Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, Cathy battled with breast cancer over the years but was in remission when she succumbed to complications due to Covid-19. Beloved daughter of the late Edmund Joseph and Lorraine Govan. Dear sister of the late Phillip Govan, Marge Govan, Michael (Gretchen) Govan, Anne (Dr. Soumi Eachempati) Govan Dickerson, Jim (Dorothy) Govan and Char (Brian) Bond. A Cherished aunt of Phillip (Dr, Jamie Aprile) Gordon, Ellie (Jake and Reagan Rose) Berkey, Michael Govan, Brandon (Lezane) and Dawn Dickerson; Harrison, Carter and Gracen Govan; Kenneth, David and Alexis Bond. Cathy was raised in Detroit and dedicated her later years to consulting Detroit mayors and serving as the executive director and founder of the Detroit Public Safety Foundation. Donations can be made in Cathy's honor to the Detroit Public Safety Foundation. Online condolences can be left at http:// www.obriensullivanfuneralhome.com/. A ceremony honoring Cathy's life will be organized this summer when COVID restrictions are eased. On behalf of the Govan family, we thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained for votes on May 13, 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 138, and NAY on Roll Call No. 141.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Tuesday was a media alarm. The biased Washington Post reported accidentally in The State newspaper that ``Joe Biden's free spending could ignite inflation that would outstrip wage gains.'' The President's $6 trillion spending spree of borrowing and taxing will burden the youth of America with debt and threaten the savings of older Americans with a worthless dollar. Already, The Post and Courier of Charleston reprinted how lumber costs in the average house have skyrocketed $36,000 this year, undermining homeownership. The Wall Street Journal revealed used cars have hit a record of over $25,000 which denies many the ability to purchase a car. The New York Stock Exchange suffered a staggering loss of nearly 500 points as inflation was clearly being pushed by the outrageous spending schemes of President Biden destroying jobs. I appreciate the courageous leaders, like Ambassador Nikki Haley, who are standing up for America. She has sent me a symbol of the consequence of borrowing and taxing which we see in Venezuela: the 100 Bolivar note which is now worth less than a dime. 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, on Saturday, a murderous, heinous car bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan, killed dozens of girls. The intentional targeting of girls should be inconceivable but is the deliberate aim of fanatical totalitarians who are obsessed with murdering American families. Sadly, the reality of the Global War on Terrorism is that we must defeat terrorists overseas or they will return to attack American families. I appreciate the insight of Congressman Mike McCaul and former Ambassador Ryan Crocker in their May 4, 2021, op-ed in The New York Times: Last month, President Biden announced a complete withdrawal of all United States troops from Afghanistan by Sept. 11, the 20th anniversary of the day terrorists killed almost 3,000 people. Many in the defense and intelligence communities oppose the move. A complete withdrawal based on an arbitrary deadline, rather than conditions on the ground, threatens our long-term national security. After all, it was the decision to rapidly pull out of Iraq, creating a power vacuum that allowed the Islamic State to grow, that ultimately forced our return to Iraq, prolonging the war. We cannot allow history to repeat itself. It's foolish to think the Taliban will engage in good faith with the Afghan government or abide by the commitments made to the previous administration after we've departed. In response to the withdrawal announcement, the Taliban tellingly announced they would not participate in a peace conference planned to start late last month in Turkey and refused to commit to a date in the future, effectively ending the already fragile peace process. The Taliban clearly does not want peace. In fact, after America withdraws, it's very likely the Taliban will try to take control of the country, once again giving our enemies a place from which to conduct external attacks against us and our allies. Without a military presence in country, the United States will be giving the green light to the Taliban to roam and conquer. As William J. Burns, the C.I.A. director, told the Senate Intelligence Committee in April, there is ``significant risk'' associated with withdrawal. ``The U.S. government's ability to collect and act on threats will diminish,'' he said. ``That's simply a fact.'' The decision, however, has been made. But before the pullout is complete, the Biden administration must mitigate its dangers. As our sources on the ground will soon go dark, the gaps in our intelligence collection and counterterrorism networks must be remedied so we retain the ability to identify and eliminate threats before they reach our shores. To do so, we must urgently set up agreements with neighboring countries to provide us with intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Mr. Biden promised that America's humanitarian and development assistance to the country would continue. To enable our personnel and the countless nongovernmental organizations we work with to provide that help, we must keep them safe. If the country slides back into civil war or once again falls under Taliban rule, maintaining an embassy presence and distributing assistance will become close to impossible. The administration must develop a clear strategy for protecting our embassy, diplomatic staff and aid workers. The president must also acknowledge that the withdrawal will have dire consequences for Afghan women and girls--and work hard to prevent it. For the past 20 years, we have encouraged Afghan women to step forward, as students, teachers and professionals. Encouraged by our presence, they did just that. But without our presence in the country, it will be difficult to safeguard the gains women have made in Afghan society and to ensure women 's rights are protected. Lastly, we have obligations to the thousands of Afghans who supported us, mainly as interpreters for our military. They were promised special immigrant visas to get them out of harm's way, but many have yet to materialize. The Taliban view them as traitors: Since 2014, there have been at least 300 targeted killings of people who worked with us. Many more will die if the administration doesn't take immediate steps to speed up the process to get them out safely. These are vital issues Mr. Biden and his team must address--before we pull out on Sept. 11. Yet so far they have offered no clarity on what counterterrorism agreements, if any, have been reached with other countries. They have provided only minimal assurances for how they will secure the safety of our embassy and personnel. They appear to have no plans for protecting Afghan women. And they have announced no strategy to address the visa backlog that could endanger thousands of our Afghan partners' lives. When America pulls out of a conflict zone at the wrong time, it creates a vacuum in which the terrorist threat grows again. That, in turn, eventually requires a re-entry of forces to keep Americans safe. So begins yet another forever war. The ill-advised decision to pull out of Afghanistan may do just that. But by ensuring proper guardrails are in place, we have a chance to limit the fallout.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, incredibly revealing is the editorial in The Wall Street Journal on March 31, 2021 opposing The Wuhan Virus Whitewash. The unintended consequence of the blatant misrepresentation in the Wuhan Report is to further verify COVID-19 originated at the Wuhan Virology Institute leading to over three million deaths worldwide. The World Health Organization on Tuesday finally released its report on the origins of the coronavirus, and the result wasn't worth the wait. The document is best understood as a whitewash heavily influenced by the Chinese Communist Party and Westerners with conflicts of interest. The report--based primarily on an international team's visit this year to the city of Wuhan, where Covid-19 was first detected--has little new information. In 2018 U.S. officials warned in diplomatic cables about safety and management issues at the Wuhan Virology Institute that could lead to a pandemic. The U.S. State Department warned in a January fact sheet that WIV researchers had developed ``symptoms consistent with both COVID-19 and common seasonal illnesses'' in autumn 2019. Even the WHO recognizes the implausibility of the report. ``I do not believe that this assessment was extensive enough. Further data and studies will be needed to reach more robust conclusions,'' WHO director-general Tedros Ghebreyesus said Tuesday. The U.S. and 13 other governments released a statement Tuesday expressing ``shared concerns'' that the WHO study ``was significantly delayed and lacked access to complete, original data and samples.'' That shouldn't be the end of it. The Biden Administration knows the underlying intelligence and should release it to the public. The Biden Administration says it wants to revitalize multilateral institutions, and that should start with refusing to accept the WHO's Wuhan whitewash.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, The Wall Street Journal on March 31, 2021, published a fitting tribute to Ambassador William ``Bill'' Emerson Brock, III, who died on March 25th. General, Executive, Representative, Senator, National Chairman, Ambassador, Cabinet Secretary, Senior Counselor Bill Brock was correctly recognized as ``a statesman of the highest caliber, leading by example, with freedom and humility.'' I especially appreciate his achievements of developing the modern Republican Party in the South from virtually no presence to my home state of South Carolina now appreciating the largest Republican majorities in 140 years. His obituary from The Journal is clearly deserving for his service for the American people. In Memoriam West Palm Beach--BROCK, William Emerson III ``Bill,'' former Tennessee Senator, United States Trade Representative and Secretary of Labor, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on March 25, 2021. Born and raised in Chattanooga, TN, Bill Brock graduated from McCallie School and Washington & Lee University. When Mr. Brock returned from serving 3 years in the Navy, he went to work in his family's candy company. Mr. Brock served in the House for 8 years, working closely with Republicans and Democrats to solve problems and get things done for his constituents. In 1970, Mr. Brock ran against three-term incumbent Albert Gore, Sr. for the Senate and won. In 1976, as he was elected to serve as Chair of the Republican National Committee and spent the next 4 years rebuilding the Grand Ole Party. Four years later, the Republicans took control of the senate for the first time in a quarter of a century, gained 49 seats in the House of Representatives, and elected Ronald Reagan to the Presidency. Reagan appointed Brock United States Trade Representative. He was recognized for his leadership in promoting the expansion of international trade rules to encompass for the first time intellectual property, services, and investment. He founded the Quad Forum, a quarterly informal meeting of the Trade Ministers of Europe, Japan, Canada, and the United States and founded the Rio Group of seventeen leading trading nations to facilitate greater coordination between trade and finance ministries. Ambassador Brock was recognized by The Wall Street Journal, along with a number of others, as one of the ``fathers'' of the Uruguay Round of Trade Negotiations and subsequently the World Trade Organization (WTO). In 1985, President Reagan asked Mr. Brock to bring his arbitration skills to the Department of Labor. As US Secretary of Labor, Secretary Brock was widely praised for his strong executive leadership in a major reform of pension laws, restoring constructive labor-management relations, and creating the landmark study of workforce and workplace trends in a global economy entitled Work Force 2000. He was a Senior Counselor and Member of the Board of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, where he chaired the International Policy Roundtable, served on several boards, traveled extensively with his wife and family, maintained an active twitter account and continued to write op-eds on education, trade, policy and politics right up until the time of his passing. His family and friends will remember him for his gentle, loving spirit and his abiding commitment to his Father, his family, and his country. He was a statesman of the highest caliber, leading by example, with kindness and humility. Mr. Brock is predeceased by his mother, Myra Kruesi ``Peggy'' Brock, his father, William Emerson ``Bill'' Brock Jr., and by his wife, Laura Handley ``Muffet'' Brock. He is survived by his wife, Sandra Schubert ``Sandy'' Brock; two brothers, Paul ``Pat'' Brock and Frank Brock; six children and step-children and their spouses, William ``Bill'' Brock IV (Laura), Oscar Brock (Meg), Laura ``Hutchey'' Brock Doley (Chris), John Brock (Peggy), Julie Cram Janka (John), and Stephen ``Steve'' Cram (Theresa); 19 grandchildren, William ``Bill'' Brock V (Morgan), Stephen Brock, Michael ``Hutch'' Brock (Sarah), Margaret ``Archer'' Brock, Eleanor Brock, Peter Doley, Laura Doley, Erin Doley, Katherine ``Katie'' Doley, John ``JB'' Brock, Morgan Cram (Nathalie), Samantha Cram Butler (Taft), Reagan Cram, McKay Cram, Brandon Fritz, Ian Fritz, Kala Fritz, Nicole Janka and Alexis Janka; and 2 great-grandchildren, Cora Brock and Ryleigh Fritz. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), https://www.csis.org/programs/ support or the Cal Ripken Sr Foundation https:// www.ripkenfoundation.org/donate. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Martin Funeral Home & Crematory, Stuart Chapel.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably absent for votes on March 16, 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 78, NAY on Roll Call No. 79, YEA on Roll Call No. 80, and YEA on Roll Call No. 81.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, on Friday I visited dedicated men and women of the South Carolina National Guard serving at McEntire Joint National Guard Base. McEntire serves critical state and national security missions, most recently spearheading the effort to quickly distribute Wuhan Virus vaccines. It is an excellent site for placement of F-35 aircraft. McEntire is home to the 169th Fighter Wing ``Swamp Foxes,'' some of the most capable pilots in the Air Force and a valuable strategic resource, led by COL Akshai Ghandi. I appreciated being hosted by Major General Van McCarty whose leadership has been critical during this pandemic along with Phil Hamby, Director of Governmental Affairs. I know firsthand of the patriotic service-members. As a grateful 31- year Army Guard veteran myself, with three Guard sons who have served in Iraq, Egypt, and Afghanistan. In conclusion, God Bless our Troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism. Our sympathy to the family of Sally Atwater, widow of the victorious political strategist, Lee Atwater.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably absent from votes on March 8, 2021. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 63, and NAY on Roll Call 64.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, amendment No. 19 amends section 111 and replaces the text with the National Right to Work Act. Section 111 takes away the freedoms of hardworking Americans and overrules State right-to-work laws of 27 States enthusiastically enacted by voters. American workers should not be forced to pay fees to a labor organization. American workers should not be forced to have a union represent them. American workers should not be forced to have their money go to political candidates they do not support. American workers deserve freedom, and this amendment delivers that. Right-to-work States like South Carolina have seen firsthand the job creation and robust economy that develops when we expand freedom for jobs. It was crucial for South Carolina in our journey to become the leading manufacturer and exporter of tires with Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental, and Giti, while also being the largest exporter of cars in the United States with BMW, Volvo, and Mercedes vans.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I will always treasure the encouragement of Skip Maraney during my service in Congress. For many years, he was the mainstay of the Breakfast Club on Wednesday at Longworth Cafeteria for members of Congress, Capitol Police officers, and staffers. I appreciate him inviting me to co-perform with Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton in the Hexagon Theatre political satirical musical comedy revue. Skip is recognized as an Honorary Resident of South Carolina from over twenty years of vacationing at Hilton Head Island. The following is an official announcement of his upcoming retirement issued by the National Star Route Mail Contractors Association: John V. ``skip'' Maraney Skip Maraney is retiring after 52 years of employment as the executive director and lobbyist with the National Star Route Mail Contractors Association. The Association's office is located at 325 East Capitol Street Washington, D.C. Skip will be honored for his steadfast and loyal service by the Board of Directors of the Association at a regional meeting of members on April 19, 2021, in Baltimore, Md. Skip is the second executive director of the Association. The Association is made up of over 500 members across the United States and U.S. territories, and the Association represents approximately 1,800 contracts to the United Postal Service. Members of the Association are independent business owners who contract with the United States Postal Service to haul mail/deliver mail in areas of the United States where the Postal Service doesn't deliver. In the rural areas of the county the Star Route contractors deliver what is referred to as the last mile. Skip has outlasted 14 Postmaster Generals, nine Presidential Administrations, countless members of Congress, and countless Postal Service transportation managers. Skip has attended countless hearings on matters of postal reform legislation held by the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and Committee on Ways and Means. Skip is known for expertise on all legislative matters relating to the Postal Service. Skip is a true shoe-leather lobbyist. He believes meeting a member of Congress or a committee staffer in person instead of exchanging emails, texting, or talking over the phone. He claims it is always harder to say ``no'' to a person when talking face to face. Skip's genuine smile and firm handshake made him distinguishable among the staff and visitors in the halls of Congress. Over the years Skip was often been mistaken as a former member of Congress.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, March is Women's History Month, and I am grateful to recognize inspirational women who have achieved success. Inspirational women are the University of South Carolina's basketball team, who won a sixth SEC title in 7 years, the first time that has been done in SEC history. Congratulations to these talented women for remaining number one. This game was also historic because it was the first time two Black head coaches met in a conference championship game with Coach Dawn Staley leading the Gamecocks and Coach Joni Taylor leading Georgia, an important milestone in American sports history. Best wishes to the Gamecock women in the NCAA tournament. 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 Hatsy Young, widow of former Congressman Ed Young from Florence.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 682, the Reopen Schools Act, to get our kids out from behind screens and back in the classroom.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, no one is defending the violent riot at the Capitol on January 6th and as more evidence is reviewed, I am grateful for the insight today by columnist Jack Devine in The Aiken Standard: ``My column four weeks ago--``The insurrection that wasn't''--argued that portraying the Jan. 6 assault on the U.S. Capitol as an armed insurrection is simply wrong, unsupported by the facts. Not surprisingly, many disagree. The armed insurrection label has been repeated so often and by so many that it has become widely accepted as true. But we've learned a great deal since then about what happened on Jan. 6 and what didn't--and we've watched as the new Democratic leadership takes extreme and disturbing actions to slay the imaginary dragon that they created. Let's take another look. The Capitol insurgents--mainly rowdy protesters caught up in the moment--were not armed in any real sense. Their inventory of ``dangerous and deadly weapons,'' as classified by DOJ investigators, consist of two baseball bats, a hockey stick, one pocket-sized extendable baton, a few cans of commercially available pepper spray and bear repellant, and other makeshift odds and ends. No knives and no guns. The infamous zip-ties, initially considered to be proof positive that the insurgents intended to take hostages, were later determined to have been carried into the building by police officers. The myth that Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick was murdered by the frenzied mob has evaporated completely. The New York Times has backed away from its bludgeoned-by-fire- extinguisher report; there was no evidence of blunt force trauma; it appears that Sicknick died of natural causes (probably a stroke) hours after returning to the station house under his own power. Only one gun was fired during the four-hour assault--that by an unidentified police officer who shot and killed Ashli Babbitt, an unarmed female trespasser. While the FBI is still combing videos to find someone to charge for Sicknick's death, both they and the otherwise pit bull media seem remarkably incurious about Babbitt's killing. None of the supposed targets of the Capitol assault-- Democratic lawmakers and Vice President Pence--were harmed; and the 2020 election result was not derailed by the attack and was never in serious jeopardy. Make no mistake. The Jan. 6 riot was reckless, angry and ultimately lethal. It cannot be condoned. But for a supposed overthrow of the U.S. government, it looks pretty lame--and more like the continuing wanton rioting that since mid-summer has taken dozens of lives, destroyed untold livelihoods and cost billions in damage to American cities. A mindless mob bent on venting its anger? Yes. An armed insurrection? Not even close. And how are we dealing with this non-insurrection? House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is pushing for investigation by a ``9/11-style commission''--implying that this bumbling fiasco was somehow comparable to the 2001 terrorist attack that murdered nearly 3,000 Americans. The U.S. Capitol complex in Washington, D.C., has been turned into an armed camp. It was guarded during the inauguration by 25,000 National Guard troops, thousands of whom still remain. The barriers and checkpoints will be kept in place through September. So far, none of the feared domestic terrorists have reappeared. The Justice Department has been conducting a nationwide manhunt for the Jan. 6 perpetrators and to date has arrested and charged over 300. Reportedly, dozens are being held without bail--a measure usually reserved for hardened criminals arrested for heinous crimes--in stark contrast to the revolving door treatment of thousands of violent rioters apprehended in recent months and quickly released (and provided bail money if needed by progressive organizations, as encouraged by Democratic leaders including Vice President Kamala Harris). Prospective U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland promises to prosecute the Jan. 6 perpetrators to the full extent of the law. It would be far better to call that riot what it is, acknowledge the broader issue of escalating American violence and deal with it in an even-handed way. In my column last month, I characterized our government's response to the supposed insurrection as ``performance art''--the art form that utilizes dramatic live performance to evoke an emotional response. It's an apt comparison. The net effect of the actions outlined above has been to cement in the public mind inordinate fear of the risk posed by domestic terrorism, particularly of the white supremacist variety. Our leadership seems to think that if we're all terrified enough, we'll go along without objection to the politicized show-and-tell--Capitol Hill barricaded and patrolled by armed troops, perpetrators hunted and held without bond, suspension of due process, rampant censorship--America on a wartime footing, but without the war. Any threat of terrorism, foreign or domestic, from left or right, deserves serious attention--not hyperbole and hysteria.''

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, in an era of fake news, it is refreshing to find editorialist Jerry Bellune, editor of the Lexington County Chronicle, expose the tragic fraud being perpetrated on taxpayers: The Washington Swamp set up criminals to steal billions of dollars through fraud. In attempts to shovel money to the rest of us, Congress has created an opportunity for criminal fraud. Their real victims are us, the American taxpayers, and our great-grandchildren who will be paying for this folly for generations to come. The reality is that those who created the CARES Act set us up for up to $100 billion in fraud. The Labor Department inspector general estimates $63 billion in tax dollars were stolen. As the Chronicle Tech Talk columnist Katie Ritchie has warned, scammers wooed victims to convince them to give personal information. 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 Chamber of Commerce President Bill Mooneyhan.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I have twice in my life been denied passage at a wall or fence with both times being a limitation of freedom. On June 12, 1990, I was denied passage in Berlin at the Brandenburg Gate by an East German Communist guard directing me to Checkpoint Charlie at the junction of Friedrichstrabe. On February 25, 2021, I was denied passage in Washington at 2nd and C Street, which I have walked for 20 years, at a locked 12-foot fence topped with razor wire until a courageous Capitol Police Officer arrived to unlock the gate for me to be released from Capitol Hill confinement. I appreciate the efforts of District of Columbia Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton to prevent permanent fencing surrounding Capitol Hill, which isolates legislators from constituents. Unobtrusive security can be implemented and installed without abusing National Guard personnel who are dedicated in their service. As a 31- year Guard veteran and grateful Guard Dad of three members, I know firsthand of Guard commitment. In conclusion, God Bless our Troops and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, Talia Kaplan of FOXBusiness reported Tuesday that Former Sen. Joe Lieberman . . . blasted the reported meetings between Biden administration officials and Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif during the Trump administration, calling it ``inappropriate.'' ``A recent report from The Washington Times claimed that Biden administration officials, including John Kerry and Robert Malley, had meetings with Zarif during the Trump administration that were orchestrated to . . . `devise a political strategy to undermine the Trump administration.' `` `I think this is a perilous time,' '' Lieberman said. `I think the previous administration carried out exactly the right policy toward Iran.' '' `` `So I think that sends a bad signal to Iran . . . with all the uncertainty and instability in the world, the most serious enemy that could do us and our allies the most damage is the Islamic Republic of Iran.' '' It is sad any American ignores the Iranian chant of Death to Israel, Death to America. They mean it. In conclusion, God Bless Our Troops and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this week I am reintroducing the National Right-to-Work Act with over 60 original cosponsors. I, along with over 80 percent of the American people, believe that every worker should have the power to decide whether to negotiate for themselves with their employer. This bill would simply listen to the majority of American workers. South Carolina has seen firsthand the job creation when we protect freedoms for American workers. I was present for Michelin Tire Corp.'s groundbreaking with Governor Jim Edwards to develop their largest plant in the world. I was with Governor Carroll Campbell for the BMW groundbreaking in Greer for their largest manufacturing facility. And I was with Governor Nikki Haley to see the building of Boeing aircraft in Charleston. Congratulations to Mark Mix, president of the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, for his success in 27 States. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, America has lost a treasured Icon of Truth with the death of Rush Limbaugh. My wife Roxanne and our family and community extend our most sincere sympathy to his wife Kathryn and the Limbaugh Family. He was America's Number One broadcaster with tens of millions of listeners in every community in America. Rush Limbaugh was the Ronald Reagan of broadcasting proving conservatism is positive, friendly, faith-based, and even funny as he itemized the Greatness of America never apologizing for Exceptionalism. Also, like President Reagan he achieved and promoted the American Dream that all can succeed with hard work. It was Reaganesque that he created thousands of jobs saving the AM Radio band enabling local hosts to penetrate daily newspapers' mostly fake news. Local hosts are highlighted by talented truth tellers--Keven Cohen, Gary David, Carl Gooding, Paul Kirby, Kelly Nash, Jonathan Rush, and Christopher Thompson. This is also a platform for affordable advertising by local businesses to create jobs. His logical, common sense explanation of American political issues was vital for conservative success. In 1994 he worked with speaker-to-be Newt Gingrich to achieve the first Republican House majority in my lifetime--leading to a Congressional vote to establish the American Embassy in Jerusalem. In 2010 he encouraged the grassroots to become active with the spontaneous Tea Party movement gaining an incredible 63 House seats. In 2016 he recognized outsider Donald Trump to unexpectedly be elected President to successfully create jobs with record employment for African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, women, and youth. In 2020 in my home state of South Carolina he inspired young conservatives for additional State Senate, State House, and a Congressional seat achieving the largest Republican majorities in 140 years. This follows Nikki Haley being elected the first female governor in 340 years and second Indian American in history with Senator Tim Scott being the South's first African American U.S. Senator. Columbia's Morning News host Gary David is correct that there has been no one who has impacted our political culture more than Rush Limbaugh without serving in public office. I saw firsthand the good-natured friendliness of Rush Limbaugh in 1990 when I served as his driver during his visit to Columbia for an address to the South Carolina Policy Council. He was not offended being crammed into our van with our four sons age 3 to 17 (helping inspire our son Alan to be elected America's youngest state Attorney General in 2010). Last February 5th I was grateful to congratulate him at the Capitol following his being presented the Medal of Freedom by President Donald Trump during his historic State of the Union address. The opinion show host was clearly humbled by this deserved recognition. It is so re-assuring that the Rush Limbaugh legacy will continue as excerpts from his broadcasts will remain on the air reinforcing how profound his love of America that are timeless.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, it has been estimated the Paris Accord adopted by President Joe Biden will destroy 2.7 million American jobs. The Washington Examiner, on January 26, exposes more dangers to American families: ``President Biden's decision to rejoin the Paris climate accord immediately delivered . . . a gift to China. ``It commits the United States . . . that will entangle American businesses and jobs in new lengths of red tape, and will also probably increase electricity prices. ``China, which emits twice as much carbon each year as we do, has given the rest of the world nothing but empty promises. ``Biden is giving away the store for nothing . . . he should demand external verification of emissions data. . . .'' Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. I appreciate President Biden last night recognizing the lives lost by the Wuhan virus, joining President Trump last year, who took the first action to ban travel from China.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I would like to include in the Record the following obituary for Huey Clifton McLean. Huey Clifton McLean Huey Clifton McLean, 69, of Lexington passed away Wednesday, November 4, 2020. He was born to the late Pete Monroe and Glennie Mae McLean. Huey proudly served in the United States Army during Vietnam. He retired his military career with the South Carolina National Guard. Surviving are his wife, Rebekah McLean; son, Michael (Jennifer) McLean; daughter, Kelly (Keith) Veidt; and grandchildren, Ryan (Emma) Veidt, Reilly Veidt, Kenlee McLean and Adam McLean. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia McLean Parrish and pre-deceded in death by his brother, Wallace Monroe McLean.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, on Monday I had the opportunity to announce my 2021 Legislative Agenda by hosting with my wife Roxane, press conferences across the Second District of South Carolina in West Columbia, Aiken, North Augusta, Barnwell, with presentations in Orangeburg and Lexington. My legislative priorities for this year begin with defeating the pandemic by working with the Governor Henry McMaster to improve testing and ensure fast access to a safe vaccine. This year's agenda also focuses on creating jobs and economic growth by protecting `Right to Work' laws in South Carolina and advocating for current and future missions at the Savannah River Site. This year more than ever before it is important to promote conservative, limited government solutions. The 2021 agenda includes supporting a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution and supporting our police. I will also continue to promote peace through strength and ensure the security of our country, strengthen alliances for information and medical resource sharing, and support military families. In conclusion, God Bless Our Troops and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I am grateful for the service of the Correspondence Director of the Second Congressional District, Joshua Grant. This week he is joining the office of my fellow Charlestonian, Senator Tim Scott, as a Legislative Correspondent for Finance. Josh hails from the beautiful community of Walterboro, South Carolina, and joined the office of the Second District shortly after graduating from Benedict College, an historically Black college in Columbia, in 2016. During his time in the office, Josh continually went above and beyond and made every constituent and guest feel welcome. He instituted a small-town sense of community to Capitol Hill. Congratulations to his parents, Joseph and Diannia Grant, as well as his siblings, Tahnee Johnson, Tiffany Gist, Lisa Grant, and Jason Grant, for raising a kind, smart, and inspired young man, a favorite of my wife, Roxanne. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. After last night, Republicans are united to stop socialism which destroys jobs.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I would like to include in the Record the following obituary for Barbara Anselmo Chifici. Barbara Anselmo Chifici Barbara ``Mrs. Barbara'' Anselmo Chifici, age 77, passed away unexpectedly on January 23, 2021 due to complications from Coronavirus at Ochsner Medical Center Kenner. A lifelong resident of New Orleans, Barbara attended grammar school at St. Rita Catholic School in New Orleans and graduated from Academy of the Holy Angels. She also studied at Meadows- Draughon Business College, Louisiana State University, Loyola University, and the University of New Orleans. Barbara was the owner and matriarch of the independent family-owned restaurant group Deanie's Seafood restaurants. Barbara came from a large extended Italian family of restaurateurs, where she learned the rigorous demands of running and owning family restaurants. Barbara was awarded an American Culinary Federation New Orleans' Outstanding Foodservice Professional Award in 2013, and had been sought to judge culinary competitions throughout the country during her career. She remained a fixture at the restaurants until the Coronavirus pandemic began last spring. Barbara was an inspiration to generations of culinarians and hospitality workers. As a widowed mother of seven children, she created a rich life for herself and her family around food, faith and community. Her achievements as a woman entrepreneur reached well beyond the expectations of her generation. She instilled a genuine sense of hospitality, quality, family and pride into everything she did with motherly poise and a steely determination that launched and sustained a New Orleans seafood restaurant institution for almost 40 years. Barbara married her late husband Frank Chifici in 1963, and the couple operated a catering business out of their home and later two restaurants, Chifici's Restaurant in the Central Business District and Gromboli's in Metairie, before purchasing Deanie's Seafood Restaurant & Seafood Market in Bucktown in 1982. She was widowed in 1985 after Frank passed away following an 18-month illness. The Chifici family celebrated 38 years as owners and operators of Deanie's Seafood in April 2020. Known for serving up overflowing fried seafood platters and boiled Louisiana seafood, Deanie's became a local favorite that garnered national attention. The restaurant was recognized year after year among New Orleans' best seafood restaurants and featured on numerous Travel Channel and Food Network programs. In 2001, she opened the second Deanie's Seafood restaurant located at the corner of Iberville and Dauphine streets in the French Quarter. Deanie's Sea Food Kitchen, located at 2200 Magazine St. in Uptown New Orleans, opened in 2018. In her later years, as her adult children involved the day-to-day management of the restaurants, she sought ways to champion the values and people she loved. Barbara created Pinchapalooza in 2009, an outdoor crawfish and music festival at Deanie's in Bucktown benefiting local charities that was celebrated for 10 years. She had a large holiday display at her home that later was showcased in windows of the former D.H. Holmes Department Store Annex that housed her French Quarter restaurant, where she also introduced an annual Santa's breakfast and holiday sing-along series offered from 2013 through 2019. She enjoyed travel, dining, cruises, cooking and had season tickets for the New Orleans Saints and local theater. Barbara also had a successful real estate business for over 40 years. She was past president and a longtime member of the Elenian Club of New Orleans, a philanthropic group of women of italian descent. She served in numerous officer positions for the St. Mary Magdalen Mothers' Club and the Archbishop Rummel High School Parents' Club, including vice president. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents Olga Eve Cazes Anselmo and Vincent Anselmo, and her loving husband, Frank Angelo Chifici. She is survived by her brothers Robert Vincent Anselmo (Marlee Early Anselmo) and Dale Anthony Anselmo, her sister in law Virginia Chifici Tedesco and seven children, Mark David Chifici (Joan Dardis Chifici), Darren Frank Chifici (Chasidy Fonseca), Eric John Chifici (Christina Haley Chifici), Keith Vincent Chifici (Renee Gascon Chifici), Garrett Paul Chifici (Candice Schloegel Chifici), Chandra Eve Chifici-Scarber (Richard Scarber) and Candace Ann Chifici (Douglas Farrington). She also adored her 12 grandchildren: Dillon, Erica, Alaina, Olivia, Nicholas, Therese, Sophia, Vito, Vincent, Dominic, Vivienne and Giovanni along with a huge extended family who admired her dedication and hospitality to everyone she encountered. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 105 Bonnabel Blvd., Metairie, LA 70005, on Friday, January 29, 2021 at 1:00 pm. Reception will follow at the Msgr. Melancon Center. Visitation will be Friday at 10:00 am. A private service will be held for her interment in Lake Lawn Park. In lieu of usual remembrances, donations may be made to Angels' Place of New Orleans, 4323 Division St., Suite 206, Metairie, LA 70002 and Ronald McDonald House, 4403 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70119. The Mass will be live streamed on Youtube. Details are available at www.scschurch.com and will be posted to Deanie's Facebook page.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, South Carolina cherishes the service of Joyce C. Hearn who was devoted to the citizens of South Carolina. She served as the Campaign Manager for the late Chairman Congressman Floyd Spence and was crucial in building the new Republican Party with no elected Republicans, which in 2020 established the largest Republican majorities at all levels of government in 140 years. Joyce C. Hearn [Jan. 20, 2021] Columbia, South Carolina.--A family only graveside service for Joyce C. Hearn will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 31, 2021, at Elmwood Cemetery. There will also be a livestream of the service on Dunbar Funeral Home--Devine's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DunbarDevine. The Honorable Joyce C. Hearn died Wednesday. January 20, 2021. Born in Cedartown, Georgia, she was the daughter of the late J.C. Camp and Carolyn Carter Camp. At age 16, she enrolled at West Georgia College, where she met her future husband, Thomas H. Hearn. She transferred to the University of Georgia and graduated with a Bachelors in Education from Ohio State University. After graduation, they moved to Columbia, South Carolina, where she taught at Eau Claire High School. She was most proud of her service to the people of South Carolina. She entered public life working with the 1970 Census, rising through the ranks to become both North and South Carolina's Director of the U.S. Census. She was active in the S. C. Republican Party until her retirement in 2015, working tirelessly to elect Republicans. She championed every Republican presidential candidate from Barry Goldwater to George W. Bush. She was involved in every aspect of elective life. She began as a party volunteer in Richland County; by 1972, she was Chair of the Richland County Republican Party. From there she went into elective office, representing District 76 in the South Carolina Legislature from 1975 to 1990. In her first race, she was described by The State newspaper as a ``housewife'' who was just running as a placeholder until a real candidate could be found. But she was never a placeholder. In subsequent elections, The State described her victories as ``landslides'' or once, when she had a 40% lead over a local attorney, an ``earthquake.'' For years, Representative Hearn was the only woman in the S. C. Legislature, but she was always a force that could not be overlooked. Well respected by her peers, she was named assistant minority leader from 1976 to 1978 and 1987-1989. From that position she worked tirelessly to protect the rights of crime victims. Her work to expand the prosecution of rape to include degrees of criminal sexual assault has changed the way the South Carolina public views rape, giving hope to all victims of domestic violence. In 1990, Gov. Carroll Campbell appointed Representative Hearn to be Chairman of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission. Afterwards, at a time when many of her colleagues were retiring, she began a second career in public relations with her own company Hearn & Associates, until her final retirement in 2014. She was a woman of many interests. She was a founder of the National Order of Women Legislators, which to this day provides a national forum for women's networking across all state legislatures. In 1979, Gov. Edwards awarded her the Order of the Palmetto for her many contributions to South Carolina. She was active in many diverse organizations, such as the Boards of the Columbia Urban League, the Federation of the Blind, Columbia College, and many others. She also served on the board of the Columbia Museum. Many associations named her Legislator of the Year; the Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, the S.C. Association of Disabled Citizens, and the S.C. Committee on Sexual Assault, to name a few. She received the 1985 Mothers Against Drunk Driving Distinguished Service Award for her work regarding Open Containers and raising the drinking age to 21. Representative Hearn served as chairman of the National Advisory Commission on Occupational Safety and Health. First and foremost, she loved her family; she was a devoted mother and grandmother, always there in time of need. She also loved golfing at Fripp Island (she was an avid fan of Tiger Woods) and playing Bridge with her friends. She was a jokester and highly competitive, making every game fun for all. She was a winner at everything she did. Representative Hearn was a member of Kathwood Baptist Church and a Sunday school regular. Surviving are her daughters, Terri Hearn Bailey (Joseph Stan), Kimberly H. Johnson of Columbia, and C. Lee Hearn Becker (Karl) of Manassas, VA. She has six grandchildren, Carter Reston Potts, Joyce Carolyn ``Josie'' Bailey (Sudesh Kalyanswamy), Ruth Elisabeth ``Lisa'' Bailey, and Sarah Hearn Bailey, as well as Jason Thomas Becker and Daniel Gustav Becker. She was so looking forward to Sarah's upcoming marriage to Christopher Michael Siercks on February 13. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Thomas Harry Hearn. Memorials may be made to Kathwood Baptist Church, 4900 Trenholm Rd., Columbia, SC 29206. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.