Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, led by House Republicans with our leader and Speaker Mike Johnson and President Donald Trump, this year millions of Americans received larger tax cuts. By signing the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, President Trump has allowed 53 million hardworking Americans to keep more of their own money, creating jobs. Sadly, every single Democrat in the House voted to oppose the tax relief, promoting taxes to rise by 22 percent on working families. Democrats want Big Government. Republicans promote limited government. Millions of Americans have already benefited from no tax on tips, no tax on overtime, and no tax on Social Security. Promises made, promises kept. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump as war criminal Putin has subverted the Government of the Republic of Georgia with the Georgian Dream Party collaborating with the Iranian regime as Iranians meet today with war criminal Putin in Moscow to coordinate death to America.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, President Donald Trump has a proven agenda of tax cuts, deregulation, energy dominance, and more. An immediate benefit is creating jobs. The Department of Labor announced 178,000 new jobs in March, nearly triple the number forecast, a powerful confirmation of the Trump pro- growth agenda. Most positively affected is manufacturing, the first growth in that area in 3 years, and also the construction industry, expanded by gains in specialty trades and residential homebuilding. Yesterday, the Scout Motor Company with President Scott Keogh dedicated a phenomenal training facility with readySC and technical colleges in Blythewood, South Carolina, beginning the hiring of 4,000 skilled workers. Blythewood is now home of Scout. In conclusion, God bless our troops. As the global war on terrorism continues, Trump is reinstituting peace through strength revealing war criminal Putin's lies, insulting and mocking Trump as war criminal Putin provides targeting information to Iran to kill Americans. Our sympathy upon the death of the American patriot Jerry Bellune of Lexington, South Carolina, a fair and honest journalist.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, I sadly received this message from a courageous friend in Ukraine: ``Dear brother Joe, today our hearts are heavy. Just a few hours ago, Russian troops struck a Baptist church in Zaporizhzhia. This was not just a building. It was a beautiful house of prayer that believers built over many years, sacrificing their own finances and strength. For more than 300 people, it became a spiritual home, a place of worship, fellowship, and family. ``Now it lies in ruins. ``We already know of at least five victims, including one minister Ruslan Utyuzh who was inside the church at the moment of the strike. . . . ``Please stand with us in prayer and action. This must be stopped.'' In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is continuing to reinstitute peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting and mocking Trump with war criminal Putin bombing churches to intimidate Ukrainians, but war criminal Putin is a loser as Ukrainians will achieve victory. I congratulate Congressman Neal Dunn on the birth of a granddaughter an hour ago, Nora Amelia Dunn. Grateful parents are David and Isabel Dunn of Phoenix, Arizona.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Carolinians are grateful to express appreciation for the life of Commandant James Emory Mace, Sr., of Hampton County. He not only served our Nation as a decorated Army Officer but was the beloved father of Congresswoman Nancy Mace. I include in the Record the following obituary provided by The Citadel Alumni Association: J. Emory Mace, Sr., '63 James Emory Mace, Sr., of Mount Pleasant, the decorated Army officer who led The Citadel through a dramatic transition from an all-male institution to a co-ed military college, has died. He was 85. Mace, a Vietnam War veteran, was among the most decorated graduates in The Citadel's history. He served as the school's commandant from 1997 to 2005--a period marked by cultural upheaval, internal reforms and national scrutiny. Mace took over the role in February 1997, months after the first woman, Shannon Faulkner, enrolled at the formerly all- male military college following a protracted legal battle that went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. While Faulkner's stay was brief, his daughter, now-U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, would eventually succeed in becoming the school's first female graduate. She confirmed his death on the night of April 14. A cause was not immediately announced. ``Rest in peace, Dad. I love you and I'll see you again,'' she wrote on social media the following morning. As commandant, Mace moved quickly to reshape cadet life. Known for his blunt, disciplined leadership style, he implemented sweeping reforms: prohibiting harassment during meals and study periods, eliminating sophomore rank authority over freshmen, banning physical contact with first-year cadets, limiting ``knob knowledge'' requirements and shortening the military orientation period. In 1997, cadets lived by a new Citadel creed written by Mace. It read, in part: ``I will always endeavor to uphold the prestige, honor and high esprit de corps of The Citadel and the South Carolina Corps of Cadets . . . Under no circumstances will I ever embarrass The Citadel and the South Carolina Corps of Cadets.'' The changes marked a significant shift in the school's culture as it worked to integrate women into a traditionally rigid system, including his daughter. He would hold the role as third-in-command at the school for eight years. When he told the school's board of visitors he was stepping down, he said he had accomplished what he came to do--help men and women cadets coexist at the college. ``I feel I made a small difference in the life of The Citadel,'' Mace said in 2005 when announcing his retirement. That year, when state lawmakers recognized Mace for his contributions at the state's military college, the resolution noted that under his leadership some 95 women had graduated from the Corps of Cadets. The year Mace retired as commandant, the 1,900-member body included about 120 women. Born in Hampton County, Mace attended The Citadel and earned the nickname ``Bulldog.'' He graduated in 1963. He became something of a living legend. In her memoir, Nancy Mace wrote that her father built a near-mythic reputation at The Citadel for his extreme backwoods antics, including poaching alligators to pay for school and using them to intimidate freshmen. In one story, he allegedly threw a live alligator into a cadet's room to make a point about discipline, while in another, he chained a gator to the parade field overnight, leaving officers scrambling to remove it the next morning. The stories, she wrote, cemented his image as both feared and legendary among cadets. The persona he cultivated as a cadet was later reinforced by his record in combat.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Americans are grateful for the safe return of the brave astronauts of the Artemis II space mission, an extraordinary achievement for all mankind. NASA Astronauts Reed Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, as well as Canadian Space Agency Astronaut Jeremy Hansen demonstrated unparalleled dedication. Through their efforts, humanity traveled nearly 249,000 miles into space, farther than ever before in history. Their success inspires a future generation of scientists, astronauts, explorers, and engineers across America. President Donald Trump is successful in advancing American dominance in space exploration. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Donald Trump is instituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting and mocking Trump as war criminal Putin facilitates the Chinese Communist Party to provide missiles to Iran to kill Americans through the Black Sea Port of the Republic of Georgia, oppressed by the corrupt, illegitimate regime in Tbilisi. Our sympathy to Congresswoman Nancy Mace on the death of her father, former Citadel Commandant Emory Mace.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the leadership of Chairman Brian Mast and agree with his assessments. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition of the proposed resolution. Appeasement leads to larger war as we learned in 1939. President Donald Trump has courageously taken decisive action against the regime in Tehran, eliminating Khamenei, the architect of decades of terror, mass murder, repression, and aggression against the United States, Iranian patriots, and our Gulf allies. The removal of this murderous dictator marks a pivotal moment in history. It is going to be so beneficial for stability, peace, and prosperity for our Gulf allies of Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Oman, and Yemen, which we cherish their friendship. Additionally, Lebanon, Syria, and Iraq will be fully liberated of Iranian interference. President Trump is correct again of giving Syria a chance. Iran has been at war with America and Western civilization for 47 years. President Donald Trump has sent a clear message that those who threaten the United States and our partners will be ultimately held accountable. I am particularly grateful that four of my sons have served in the Middle East to defeat terrorism overseas and to protect American families at home. Recent events have exposed the dangers by Tehran. As Special Envoy Steve Witkoff learned of the Iranian capability to build nine bombs, President Trump courageously acted to prevent ``death to America, death to Israel,'' with their ballistic missile range into central Europe and India. President Trump has unified our allies from Turkiye to the Arab Gulf States to Saudi Arabia. As the Iranian people look forward to the future, we can recognize their aspirations for freedom and dignity have been crushed with the murders of 35,000 patriots this year. The United States stands with the Iranian people, not with the tyrants who murder them. Today, we honor the courage of our American troops, reaffirm our commitment to allies, and recognize President Trump's leadership in confronting one of the most dangerous regimes in the modern era. America remains vigilant, resolute, and committed to defending freedom wherever it is threatened, weakening war criminal Putin as Ukrainians are courageously achieving victory. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this resolution.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on Easter Sunday, President Donald Trump, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine completed a successful mission to rescue two American airmen in Iran. Less than 48 hours earlier, an American fighter jet had been shot down with a shoulder-fired missile as part of Operation Epic Fury. A rescue was launched immediately, locating one pilot within hours. However, the second crewmember landed much further away, complicating recovery efforts. Despite this challenge, President Donald Trump emphasized the promise that no man is left behind. He correctly described the mission as ``one of the largest, most complex, most harrowing combat rescue searches ever attempted by the military.'' As the grateful father of four sons who have served in the Middle East, I especially appreciate President Donald Trump. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting and mocking Trump as war criminal Putin facilitates the Chinese Communist Party providing shoulder-launched missiles through the Black Sea Port of the Republic of Georgia, collaborating with the illegitimate regime of the rigged elections in Tbilisi to kill American pilots.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the American military has liberated more countries than any other Nation in history. I have witnessed personally in Sofia, Bulgaria; Seoul, South Korea; Monrovia, Liberia; and Bogota, Colombia, the success of American liberation. Mr. Speaker, 2026 has seen spectacular achievements with the leadership of President Donald Trump, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Chairman of Joint Chiefs Dan Caine, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The dictator of Venezuela has been arrested. Ukraine maintains sovereignty, defeating war criminal Putin; and the mass murderers of Iran are eliminated. President Trump has unified support in Latin America and strengthened NATO defense spending, and Arab Gulf states stand with America. As the son of a World War II Flying Tiger, I appreciate those who fought to liberate China, and I have had four sons who have served in the Middle East. In conclusion, God bless our troops as Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting and mocking Trump, with Putin providing Iran satellite targeting to murder Americans.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize 100-year-old Staff Sergeant Phillip Bruce Cook, a proven patriotic resident of Lexington, South Carolina, on his reception of the French Legion of Honor medal, as well as his invaluable contribution to victory in World War II. Staff Sgt. Cook is receiving the French Legion of Honor medal for a career of profound courage and leadership as he served as a member of the U.S. Army Air Force 379th Bomb Group, 524th Bomb Squadron. Staff Sgt. Cook was born in Swansea, South Carolina, on September 23, 1925, and from a young age, he had a passion for flying. At just 17 years old, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and received training as an aerial gunner. Based in England, his first combat mission was in 1944 as a ball turret gunner flying over France. This was a particularly dangerous role aboard a B-17 bomber. Over the course of his service, Staff Sgt. Cook flew a total of 35 missions. The combat record of the 379th was the most successful of all the Eighth Air Force heavy bomber groups. The unit held records as far as bomb tonnage dropped--26,459 tons--more than any other group, including those in operation before the 379th even arrived in England. Staff Sgt. Cook was honorably discharged in 1945. Following the war, he returned to Lexington and attended a trade school to learn how to repair watches and clocks. A graduate of Swansea High School, he is married, has two children, and attends Northside Baptist Church in Lexington. Due to his outstanding sense of courage and commitment, he will be receiving the French Legion of Honor medal on April 9th, 2026, at the South Carolina Historic Aviation Foundation in Columbia. This medal is the highest and most prestigious French national order of merit and recognizes those brave men and women who have done great deeds for France. Following a comprehensive examination of his military record and post war life experiences, French President Emmanuel Macron approved his application. I am grateful to Staff Sgt. Cook for his incredible service and unwavering dedication to America. I wish him and his family all the best.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that President Donald Trump has taken successful actions to reduce government regulations, especially in the field of energy, creating jobs. Last month, the Department of Energy gave approval for the first, full-power portable microreactor test to Radiant Industries of California. Microreactors are smaller than traditional nuclear power plants, transportable in a single shipping container--with one-day installation. The Savannah River Site in Aiken, South Carolina, announced three public-private partnerships to develop small modular nuclear reactor technologies, ideal by military facilities and islands such as Guam and Puerto Rico. President Trump, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and Nuclear Regulatory Commission Member David Wright, along with Thomas McAllister with Department of Energy Congressional Affairs, are working to make America energy independent, reliable, and secure. In conclusion, God Bless Our Troops as the Global War on Terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting Peace Through Strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting and mocking Trump as war criminal Putin provides drones to Iran to murder American troops. War criminal Putin insults Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu providing drones to Iran to murder Israeli civilians. War criminal Putin provides satellite targeting information to kill Americans and Israelis along with courageous allies of Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Yemen and Jordan as war criminal Putin bombs Syria and Turkiye and Azerbaijan.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the Tehran regime is the leading sponsor of global terrorism, responsible for the cowardly murder of Iranians. Yet, the courage of the Iranian people continues, inspiring President Donald Trump to take action for the Iranian people to be liberated, ending 47 years of war on America and Israel. Beginning in December, nationwide protests against the Iranian dictatorship grew as consumer prices soared with crushing inflation. The regime responded in shutting down the internet and began murdering demonstrators. More than 30,000 Iranians have been mercilessly murdered. Fanatically, the regime continues killing its citizens as gruesomely evidenced last week, hanging 19-year-old Iranian wrestling champion, Saleh Mohammadi. Previously, beautiful Neda Agha-Soltan was shot and left to bleed to death on a street in Tehran. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump, mocking Trump. This week, he was mass murdering Ukrainian civilians in apartment buildings as exposed today by The Washington Times. Mr. Speaker, I wish a happy Greek Independence Day, and I welcome Antonis Alexandridis, our new Ambassador from Greece and Athens to the United States.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, friends of freedom are saddened by the anti-American Georgian Dream party support for the terrorist regime in Iran. A recent report by the Hudson Institute, ``Georgia's Iranian Turn,'' outlines Georgian Dream support for Tehran, attacking President Donald Trump. The Georgian Dream puppet prime minister of Tbilisi traveled to Iran twice in 2024, standing with leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah. In 2025, the Georgian Dream party expressed sympathy for the Iranian terrorists killed in U.S.-Israel airstrikes. Most recently, on March 2, the Georgian Dream party expressed condolences on the death of the Iranian supreme mass murderer Khamenei. The people of Georgia deserve fair and free elections, not the rigged elections by war criminal Putin, making his Mafia collaborators in charge. The legitimate President is Salome Zourabichvili of the Republic of Georgia. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump, with massive Russian drone attacks today on Ukrainian apartment buildings to kill civilians.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Iran has been at war for 47 years, murdering American families, justifying President Donald Trump to respond to the imminent threat from the Iranian regime. Since the 1979 embassy seizure in Tehran to sponsoring terrorism through puppets like Hezbollah, Hamas, Iraqi militants, and Houthis, to Iran boasting to Envoy Steve Witkoff of 11 nuclear bombs, the regime in Tehran has chosen oppression of Iranians over peace and prosperity. They chant: ``Death to America.'' President Trump has made the decision, with Israel, defending Americans: destroying missile capabilities, annihilating naval assets, and ensuring that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. We are forever grateful for the servicemembers defending American families. Courageous commentator Mark Levin of Buckley, Goldwater, and Reagan heritage, stands with Trump, condemning isolationists as either dumb or evil. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump as Putin provides targeting information to Iran to kill Americans. Our prayers for Suzie Wiles for a full recovery.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, due to weather-related flight cancellations, the following is a one-minute speech I was unable to deliver in-person. I include in the Record the following editorial The New York Post correctly editorialized yesterday: The United States saw four terror attacks on its soil in just the two weeks since the Iran war began, yet Democrats voted yet again last week to #Defund Homeland Security. Are they trying to help the terrorists? They also seem to hate TSA workers and flight passengers: Chaos has reigned at airports around the nation, with hours- long security lines; the shutdown has prompted 300 agents to quit and others to take unscheduled leaves rather than work without pay. The defunding's latest horror: The Department of Homeland Security's Office for Bombing Prevention just canceled a training class on how to handle IEDs. Actually, it's unthinkable: Airport misery and flight safety are bad enough, but defunding bomb prevention--at a time like this? Dems are holding the nation's security and air travel hostage in a purely symbolic protest to prove their hatred of ICE to their base. The funding cutoff doesn't even hit ICE, which already got ample cash in last year's Big Beautiful Bill Act. It's well past time for Democrats to end the games and think about everyday Americans for a change. Appreciated former House Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mike McCaul has correctly warned that Democrats are being irresponsible by shutting down the Department of Homeland Security during an increased threat from Iranian terrorists, and that they will have ``blood on their hands'' by not preventing attacks. Provocative insightful Sean Hannity stands with Trump exposing isolationists as either dumb or evil. Coordinating with determined Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, destroying the capability of eleven nuclear bombs boasted by Iran to Envoy Steve Witkoff is existential for Western civilization. Iran building intercontinental ballistic missiles puts all of Europe and South and Central Asia at risk with drone attacks already our valued NATO member Turkiye, along with Azerbaijan. In conclusion, God Bless Our Troops as the Global War on Terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting Peace Through Strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting and mocking Trump as Putin provides targeting directions to Iran to murder Americans.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize the North Augusta High School girls' and boys' basketball teams, ``The Jackets,'' as they both claimed the state title in the 2026 Class 4A South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) Basketball State Championship. This marks the first dual championship in program history. On March 7, 2026, the girls' team defeated Westside High School, winning 63-50, while the boys' team battled South Pointe High School in a thrilling double-overtime game, securing the state title with a 64-56 victory. The North Augusta girls' basketball team includes players Krislyn Johnson, Scout Lorier, Ki'Mariya Lee, Jade Council, Taylor Boney, Messiah Williams, Kenedi Wright, Traeona Davis, Tahj Flowers, Dynasia Hill, A'Myah Williams, Celena Grant, Azaria Sapp, Ashley Walker, and Skylar Parker. Alongside the players are their talented coaches Al Young, Aaliyah Bell, and Michael Hawkes, as well as Statistician, Janice Miriam. The North Augusta men's basketball team includes players Dez Davis, Jordan Rouse, Toian Nabriat, Zay Harris, Tristan Anderson, Quh'Mareon Webb, DJ Johnson, Tre Wright, London Dunn, Alex Evans, Ky'Dre Wright, Tyler Collins, and Rayan Bahria. Alongside the players is their talented coach, Tony Harrell. On behalf of all South Carolina, I congratulate the North Augusta High Jackets on this impressive achievement and wish both teams the best of luck as they defend their titles in the upcoming season. These victories are well-deserved for the teams, coaches, families, and community for all their hard work and support, making their dreams come true.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize the Blythewood High School girls' basketball team, ``The Bengals,'' as they defeated Wando High School in the 2026 5A Division I South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) State Championship. This marks the second State Championship in team history. In their final game, on March 6, 2026, the Bengals won the game 68- 44, finishing off their record with 24 wins and only 5 losses. The Blythewood High team includes players Madison Daniels, Kennedy Anderson, Aniya Guerrero, Kirsten Fulton, Kylie Davis, Alayna Young, Kylie Stovall, Hayley Hightower, Madison Thomas, Kaila Spain, Chase Thomas, and India Williams. Alongside the players is talented coach, Emily McElveen, and Statistician, Kevin Williams. On behalf of all South Carolina, I congratulate the Blythewood High Bengals on this impressive achievement and I wish them the best of luck as they defend their title in the upcoming season. This victory of the Blythewood High Bengals is well-deserved for the team, coaches, families, and community for all their hard work and support, making their dream come true.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize Columbia's Ridge View High School boys' basketball team, ``The Blazers,'' as they defeated Ashley Ridge High School in the 2026 Class 5A Division I South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) Basketball State Championship. This marks their seventh state championship in the past 9 years. On March 6, 2026, the Blazers won the game 65-44, bringing their final record to 27 wins and 3 losses. The Ridge View High basketball team includes players Talan Stanley, Jourdin Mack, Robert Wylie, RJ Davis, CJ Moore, Brayden Mack, Noah Sanders, Khabir McLawhorn, Gregory Williams, Joshua Vankallen, Kaleb Peters, Christopher Horton, and James Ross. Alongside the players are their talented coaches, Joshua Staley, Devonte Coulter, Reginald Murray, Kenneth Hunter, Christan Savage, David Smith, Chris Johnson, and Rion Davis. On behalf of all South Carolina, I congratulate the Ridge View High Blazers on this impressive achievement and wish them the best of luck as they defend their title in the upcoming season. These victories are well-deserved for the teams, coaches, families, and community for all their hard work and support, making their dream come true.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to highlight an important opportunity to prevent stomach cancer, ulcers, and other stomach diseases--and save lives--through increased awareness and screening for Helicobacter pylori, commonly known as H. pylori. I am a strong supporter of stomach cancer research and have proudly authored a letter to the Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Defense, along with my colleague Representative Josh Gottheimer, to continue to include stomach cancer in the DoD's Peer-Reviewed Cancer Research Program. I encourage my colleagues to join us in this effort and sign our letter. I also strongly support implementing prevention strategies already proven by research. H. pylori is a bacterial infection of the stomach that affects millions of Americans and is recognized as the leading cause of stomach cancer, a disease that is often diagnosed at a late stage and remains one of our Nation's deadliest cancers. The bacterium is classified as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it is definitively linked to cancer in humans. Fortunately, it is also one of the few stomach cancer risk factors that can be detected with a simple non- invasive test and treated with antibiotics. There have already been significant studies on this issue. Large clinical trials and long-term studies have demonstrated that eradicating H. pylori infection can reduce the risk of developing stomach cancer by roughly 45 to 50 percent among infected individuals. In other words, identifying and treating this infection represents one of the most promising opportunities we have today to prevent a deadly cancer before it begins. This issue is particularly important for our military and veteran communities. Service members may face increased exposure to H. pylori during overseas deployments to regions where the infection is more common, as well as through living conditions that can facilitate transmission, such as close quarters in barracks or ship berths. Studies suggest that approximately 25 percent of the U.S. veteran population has had or currently has an H. pylori infection. The American College of Gastroenterology, which provides widely used clinical guidelines on this issue, strongly recommends that all patients diagnosed with H. pylori infection receive eradication therapy and be re-tested afterward to confirm that the infection has been successfully eliminated. In addition, household contacts of infected individuals may also benefit from testing. However, recent research examining veterans receiving care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has identified significant gaps in care. A large study of veterans found that approximately 25 percent of patients who tested positive for H. pylori were not prescribed eradication therapy, despite clinical guidelines recommending treatment for all infected individuals. In addition, only about 21 percent of patients received recommended follow-up testing to confirm that the infection had been successfully eliminated, leaving many veterans unknowingly at continued risk. These findings highlight a clear opportunity to strengthen prevention efforts and improve care for those who have served our Nation. Improving early detection and treatment of a H. pylori infection has the potential not only to prevent stomach cancer, but also to reduce long-term healthcare costs and improve force readiness by addressing a preventable disease before it becomes life-threatening. For these reasons, I support efforts calling on the United States Department of Defense to conduct a cost and feasibility study evaluating H. pylori screening among members of the Armed Forces and veterans, including those receiving care through the Department of Defense and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Such a study will help determine how we can implement a targeted screening program for at-risk servicemembers and veterans and ensure that they receive the preventive care they deserve. I have submitted a request to the House Armed Services Committee to include this directive as report language in the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, and I hope the committee will give this request strong consideration. I would also like to thank my constituent, Mike Fields, a volunteer with Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer, for bringing this issue to my attention and for sharing his personal story with me and my staff. This issue matters to families in South Carolina and across the country. By increasing awareness of H. pylori infection, expanding access to testing, and studying the feasibility of screening programs for military and veteran populations, we can take meaningful steps toward preventing stomach cancer and saving lives. Prevention remains one of the most powerful tools we have in the fight against cancer. Acting on the research we already have regarding H. pylori infection offers a practical and evidence-based opportunity to protect the health of Americans--including those who have bravely served our Nation.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize Blythewood's Westwood High School boys' basketball team, ``The Redhawks,'' as they defeated Greenville High School in the 2026 Class 5A Division II South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) State Championship. This marks the first basketball State Championship in team history. The game was played on March 5, 2026, at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, where Westwood celebrated a 67-55 win. The win finished off their record at 25-3 for the season. The Westwood High team includes players Jayden Crews, Cylan McLeod, Quentin McGill, Jayven McClain, D'Marcus Thomas, Daytron Cockfield, Bryson Hardy, Desmond Grant, AJ Veal, Jesse Omeire, Jahlil Jenkins, Tristen Hudson, Jaylen Donaldson, Ariel Huell, and Chase Marshall. Alongside the players are talented coaches Trent Robinson and DeMonte Jacobs, as well as Statistician, Jessie Townsend. On behalf of all South Carolinians, I congratulate the Westwood High Redhawks on this impressive achievement and I wish them the best of luck as they defend their title in the upcoming season. This victory of the Westwood High Redhawks is well-deserved for the team, coaches, families, and community for all their hard work and support, making their dream come true.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I will always cherish my association as attorney and friend of Ravindra (Ravi) Patel. Assisting him incorporate SREE Hotels, Inc., I saw firsthand his phenomenal business acumen and integrity. In the best Indian-American tradition, coming to America with limited resources, he has built one of America's most successful hotel hospitality enterprises providing countless Americans entry-level jobs for fulfilling lives. Indian-Americans now own a majority of hotels across America with the 6 million Indian Americans having a per capita income twice that of other American communities. Our family will forever remember his infectious smile and words and deeds of encouragement. I will never forget as I began a campaign for State Senate his $100 check delivered at the Governor's House Hotel restaurant in Columbia as the initial deposit for my successful campaign account. I include in the Record the following tribute to Ravi that has been published by the Asian American Hotel Owners Association: ATLANTA (January 21, 2026)--AAHOA extends condolences following the passing of Ravi Patel, who served as AAHOA Chairman from 1992-93. Ravi was a founding member of the association and the Chairman of Charlotte-based SREE Hotels. The AAHOA family is deeply saddened by the loss of a true visionary and a foundational pillar of our association,' said AAHOA Chairman Kamalesh (KP) Patel. `Ravi was not just a leader; he was an architect of this organization. During his tenure as Chairman, he took a formative idea and gave it a home--literally and figuratively--by drafting our bylaws and establishing our first headquarters. His transition from chemical engineering to hospitality is a testament to the American Dream, and his legacy lives on in the 30-plus hotels he built and the thousands of hoteliers he inspired. Ravi's journey in the hospitality industry began in 1980 with the acquisition of a roadside motel in Florence, SC. Drawing on his engineering background, he renovated and repositioned the property as an EconoLodge, turning it into a success that became the cornerstone of SREE Hotels, which he co-founded with Chandra Patel. As Chairman from 1992-1993, Ravi's leadership was instrumental in the association's infancy. He focused on providing hoteliers with the tools to gain professional expertise in ownership and management, ensuring that the next generation of Asian American owners had a seat at the table. A native of Nadi, Fiji Islands, Ravi studied chemistry and physics at Saint Xavier's College before earning his bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Auburn University. Before his legendary career in hospitality, he served as an engineer for Goodyear. His analytical mind and entrepreneurial spirit helped SREE Hotels grow into a premier management and development group, partnering with global brands including Marriott, Hilton, and IHG. ``Ravi's commitment to education and his `do-it-yourself' work ethic defined the early spirit of AAHOA,'' added AAHOA President & CEO Laura Lee Blake. ``He believed that through knowledge and unity, our community could achieve anything. He was a mentor to so many and will be deeply missed. We extend our prayers and deepest condolences to his wife, his children, and the entire SREE Hotels family.'' Ravi lived in Charlotte, NC, where he remained active as SREE's Chairman and a cherished mentor to many in the industry. His contributions to the hospitality landscape of the Southeast and his service to AAHOA will be remembered for generations to come.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, South Carolinians are grateful to express appreciation for the life and extraordinary career of Coach Lou Holtz, who led the University of South Carolina Gamecocks football team from 1999 to 2004. He will always be remembered by his famous quote, ``Today's athletes talk about rights and privileges. And the players 50 years ago talked about obligations and responsibilities. And to me that describes society today.'' I include in the Record a review of his accomplishments presented by the Dawson Funeral Home of East Liverpool, Ohio: Louis Leo ``Lou'' Holtz, a national championship-winning college football coach and National Football Foundation College Football Hall of Famer member who devoted more than five decades to college coaching and broadcasting, died on March 4, 2026, at age 89. Holtz passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in Orlando, Florida. A devoted husband, father, faithful Catholic and one of college football's most legendary figures, he leaves behind a legacy defined by faith, family, perseverance and an unwavering belief in the potential of others. Born January 6, 1937, in Follansbee, West Virginia, as one of three children to Andrew and Anne Holtz, Holtz grew up in a working-class family that instilled in him a relentless work ethic and an abiding sense of gratitude from an early age. Holtz married his East Liverpool hometown love and best friend, Beth Barcus, on July 22, 1961. Their loving, faith filled marriage endured more than five decades until Beth's passing in 2020, and those who knew them will remember Lou and Beth as inseparable partners through both life's joys and challenges. He is survived by four children, nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: Luanne Altenbaumer (Terry) of Houston, Texas, their daughter Lindsay Altenbaumer (Raul Ganzalez) and their children Amelia and R.J.; Louis Leo ``Skip'' Holtz (Jennifer) of Six Mile, South Carolina, their children Louis Leo ``Trey'' (Rachel), Chad and Hailey; Kevin Holtz (Kelly) of Port Orange, Florida, their children Katherine and Aaron; Liz Messaglia (Mike) of Brownsburg, Indiana, and their children Zachary (Nicole), Beth and Jacob. In addition to his wife and parents, Holtz was preceded in death by his sisters Vicki Haggerty and Shirley Youst. After earning his undergraduate degree in history from Kent State University, where he played football for two seasons, a football injury led him to assist the coaching staff and later complete his master's degree at the University of Iowa, laying the foundation for a life devoted to teaching, coaching, and inspiring others. Commissioned as a Field Artillery Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve upon graduation, he carried that commitment forward throughout his life, supporting the military through multiple USO tours and uplifting deployed service members in places such as Camp Liberty in Baghdad and Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan. Holtz began his football coaching career in 1960 and spent time as an assistant coach at Iowa, William & Mary, Connecticut, South Carolina and Ohio State (under Hall of Famer Woody Hayes), winning the National Championship in 1968. He went on to excel by building programs as head coach at William & Mary (1969-71), North Carolina State (1972-75), Arkansas (1977-83), Minnesota (1984-85), Notre Dame (1986-96) and South Carolina (1999-2004). He finished with a career collegiate record of 249-132-7 and won a dozen postseason bowl games. At each stop, he inherited a program with a losing record and transformed it into a winner, taking every team to a bowl game by his second season and ultimately capturing the 1988 National Championship with the Fighting Irish. His extraordinary ability to revive struggling teams made him the only coach in college football history to send six different programs to bowl games and to guide four of them to final Top 15 rankings. His love of golf began at William & Mary, where coaching the golf team to supplement his football salary sparked a lifelong passion for the game. He later treasured his memberships at Lake Nona and Augusta National, forming lasting friendships on their fairways, celebrating six holes in one, and cherishing the highlight of winning the Jamboree at Augusta. Holtz lived by the values of trust, love and commitment. He taught three essential rules: do what is right, do it to the best of your ability, and show people you care. These principles not only shaped the teams he built, but more importantly, they shaped character, instilled purpose, and helped young men become the best versions of themselves, on the field and in life. Lou Holtz received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, from President Trump during a White House ceremony on December 3, 2020, recognizing his extraordinary impact as one of America's greatest football coaches and a lifelong teacher of character and leadership. Beyond the gridiron, he became a trusted analyst for CBS and ESPN, a New York Times bestselling author and one of America's most sought-after motivational speakers. Known for his quick-wit and charm, he turned every podium into an opportunity to inspire others to believe in themselves. His wit, wisdom and warmth reached far beyond football. Through the Holtz Charitable Foundation, he and Beth supported countless educational and community initiatives, continuing to shape lives long after his final game. Holtz's Heroes Foundation, organized by his former Notre Dame players, supports scholarships at Notre Dame, former players and the Bread of Life Food Drive.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the leadership of Governor Henry McMaster, South Carolina Commerce Secretary Harry Lightsey, South Carolina Ports Authority President Micah Mallace, and Board Chairman Bill Stern. The Ports Authority announced that, in 2025, our exports for the Palmetto State totaled $38.5 billion, the highest value in 7 years. Charleston is led by Mayor William Cogswell. Motor vehicles and parts, aircraft and parts, and machinery and parts were the most exported commodities. South Carolina has exported to 198 countries and territories, creating jobs. In 2025, we were the leading exporter of BMW, Volvo, and Mercedes vehicles, as well as the national leader in the export of Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental, Giti, and Trelleborg tires. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstating peace through strength through revealing war Putin criminal lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump, as Putin supports Iran today after the attacks on civilians in Azerbaijan and Syria. I am confident that President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria will respond, protecting Syrians. South Carolina also recognizes the passage of our favorite son, Jesse Jackson.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the Tehran regime is the head of the snake of terrorism worldwide, chanting death to America. They have targeted, kidnapped, wounded, and killed thousands of Americans for 47 years. President Donald Trump repeatedly sought peace, but the Iranian regime boasted of 11 nuclear bombs, as exposed by talented Envoy Steve Witkoff. As a result, President Trump made the decision with Israel to launch Operation Epic Fury, defending American families. The objectives are clear: destroy the missile capabilities, annihilate the naval assets, and ensure that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon. Senior Iranian despots and murderous Khamenei have been destroyed. We grieve for the courageous servicemembers wounded and those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reiterating peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump as Putin declares solidarity with the Iranian mass murderers. Our prayers are with devoted Indiana Congressman Jim Baird upon the loss of his wife, Danise.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Brian Mast for yielding me time. I am grateful to support the resolution of Chairman Brian Mast. Mr. Speaker, over the weekend, the world watched President Donald Trump take courageous action against the murderous regime in Tehran; eliminating Khamenei with senior Iranian regime leaders, the architect of decades of terror, repression, and aggression, killing thousands of Americans and allies over the years. The removal of this brutal dictator marks a pivotal moment in the long struggle against a regime that has destabilized the Middle East and threatened global security for more than four decades, repressing the great people of Iran. Additionally, with the removal of the Syrian dictator Assad, who has fled to Moscow, appropriately, to be with war criminal Putin, we now have a new government in Syria with Ahmed al-Sharaa. With that government, President Donald Trump is leading a bipartisan effort to give Syria a chance and give the Middle East a chance for peace and prosperity. Again, it is bipartisan, working together. My appreciation of the courageous decision by President Donald Trump to remove the dictatorship in Tehran is personal. I have four sons who have served overseas facing the Iranian IEDs, drones, snipers, and missile attacks. Alan served in Iraq field artillery with cross-country convoys, receiving a Combat Action Badge. Add was a Navy doctor in Bagdad. Julian was a signal officer in Egypt with Bright Star, and Hunter served as an engineer for a year in Afghanistan. The American people have never forgotten the crimes of the Iranian regime. From the 1979 seizure of the embassy in Tehran and the disgusting hostage crisis that led to 52 Americans being captive for 444 days, freed by President Ronald Reagan, to decades of sponsoring terrorism through puppets such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and Houthis, Iranian leadership has consistently chosen mass murder over peace and prosperity. President Trump is sending a clear message that those who threaten the United States, our partners, and allies will ultimately be held accountable even after 47 years. While this operation marks a historic strategic victory, it also comes at a solemn cost. Six brave American servicemembers have lost their lives, with many wounded. We mourn their sacrifice. These men and women stood on the front lines of freedom to destroy the Iranian missile threat, sinking the Iranian navy, and by permanently ending the Iranian nuclear capability. As the Iranian people look to the future, the American people will stand with the Iranian people for freedom, peace, and prosperity. Today, we honor the courage of our troops, reaffirm our commitment to our allies, and recognize the leadership of President Donald Trump in confronting a maniacal regime. America remains vigilant, resolute, and committed to defending freedom wherever it is threatened.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Master Sergeant Jeremy Gerard Johnson, a proven patriotic resident of Aiken, South Carolina, on his retirement from the United States Army after twenty-two years of honorable and faithful service to America. MSG Johnson had a career of profound courage and leadership as he served as a combat medic, providing critical care under fire in multiple combat deployments in addition to training over three thousand new medics at Fort Sam Houston in Texas. Furthermore, as a Team Sergeant in a Special Operations Task Force, he bravely supported the fight against ISIS in Syria and played a vital role in the success of global Joint Special Operations Command missions. His innovative spirit was recognized in 2021 when he received the prestigious Captain Teal Award, naming him the best Medical Operations Non-Commissioned Officer in the entire U.S. Army. Upon his retirement, I extend my deepest thanks to MSG Johnson for his incredible service and unwavering dedication to America. I wish him and his family all the best for a long and fulfilling retirement.