Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, The Washington Post lead editorial on March 10 confirmed the murderous invasion of Ukraine by war criminal Putin demands Western support of Ukraine as `` . . . President Biden will be tested and judged by his own success in making a similar case for this country to step up by applying its military and industrial might.'' Sadly, there ``is a gap between the West's supportive rhetoric on equipping Ukraine . . . and the pace of actual deliveries of arms and ammunition.'' ``It's critical that the administration perceive those interests clearly and explain them compellingly. . . . `` . . . for our European allies' security but also to maintain a basic principle of civilized international relations: that one state cannot invade and subjugate another. . . . It is also crucial to transmit the message to China, North Korea and other would-be aggressors that the United States will stand fast in defense. . . . `' In conclusion, it is clear ``President Biden will be tested and judged'' by his decisions to support the courageous people of Ukraine. Thank you, Prince William, heir to the British throne, for visiting the British troops in Poland training Ukrainians for freedom. President Andrzej Duda is the courageous President of Poland.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as revealed by The Wall Street Journal on March 10: The Pentagon's budget request seems large, but the figure is only a 3.2 percent increase, and with inflation at 6 percent it means a decline in buying power. Compare the growth to the double-digit increases for domestic accounts: 19 percent for the Environmental Protection Agency; 13.6 for both Education and Energy Departments; 11.5 percent for Health and Human Services. Defense in 2022 was only 3 percent of GDP, down from 6 percent during the Cold War, even though America's challenges today are more numerous and acute. Mr. Biden's largest failure is promising his budget will keep America safe instead of leveling with the public about the threats. We should have a return of bipartisan support for defending American families. In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully protected America for 20 years as the Global War on Terrorism continues moving from Afghanistan to the safe haven of America. Thank you to the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida, for the courage to visit Kyiv, Ukraine, this week as the democracies unite against war criminal Putin.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize Drew Kennedy for his congressional staff service to the Second District of South Carolina. Drew has been a valued team member for over 10 years, and both his contributions and presence will be missed. Upon graduating from the University of South Carolina, Drew served constituents at the Midlands' office and then moved to Washington. Drew quickly became an expert in many policy areas, advising on committee issues, preparing legislation, working on markups, and more. His competence earned him the position of deputy chief of staff. Drew has become a respected leader among his peers and industry leaders. Our loss is the gain of the House Armed Services Committee. Multiple generations of Drew's family are appreciated, with grandparents Jane and Richard Kennedy being founders of the modern Republican majority in South Carolina, with his civic leader parents, Judge Cathy Kennedy and Dr. Attorney Rick Kennedy. 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 as the incoming chairman of the Helsinki Commission Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe, I was grateful for the delegation led by out-going Chairman Steve Cohen as a bi-partisan delegation to Prague, Czech Republic. Welcomed by U.S. Embassy Senior Officer Grant Morrow the delegation met Prime Minister Peter Fiala learning the Czech Republic was among the first to send defensive weapons to Ukraine to stop war criminal Putin. While meeting with Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky there was gratitude for the Czech Republic being a determined friend of Taiwan enduring opposition from the Chinese Communist Party. America is represented by dynamic Ambassador Bijan Sabet and his wife Lauren. His unique Iranian-Korean heritage is a tribute to success in America. A visit to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty was inspiring to meet journalists bringing truth to people oppressed in Europe and Asia, which had been so successful for Cold War victory liberating dozens of countries from communism. The progress of the Czech Republic was underscored by Delegation Member Lloyd Doggett who toured Communist Czechoslovakia in 1986. He explained Prague then was drab, sad, and depressing in contrast to now a vibrant, capitalist modern capital. It is amazing that the Czech Republic and Slovakia are examples of post-communist opportunity for all families to achieve to the highest of their abilities. The Czech Republic is a valued American ally as democracies with Rule of Law confront authoritarians with Rule of Gun.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as the incoming chairman of the Helsinki Commission Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe, I was grateful for the delegation led by outgoing Chairman Steve Cohen as a bi-partisan delegation to Rome. Welcomed by U.S. charge d'affairs Shawn Crowley, we immediately met with valued former Congressman, now Ambassador to the Holy See, Joe Donnelly, who with wife Jill, represent America well. At the Palazzo Chigi Diplomatic Advisor to the Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Ambassador Francesco Talo reviewed the new government's support of the independence of Ukraine. Prime Minister Meloni was on the way to Kyiv. Meeting with Undersecretary of the State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Georgio Silli confirmed the courageous Meloni government recognizes the Chinese Communist Party is a systemic rival of authoritarians opposed to democracies. My affection for Italy is personal in that my son Add, was an orthopedic surgeon at U.S. Naval Hospital Naples for three years, where his wife Lauren, learned Italian cooking and grandchildren, Addison, Houston, and Emily Ruth learned perfect Italian with Addison later studying architecture in Genoa with Clemson University. The visit to Ancient Rome was a humbling reminder of our shared heritage so crucial for the development of Western Civilization. Appreciating Roman influence on America is enhanced by the more than 20 million Italian Americans who are vital for the bright future of America. Italy is a cherished American ally as democracies with Rule of Law confront authoritarians with Rule of Gun.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, last week, The Washington Times featured a thoughtful open letter from Clifford D. May, president of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, to President Biden. He wrote: ``Dear Mr. President, first, kudos to you for going to Kyiv.'' ``For the past year, you've been providing the Ukrainians enough weapons to prevent them from losing but not enough . . . to drive out the [Putin] invaders. Why not ask such military experts as retired General Jack Keane what's necessary to get the job done as fast as possible?'' ``The moral argument for supporting Ukraine is obvious to most people but you still haven't made clear why its defense is a vital American national interest. . . . The rulers of neoimperialist Russia, Communist China, and Islamic Iran share a goal: the diminishment--if not death-- of the United States.'' 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. Congratulations, Ambassador Georgi Panayotov, for the Library of Congress National Bulgaria Day reception.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to H. Con. Res. 21. Stopping the resurgence of ISIS now, before more attacks on American families, is critical. My appreciation of military service is as a 31- year Army veteran myself, but I am particularly grateful that I have had four sons: Alan, who served in Iraq; Addison, who served in Iraq; Julian, who served in Egypt; and my youngest son, Hunter, who did a tour in Afghanistan. So I know personally the significance of military service. I think of the last 20 years that our military, because of 9/11, has stopped attacks in the United States. So this strength must be maintained. At the height of ISIS' reign of terror, Operation Inherent Resolve was formally launched in October of 2015 to counter the terrorist network's rapid expansion in Iraq and Syria. Upon defeat of the physical caliphate in Baghouz in 2019, the United States conducted a drawdown of forces. Currently, there are approximately 900 U.S. soldiers in northeast Syria. The remaining troops assist the Syrian Democratic forces in deterrence of continued terrorist threats from Iranian-backed terror organizations and maintenance of facilities containing--amazing; this is incredible; the American people need to know--10,000 hardened ISIS prisoners who are dedicated and trained mass murderers, along with thousands of their radicalized family members. While the American-led coalition was successful, the threat of ISIS and the extremism in the region remain. Reporting indicates that ISIS is making significant efforts to reorganize in Syria and Iraq. Iranian- backed terrorists, who back up the murderous regime of Bashar al-Assad, also continue attacks on U.S. forces at Al-Tanf and pose a tremendous destabilizing effect. Upon withdrawal, terrorists would also have unfettered access to the Omar oil field. A full withdrawal of the efficient forces remaining would completely open the region to the resurgence of ISIS and other terrorist organizations whose mission is the destruction of American families. Such a threat to American national security would warrant intervention. Uprooting the small contingent of troops who have successfully maintained order to the extent possible would simply ensure that we will be returning to a much larger, more complex problem at a higher cost and threat to Americans worldwide. The resolution, we know, is well-intended, but deterrence is cheaper and more effective than facilitating a full-scale response after the fact. We don't need to repeat 9/11. Peace is best maintained through strength.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, America is heavily in debt and living beyond its means. Last month, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office issued a report projecting a Federal budget deficit of $1.4 trillion for 2023. Further, the net interest on our national debt will amount to a $10.5 trillion burden in taxes for families over the next decade destroying jobs. The Nation has had a record increase in revenue, but unfortunately, under Biden and the Democrats, spending has surpassed the amount of money raised. This reckless and irresponsible spending has led to horrific debt as a threat to our children and grandchildren. The newly elected House Republican majority led by Speaker Kevin McCarthy is committed to creating jobs with an economy that is strong and fiscally responsible. 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. I thank Tucker Carlson for last night's ``Tucker Investigates'' about January 6, which Glenn Beck has correctly identified as every level has been lying about January 6. The truth has finally been revealed.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the leadership of United Nations World Food Programme Executive Director and former South Carolina Governor David Beasley. Over the past six years during his term, he has been a strong advocate, fundraiser, and leader, and I am grateful to have worked with him personally in Guatemala in 2017 and with volunteers from Lebanon in 2020. Congress appreciates David's work with us in achieving historic levels of American funding to confront global hunger demands. His humanitarian efforts and work in the global fight against hunger is an inspiration to all. David's efforts were recognized when the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the World Food Programme the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize. I am grateful for David's hard work during his term as Executive Director and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. I look forward to working with the newly appointed Executive Director, Ambassador Cindy McCain, who currently serves as the U.S. Permanent Representative to the U.N. Agencies in Rome: the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Food Programme, and the International Fund for Agriculture Development. America will continue to be the world leader for humanitarian assistance for the benefit of those impacted as it promotes America material security reducing international instability.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, since Biden has been in office, his irresponsible decisions, supported by the Democrat-led Congress, have left American families in financial stress. Inflation, at a 40-year high, has increased the cost of everyday items. We have destruction of jobs. These policies have cost the typical household $10,000. Additionally, year-to-year wage growth has been negative for 22 months. Bidenflation is a tax on all Americans. At an inflation rate of 6.4 percent in January, we have an outrageous situation with rising prices. Eggs are up an astronomical 70 percent, butter up 33 percent, fuel oil up 28 percent, flour up 28 percent, lettuce up 17 percent, bread up 15 percent, and milk up 11 percent. The newly elected House Republican majority, led by Speaker Kevin McCarthy, is committed to fighting inflation, lowering the cost of living, and creating 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.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on this measure.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, America and the world have been shocked by the deadly earthquake in Turkiye and Syria on February 6, which killed more than 50,000 people and injured more than 100,000 people. Entire cities and towns near the epicenter in Turkiye have been wiped off the map. Five million people are homeless, and over 20 million are in need now. We are grateful to see such a generous and compassionate American response. Many brave men and women both inside Turkiye, Syria, and others from around the globe sprang into action to work relentlessly at search and rescue operations and providing relief to the people impacted on the ground. At Incirlik Air Base, a very strategic American air base in Turkiye, 125 miles from the earthquake epicenter, the 728th Air Mobility Squadron and the 39th Operational Support Squadron have worked quickly to coordinate with the United States Agency for International Development to deliver aid to those impacted on the ground who are in need. American families offer sincere sympathies to the families who are mourning loved ones and nursing others back to health. The Republic of Turkiye for over 70 years has been a valued NATO ally, and as co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on U.S.-Turkey Relations and Turkish Americans, I am particularly supportive of their efforts to meet the needs of the impacted earthquake victims. Entrepreneurial Turkish-American and Syrian-American communities have been mobilized to help, such as Vinnie and Nesli Senturk, owners of Hidden Valley Tavern in Sapphire, North Carolina, represented by Congressman Chuck Edwards, who are raising funds to help the people in Turkiye. Syria Civil Defence, better known as the White Helmets, have been instrumental in search and rescue efforts, in addition to clearing rubble and opening roads to facilitate the distribution of relief aid by local nongovernment organizations. Their efforts saved at least 3,000 lives, despite being left alone and receiving no material international support through the critical and crucial first days of the response. Impressive assistance by Raed Al Saleh and all the other White Helmets, which he leads, has been achieved to help the people who are so desperately needed to advocate and provide real assistance. To make this devastating tragedy worse, Syria's brutal dictator Assad is stealing humanitarian aid, and even worse, has continued bombing the affected areas at least 10 times since the earthquake. There have already been videos of the Assad regime soldiers stealing aid that is attempting to reach Syrian communities in need. The United Nations even refused to provide critical aid into northwest Syria because of war criminal Putin's veto on cross-border assistance in the United Nations Security Council after the Assad regime initially refused to permit humanitarian aid through northern points of entry that are controlled by opposition groups. The United Nations should not politicize humanitarian assistance. Even further, the U.N. should circumvent the obstructions of Assad and war criminal Putin, which denies humanitarian aid to earthquake victims. It is significant this resolution calls on President Biden to use all diplomatic means to push the U.N. to get aid to those in need. Natasha Hall from the Center for Strategic and International Studies said it clearly, ``The Syrian Government has perfected the politicization and weaponization of humanitarian aid throughout the civil war--in some cases it's far more effective than a military offensive.'' Yet, Assad, to add insult to injury, continues to lie and blame U.S. sanctions for causing delays in aid. This is simply not true. As this resolution makes clear, Mr. Speaker, sanctions on war criminals like Assad, which passed on a bipartisan basis, prevent the regime from obtaining the resources to further brutalize the people of Syria, and do not inhibit humanitarian assistance. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply saddened that there has been a weakening of sanctions by the Biden administration on the Assad regime through permitting direct transactions with the Assad regime. This will do nothing to help with earthquake relief and will only endanger Syrian civilians by enriching the regime. We are already seeing the result of Biden's weak policy this week with Arab countries beginning to normalize relations with the regime and ignoring the Caesar Act, which threatened dire consequences for normalization. Despite this, let it be known that Congress will continue to stand with the Caesar Act on a bipartisan basis and strengthen sanctions on Assad and those who engage this barbaric regime. It is gruesomely clear that there is no solution to the problems in Syria so long as the brutal Assad regime remains in power. Terrorism, refugees, war crimes, Iranian influence, chemical weapons, narcotrafficking, genocide--Assad is the driver of all these. This earthquake proves the point yet again, American families' prayers and sincere condolences go to the people of Turkiye and Syria. To the brutal Assad regime and its backers, war criminal Putin, and the authoritarian Ayatollah in Iran, there will be a message: Your diversion of humanitarian aid during an earthquake is despicable. You are not fooling anyone with your lies about sanctions. The U.S. Congress stands united. We will never normalize with you. We will hold all those who attempt to normalize with you accountable. We will not stop supporting the people of Syria to have a government they deserve based on democracy with rule of law, not authoritarian with rule of gun. It is bipartisan in America to support freedom for the people of Syria and Iran and victory for the people of Ukraine seeking to defend their country from authoritarian governments. Mr. Speaker, our prayers go to those affected by the earthquake. God bless the people of Turkiye, Syria, and the United States of America. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Washington, DC, February 23, 2023. Hon. Patrick McHenry, Chairman, Committee on Financial Services, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman McHenry: Thank you for consulting with the Foreign Affairs Committee and agreeing to be discharged from further consideration of House Resolution 132, related to the recent earthquakes in Turkiye and Syria, so that the resolution may proceed expeditiously to the House floor. I agree that your forgoing further action on this measure does not in any way diminish or alter the jurisdiction of your committee, or prejudice its jurisdictional prerogatives on this resolution or similar legislation in the future. I will seek to place our letters on H. Res. 132 into the Congressional Record during floor consideration. I appreciate your cooperation regarding this legislation and look forward to continuing to work together as this measure moves through the legislative process. Sincerely, Michael T. McCaul, Chairman. House of Representatives, Committee on Financial Services, Washington, DC, February 23, 2023. Hon. Michael McCaul, Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman McCaul: I am writing concerning H. Res. 132, Responding to the earthquakes in Turkiye and Syria on February 6, 2023. I agree that the Committee on Financial Services shall be discharged from further consideration of the bill so that it may proceed expeditiously to the House Floor. The Committee takes this action with the mutual understanding that, by foregoing consideration of H. Res. 132 at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or similar legislation, and that the Committee will be appropriately consulted and involved on this or similar legislation as it moves forward. The Committee also reserves the right to see appointment of an appropriate number of conferees to any conference with the Senate involving this or similar legislation, and we request your support for any such request. Finally, as you mentioned in your letter, I ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this bill be included in your Committee's report to accompany the legislation, as well as in the Congressional Record during floor consideration thereof. Sincerely, Patrick McHenry, Chairman, Committee on Financial Services.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, again, it is so refreshing to see colleagues of both political parties across the country from South Carolina to Massachusetts to Pennsylvania. Actually, it is reflective of the deep affection that the people of America have as we appreciate, in particular, Turkiye, a NATO ally, that it is always to be cherished because when you visit the Korean War Veterans Memorial here on the mall in Washington, Mr. Speaker, you see the Allies who stood together to oppose the Communist aggression of June 1950, and the first country that is listed is Turkiye. It is an ever-present reminder of our appreciation and then our recognition of Kemal Ataturk and his success in creating a democracy in the Middle East. Over and over again there is such a great affection, and the significance of the Turkish-American community and the Syrian-American community what they have meant as entrepreneurs across our country is so positive. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Mr. Speaker, I thank the broad coalition of Members on both sides of the aisle with the leadership of Congressman Bill Keating who have come together to support this critical resolution. I especially want to thank Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Leader Steve Scalise for their accelerating the scheduling of this for today. It is so important for the people of Turkiye and Syria to know of our affection for them. The people of the United States stand with the suffering people of Turkiye and Syria who have been so impacted by this terrible natural disaster. Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 132 is an important statement of human solidarity. It deserves our unanimous support, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. It is really refreshing to see Republicans and Democrats come together as we assist the people of Turkiye and Syria. The comments from Bill Keating are inspiring. I am just so grateful that he is one of the first cosponsors of the legislation to show our appreciation of the people of Turkiye and Syria. It is particularly meaningful to me. The loss of life is inconceivable: 50,000 people dead, 100,000 people injured, and 5 million people homeless. Actually, in some ways I can identify. The largest earthquake ever recorded on the East Coast was in my birthplace of Charleston, South Carolina, on August 31, 1886. Growing up

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 132) responding to the earthquakes in Turkiye and Syria on February 6, 2023.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to serve as chairman of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, also known as the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Last week, in Vienna, all democracies of the 57-member Parliamentary Assembly unanimously supported Ukraine and condemnation of war criminal Putin. The world understands there is competition between democracies with rule of law opposed by authoritarians with rule of gun. War criminal Putin is sacrificing young Russians for oil, money, and power for himself. Ukraine represents peace through strength and must be victorious in this conflict to avoid the Chinese Communist Party invasion of Taiwan and to stop the Iranian regime as it develops intercontinental ballistic missiles to vaporize Israel and bring mass murder to America. America is not alone in understanding freedom is not free. The European Union has provided $54 billion to Ukraine, and recently, Norway authorized another $7 billion and Japan another $5 billion. Over 52 nations are promoting eventual peace through strength for Ukraine. 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, on behalf of all South Carolinians, I am grateful to wish World War II veteran, Mr. Harold (Hal) Peck, a happy 100th birthday. Mr. Hal Peck, was born on February 22, 1923 in Shelbyville, Indiana. In the spring of 1943, he was drafted and made his way across the Atlantic, arriving in Normandy on June 17th, eleven days after D-Day, with the area having been secured. As a member of the 226th Signal Corps, he was a ``climber,'' responsible for going up and down telephone poles to help keep the lines of communication intact. He did not carry a rife while on pole duty, as he could not be perceived as a threat. The only shots he's taken, says Mr. Peck, deal with basketball. After his wartime experience, he was recruited by one of his former high school basketball coaches to play for Tulane University, in New Orleans. At 5-foot-eight, he excelled in college basketball, and was asked by the National Basketball League Commissioner, Doxie Moore, to play on one of the National League teams. He declined the offer and instead decided to coach basketball in a little town in northern Indiana, Kewanna. After 5 years of coaching, he went on to become a successful businessman as an insurance salesman and executive. In 1949, Mr. Hal Peck, married his Tulane sweetheart, the former Gwen Bailie. They had a happy marriage of 60 years, filled with adventure, having traveled to almost every country, with Goshen, Indiana as their home base. In 1992, they retired to Aiken, South Carolina. Hal and Gwen had 2 sons, Rich and Josh Peck, who we join in celebrating their father's birthday. I also join the family and friends of Mr. Peck in congratulating him for the French Legion of Honor which he was awarded by the French government in October of 2022 for his service during the war. It is the highest distinction, rewarding eminent military and civil merits, that can be conferred in France on a French citizen as well as on a foreigner. Today, I honor Mr. Hal Peck 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, as a member of the Serbian Caucus, I offer my congratulations to Serbia on its Statehood Day, February 15th. Statehood Day is celebrated in Serbia every year on this day to commemorate the outbreak of the First Serbian Uprising in 1804 which evolved into the Serbian revolution against Ottoman rule. These events eventually resulted in Serbia's independence in 1835. On the same day, February 15, in 1835, the first Serbian constitution was adopted in Kragujevac. I am grateful that this day is also the 142nd anniversary of formal relations between the United States and Serbia. The U.S. and Serbia have a long history of partnership including serving side by side during World War II. Former President Donald Trump took historic steps to negotiate a normalization agreement between Serbia and Kosovo and I remain optimistic that this agreement will achieve even more progress in the future. God bless the United States of America and God bless the people of Serbia.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, the wallets of South Carolinians and all Americans have been negatively affected by the destructive decisions of Biden and the Democrat-led Congress destroying jobs. However, through the leadership of Governor Henry McMaster, with the largest Republican supermajority in South Carolina in 150 years, South Carolina has achieved a record surplus of over $3.5 billion in unexpected revenue for the year. Last week, in the State of the State Address by Governor McMaster, he stated that 2022 was the most successful year for economic growth in our State's history. The Governor announced 12 projects valued at over $10 billion creating 14,000 new jobs. Governor Jim Edwards recruited Michelin, Governor Carroll Campbell recruited BMW, Governor David Beasley promoted workfare programs, and Governor Nikki Haley saved Boeing. South Carolina remains a shining example for America. 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 support is for our appreciated ally Turkey, which has been so devastated by the earthquake.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the catastrophic Chinese spy balloon spectacle clearly threatened American families from Alaska to Missouri to North Carolina and to my home community in South Carolina with Fort Jackson and the Savannah River Site. This confirms that President Biden and Vice President Harris should resign. My call for their resignation was valid in August 2021 due to the surrender and the disastrous withdrawal in Afghanistan with 13 dead, creating a safe haven for terrorists to attack American families. It was not political in 2021 when the succeeding President, then- Speaker Nancy Pelosi, would have been a Democrat. And it is not political now in 2023 when the succeeding President would be Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who is a Republican. It is irrelevant for American families which party is in power because the first criterion of a leader should be their capability regardless of party, and sadly, Biden and Harris are failures. Resignation now is further reinforced by their open border policies having allowed hundreds of identified terrorists into America to commit mass murder. When the domestic attack occurs, Biden and Harris will not be able to adequately respond. Credible leadership is imperative to protect American families.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on January 30th, the Epoch Times revealed a serious threat to American families with the Biden Administration releasing 1,316 criminal illegal aliens in one month according to Zachary Stieber. It is disgusting endangering American families. ``Immigration officials released 521 convicted criminal aliens and 795 with pending criminal charges in December.'' ``The number of convicted criminal aliens and those with pending charges released rose by 58 percent from the prior month.'' ``The law explicitly requires that those who cross the border illegally be detained, but the Biden administration clearly doesn't want to detain or deport anyone,'' according to Ron Kovach, press secretary at the Federation for American Immigration Reform. ``Immigration and Custom Enforcement did not dispute the report but declined to comment.'' With masses of illegal alien criminals and hundreds of terrorist watchlist crossings, American families are at a greater risk than ever for mass murderous attacks at home. 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, on December 29, 2022, the Detroit News published the following inspiring obituary for Colleen House, an appreciated political trailblazer for the Michigan Republican Party. Colleen Mary House, whose unexpected foray into Michigan politics nearly 50 years ago blazed a trail for women lawmakers, died Christmas Eve after a two-year battle with dementia, her family announced Wednesday. She was 70. House died at her Foggy Bottom home in Washington, D.C., with her husband, John Gizzi, the senior White House correspondent for Newsmax, at her side. ``Colleen left my life as she entered it--with a warm smile, dancing eyes, and unconditional love,'' Gizzi wrote in a tribute sent to The Detroit News. At age 22, she became the youngest woman to serve in Michigan Legislature. But she almost followed a different path. After graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in political science in 1973, House wanted to follow in her older sister's footsteps as a flight attendant with Pan Am, according to Gizzi. But the airline cut back on international flights amid the energy crisis, prompting House to volunteer on a Republican campaign for Congress in a special election in her hometown of Bay City. Democratic State Rep. Bob Traxler won the election to fill the seat vacated by the Republican James Harvey, who had been appointed a federal judge. House then won Traxler's seat with help from future Michigan Gov. John Engler, who at the time was a state representative, The News reported. It was considered an upset victory in then-Democratic Bay County. House was also the first Republican to hold the seat in more than 20 years, according to her obituary. The rising political star was scheduled to be featured on a national Republican telethon hosted by then-Republican National Chairman George H.W. Bush. However, the event was canceled at the last minute after President Nixon resigned from office in the aftermath of the Watergate scandal. In 1974, House was re-elected, and the following April she wed Engler. They were the only husband-wife team in the Legislature, according to The News' archives. The couple divorced in 1988. After House lost re-election in 1976, she moved to Ingham County. From 1977-78 she served as director of public affairs for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. Her connection to Bush led to a role helping to run his presidential campaign in the Michigan primary where Bush defeated frontrunner Ronald Reagan. His Michigan victory helped keep him in the political conversation, eventually leading to Reagan tapping him as his vice president. House would eventually go on to work in the 41st U.S. president's administrations as director of intergovernmental affairs at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Before moving to Washington, House had also returned to the state legislature, representing Isabella and Mecosta Counties in 1982 and was reelected in 1984, according to the Library of Michigan. In 1986, she was the first woman to run for governor of Michigan but lost the primary. At the time, The News reported, Public Sector Consultants, a Lansing thinktank, called her ``one of the most dynamic speakers among the Republican candidates, and she projects a very firm grasp of the state issues (but) has been unable to raise the money to publicize her positions.'' She ran with GOP nominee Bill Lucas as a candidate for lieutenant governor, but their ticket was defeated by incumbent Gov. Jim Blanchard. After her stint in the Bush administration, House spent nearly a quarter-century working with the International Republican Institute, which she joined in 1993. House long was active at St. Matthews Cathedral in Washington, D.C., where she was a lector at Masses, trained other parishioners to read portions of the Mass and served as a pontifical lector, relatives said. Besides her husband, other survivors include a sister, Anne House Quinn; three nieces, Bridget House, Kathleen Quinn and Elizabeth Quinn; three nephews, George H. McElory, Dr. Jude McElory and James Quinn; and brothers-in-law T. Anthony Quinn, Charles J. Rhodes and Michael Kusisto. A funeral is scheduled to be held Feb. 18 at St. Matthews Cathedral. Memorials can be made to St. Matthew's Cathedral, the Fraternal Order of St. Peter or the American Hospice Association.

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.