Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

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

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, we are all concerned about the ongoing war in Yemen, including civilian casualties in the conflict with the Houthis murderously using civilians as human shields. The Iran-backed Houthis continue to launch indiscriminate attacks against the Saudi homeland, threatening Saudi civilians and more than 70,000 American citizens residing in Saudi Arabia. These murderous attacks target civilians and civilian infrastructure, like the Abha International Airport, causing death, injury, and damage to property. This is an intentional targeting of civilians and is in no way a military target. The terrorist-supporting regime of Iran is using the Houthis as proxies in the ongoing global war on terrorism. We cannot forget the pain and suffering that the Houthis themselves have inflicted on the Yemeni citizens with the Houthi brutal subjugation and occupation. One-sided initiatives that restrict U.S. support for Saudi Arabia, in word or deed, only telegraph more vulnerability that will lead to further attacks by the Houthis. We know the success of peace through strength and the failure of war through appeasement. It is encouraging that, in recent weeks, the Biden administration's messaging has focused strongly on the Houthis' intransigence in ending the conflict in Yemen, calling on the Houthis to agree to a comprehensive cease-fire immediately. We must stop terrorists overseas to protect our allies who are targeted by the terrorists. India has lost over 60,000 persons due to cross-border terrorism; Israel, this year, has had to face nearly 12,000 rockets provided by Iran to the Hamas terrorists in Gaza; and, sadly, we noted the 20th anniversary of 3,000 Americans killed on September 11, 2001. We should be using our longstanding relationship with the Saudis to press them to take every possible precaution to prevent civilian casualties. For nearly a century, there has been a warm cultural, educational, military, and economic partnership with the people of Saudi Arabia. But this amendment is too far detached from the sad realities of the Houthi attacks across the border and in Yemen. The drones and rockets have been provided by the terrorist-sponsoring regime of Iran, which oppresses its citizens and defames the extraordinary heritage of Persia. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition, with the great appreciation of our chairman, Greg Meeks--great appreciation, even if I disagree. We are all concerned about the ongoing war in Yemen, including the civilian casualties in the conflict due to the Houthis using human shields. However, sadly, many are focused disproportionately on Saudi Arabia while the Iran-backed Houthis continue to terrorize the people of Yemen and launch intentional, indiscriminate attacks against the Saudi homeland of innocent civilians, where 70,000 Americans live and work. We need to be aware of how the rhetoric in America regarding Saudi Arabia and the Yemen war empowers the Houthis to engage in further aggression with the murderous, intentional attacks on Saudi citizens, using drones and rockets provided by the terrorist-sponsoring regime in Iran, which oppresses its citizens and defames the extraordinary heritage of Persia. Iran perpetuates the ongoing global war on terrorism. It is encouraging that, in recent weeks, the Biden administration's messaging has strongly focused on the Houthis' intransigence in ending the conflict in Yemen, calling on the Houthis to agree to a comprehensive cease-fire immediately. Additionally, the President already announced his plan to end U.S. support for offensive operations in Yemen, including relevant arms sales. We should wait and see the results of this new policy before adding further legislative restrictions. We should be using our longstanding relationship with the Saudis to press them to take every precaution against civilian casualties. For nearly a century, there has been a warm cultural, educational, military, and economic partnership with the wonderful people of Saudi Arabia. While the amendment contains specified exceptions, it does not address the core challenge of trying to rehabilitate the U.S.-Saudi partnership while trying to improve Saudi actions with respect to civilian protections as Houthis murderously use human shields. I do not think this amendment helps protect our national security interests in the Middle East, nor will it measurably change Saudi actions. We should be standing for the success of peace through strength and not the failure of war through appeasement. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I will disagree with Chairman Ted Deutch. Usually, we agree. Additionally, I disagree with Chairman Greg Meeks, but I do appreciate the chairman's recognition of the Iranian and Houthi drone attacks on civilian communities where large numbers of Americans live. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, as I begin, I was grateful to support the prior amendment that we just had by President Gerry Connolly and also Congressman Steve Chabot, but I oppose this particular amendment. U.S. troops are in Syria to fight ISIS. They were sent by President Barack Obama pursuant to the 2001 counterterrorism AUMF. The global war on terrorism is not over. It is moving, as we have sadly seen, the terrorist attack last week in New Zealand and as we see the terrorists who are coming across the southern border into the United States. For years we have worked with our partners on the ground to eliminate the caliphate. We must not leave them behind as they have been brave patriots and could be subject to murderous terrorists. This mission has been incredibly successful. However, the job is not done. The threat of ISIS against American families and our allies remains. The nations that have faced the most cross-border attacks are India with 60,000 deaths; Israel with--just this year, in the past couple of months--12,000 Iranian rockets by an attack by Hamas from Gaza; and, of course, in America 3,000 persons murdered on 9/11. Our continued presence on the ground is necessary to ensure the enduring defeat of ISIS and protecting American families by defeating terrorists overseas. This shortsighted amendment would prematurely cut short our presence in Syria. Our small force in Syria is incredibly effective and part of the global coalition to defeat ISIS. This is not the time for America to abandon our allies and partners in Syria in the global war on terrorism. None of us want our soldiers overseas longer than absolutely necessary, but forcing a withdrawal too soon only ensures we will have to return as we saw in Iraq when the troops were withdrawn too soon, and U.S. troops had to go in just a few years later to fight ISIS. In my opinion, we are seeing this play out again, sadly, in Afghanistan as the country is a safe haven for Islamic extremists to provide for suicide bomber attacks on families in India, Israel, and America. We must avoid a similar situation in Syria. Withdrawals should be based on the defeat of ISIS, not an artificial timeline. We know the success of peace through strength, and we also know of failure by war through appeasement. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, although I would like to point out that I agree very much with my colleague from New York of the appreciation of our Kurdish allies. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I would like to reiterate and join, actually, with my colleagues to point out that it has been encouraging in recent weeks that the Biden administration has changed its messaging to strongly focus on the Houthis' intransigence in ending the conflict in Yemen and calling for the Houthis to agree to a comprehensive cease-fire immediately, as we also recognize, again, that we have had a 100-year relationship with the people of Saudi Arabia that has been so mutually beneficial for the people of Saudi Arabia, the United States, and our allies. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I always look forward to the annual bus tour of South Carolina's Second Congressional District. Our bus tour began with a meeting with U of SC Aiken Chancellor Daniel Heimermann at the Savannah River National Laboratory led by Dr. Vahid Majidi and regional academia partners. Then we headed to Woods Farm Market in Aiken, owned by Pamela Johnson Ely, where new jobs have been developed. The next stop was the Aiken Rotary Club under the leadership of President Mallory Holley and then the Central States Manufacturing facility in Graniteville for a wonderful tour led by General Manager Rick Neely. Our team also stopped by Cavalier's Coffee, a local small business just developed by David Brannon with plans to add jobs in North Augusta. We ended our day at beautiful Aiken State Park hearing from the wonderful folks at South Carolina Parks, Recreation, and Tourism hosted by Paul Mcformack, Joy Raintree, Aaron Chavous, James Studdarb, Samantha Queen, Justin Hancock, Steve Beckham, Mary Ann Keisler, and Mark van der Linden. Day two began with a townhall hosted by the Irmo Chamber of Commerce, which is capably led by Kerry Powers. I appreciated the chance for open and honest conversations about issues currently facing our country. Then, the team received a tour of the new Piney Woods Elementary School in Chapin under the leadership of Principal Cassy Paschal. We also toured the state-of-the-art UPS Air Hub facility at Columbia Metropolitan Airport in West Columbia with Kim Barbery. She is the Operations Training Manager of an impressive facility with great staff producing over 2,000 jobs. I was grateful to co-author with State Senator Kay Patterson the legislation to incentivize UPS to locate in Lexington County. Day three started with a tour of the beautiful Riverbanks Zoo and Garden in Columbia, greeted by President and CEO Tommy Stringfellow. Next, we stopped at TerraStride and met with Founder and CEO Lanford Holloway, whose leadership has made TerraStride one of the fastest growing tech companies in South Carolina. Afterwards was a visit to Fort Jackson for a briefing on the Army Combat Fitness Test, led by Brigadier General Patrick R. Michaelis. We ended day three with a visit to Thermal Technologies in Blythewood, where founder Jim Lentz has revolutionized the fruit ripening industry, particularly for bananas. On the final day of the bus tour, I stopped at the world-class Government Training Institute in Barnwell, led by President Von Bolin. Then, we made our way to Tommy Shealy's restaurant, Shealy's Bar-B-Que, a tradition that I look forward to every year. Our bus tour concluded with a warm welcome from Orangeburg Mayor Pro-Tem Liz Zimmerman Keitt, and a tour of the new Orangeburg VA Clinic and adjacent Orangeburg Recreation Center. It was inspiring to see the great work by Gregg Robinson and his team at Orangeburg County Development Commission to attract new business to South Carolina. The legislative achievements of Senator Tim Scott, with President Donald Trump, has led to building opportunity zones specifically designed to create jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, during my service in Congress, I have concluded over 500 one-minute speeches with ``God Bless our Troops and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.'' This reaffirmed my appreciation of our military for keeping Americans safe for 20 years. The 2,312 U.S. military personnel killed and 20,666 wounded in Afghanistan did not serve in vain. I know firsthand of the achievements of former S.C. Adjutant General Bob Livingston with the 218th Brigade across Afghanistan. I am a grateful dad of an Afghanistan Veteran with First Lieutenant Hunter Wilson. But my hopes for remembering September 11th were misplaced. The conquest by the Taliban and Al Qaeda this past week confirms that the shocking lesson of September 11th has been forgotten: it is possible to conduct a terrorist attack on American families at home from a cave in Afghanistan abroad resulting in the mass murder of 2,977 innocent souls. General David Petraeus is sadly correct, the war is not over. It has moved. Now it is closer, putting American families at the greatest risk of a terrorist attack ever, with chants of ``Death to America, Death to Israel.'' President Joe Biden undercut our Afghan allies on April 14th, removing air cover and intelligence reports against the advice of military leaders. Over 60,000 Afghan military and police have been killed fighting Taliban terrorists. Former Ambassador Ryan Crocker, a valued resource of experience in the Global War on Terrorism, correctly asserted that the situation is ``catastrophic.'' President Biden must change course immediately and accept military counsel or he will be further diminished as a personification of catastrophic failure in the horrific tradition of appeasement like Neville Chamberlain. In conclusion, God Bless our Troops and we should never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, South Carolina will always cherish the dedicated service of Nancy Thomas Wood as an educator in Lexington District 5 of Seven Oak Elementary School, which I have gratefully represented in the State Senate and now Congress. Mrs. Wood has been an inspiration for her daughter Lou Kennedy, who has been recognized as being one of the state's most successful business leaders. Just last week, President and CEO Lou Kennedy of Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corp., announced a $215.8 million expansion creating 380 new jobs. I appreciate the opportunity to include in the Record the following obituary for Nancy Thomas Wood. Nancy Thomas Wood December 1, 1938-July 26, 2021 Nancy Thomas Wood, of Lexington, passed away on Monday, July 26, 2021. Mrs. Wood, a loving wife and mother, was an educator for more than 40 years. She taught first grade in Lexington District 5, spending most of her career as a teacher at Seven Oaks Elementary School. Nothing--save her family--gave Mrs. Wood more satisfaction than loving and mentoring thousands of Midlands-area students, who loved her back. She also taught Sunday school and Vacation Bible School. Mrs. Wood relocated to Cayce from Kingsport, Tennessee, when husband Jerry took a management job at Eastman Chemical Company. The mother of Lou Wood Kennedy, Mrs. Wood settled into life in the Midlands, where she cheered each promotion Jerry earned and motivated her daughter to work hard, give back and treat everyone with grace. Mrs. Wood met her husband when they were teenagers, and they began dating as students at East Tennessee State University. Her father-in-law married the couple, and they recently celebrated 61 years together. Mrs. Wood drove daughter Lou to extracurricular activities Lou was involved in growing up, and made certain Lou was equipped with the tools she needed to succeed. Surviving Mrs. Wood are her devoted husband, Jerry; loving daughter, Lou Wood Kennedy of Lexington (Bill); granddaughter, Xanna Bailey of Lexington (Travis) and great- grandson, Lincoln Bailey. Mrs. Wood is also survived by Paul Wood (Mildred), Sarah Benson, Daniel Wood (Cara), Becky Reece (Chuck), countless nieces and nephews and the Seven Oaks family, with whom she loved to spend time. Mrs. Wood was predeceased by her parents; brother, Donald Thomas; sister, Mary Wills and brother-in-law, Lewis Wills. She was also predeceased by brothers-in-law, Lambert and David Wood and other members of the Wood family. Visitation will be held from 5:00-6:45 PM on Wednesday, July 28 at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home in Lexington and a celebration of life will follow from 6:45-7:15 PM at the funeral home. A private family burial will be held on Thursday, July 29 at 10:00 AM.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, historic protests against the brutal communist Cuban regime are taking place across Cuba. I commend the courage of the Cuban people as they stand together to demand basic human freedoms. Socialist oppression in Cuba has gone on long enough and the people of Cuba are standing for freedom and liberty. Cuba's socialist dictatorship has tortured the people of Cuba for decades, forcing the entire country into shambles and economic turmoil. Now, as the people of Cuba peacefully protest this oppressive regime, Cuban regime thugs are taking protesters from their homes for nothing more than calling for freedom. These horrifying events are not uncommon, and it is time the Cuban regime be held responsible for their offences against Cuban families. It was inspiring to see American flags being flown during Sunday's protests. Cubans have historically stood up against totalitarian communism, and the United States stands with them.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this month, I was grateful to participate in a Congressional delegation of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly led by Senator Roger Wicker and Senator Ben Cardin. It was inspiring to see the extraordinary economic advances of Estonia and Bulgaria. In Tallinn, Estonia, we were welcomed by the dynamic Prime Minister, Kaja Kallas, and the dedicated Foreign Minister, Eva-Maria Liimets. While in Tallinn, we learned that Russian diplomats had been expelled in April across the Baltics to join the protest of the Czech Prime Minister, Andrej Babis, exposing the irrefutable evidence that two Russian GRU agents were behind the 2014 ammunition depot explosion at Vrbetice, which killed two persons. The same two Russian agents named by the Czech Republic are suspected by British authorities for poisoning former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter in England in 2018. The Czech Republic has correctly demanded Russia pay for damages. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chalmers and Lori Anne Carr of Titan Farms for their annual delivery of South Carolina peaches to Capitol Hill. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, inflation threatens American families due to the out-of-control spending by President Joe Biden. Biden inflation directly impacts the day-to-day well-being of American families. Inflation is currently rising at the fastest pace in 13 years. And Biden has proposed an irresponsible $3.5 trillion deal that will increase taxes. Last month, consumer prices jumped 5.4 percent. Gas prices are up a huge 45.1 percent, and milk is up 5.6 percent. What Biden doesn't seem to realize is that these costs negatively affect the lower and middle class more than anyone else. Wasteful spending and taxes will only make matters worse. Inflation is Biden taxation, and the American families deserve better. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. God bless the courageous citizens of Cuba standing up for freedom and liberty from the failed socialist oppressors.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, America has lost a Patriot with the death of former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, the youngest Secretary when serving in the Gerald Ford Administration and the eldest in the George W. Bush Administration. His service has been successful in protecting American families by defeating terrorists overseas. The Wall Street Journal on July 1st, editorialized his dedication for America: Donald H. Rumsfeld Few men have had more consequential careers in public and private life than Donald Rumsfeld, the senior adviser to three Presidents and business executive, who died Tuesday at age 88. A conservative Midwesterner, he served in the Navy and won a seat in Congress from Illinois in 1962. Richard Nixon spotted his talent and brought him in as an adviser. His star rose quickly and he became chief of staff and then secretary of Defense for Gerald Ford, the youngest Pentagon chief at age 43. Outside of politics, Rummy, as he was sometimes known, was the CEO of G.D. Searle, the pharmaceutical firm, from 1977- 1985 and advised Gilead Sciences in its early days as a director and chairman of the board. Rumsfeld was most controversial during his second stint as Defense secretary in managing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He pressed the military to refine its invasion plans that in both cases achieved their goals quickly and with few casualties. But he underestimated the strength and nature of the insurgency in Iraq, and he failed to change strategy. President George W. Bush didn't help by failing to settle disputes between State and Defense. Mr. Bush replaced Rumsfeld in 2006 to implement the surge that prevented a U.S. defeat. Rumsfeld didn't suffer naifs, or journalists, gladly. But we always enjoyed the give and take and learned a great deal listening to him. He was a patriot willing to challenge recalcitrant bureaucracies, which we need more of today.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, on Monday, I appreciate meeting with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin at the U.S. Capitol. We are always grateful for the opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to Israel. Recently, Hamas terrorists in Gaza launched 4,500 Iranian-produced rockets against Israeli families. America should always stand with our allies. The world is impressed by Israel as she defends herself with the Iron Dome. It is encouraging to see the successes of Iron Dome intercepting rockets launched by Iranian-backed Hamas. The Iron Dome intercepted 90 percent of the rockets toward the civilian areas of Israel protecting Israeli families. Allies stand together. Thank you, President Rivlin, for your incredible insight on the murderous threat of Iran. Israel is vigilant in monitoring Iranian intercontinental ballistic missile development, which would deliver nuclear warheads against North America. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I would like to include in the Record the following obituary for Richard Adam Stombres. Richard Adam Stombres September 24, 1936-June 19, 2021 It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Richard A. Stombres passed away at Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona on June 19, 2021. He was born on September 24, 1936 in Aurora, Illinois to Adam H. Stombres and Frances May Jeffers Stombres. The Stombres family, including Richard and his younger brother Don, moved from Illinois to Phoenix in 1946. His youngest brother Glenn and his sister Patrice were both born in Phoenix. Richard graduated from West High School in 1954. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, Arizona State University, and Boston University where he earned a Bachelor's and a Master's degree. While he would live in many places throughout his life, he always considered Arizona to be his home. Richard joined the Army in 1961 and faithfully served his country for 28 years as an Infantry Officer. He was a graduate of the Infantry Officer Basic Course, the Ranger School, the Airborne Course, the Pathfinder Course, the Marine Amphibious Warfare School, and the Command and General Staff College. Lieutenant Stombres was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky when he met Vickie M. Hayes from Clarksville, Tennessee. They were married at Fort Campbell in 1961. Lieutenant Stombres was sent to Vietnam in 1963 where he served as a Military Advisor to the Army of the Republic of Vietnam until July of 1964 when he was wounded in action. He would go on to serve a second tour in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 where he was attached to the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV). Upon his return from Vietnam, Richard was stationed at numerous bases around the world including Fort Hood, Texas; Fort Benning, Georgia; Fort Ord, California; Frankfurt, Germany; the Pentagon; and AFCENT HQ in Brunssum, the Netherlands. Dick and Vickie's two boys, Richard and Steven were born in 1969 and 1970 when then-Major Stombres was serving in the Army's Old Guard and stationed at Fort Myer, Virginia. Richard was the recipient of the Bronze Star medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Purple Heart, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Vietnam Service Medal with 5 Service Stars, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Unit Citation, the Ranger Tab, the Airborne Badge, and numerous other ribbons and decorations. Richard married Joan Giambruno of Glen Cove, New York in March of 1984. After retiring from the Army, Richard was able to work in the furniture business with his brother Don. He also indulged the other passion of his life, teaching. He and Joan lived in West Hartford Connecticut; Seal Beach, California; Havre-de-Grace, Maryland, and Colorado Springs, Colorado. Richard eventually returned home to Arizona. In 2012, Richard married Nancy Huemoeller of Lanesboro, Pennsylvania who described him as ``The Best Husband in the World.'' They lived in Mesa, Arizona where they were active members of the Central Christian Church of Arizona. Richard and Nancy loved to go dancing, travel, and visit family. Richard was preceded in death by his father Adam, his mother Frances, his brother Glenn, and his wife Nancy. Richard is survived by his son Richard, Jr. (Heather) Stombres of Fairfax, Virginia; his son Steven (Kristen) Stombres of Fairfax, Virginia; his brother Donald (Grace) Stombres of Scottsdale, Arizona; his sister Patrice Babcock of Moorpark, California, and his grandchildren Katherine Stombres, Elaine Stombres, Abigail Stombres, Samuel Stombres, and James Stombres of Fairfax, Virginia. Richard lived a long and wonderful life full of love and laughter. He was a devout Christian, faithful servant to his country, a loving husband, a caring brother, and wonderful father. We will miss you every day. Condolences may be left on Richard A. Stombres online guest book at www.sonoranskiesmortuaryaz.com.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I am grateful to remember a great South Carolinian, Milton P. Moore. Milton was always involved in his community through his service in the South Carolina National Guard and as an adjunct professor at the University of South Carolina. He was vital in the development of the modern Republican Party of South Carolina and much of its success is credited to him with the largest Republican majorities in 140 years. At the Eastminster Presbyterian Church services, the Reverend Doctor Benjamin Sloan and the Reverend Doctor Bradley Smith eloquently cited Milton Moore as a person who loved people. My wife Roxanne and I were appreciative being with Governor Henry McMaster, First Lady Peggy McMaster, Attorney General Alan Wilson, State Representative Chip Huggins, and Republican State Chairman Drew McKissick. Milton P. Moore December 3, 1943-June 22, 2021 Columbia, South Carolina.--Milton Perry Moore was born December 3, 1943 in Clinton, South Carolina to Wilma McCracken Moore and Perry Martin Moore. His father was a farmer and his mother owned and operated a loan office. She was one of very few women in business in her day. Growing up in Clinton, an idyllic, southern mill town, shaped his life. He and his wife Jean attended Clinton schools, from Kindergarten through graduating together from Clinton High in the Class of 1962. After High School he attended Oak Ridge Military Academy in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He was a graduate of Wofford College in the Class of 1967. He moved his young family to Columbia in 1972 to attend Graduate School at the University of South Carolina. Jean supported the family as Resident Manager of Hampton Park Apartments. Milton earned a Master's Degree in Business Administration and a Master's Degree in Accountancy. Many years later he was an Adjunct Professor of Finance and Taxation at the University of South Carolina. He served in the South Carolina National Guard as a Military Police officer. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited, the Columbia Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow), the Irmo Navy, and was a pioneer in the development and success of the modern day Republican Party in South Carolina. He led many highly successful fundraising efforts for candidates statewide from the early days. He was a head Usher at Eastminster Presbyterian Church for more than twenty years. He grew up water skiing on Lake Greenwood and then Lake Murray, where he built the Moore family Jake home in 1980. He enjoyed duck hunting with friends and ultimately his sons. He floated almost every river in South Carolina. He taught his sons, among many other things, about shotguns, tractors, boats and motors. He was extremely proud of his daughter and her commitment to succeed him in his business. He could and would fix or build most anything. He studied the South and wrote the family book on our Scottish heritage. He was gifted as an inspirational public speaker and teacher of life. He possessed a quick wit. He loved Bluegrass, Country and Gospel music. He threw a little Fourth of July party at Lake Murray every now and then. He was meticulous, had an unrivaled positive attitude, endless motivation and energy. He had a special heart. He was the compass of our family. He guided us to the rivers, lakes, the ocean, churches and most importantly our family. He will be missed every day. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jean Bailey Arnold; children, Martin Arnold Moore (Lauri), Meredith Moore Housman (Gary), Matthew McCracken Moore; grandchildren, Ross Martin Moore, John Bailey Moore, Lyndsay Meredith Moore, Adlai Vassy Moore, Langston Emory Moore, Louisa Perry Moore, Reese Woodruff Housman and Riley Kathryn Housman. The memorial service for Mr. Moore will be held at 11 o'clock, Friday, June 25, 2021 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Road, Columbia, S.C. A visitation will be held in Thompson Hall immediately following the service, and from 5 until 7 o'clock at Lake Murray Presbyterian Church, 2721 Dutch Fork Road, Chapin, S.C. A livestream of the service may be seen by visiting eastminsterpres.org. At a later date, Milton will be buried in Bethesda Cemetery in York County. Generations of Moores have been laid to rest in this special place since their arrival in South Carolina in the 1700s. Donations in his memory may be made to Eastminster Presbyterian Church; Hammond School, 854 Galway Lane, Columbia, SC 29209; Lake Murray Presbyterian Church; or the Animal Mission of Columbia, P.O. Box 50023, Columbia, S.C. 29250. Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, President Joe Biden claimed a bipartisan agreement on infrastructure. On the surface this sounds like great news. Unfortunately, quickly following this new-found agreement, President Biden crushed the bipartisan bill by mandating wasteful Green New Deal borrowing, destroying jobs. Improving America's infrastructure should be a priority and to delay it for partisan reasons is another insult to the American people. The President's voters are misled with an absurd interpretation of infrastructure. This chaotic mentality has been exhibiting a reversal from the bipartisanship President Biden promised when running for President. Dishonoring promises and undermining bipartisan negotiations, the administration should actually be focused on the needs of the American people instead of destroying jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we should never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 18, No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, and I ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, after a year of belittling Wuhan virus reports, incredibly, The New York Times published a front-page admission last Tuesday acknowledging that the Wuhan virus could be a lab leak. With the headline ``Lab-Leak Theory Flourishes,'' it cited: `` . . . whether the world will ever learn if the virus . . . escaped from a Chinese lab. . . . The idea that the virus may have escaped from a lab had long been . . . dismissed . . . and shunned . . . for its connection with former President Donald J. Trump.'' The article accurately reviews the refusal of China to allow an independent investigation, ultimate control by the Chinese Communist Party, 2017 creation of hybrid bat coronaviruses at the Wuhan lab, the bizarre U.S. taxpayer lab funding by the National Institutes of Health through EcoHealth Alliance, Wuhan researchers in November 2019 being hospitalized, 2012 bat viruses withheld, and an attack in July by Dr. Shi Zhengli on President Trump and others demanding that they should ``shut their stinky mouths.'' In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Our sympathy to the family of Milton Moore and his wife, Jean, who are beloved civic leaders of South Carolina.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, America's southern border is in crisis, and this issue has been solely facilitated by the destructive policies of President Joe Biden. Illegal aliens attack the border, while dangerous drug cartels take advantage of weak policies, putting children at risk. This is truly a disaster, and it is time that the border czar, Vice President Kamala Harris, take action to protect American families. The numbers speak for themselves. Encounters at the border reached a 21-year high in May of 180,034 persons. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency seized 934 pounds of fentanyl at the border in May, which is a 300 percent increase in a year capable of killing every American citizen. Criminal crossings have almost tripled since the previous fiscal year to 6,918 convicted criminals. Drug trafficking and human smuggling have also increased, putting children's lives in danger. Biden named the Vice President with overseeing the crisis. It has been 84 days, and she still has not visited to see the children at risk. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we should never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Congratulations to Julianne and Hunter Wilson on the upcoming December blessed event.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Mike Johnson for his leadership for promoting the truth tonight. It has been so refreshing to hear our colleagues bring facts to the American people that they need to know. And thanks to the leadership of Vice President Mike Pence through Operation Warp Speed to develop the Wuhan virus vaccine, America has been able to get back to work with jobs being available. In May of this year, the Centers for Disease Control released updated guidance saying that fully vaccinated people no longer needed to wear a mask or social distance in most cases. America should be completely open for business to create jobs. We saw President Trump created jobs. Under his leadership, we had record low unemployment for African Americans, for Asian Americans, for Hispanics. We had record employment. The most number of jobs ever for youth and women in the United States by cutting taxes, not raising the taxes either directly or by inflation, as Mr. Biden is doing. Unfortunately, the Biden administration does not agree with science. Even with this huge win to the American people, the administration and Democrats want to continue to have unemployed Americans be dependent on the government by incentivizing them to remain unemployed with increased benefits that pay more than a small business can provide, destroying jobs. I commend Governor Henry McMaster for ending these increased benefits and getting South Carolina back to work. Congress should follow suit creating jobs. I am grateful to be a cosponsor of H.R. 3104, the Get Americans Back to Work Act, sponsored by Congressman Dusty Johnson. This bill will remove the supplemental Federal self-destructive benefits by June 30 of this year. I encourage my colleagues to pass this legislation. We must not continue to indebt future generations with reckless spending or create inflation, which destroys the retirement savings of our senior citizens and equally is crippling to small businesses that are the backbone of this country. Jobs are uplifting, fulfilling, and meaningful for a productive life.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, the statement issued on change of governance in Israel, by Jack Rosen, President of American Jewish Congress, was heartfelt on the service of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel. ``We also want to thank outgoing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his long-time service and leadership. Mr. Netanyahu has greatly contributed to Israel's progress, especially in strengthening the country's security, transforming it into an economic powerhouse, and advancing its standing in the international arena. Under Prime Minister Netanyahu's watch, Israel underwent an extraordinary rapprochement with the Arab world, as attested to by the historic normalization agreements achieved with several Arab countries. We wish him well.'' A highlight of my service in Congress has been for me and my wife, Roxanne, to meet with Prime Minister Netanyahu in Jerusalem and Washington. As co-chair of the Israel Caucus, I know firsthand of his extraordinary dedication for the people of Israel. I agree with Mr. Rosen. ``We look forward to engaging with the new Israeli government to help take American-Israeli relations to new heights, to addressing critical regional challenges together, and to achieving sustainable peace and prosperity for all.'' In conclusion, God Bless our Troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.