Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

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. 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. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, further validating the immediate need for the world to support Ukraine in their battle against Putin's ongoing murderous and destructive invasion, this week Russian missiles hit residential areas in eastern Ukraine, killing more civilians and wounding many others. This latest attack comes just as European Union officials, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for their first such summit since late 2021. With the EU as a partner in this global effort to help the people of Ukraine during their critical time of need President von der Leyen confirmed that EU assistance for Ukraine had now reached $55 billion dollars. Worldwide unity opposing war criminal Putin is reinforced with courageous Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel conducting a policy review for supplying defensive weapons to Ukraine. During today's joint press conference with President Zelenskyy, President von der Leyen said, ``It has been almost one year since Putin launched his brutal invasion. One year of suffering but also of legendary bravery by the Ukrainian people. And one year of impressive unity by the global community. Europe has been by Ukraine's side since day one. Because we know that the future of our continent is being written here. We know that they are fighting for more than themselves. What is at stake is freedom. This is a fight of democracies against authoritarian regimes. Putin tries to deny the existence of Ukraine, but what he risks instead is the future of Russia. Our presence in Kyiv today gives a very clear signal: The whole of the European Union is in this with Ukraine, for the long haul. We will stand up for Ukraine, as we stand up for the fundamental rights and the respect of the international law.'' She went further to say, ``Overall, the European Union's economic, humanitarian and military support for Ukraine amounts now, since the beginning of the war, to almost EUR 50 billion. It is important for us to give economic security to our friends in Ukraine.'' I am grateful for the leadership of President von der Leyen and the European Union for their tremendous support of Ukraine in their battle for freedom against the war criminal Putin. God Bless the United States of America. God Bless Ukraine. Ukraine will achieve victory.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as a result of failing policies by Biden and the Democrat-led Congress, American families continue to feel the impact of 40-year-high inflation in their pocketbooks. Last year, the cost of everyday products and services rose exponentially, destroying jobs. Since Biden took office, there has been a $10 trillion increase in spending above projections, $2.5 million increase on interest payments on growing Federal debt, $1.9 trillion on the American Rescue Plan, $745 billion on the inflation expansion act, $3.4 trillion on the infrastructure investment act, and $1 trillion in Biden executive actions. This irresponsible spending has hurt all Americans, and we must address it. The newly elected House Republican majority, ably led by Speaker Kevin McCarthy, is committed to creating jobs and a government that is accountable to the people. We must reestablish fiscal sanity. 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. Just yesterday, another terrorist was caught crossing the southern border.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

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. 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. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, I was grateful to attend the campaign kickoff for Donald Trump at the South Carolina State House in Columbia with the former President, Governor Henry McMaster, and Ambassador Ed McMullen. My public service has been committed to promoting job creation with the slogan of ``Joe Means Jobs.'' That is why I appreciate the success of Governor McMaster last year recruiting over $10 billion in investments. This enhances South Carolina as being first in the export of sales of both tires and passenger cars. The triumphant policies of President Trump reducing taxes and regulations created jobs. He created record unemployment lows for African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, and women. Donald means jobs. A political consequence of the Trump and McMaster success is the super majority of Republicans in this South Carolina State House and State Senate with the most Republicans in over 150 years. Until 1961, there were no Republicans in the legislature in the 20th Century. 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, FOX News and Iran International report that the Special Envoy for Iran for Biden, Robert Malley, has met with the Iranian Ambassador to the United States three times recently. During this period, the Iranian regime was murdering its own people in the streets. The Biden administration must explain to the American people what was discussed. General Jack Keane has correctly warned that Iran can develop a nuclear capability in just 4 more months. Biden refuses to close the door and stop the talks over reentering the Iran nuclear deal. An absurd Iran nuclear agreement will give the regime billions of dollars, threatening Israel and underwriting drones to Putin against Ukraine. I have appreciated the bipartisan opposition to the deal by Senator Joe Lieberman and Chairman Eliot Engel. The House Republican majority is committed to providing oversight of the weak foreign policy of Biden. 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, friends of democracy are grateful that today the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, announced in a speech before the German Federal Parliament that Berlin will send German-made Leopard 2 tanks to defend Ukraine. Germany is well represented in Washington with Ambassador Emily Haber. Chancellor Scholz recognizes we are in a worldwide competition of democracies with Rule of Law opposed by authoritarians with Rule of Gun. This was an historic decision by the German government and one which will help Ukraine in its time of need as a renewed Putin spring offensive likely draws near. This decision will not only help Ukraine win on the battlefield, and save thousands of lives, but it will also enhance European and transatlantic security. I am also appreciative that our Polish allies are making a vital contribution by sending their own tanks to support Ukraine. There is no doubt that the decision by President Biden to finally send American-made M1 Abrams tanks was essential in convincing our German allies to send the Leopard tanks to Ukraine. However, I am deeply concerned that it may take months for the Abrams tanks to reach Ukraine, time that the innocent people of Ukraine cannot afford. Unfortunately, the administration continues to block essential weapons like the long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), which could help Ukraine win on the battlefield and end the conflict sooner. The ATACMS are crucial for Ukraine to defend itself against attack from Iranian drone systems and Russian forces based in Crimea. I call on President Biden to do the right thing and give Ukraine what it needs. I especially appreciate Germany in that my home county of Lexington, South Carolina, was originally named Saxe Gotha being settled by enterprising German farmers. Also my maternal family was significantly German with my ancestor Daniel Weisiger born in Frankfort in 1803, immigrating from Rotherdam in 1830 to Philadelphia then to Chesapeake, Virginia. I am named for his son David Addison Weisiger of Petersburg, Virginia. God Bless the United States of America. God Bless Germany. God Bless Ukraine. God Bless President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ukraine will achieve victory.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, since Biden took office, there have been nearly 5 million crossings of illegal aliens from over 100 countries, a direct result of his failed policies and those of the Democrat-led Congress. Biden and Democrats shamefully support what they expect as low-information voters, ignoring the immediate threat of terrorists. According to Customs and Border Protection, last month was the 10th consecutive month of more than 200,000 illegal crossings. Federal seizures have also resulted in fentanyl rising over 50 percent from November to December 2022, murdering young Americans. The House Republican majority will deliver commonsense solutions to stop identified terrorists who are threats to American families at greater risk of mass murder than ever before. House Republicans are holding the government accountable and will not stop until the American people are protected with a wall and fences, as Donald Trump attempted to achieve. 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, last year was difficult for the American family. Under disastrous policies of Biden and the Democrat-led Congress, inflation reached 40-year highs, causing everyday prices to skyrocket. December marked the 21st straight month that inflation was higher than real wages. As a result, Americans are relying on credit cards as payment, and nearly half are carrying debt from month to month, up 39 percent from last year, according to Bankrate. Credit card balances increased 15 percent versus last year, the largest increase in more than 20 years, according to a recent quarterly report of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. When Biden took office in 2021, inflation was 1.4 percent, but it has risen nearly 14 percent since then, destroying jobs. The House Republican majority is committed to fighting inflation and lowering the cost of living, 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. Our sympathy to the family of Tom Young, Sr., of Aiken, South Carolina.

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, former Congressman Arthur Ravenel entered into eternal rest on January 16th. Congressman Ravenel was a pioneer in developing the modern Republican party in 1960, when there were no Republican elected officials at any level in South Carolina. In 2022, all statewide officials are Republican, with super majorities in the State House and Senate, being the largest Republican majorities at every level in 150 years. I especially appreciated his encouragement to begin a Teen Age Republican Club with State Party Vice Chairwoman Julia Ravenel Dougherty at the High School of Charleston for the presidential campaign of Senator Barry Goldwater. It is appropriate that the following tribute for Arthur Ravenel be provided. Arthur Ravenel, Jr. was born March 29, 1927, to Mary Allen Boykin and Arthur Ravenel in Charleston, SC. He was raised on his father's small farm in St. Andrew's Parish. He attended public schools and was an Eagle Scout. After his graduation from St. Andrew's High School, he volunteered for the United States Marine Corps and was called to duty on his 18th birthday. After his service with the Marine Corps, he attended The College of Charleston on the GI Bill and graduated in 1950 with a degree in history. His first job was with the Westvaco Paper Mill as a laborer and in 1952 he started a home improvement business and built it into a successful general contracting and real estate firm so that he was able to retire at the age of 50 and devote his full energies to public service. Mr. Ravenel began his career in politics in 1953 when he was elected to the SC House of Representatives where he served until 1958 and earned a reputation for being a conservationist. In the early 1960's he was instrumental in helping to build the modern day Republican Party, serving as the First District Chairman, the state finance chairman and as a Goldwater Delegate to the GOP Convention in San Francisco in 1964. In those early days of the GOP, he ran several unsuccessful races for the SC Senate and finally, in 1980 he and Glenn McConnell were elected as Republicans to the State Senate. In 1986 he ran for the US.Congress upon the retirement of Thomas Hartnett and served four terms in Washington. In 1994, he ran for Governor but was defeated in the GOP Primary. In 1996, upon the request of Mayor Harry Hallman of Mt. Pleasant, he again ran for the SC Senate and led the effort to find the funding to replace the aging Cooper River Bridges. With the enthusiastic help of many, he accomplished the mission. The next year, frustrated with the failing schools in Charleston County, he again offered himself for public service and was elected to The Charleston County School Board. During his long public service, Mr. Ravenel was affectionately known as ``Cousin Arthur'' for his tireless work on behalf of his constituents. In addition to helping find funding for the new bridge, he was also responsible for helping to secure the initial funding from the General Assembly to procure the Avery Institute at the College of Charleston. He was also instrumental in the creation of the Low Country Graduate Center, a cooperative venture of MUSC, The College of Charleston, The Citadel, USC and Clemson, through his efforts with the Charleston County Legislative Delegation and was particularly proud that it was done without the necessity of legislative action. After the birth of his son, William, who has Down's Syndrome, he became a passionate advocate in creating and promoting services for the developmentally disabled and served as president of the SC Association for Retarded Children. He sponsored legislation with Senator Bill Mescher of Berkeley County to prevent The Department of Disabilities from closing any of its habitation centers without a vote of the General Assembly. A lifelong conservationist and environmentalist, he was successful in getting passed an amendment to the State Appropriations Bill to assign a modest percentage of the documentary stamp revenues to purchase and protect South Carolina's natural and cultural heritage sites for the Heritage Land Trust Fund, which owns over a hundred thousand acres. He with his wife, Jean Rickenbaker Ravenel, have placed conservation easements over some of their own properties. In 1995, he was asked by Governor David Beasley to head up the newly formed Redevelopment Authority created to breathe new life into the closed Charleston Naval Base. Within a few months, he successfully guided the RDA to lease out vital portions of the industrial area, including the dry docks leased to a local firm. He also assisted the Academic Magnet School in to finding a new home on the Old Naval Base. When he left to return to the Senate, the RDA was well on the road to the outstanding success it now enjoys. A life member of The Sons of Confederate Veterans, Mr. Ravenel was very proud of his grandfather, Edward Ravenel, who served as a courier on General Hardee's staff at The Battle of Bentonville in NC. Private Ravenel had been a member of the Stono Scouts which was made up of men from The Sea Islands surrounding Charleston and was led by Captain Walpole. While in the Senate, Mr. Ravenel was active in negotiations to remove the Confederate Battle Flag from the State House Dome to the Soldiers' Monument in the front of the Capitol. During his service on the Charleston County School Board, he was most proud of leading the contentious and successful battle that resulted in the opening of the Math and Science Charter School. A life long member of The French Huguenot Church, he was active in the revitalization of the church and traveled around the world interviewing prospective clergy for the reopening of the church. He served on its board for 55 years. He has also been a member of the St. Johns Hunt Club, The South Carolina Society, The Washington Light Infantry, The South Carolina Coastal Conservation League, The Carolina Yacht Club and The Fort Moultrie Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans. He is survived by his brother, Edward Ravenel, his wife, Jean Rickenbaker Ravenel and his former wife, Louise Ravenel Dougherty, his six children; Suzanne Ravenel, Arthur Ravenel, III (Heidi), Renee R. Brockinton (Harvey), Eva R. Ravenel (of the late Rene Ravenel), William Ravenel, all of Charleston, SC and Thomas J.J. Ravenel of Aiken, SC. Four step-children, Jean Elliott Manning, Heath Manning, Jr. (deceased), Mary Locke Olliphant (Murray), and Dibble R. Manning (Carla) and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. The family wishes to express their appreciation to his wonderful caregivers Geraldine Jameson, Luc Maxineau, Philip Edles, Paul Dennis, and The Lutheran Hospice of South Carolina.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today is historic in Columbia as South Carolina Constitutional Officers are sworn in to begin four-year terms. The State House, with its record majority of Republicans, gained seven seats, and with the State Senate now has the largest number of Republican elected officials in 150 years. Governor Henry McMaster will begin a term to achieve 10 years of service, the longest ever for a governor to serve with term limits. He is joined by Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette. Re-elected for new terms today are Attorney General, Alan Wilson, Commissioner of Agriculture, Hugh Weathers, Comptroller General, Richard Eckstrom, Secretary of State, Mark Hammond, and Treasurer, Curtis Loftis. Succeeding Superintendent of Education, Molly Spearman, who ably addressed the Wuhan Virus crisis, is the talented and innovative Ellen Weaver. Appreciated legislative leaders also includes President Tom Alexander in the Senate, and Speaker Murrell Smith in the House. The success of the Republican party is due to the conservative accomplishments of limited government and expanded freedom. 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, yesterday, the 118th Congress and its newly elected Republican majority, led by Kevin McCarthy, began the session by voting to pass the Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act. This important legislation will give money back to the American people by rescinding billions of dollars in funding for 87,000 new IRS agents put in place by the duplicitous Democrat-led inflation expansion act. This is just the first example of promises made, promises kept. Among the commitments to America by House Republicans: Fight inflation and support working families. Reduce gas prices and restore energy independence. Secure the supply chain and restock our shelves. Secure the southern border. Defend America with peace through strength. Ensure faith in free and fair elections. Reclaim oversight and hold the Biden administration accountable. Protect American rights and serve the people. 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.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize the gold medal that the Building Construction Technology Team from Midlands Technical College (MTC) received at the SkillsUSA National Competition. The championships include a series of career competition events beginning at the local level and continue to the state and national levels. The Midlands Technical College students excelled through each level, qualifying for the national competition in Atlanta on June 23rd where they had the opportunity to compete against the best career and technical education students in the country. Their win is monumental for South Carolina's construction industry and workforce development as it is the first time that a South Carolina technical college has won a national title in the building trades. I applaud each of the students on the team, Alex Britigan, Taylor Mathias, Nathan Brady, Arturo Salinas, and Cameron Drake, as well as the Building Construction Program Director Robbie Sharpe, and Midlands Technical College's president, Dr. Ronald L. Rhames, for their hard work and achievements. The MTC School of Advanced Manufacturing and Skilled Trade provides an outstanding education and prepares students for successful careers in the automotive industry, graphic design production, welding technology, machine tooling, construction, and other skilled trades. The future of South Carolina's economy looks bright with the students of Midlands Technical College leading the construction industry and workforce development.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that with a new Congress is new leadership. Congratulations to Speaker Kevin McCarthy. Speaker McCarthy has a proven record of accomplishments for the American people, and his leadership will be enhanced with Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, Republican Conference Vice Chair Mike Johnson, National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson, and Policy Committee Chairman Gary Palmer. The Republican majority will immediately begin to implement the Commitment to America that Speaker McCarthy coordinated with input from across the country. It promotes an economy that is strong, a Nation that is safe, a future that is built on freedom, and a government that is accountable. Legislation begins with the Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act, which defunds Biden's army of 87,000 new IRS agents. In conclusion, God bless our troops who have successfully protected America for 20 years in the global war on terrorism as it continues from Afghanistan's safe haven to America. Our sympathy to the family of magnificent Lynette ``Diamond'' Hardaway of North Carolina, and we welcome Delegate Jim Moylan of Guam.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, Congress appropriately gave 18 standing ovations in appreciation for President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from Ukraine for stopping war criminal Putin's invasion. His address to the joint meeting of Congress was historic and heartfelt. Sadly, the world is in a competition between democracies with rule of law as opposed to autocrats by rule of gun. The first target is Ukraine with clear warnings to Moldova, Georgia, Taiwan, Israel, and America. The resolve and courage of President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people have unified Republicans and Democrats, NATO with Finland and Sweden, the European Union, Japan, South Korea, and Australia supporting Ukraine. President Zelenskyy is a symbol of freedom and courage for Ukraine and all who cherish democracy and oppose murderous invasion maintaining borders. 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. God bless Ukraine. God bless President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ukraine will achieve victory for a merry Christmas.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. I yield myself the balance of my time. Madam Speaker, this is, again, an indication of bipartisanship. I appreciate Chairman Greg Meeks and referencing the speech last night, the historic speech by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It was bipartisan. Initially, the unintended action of war criminal Putin was to unify Republicans and Democrats in a bipartisan manner due to the depravity of the invasion and the mass murder being conducted in Ukraine. But actually, we saw last night, Republicans and Democrats have come together to respect the resolve and the capabilities of the people of Ukraine to defend themselves. It is so inspiring and again, unintended. War criminal Putin has brought Republicans and Democrats together; has brought NATO together and expanded NATO with Finland and Sweden; how incredible. He has achieved, sadly, but it is really good that the European Union now is actively supporting the people of Ukraine. Then worldwide, it is not America alone helping the people of Ukraine. We have substantial efforts by South Korea, by Japan, worldwide, dozens of countries that are helping. Again, I appreciate Congressman Meeks raising that because it was a bipartisan initiative that now we can proceed with this to take action against the continuous threat of American intellectual property. According to former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the U.S. has closed the People's Republic of China consulate in Houston because it was a ``den of spies'' and a ``hub of spying and intellectual property theft.'' We have seen the PRC steal research from our universities. We can also, sadly, be sure this is happening all across America as we speak. This must stop. We must end the theft and sale of U.S. technology to China to build their war machine. We must prepare for the next great global power competition, and that starts by instituting strong export controls and passing this legislation to stem the tide of American intellectual property theft. I support this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this bill. I appreciate the bipartisan leadership of Chairman Greg Meeks as we see this legislation today. America has always been a country on the forefront of innovation. As a Nation, we imagine the impossible and make it a reality, as Congressman Meeks has so well pointed out. As a leader in the development of high-tech innovations, the United States has built our national strength on our technological prowess. This includes some of the advanced technology that powers everything from our advanced aerospace and weapons systems, to our household appliances, and the GPS system in our cars. Over the last few decades, we have seen American innovation stolen by the People's Republic of China, the Chinese Communist Party, threatening our technological leadership. If China can't buy our technology, they will steal it. Just a few weeks ago, a year's-long malicious cyber operation by the PRC was uncovered. It is estimated to have siphoned off trillions of dollars in intellectual property from around 30 multinational companies within the manufacturing, energy, and pharmaceutical sectors. Time and time again, we have seen the PRC do anything to gain a technological edge. We must recognize the PRC as a strategic competitor, and we have a right to treat them as such. While I wholeheartedly support this measure and urge my colleagues to do the same, we must also examine the Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security. We must ensure that the United States has the necessary export controls in place to prevent the sale of advanced technology that could be used against us. We recently witnessed a PRC hypersonic missile test, which circled the globe and landed with precision. This was only possible through U.S. technology that was sold to them. This should be a wake-up call to all Americans. This is not just an intellectual property issue. It is a national security issue. That is why this bill is so important. It requires Congress be provided a list of any individual or firm that has engaged in, benefited from, or provided support for the theft of U.S. trade secrets. If any entity is found to do so, the United States can levy sanctions against that entity--setting export prohibitions, preventing loans from U.S. and international financial institutions, and prohibiting banking transactions. This legislation would severely penalize those engaged in intellectual property theft, and more importantly, take proactive steps to end the rampant theft of American innovation. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important national security measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, the Supreme Court issued a hold to keep the Title 42 border control policy alive. This follows litigation by 19 States, along with a warning by the Border Patrol officials, of a doubling of illegal aliens crossing the border. Implemented in 2020 by President Donald Trump, and was set to expire today, the pandemic-era program is a critical tool used to quickly expel illegal aliens. Since Biden took office, over 4 million illegal aliens have been caught crossing the border, including 230,000 in October. The Biden administration is intentionally promoting the deadly drugs by cartels, the child human trafficking into our country, and terrorists crossing over into American society putting every family at risk of mass murder. The newly elected House Republican majority will work to secure the border to protect 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. Welcome President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine to Washington. During my visit to Kiev last week, I saw firsthand the resolve of Ukraine. Ukraine will achieve victory.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I am grateful, as Co- Chair of the Congressional French Caucus, to ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Jean Monnet through the legislation I co-sponsored creating a commemorative work in Rock Creek Park to honor his international peace contributions. Jean Monnet is often referred to as the ``Father of Europe'' for his role in initiating the dream for the European Union, which today is one of our largest trading partners. During World War II, Jean Monnet took up residence here in Washington, D.C., and contributed to the ``Victory Program'' with the United States, helping the allied powers retake his home country after its fall in 1940. After the war, Jean Monnet worked tirelessly to integrate European nations with the United States, and create a lasting transatlantic cooperation. His diplomatic work led to the creation of the European Union. Mr. Monnet spent his time in the United States appreciating the natural beauty of our country. He notably took daily walks through Rock Creek Park which he fondly referred to as ``my park'' in his memoirs. His personal connection to the park makes it a fitting location for a commemorative work in Washington. I join my colleagues in extending support for the legislation creating this new capital memorial.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I was grateful today to attend a presentation by Alex Epstein on Energy Opportunity where he fulfilled the introduction of being an ``energy expert and philosopher, specializing in how to persuade people to see the truth about energy.'' His message was a courageous clarion call of sanity in the midst of energy policy insanity. Alex is author of two of the best-selling energy books of the last decade: The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels and Fossil Future: Why Global Human Flourishing Requires More Oil, Coal, and Natural Gas- Not Less. The presentation was highlighted by common sense, real world, easily understood, thoughtful talking points such as ``if Europe's level of dependence on Russia for natural gas scares you, know this America is even more dependent on China'' for components replacing fossil fuels. His explanation of the lessons on energy policies not only revealed the fallacies of failed policies, but he offers positive solutions confirming being environmentally conscious. Alex Epstein is a vital resource for Americans who understand the need for energy independence for jobs, national security, and fiscal sanity for American families.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, congratulations to congressional foreign policy adviser Stephanie Pendarvis and her husband, Julian Hunter Pendarvis, on the birth of their first child, a boy. Julian Biddle Pendarvis was born at 2:03 a.m. on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington. He weighed 5 pounds, 10.5 ounces, and measured 18.75 inches long. Stephanie has long been a valued member of the congressional team and has not only been instrumental in getting important policy legislation through the House but a positive influence on the staff and those around her. I know she and her husband will pass those fine qualities to baby Julian. Additionally, I offer congratulations to the extended Biddle and Pendarvis families on the newest addition to their team. In conclusion, God bless Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Putin's Iranian drones attacked yesterday the key district I visited Saturday on a codel. Fortunately, the people of Ukraine have destroyed in the last week 85 percent of Putin's missiles and drones.