congratulations on receiving the Presidential Rank Award, an inspiration for what we can achieve as public servants.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the poor decisions of Biden and far-left Democrats are failing American families and destroying jobs. According to an October poll, about two-thirds of Americans report rising household expenses. More than 70 percent described the national economy as poor. A Bankrate survey shows that 50 percent of Americans say their financial situation is worse since Biden became President, as inflation has risen to a 40-year high, in contrast to President Donald Trump who created a record job environment. Bidenomics is hurting American families. America has 6.5 million people who remain unemployed. Prices have risen 17 percent since Biden took office. Families are paying more than $700 per month to buy the same exact goods and services they did just 2 years ago, according to the chief economist at Moody's Analytics. Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, will continue to fight 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 creating an imminent attack on American families.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Last night, on ``Sunday Night in America with Trey Gowdy'' on FOX News, Senator Tim Scott suspended his Republican Presidential campaign. In his decision, the Senator said, ``I love America more today than I did on May 22. . . . I am suspending my campaign. I think the voters, who are the most remarkable people on the planet, have been really clear that they are telling me: Not now, Tim.'' He has served since 2011 as a Congressman and then followed as a Senator since 2013. Growing up in North Charleston with his inspiring mother, Frances, Tim Scott has two brothers: Ben, an Army Command sergeant major, and Earl, an Air Force colonel. On Friday, to celebrate Diwali, I met with Consul General Ramesh Babu of India, where I recognized the three countries most attacked by terrorists are India, America, and Israel, with Israel tomorrow being appreciated with AIPAC a part of the rally fighting dictators, as is Ukraine fighting war criminal Putin. In conclusion, God bless our troops, who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism continues moving from Afghanistan's safe haven to America with Biden's open borders.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last month, Fox Business reported that Biden repeated his false campaign pledge that he would not raise taxes on Americans making below $400,000. Days afterwards, tax commissioner, Danny Werfel, was hiring 3,700 employees, which is insulting as higher income earners have returns carefully prepared by professional accountants, unlike Hunter Biden's evasions. In direct conflict to Biden, the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration said there is no way to identify taxpayers that meet the criteria of $400,000 or more. According to Grover Norquist, President of Americans for Tax Reform, the findings of the inspector general blew up the narrative, and the Democrats are knowingly lying. 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 and an attack here imminent. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Byron Thomas, a valued member of the congressional district office for winning a seat on the Cayce City Council. We are proud of him, and we know he will serve the public well.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, last month the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget reported on the final Monthly Treasury Statement for 2023 by the Department of the Treasury. The U.S. deficit totaled $2 trillion. This figure is double the deficit of 2022 and higher than the Congressional Budget Office projected in June. Officially, the deficit grew $320 billion from 2022. As a share of the economy, the deficit was 7.5 percent of the gross domestic product. This is larger than at any time in American history outside of war, recession, or national emergency. Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, will continue to fight to pass legislation to reduce the deficit helping American families. 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. The New York Post this week warns a 9/11 attack in America is imminent.