Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful as chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission to have led a bipartisan congressional delegation to Germany, Poland, and Ukraine with Representatives Steve Cohen and Victoria Spartz. In Berlin, we met with Justice State Secretary Dr. Angelika Schlunck, National Security Advisor Jens Ploetner, Ministry of Foreign Affairs State Secretary Andreas Michaelis, and Ministry of Defense Director Jasper Wieck. After visiting Nuremberg, Lieutenant General Andrew Rohling welcomed the delegation to the 7th Army Grafenwoehr Training Area and the 10th Mountain Division trainers. At Bucha, Ukraine, survivors of the war criminal Putin's mass murder shared stories with us, and Mayor Anatolii Fedoruk joined us. Additionally, we were joined by U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink, U.S. Ambassador Mike Carpenter, and Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov to thank America for the support given to efforts in Ukraine prior to meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who emphasized his gratitude for the American commitment for democracy. We concluded in Warsaw with U.S. Ambassador Mark Brzezinski and Polish Deputy Foreign Minister Arkadiusz Mularczyk. Friends of democracy are inspired by the courageous Ukrainians supported by our valued allies of Germany and Poland. 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.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman LaMalfa. We appreciate his leadership and tireless efforts on behalf of the people of Israel. Mr. Speaker, over the last week, I have had an extraordinary opportunity to truly appreciate the people of Jewish faith and what they have had to face. I visited Nuremburg in Germany, Courtroom 600, where the Nazi leadership anti-Semites were convicted of the Holocaust, murdering 6 million Jews. I was there to see the site of where these perpetrators, these Nazi murderers were ultimately executed. Additionally, I had the opportunity over the weekend to visit Warsaw, Poland, the extraordinary people today of Poland, where I witnessed the Museum of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, where Jews heroically resisted the mass murder by the Nazis as the Soviets, sadly, were adjacent, shamefully stood by within sight of the city of Warsaw and did not help. This really reminds us that the Russian people have been abused in the past by their leadership, whether it be Joseph Stalin or now-war criminal Putin. However, the people of Poland have resumed, they have the second fastest growing economy in the world, as they have escaped from Communist totalitarian oppression. So we know that ultimately good will prevail, as we see in the State of Israel today. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. McCormick).

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, we appreciate your service for the citizens of Missouri. General Leave

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Gottheimer. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. LaMalfa).

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, Israel is a shining beacon of democracy in the Middle East. As she celebrates her 75th anniversary, I appreciate being joined by my colleagues to mark this important milestone of affirming our support for the U.S.-Israel relationship. As chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, I am grateful to mark the historic 75th anniversary of Israel with a strong commitment to the partnership of our two countries. Since its creation, the United States has supported the Jewish state with bipartisan support from Congress, working to build a strong security, intelligence, and defense relationship enshrined by shared values and mutually strategic interests. A strong and secure Israel is a vital pillar of the national security policy of America in the Middle East for mutual benefit of stability for all countries of the Middle East. Congress has continually worked to support Israel with annual security assistance, defense cooperation, and an emerging relationship in key areas, including agriculture, high tech, homeland security, cybersecurity, science, space, and health. Both of our countries are committed to democracy and justice, and we continue to look for new ways to integrate Israel into the region, such as expanding the historic Abraham Accords that were promoted by President Donald Trump that normalized ties between Israel and our Arab allies--the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. Instead of boycotts and isolation, I am encouraged that our Gulf allies see the future of Israel as working with the Middle East to tackle regional problems. Most importantly, Congress has marked the historic Abraham Accords by passing the Israel Relations Normalization Act of 2021 and encouraging more of our Middle East allies to deepen and expand their cooperation with Israel. Israel is the democratic anchor of the Middle East, and Congress will continue to support important regional cooperation through partnerships for peace and prosperity, including the Negev Forum. We support Israel's right to defend herself against terrorism, and we are inspired by the Israeli resistance in the face of mounting threats. The borders of Israel are continually threatened by Iranian-backed groups, including Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Congress reaffirms its support for Israel's security by annually funding $500 million for cooperative missile defense programs to help Israel meet these growing threats funded by the Iranian regime. Without lifesaving defensive systems like the Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow 3, both Israelis and Arabs living in the region would be more endangered than ever. Israel is also threatened by continued efforts of the Iranian regime to get nuclear weapons. We are all concerned by the Iranian regime advancement of highly enriched uranium, advanced centrifuges, and its ballistic missile program, which it has never stopped despite every effort of the Iran nuclear deal, which was such a fraud. Sadly, the Iranians never stopped developing ICBMs to attack Israel and attack, ultimately, of course, sadly, the people of the United States. When the extremists chant ``death to America, death to Israel,'' they pledge to wipe Israel off the map by vaporization. We will continue to support efforts to enforce sanctions on the Iranian regime to cut off their resources and commitment to obtaining nuclear weapons. As we look to the growing challenges ahead and compete with the Chinese Communist Party, we must continue to work with our trusted and strategic ally to advance U.S. interests, as we also need to address war criminal Putin in his invasion, aggression, and mass murder being conducted, sadly, in Ukraine as we speak tonight. I am grateful to have authored H.R. 1777, the United States-Israel Future of Warfare Act, to meet increasing threats in areas of emerging technology by establishing a research and development fund to deepen defense collaboration with Israel. Having visited Israel on several occasions, including the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem in 2018, a highlight of my service has been to lead the House delegation to the U.S. Embassy May 14 opening in Jerusalem with Ambassador David Friedman, fulfilling promises made, promises kept by President Donald Trump. I will always cherish the warmth of the people, and I am grateful to partner with our ally in the charge ahead to prepare and confront the challenges of the next 75 years. May the U.S.-Israel relationship continue to flourish. May we continue to promote our shared interests in supporting democracy, peace, and cooperation throughout the region. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bacon).

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as we proceed, it should always be remembered that the United States and Israel have a long experience of a strong mutual beneficial relationship based on shared values and security interests, while also promoting peace and regional stability. The United States and Israel face many shared threats. It is critical that Israel and the United States are at the forefront of emerging technology. I was grateful to introduce the bipartisan U.S.-Israel Future of Warfare Act of 2023, which provides for collaboration between the two countries in the areas of defense, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and directed energy. This is done in a bipartisan manner with Congressmen Steve Cohen of Tennessee, David Cicilline of Rhode Island, and Dean Phillips of Minnesota. Over and over again, this is bipartisan, and I am grateful that we worked together to promote our shared mutual interests with the people of Israel. Israel's experience in combating terrorism is an invaluable resource in developing strategies to protect American families. The U.S.-Israel partnership supports over 255,000 American jobs. Bilateral trade has grown to over $49 billion annually. Israel is the leader in healthcare development. From cancer development to emergency response, Israel is a trusted partner to improve quality of life around the world. As we conclude this evening, I would point out that my appreciation of the Jewish State of Israel is something that I was born with. I was very grateful to be born in the holy city of Charleston, South Carolina. As we claim holy, it is not to disparage Jerusalem. We just have a significant number of churches that legitimately it can be the holy city of Charleston. Growing up in Charleston, a very important fact is that at the time of the American Revolution the largest Jewish population in the New World was in Charleston, South Carolina. The first provincial constitution to recognize Judaism as a religion was the provincial constitution of the province of South Carolina. The first Jewish elected official was in the provincial assembly of South Carolina. Sadly, the first Jewish American patriot killed in the American Revolution was in Charleston, South Carolina. The people of South Carolina just cherish our relationship with the people of Jewish faith, and we are strong supporters of the State of Israel. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 70th anniversary of the South Korea and United States alliance, formed in October 1953, with the signing of a mutual defense agreement at the end of the Korean War. Over the past seven decades, the alliance has proved to be successful, as the goal of protecting South Korea, specifically from another North Korea invasion has been achieved. South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is one of the United States most valuable economic and strategic partners in Asia. South Korea is now our sixth largest trading partner, and we are their second largest, behind China. Thursday, I was grateful to greet His Excellency Yoon Suk Yeol, President of Korea, to the Capitol and attend his address to the joint meeting of Congress along with my good Korean-American friend, Mr. Jaehoon Choe, who is also a fellow South Carolinian. Amazingly the President cited ``Known as the `Miracle on the Han River,' Korea's economic growth rate was unrivaled. Korea was one of the Least Developed Countries after the war. Its annual income was just U.S. $67 per capita. Now its economy ranks tenth in the world.'' Today, South Korea per capita is $33,340 as North Korea is estimated a gruesome $1,298. In His Excellency's address he stated, ``My friends, freedom and democracy are once again under threat. The war against Ukraine is a violation of international law. It is an attempt to unilaterally change the status quo with force. Korea strongly condemns the unprovoked armed attack against Ukraine. ``When North Korea invaded us in 1950, democracies came running to help us. We fought together and kept our freedom. The rest is history. ``Korea's experience shows us just how important it is for democracies to uphold solidarity. Korea will stand in solidarity with the free world. We will actively work to safeguard the freedom of the people of Ukraine and support their efforts in reconstruction.'' South Korea is well represented in Washington with Ambassador Cho Hyun-dong who effectively promotes Seoul for defense and job creation for Korea and America. As our military continues the fight in the War on Terrorism, we can find inspiration in remembering the Korean War victory over communism, which reminds us that Americans have a long history of defeating enemies of freedom all over the world achieving peace through strength.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize Martha Ruthven for her service for the Second Congressional District of South Carolina. Martha has been an invaluable team member for nearly 9 years, dedicated to constituent service. Moving from North Carolina after her nuclear physicist stepfather accepted a position at the Savannah River Site, Martha began her love of the Palmetto State. Working in the Congressional Aiken/Barnwell office, Martha quickly became embedded in the community, attending events, meetings, and advancing constituent services. As deputy district director, Martha has long been a trusted adviser to the many thousands she has assisted. I appreciate she will remain in Aiken. In fact, she will be heading to Savannah River Nuclear Solutions to continue community relations. I wish the best to Martha and her husband, K.T., a respected Realtor and president of Aiken Republican Club. 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. Our prayers for the courageous people of Ukraine resisting war criminal Putin, who is sacrificing young Russians for Putin's oil, money, and power.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as the United States has only 5 percent of the world population, the remaining 95 percent are job opportunities for South Carolina. Last year, the Palmetto State achieved $32 billion in net export sales. The top industries included: vehicles, nuclear reactors, plastics, aircraft, and rubber tires. South Carolina exports reached 196 countries, topped by Canada, Germany, Mexico, and South Korea. The State leads in export sales of motor vehicles with $10 billion from BMW, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz. Additionally, South Carolina is a leading manufacturer and exporter of tires by Michelin, Bridgestone, Giti, Continental, and Trelleborg. In 2020, over 4,400 companies in South Carolina exported goods, creating 116,000 jobs, promoted by Governor Henry McMaster and Commerce Secretary Harry Lightsey. 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. Welcome to President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea who will address Congress on Thursday as a champion for democracy.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I met with Evgenia Kara-Murza, the courageous wife of Russian patriot Vladimir Kara-Murza, and Kara-Murza's Moscow attorney Vadim Prokhorov, along with Bill Browder, the visionary sponsor of the Magnitsky Act. We discussed the outrageous sentencing of Vladimir Kara-Murza which has been so accurately exposed in the following lead editorial of the Washington Post yesterday. The sentencing of our opinions contributor, Vladimir Kara- Murza, to a quarter-century in prison on Monday by a Moscow court, raises three very loud alarms. The first is that his health is fragile and he might not survive 25 years in prison. The second is that Mr. Kara-Murza, who committed no crime, received one of the harshest sentences since Joseph Stalin's time, a shocking, vengeful strike from President Vladimir Putin. And lastly, the time has come for the United States to step up on behalf of Mr. Kara-Murza--not only because he represents this country's democratic values, but also because he and others like him are the best hope for a free, post-Putin Russia. Mr. Kara-Murza should be designated by the United States as unlawfully or wrongfully detained, which will facilitate negotiating a prisoner exchange with Russia. Mr. Kara-Murza is a permanent resident of the United States, and his wife, Evgenia Kara-Murza, and three children, are U.S. citizens. He clearly meets the requirements for such a designation, which Ms. Kara-Murza has been seeking for months. She told us Mr. Kara-Murza would accept an exchange, and recalled that dissidents were sometimes swapped during the Cold War. Mr. Kara-Murza returned to Moscow last year, knowing the risks he faced. He did nothing wrong. He has committed free speech, not treason. His arrest, conviction and sentencing were entirely contrived. However, his deteriorating condition is real. He was the target of attempted poisoning in 2015 and 2017 by Russia's secret services, using some kind of nerve agent, and now suffers from polyneuropathy, caused by damage to the peripheral nerves throughout the body. The numbness began on his left side and is spreading to his right, with loss of feeling in both feet and his left hand. According to one of his lawyers, Vadim Prokhorov, this malady should preclude being incarcerated in a Russian prison, but so far the wardens have turned a deaf ear to his appeals. ``I do realize that he doesn't have five years, let alone 25'' in prison, Ms. Kara-Murza told us. ``Now it is a question of life and death.'' ``If we lose him, if we lose people like Vladimir, who is going to be there to rebuild the country from ruins, to make sure that Russia does not return to an authoritarian or totalitarian regime after the collapse of this one?'' Ms. Kara-Murza said. ``Vladimir kept on despite two poisoning attacks. Vladimir kept on despite the assassination of his friend,'' Boris Nemtsov, the reformist former deputy prime minister, ``and that did not scare him. He went back to continue his fight time and again, and I believe that he has shown he would not give up the fight for a free Russia. The free democratic community has a responsibility to stand with people like this.'' Ms. Kara-Murza said the sentence was ``absolutely pure and cynical revenge'' for her husband's effort to win approval of the Magnitsky Act, a U.S. law, similarly adopted by other nations, that sanctions individuals who commit grave human rights violations. Bill Browder, the investor who is the architect of the Magnitsky sanctions, said Canada has added nine Russians to the sanctions list and the United States six over the Kara-Murza case, but there should be many more. ``It absolutely helps,'' said Ms. Kara-Murza, noting the asset freezes are a particular threat to Russian officials. ``They prefer to steal in Russia, but hide that money in the West.'' Mr. Putin's draconian laws against free speech since the invasion of Ukraine--punishing supposed infractions as minor as a child's drawing--have cast a pall of fear. There are no large protests. ``That society does not have freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of association, free and fair elections,'' Ms. Kara-Murza said. ``There is nothing. No rights are respected in Russia.'' But, she added, the strong demand for virtual private networking software indicates a continued demand for independent information from outside. She suggested that in addition to sanctions, the United States and its allies should do everything possible to defend the remaining free channels of information, including support for independent journalists, both inside Russia and outside, and to help Ukraine push out the Russian invasion. Ms. Kara-Murza recalled that her husband worked as a journalist but in 2012 discovered he had been barred from the Russian Embassy in Washington, a retaliatory move because of his public support of the Magnitsky Act. ``He decided, well, I've got things to say and I will continue,'' and plunged deeper into politics. Hopefully, he will continue to have things to say--the unvarnished truth--and say it in freedom. There is much to do to rescue Russia's freedom, too.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the following article from The Post and Courier of Charleston, South Carolina, ``Commentary: US should not cut military aid to Ukraine,'' published by Mark J. Duffy on March 30, 2023. It is recognition of the bravery and courage of Ukrainians in their fight for freedom and democracy against war criminal Putin's murderous and destructive invasion. American families freedom is based on victory by democracies with Rule of Law prevailing over authoritarians with Rule of Gun. As the United States continues to ramp up billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine, public sentiment in South Carolina and across the nation is turning against more aid being sent to Ukraine. In recent days, President Xi Jinping of China and President Vladimir Putin of Russia met to deepen their cooperation,following reports that China may soon provide artillery and drones to its ``dear friend'' Russia. I have a different perspective, based on my childhood growing up in a divided island, my work with China and more recently my work with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. I grew up in Ireland during the Troubles, where I saw loyalists (protestants who wanted Northern Ireland to remain part of Great Britain) and republicans (Catholics who wanted Northern Ireland to be part of the Republic of Ireland) engage in dialogue and negotiations to bring peace to the island. Growing up on an island with a history of violent conflict, I saw that when different ethnic groups and countries work together to resolve conflict, peace and prosperity will soon follow. In my first job out of university in 2013, as a public relations account lead, I worked with the Embassy of the People's Republic of China. Reflecting on my youthful idealism, I realize I was naive in believing that the United States and China could work together to solve some of the world's greatest challenges. After a year of working with Chinese diplomats on media relations, dealing with sensitive issues, I resigned as it became clear to me that the Chinese Communist Party represents a clear and present danger to U.S. national security interests. Whether it's stealing U.S. intellectual property, using unfair trade practices to kill American jobs, arming America's enemies or covering up the origins of the COVID-19 virus, I have no doubt in my mind that the party's members will stop at nothing in their quest to be the world's largest superpower. Now let me tell you about my first-hand experience working for ``the Servant of the People'' political party, which was led by a comedian named Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In 2019, when I began to work with his team, I was personally attacked for helping a new young aspiring politician with a transformational vision. The media at the time and the elites in Washington were suspicious of then-candidate Zelenskyy. But I was very proud of the work that I did to help a young political leader and those around him at such a pivotal time in our history. Fast forward to today and President Zelenskyy has demonstrated his true character to the world, showing unprecedented leadership in standing up to Russian aggression. President Zelenskyy famously said ``I need ammunition, not a ride'' when U.S. officials offered to evacuate him in the hours after the invasion. The strength of President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people should show us all that we have a strong partner in Ukraine. At its core, this ongoing fight is about supporting freedom and democratic ambitions in the face of autocracy. Here in South Carolina, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham has made clear that Congress must continue to provide financial assistance to Ukraine and pointed out that ``we cannot let Putin's bluster and threats determine the course of freedom for the 21st century. `` Sen. Graham argues that ``we must designate Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism under U.S. law'' to ensure that ``any lethal assistance to Russia, provided by China, is devastating to the Chinese economy.'' As a country, we can either pay now or we will pay much more later. Putin will not stop in Ukraine. Our adversary China will see any withdrawal in U.S. support for Ukraine as a sign that it will not face consequences if it invades Taiwan. U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy's comment that he will not support a blank check for Ukraine makes sense. It's imperative that the Congress conduct aggressive oversight to ensure that all aid going to Ukraine is being used most effectively. As President Ronald Reagan reminds us, ``America is a shining city upon a hill whose beacon light guides freedom- loving people everywhere. ``Now is not the time to cut U.S. military aid and hurt freedom-loving people in Ukraine. Stopping Putin and Xi in Ukraine is an absolute necessity for the national security of South Carolinians and millions of American families. Political leaders in Congress and here in South Carolina must stand strong against autocratic regimes that want to crush freedom. Supporting Ukraine is smarter and cheaper than the alternative of standing by and doing nothing.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I was grateful to join Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other Republican colleagues in addressing the media to mark the first 100 days of the House majority and to present success with the Commitment to America. This includes a strong economy, a nation that is safe, a future built on freedom, and an accountable government. Highlights so far include defunding Joe Biden's army of 87,000 IRS agents, eliminating the military vaccine mandate, establishing the bipartisan committee to strengthen America against the Chinese Communist Party, protecting America's Strategic Petroleum Reserve, passing the Parents Bill of Rights Act, and also passing the Lower Energy Costs Act. 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. America supports the people of Russia oppressed by war criminal Putin, as we see by the persecution of Vladimir Kara-Murza, who, as has been exposed by today's Washington Post, is fighting for a free Russia. We shall remember Vladimir Kara-Murza.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, the Biden budget would destroy jobs, slash wages, and reduce economic growth, according to a new study by the Tax Foundation. The budget will raise taxes by $4.7 trillion and reduce economic growth. Americans are experiencing record-high levels of inflation under Biden, and his plan will cut wages by a full percent. The newly elected Republican majority is focused on fiscal sanity and creating jobs. Congratulations champion Matt Fitzpatrick of Sheffield, England, on victory yesterday at the RBC Heritage presented by Boeing, at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. I appreciate the success of Royal Bank of Canada President Dave McKay, Boeing National Strategy Director Lindsay Leonard, Heritage Classic Foundation Chairman Simon Fraser, and Tournament Director Steve Wilmot. The victory was special as it has been a vacation favorite for the Fitzpatrick family from the United Kingdom for many years. 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.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

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

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today I to honor the life of Mr. Bernard E. Grossman of Lexington, South Carolina, and offer my sympathy to his family. I was honored to present Mr. Bernard E. Grossman with his Bronze Star Medal that he earned while serving as a Specialist Four in Phan Thiet, Vietnam on April 21, 1966. Mr. Grossman's platoon in Vietnam received heavy casualties from enemy fire. Specialist Grossman quickly took charge of the survivors, assisted the wounded, relayed the instructions of his platoon leader, and brought effective fire on the enemy positions. It was only after successful defeat of the enemy that he then informed his platoon leader of his wounds. We appreciate his great service and personal courage that was with the highest traditions of the military service. His valiant actions also reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the Army. I include in the Record the following obituary for Bernard E. Grossman: Bernie Grossman, 77 of Lexington, SC passed away Thursday, March 30th peacefully at his home. Born in Rochester, New York, he worked over 35 years as an aerospace executive for Lockheed, Burbank, California, Fairchild Republic, Maryland and Long Island, and United Technology (United Space Booster), Cape Canaveral, Florida. His last position was with GE Middle River Aerospace running the trust reversal division where he retired in 2005. He served in Viet-Nam with the U.S. Army's 327th Infantry Brigade, 101st Airborne Division. He was awarded both the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Metal for Valor. He is survived by his loving wife of over 42 years Rosalind Grossman who he met and served with in the United Army Reserves at a Non-Commissioned Officer Academy as Instructors. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed traveling. Survivors also include his daughter, Jean Grossman, son, Michael Taylor, five grandchildren and one great-grandson all of California. Sister, Leah Ganoe and brother Samuel Grossman both of New York as well as numerous nieces, nephews from their blended family. There will be a celebration of life service 12 PM, Saturday, April 15th at Christian Life Church, 2700 Bush River Drive, Columbia, SC 29210. The family will hold visitation prior to the service from 11-11:45 AM In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation to: Harvest Hope Food Bank, P.O. Box 451, Columbia, SC 29202 in Bernie Grossman s name.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today I am grateful to honor the life of Prosecutor Benjamin Ferencz and offer my sympathy to his family. I along with Congresswoman Lois Frankel, co-led H.R. 6015, the Benjamin Berell Ferencz Congressional Gold Medal Act, which provided for the award of a Congressional Gold Medal to Mr. Ferencz in recognition of his service to the United States and the international community during the post-World War II Nuremberg trails and his lifelong advocacy for international criminal justice and the rule of law. The bill unanimously passed the House on May 10, 2022, and was signed into law in December. I am grateful for Mr. Ferencz's outstanding service and dedication to achieving international justice. I include in the Record the following obituary for Prosecutor Benjamin Ferencz: In 2011, at the age of 92, the diminutive but indomitable Benjamin Ferencz rose to deliver the closing prosecution speech at the first trial ever heard before the international criminal court (ICC) in The Hague. Wearing black robes and a starched white neck band, the veteran lawyer, who had prosecuted Nazi mass murderers at the Nuremberg war crimes trials more than 60 years earlier, saluted a ``historic moment in the evolution of international criminal law''. Granting Ferencz, who has died aged 103, the honour of appearing on the prosecution team--in the trial of a Congolese warlord--acknowledged the extraordinary role he had played in advancing the cause of international justice. The last surviving Nuremberg prosecutor, he had dedicated his life to campaigning, successfully, for the establishment of a permanent court--the ICC--to try the world's most serious crimes and for laws establishing the crime of aggression. Guided by his motto, ``Law, Not War'', Ferencz was still giving television interviews last year--arguing that those responsible for atrocities in Ukraine must be brought to trial. His reputation rested on two criminal trials he conducted at the age of 27 before US military courts sitting at Nuremberg in 1947 after the second world war. At the time, he had no previous experience leading courtroom prosecutions. His first case was against SS officers who organized the Einsatzgruppen mobile death squads operating in Nazi-occupied eastern Europe. An estimated two million people were shot or beaten to death and their bodies dumped in pits; the majority of the victims were Jewish. The documentary evidence Ferencz assembled was so persuasive that he did not need to rely on witnesses. Opening his argument, Ferencz declared: ``Vengeance is not our goal . . . we ask this court to affirm by international penal action man's right to live in peace and dignity.'' It was later dubbed the biggest murder trial in history. Twenty-two of the 24 Einsatzgruppen defendants were found guilty of crimes against humanity. Fourteen were sentenced to death and four eventually hanged. Ferencz had not requested the death penalty. His second Nuremberg trial, in which he appeared as special counsel, involved the Krupp armaments group, whose directors were accused of crimes against humanity and exploitation of 100,000 slave labourers. Eleven directors were found guilty and served prison terms of between three and 12 years. Ferencz was born in a Transylvanian village, Somcuta Mare, which was then in Hungary and later became part of Romania. Shortly afterwards his parents, Sarah (nee Schwartz) and Joseph Ferencz, fled with their two children to the US to escape antisemitism. Benjamin was raised in the Hell's Kitchen district of New York, an area then renowned for poverty and crime. He won a scholarship to Harvard law school, where he researched war crimes. In 1943, he enlisted as a soldier and fought his way from the Normandy beaches to the Battle of the Bulge. His legal experience resulted in his being called into General George Patton's headquarters, where he was reassigned as a war crimes investigator. In Buchenwald and other concentration camps, he saw piles of corpses and emaciated survivors. His first target, he later recalled, was to seize the death records and correspondence that provided the evidence used at Nuremberg. He was discharged after the war and returned to New York to practice law and marry Gertrude Fried. In 1946, however, he was recruited to join the American war crimes unit at the Nuremberg trials. The couple spent the next decade in Germany, where four children were born and Ferencz worked alongside General Telford Taylor, lead prosecutor at the U.S. military tribunals. When the trials finished in 1949, Ferencz coordinated reparations claims for Jewish survivors' groups. In 1956, he returned to New York and opened a law firm with Taylor, but later turned his attention to campaigning for a permanent international criminal court. He wrote legal and popular books, the last of which, Make It Count, an autobiography, was published earlier this year. One of Ferencz 's greatest regrets was that the US consistently refused to ratify the ICC agreement and, in his words, repeatedly ``tried to kill the idea''. International recognition of Ferencz's contribution came towards the end of his life. In his 90s, a path alongside the international court of justice in The Hague was named after him and a bench set up with the motto Law, Not War. Ferencz identified the problem that international criminal law is a patchwork where offenders who commit atrocities often escape justice because many states have still not ratified international court statutes. His response was ``Never give up!'' ``He was inspiring precisely because in the face of all the horror, he somehow managed to be optimistic,'' Philippe Sands, professor of international law at University College, London, said. Sir Geoffrey Nice, a war crimes prosecutor at the international criminal court for the former Yugoslavia, who also cooperated with Ferencz, paid tribute to the way in which he ``turned the traumas he experienced . . . into an enduring determination to learn and teach from them''. Gertrude died in 2019. He is survived by his son, Don, who continued his father's work developing international jurisdiction for the crime of aggression, three daughters, Nina, Robin and Keri, and three grandchildren. Benjamin Berell Ferencz, war crimes prosecutor, born 11 March 1920; died 7 April 2023.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all South Carolinians, I am grateful to wish World War II veteran, Mr. Thomas Fearrington, a Happy 100th Birthday. Thomas Fearrington was born on April 18th, 1923, in Greenville, Mississippi. In 1940, Tom graduated from Valdese High School in North Carolina and enrolled in North Carolina State University's civilian military training program. In 1943, the program was cancelled, and Tom was sent to basic training at Camp Wheeler near Macon, Georgia and Camp Blanding in Starke, Florida. In 1944, Tom was sent to Europe where he was assigned to the 101st Airborne, 327th Glider Infantry Regiment, Second Battalion, Easy Company. He was a part of the first wave of gliders in Operation Market Garden. After landing in Son, Netherlands, Tom fought across Hell's Highway for seventy-five days until the battle ended and his unit was sent back to France. After arriving in France, Tom's unit made their way to Bastogne, Belgium. The 327th Glider Infantry Regiment greatly defended the city during the Battle of Bulge from December 16, 1944 to January 25, 1945. Tom served in Europe until the war ended and was awarded the Bronze Star for his great service to the United States. After the war, Tom completed his degree at N.C. State University and moved with his wife, Doris, to Columbia, South Carolina, where he still resides. Today, I honor Mr. Thomas Fearrington for his service to the American people and wish him a Happy 100th Birthday and the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Elias Gedeon, senior vice president for Westinghouse Energy Systems, for signing a Memorandum of Understanding to commence preparation for the probable deployment of at least one of their AP1000 reactors to Bulgaria's Kozloduy nuclear power plant. Kozloduy NPP-Newbuild, with chairman Georgy Kirkov, has undertaken the project, implemented March 1st, to build the new reactors at the site, ensure the licensing and structure comply with regulations, while also achieving Bulgaria's nuclear energy goals. ``This cooperative agreement sets us up on a path toward providing both economic and environmental benefits from the Bulgarian people while bolstering the country's energy security,'' stated David Durham, Energy Systems President for Westinghouse. As chairman of the Bulgarian Caucus, I appreciate President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev on the significant development made towards reaching the country's nuclear energy goals.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, parents everywhere must have the ability to make educational decisions for their children. Though an obvious right, unfortunately, many school districts have been influenced by extremist special interest groups ignoring parental wishes. In response, House Republicans, led by Chairwoman Virginia Foxx, passed the Parents Bill of Rights Act. This legislation will make clear to schools that parents have a right to know what is being taught to their children, be heard by teachers and school boards, see the school budget and spending, protect the privacy of children, and keep their children safe. As a parent of four sons, Roxanne and I appreciate local elected school boards running schools. As a grandfather, I want my sons and daughters-in-law to have the same level of oversight for our nine grandchildren. I am grateful for the leadership of Ellen Weaver, the South Carolina Superintendent of Education, a champion for the rights of parents. 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. God bless our Vietnam veterans.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the Congressional Bangladesh Caucus I want to recognize that 51 years ago on April 4, 1972, the United States recognized Bangladesh's independence from Pakistan. During the nine-month-long Bangladesh Liberation War, members of the Pakistan Armed Forces and pro-Pakistani militias killed hundreds of thousands of people and injured many more. The war for independence was a struggle for democracy and freedom led by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The economic situation facing Bangladesh as it emerged from the war of independence was dire. The Bengali people faced widespread poverty, chronic malnutrition of the masses, the dislocation of over 10 million people who had fled from their homes during the conflict, fragile banking and monetary system and inflation, which ran between 300 and 400 percent, and low foreign exchange resources. The war of independence had crippled the domestic transportation system with roads, railways and bridges lying destroyed and damaged. The young country was still recovering from a severe Bhola cyclone that had hit the area in November 1970 and caused nearly half a million deaths. Bangladesh has made enormous strides in the last five decades from one of the poorest nations to having one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, with their GDP per Capita increasing to $2,457 in 2021 according to the World Bank which now exceeds that of its regional neighbors. Since its independence in 1971, Bangladesh's economy has grown from $9 billion to $450 billion, life expectancy has risen from 47 years to 73 years, and the adult literacy rate has risen to more than 75 percent. The Nation has flourished in its independence. Bangladesh, through the leadership of current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, has made substantial socioeconomic progress in food production, disaster resilience, poverty reduction, improved health, education, and women's empowerment. Bangladesh has successfully maintained a moderate Muslim society and curbed extremism in the country, and its people have sought to maintain support for democracy and rule of law rather than descending into authoritarian rule of gun. The United States and Bangladesh have extensive cooperation on matters of regional and global security, counter terrorism, and climate change. The U.S. is the largest export market for Bangladesh and one of the largest sources of foreign direct investment in Bangladesh. The nation of Bangladesh has contributed to the U.S. economy through bilateral trade and international security cooperation in return. Bilateral trade between the United States and Bangladesh has increased annually with the main American exports to Bangladesh consisting of agricultural products, aircraft, machinery, engines, and iron and steel products, while American imports from Bangladesh include apparel, footwear, textile products, toys, games, sporting goods, shrimp, prawns; and agricultural products. Further, the American people appreciate the generous and indispensable role that Bangladesh performs in accepting and sheltering more than 1 million Rohingya people from a genocide perpetrated by its neighbor, Burma. The United States has contributed the largest amount of humanitarian aid to address this crisis, totaling more than $2 billion. The American people welcome that Bangladesh is one of the world's largest contributors to United Nations peacekeeping efforts globally. Both countries seek to enhance their people-to-people and government- to-government relationship for shared prosperity. Bangladesh has expressed their gratitude to the United States for contributing more than 100 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to the people of Bangladesh. The U.S.-Bangladesh relationship is strengthened by the Bangladeshi American Community and the large number of Bangladeshi students who come to the U.S. to study. More than 200,000 Bangladeshi Americans have proven themselves to be hardworking, law-abiding, and patriotic citizens of the United States, contributing positively to their communities across the country. Today, the American people recognize and commend the Nation and people of Bangladesh as they celebrate 51 years of independence. The United States extends its sincere determination to remain a constructive partner of Bangladesh in achieving mutual economic, social, and national security objectives now and into the future.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, every day, American families experience the failed policies of Biden and Democrats. On the day Biden was sworn in, the average price of gas was $2.39. Today, it is $3.44, 44 percent higher. The Biden war on energy resulted in a high cost of over $5 last year. During the same period, the first week of his Presidency, Biden killed the Keystone pipeline, which would supply 800,000 barrels of oil a day from Canada, with the mining equipment in Alberta using Michelin tires made in South Carolina. The idiotic war on fossil fuels subverts science and common sense, and it causes dependence on China for batteries, panels, blades, by Biden. This week, House Republicans have all-of-the-above legislation to reduce inflation, create jobs, and return America to energy independence with the innovative bill by Congressman Jeff Duncan of South Carolina. In conclusion, God bless our troops, who successfully protected America for 20 years in the global war on terrorism as it continues, sadly, moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America. Our sympathies to the families of Nashville and Mississippi.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, I was grateful to attend the United Service Organizations (USO) 2023, 41st Annual Awards Dinner at The Anthem, presented by The Boeing Company. I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Mr. J.D. Crouch who serves as the President and CEO of USO. Additionally, I had the honor of watching all the USO Service Members of the Year from each of the military services receive their awards from their respective military service chiefs for their unique acts of heroism. The honorees were the following service members: U.S. Army Sergeant Erick Ceja, U.S. Navy Cryptologist Seaman Ty Knight, U.S. Marine Corps- Corporal Alec Cruz, U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Blake Metscher, U.S. Space Force Sergeant Octavio Castruita, U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer Second Class Jacob Flores, and U.S. National Guard Specialist Solomon J. Doss. I am grateful for each of these members and their steadfast dedication to our military families and the defense of our country. The USO Achievement Award was presented to Washington Commanders Coach Ron Rivera for his high standard of military appreciation and commitment to educating the National Football League community members on the significance of supporting our military and their families. The extraordinary program of deserved tributes was concluded by a stunning production of ``God Bless the USA'' by the beloved patriot Lee Greenwood. We appreciate each of this year's award recipients for their service to the American people and the United Service Organizations' support of U.S. troops since war criminal Putin's invasion of Ukraine.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last Thursday, Secretary of State Blinken admitted at the Foreign Affairs Committee hearing that 175 Americans are still in the terrorist safe haven of Afghanistan, despite the Biden promise of leaving no Americans behind. President Donald Trump was correct; the surrender was the greatest foreign policy humiliation in U.S. history. Biden refuses to release letters he claimed, on August 26, 2021, that blamed military leaders for his disastrous decision. A March 6 Washington Post editorial said the Biden administration will be judged by victory in Ukraine, liberating all of Ukraine from war criminal Putin. Democracies with rule of law must prevail over authoritarians by rule of gun with the Ukraine invasion, Taiwan threats, and nuclear capabilities against Israel and America. Sadly, with an open southern border with nearly 200 names of known terrorists crossing under Biden, American families have never been at greater risk of mass murder. In conclusion, God bless our troops, who successfully protected America for 20 years from the global war on terrorism as it continues moving from Afghanistan's safe haven to America. Our prayers for the families in Nashville.