Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, congratulations to former Prime Minister Maia Sandu on being elected the new President of Moldova on Sunday. Correspondent Corneliu Rusnac has reported, ``Pro-Western candidate wins Moldovan Presidential election,'' and that ``Maia Sandu, a former World Bank economist who favors closer ties with the European Union, has won Moldova's Presidential runoff vote, decisively defeating the staunchly pro-Russian incumbent, according to preliminary results released Monday.'' It should always be remembered that Moldova was the first victim of Putin-maintained aggression by the occupation of Transnistria in 1991, which was a tragic prelude to the illegal Putin occupation of territories in the Republic of Georgia in 2008 and eastern Ukraine in 2014, where over 13,000 citizens have died. All three illegal Putin occupations persist today. Americans are so grateful for this renewed opportunity to work with Moldova and congratulate the Moldovan people on their new President. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the global war on terrorism. God bless the people of Moldova.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), the very courageous sponsor of this bill.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, again, there being no further speakers, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, for over 3 months, we have watched, being inspired, as the Belarusian people have peacefully demanded that their voices be heard and that new, free, and fair elections be held. As we have seen, women dressed in white and carrying flowers have formed miles-long solidarity chains to protest police violence. Employees at state-run companies have gone on strike, despite the threat of losing their jobs. University students have risked expulsion to join the protests. State TV anchors have walked off the set, no longer able to support the regime's propaganda campaign. Thousands of courageous pensioners have marched in opposition to the Belarusian dictator. Today, led by the very talented and visionary Congressman Chris Smith, we must stand and send a strong message to these brave men and women that they are not alone and that the American people stand with them. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 8438, the Belarus Democracy, Human Rights, and Sovereignty Act. I greatly appreciate Representative Chris Smith of New Jersey for championing this bill. He is so well known as a visionary for freedom around the world. I am also proud to join him along with my dear friend, Chairman Eliot Engel, who has been such a valued champion of democracy and with whom I had the rare opportunity to visit Pyongyang in North Korea. Joining us are Representatives Kaptur, Kinzinger, and Keating as original cosponsors of this important bipartisan piece of legislation. There is no question that Alexander Lukashenko rigged the presidential election in Belarus this past August. Since then, despite the terror inflicted upon them by the Lukashenko regime, the Belarusian people have continued to peacefully protest in historic numbers. And their calls for new free and fair elections are only getting louder. Their courage is truly inspiring. The Belarusian people know that a legitimate leader does not need to use violence, arbitrary detention, or torture to cling to power. They know that a legitimate leader does not need to curtail freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly to silent dissenting views And they know that a legitimate leader does not need to block independent media, disrupt internet access, and expel and detain countless journalists to conceal the true scale of opposition to his rule. It is far past time Lukashenko comes to understand this as well. This bill reaffirms that it is the U.S. policy to refuse to recognize Lukashenko as the legitimate leader of Belarus. It also aims to assist the Belarusian people in regaining their freedom and restoring the country's institutions of democratic governments. Moreover, we know that Vladimir Putin fears democratic movements rising up against fellow dictators in his backyard. Any Russian move to undermine the will of the Belarusian people or the country's independence must be met with severe consequences. That is why this legislation provides the President with the necessary tools to hold accountable not only the Belarusian authorities responsible for the violent crackdown but also their Russian backers. This bill will create the necessary conditions to allow the Belarusian people to chart their own future. As such, I urge all Members to join me in supporting its passage. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of another bill I introduced with my friend and subcommittee colleague Chairman Ted Deutch from Florida, H.R. 4802. This bill will expand the Rewards for Justice Program at the State Department to authorize rewards for individuals coming forward with information on sanctions evasion practices. The bill was inspired by Bassam Barabandi, a courageous Syrian patriot and former diplomat at the Syrian Embassy here in Washington who worked with the antiregime activists to provide passports to critics of the criminal Assad regime, promoting the best interests of the people of Syria. For years after his defection, Barabandi lobbied the U.S. Government and provided detailed information on Syrian oligarchs close to Assad and their sanctions evasion practices, including information on Samer Foz, who was ultimately sanctioned by the Treasury last year. He has courageously authored ``The Blacklist,'' which fully documents those who repress the talented people of Syria. Barabandi's case highlighted the need to create a clearer mechanism to incentivize individuals to come forward with this kind of vital information. H.R. 4802 will do just that. It will ultimately enhance compliance with U.S. and international sanctions, increase confidence in the rule of law, and bring criminals and rogue regimes seeking to circumvent U.S. law to justice. For sanctions to be successful, we must have the best information on their ability to hit their intended targets. We must pass many sanctions bills in this body, but it is far easier to pass a sanctions bill than it is to enforce it. Expanding the Rewards for Justice Program will allow us to acquire information on illegal activity that supports the regimes of Iran, North Korea, and other rogue states from the grassroots. Better information equals better enforcement on behalf of the persecuted persons of those countries. Better enforcement equals better results. We should pass this bill and help make sure that the sanctions policies are as effective as possible. Mr. Speaker, there being no further speakers, again, I thank Bassam Barabandi for his courage as a patriot for the people of Syria in the face of the evil Assad regime. He is currently awaiting a decision from USCIS regarding his request for asylum in the United States, and I hope and pray that the Department of Homeland Security rewards this hero of democracy for the people of Syria for his bravery. I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I yield myself the balance of my time for the purpose of closing. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Steve Chabot, who is a proven champion for conservation and for ecosystems beneficial to countries around the world for offering this measure. With the expanded authority to use debt-for-nature agreements to target tropical coral reef restoration, there is much more work to be done. This bill will ensure that the policy objectives and programs outlined in the Republican-led, bipartisan legislation enacted in December 2018 will be fully operationalized. This is a commonsense approach that reduces eligible countries' debt burdens while reinvesting those resources in local tropical forests and coral reef conservation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 7954, the Tropical Forest and Coral Reef Reauthorization Act of 2020, led by Representative Steve Chabot from Ohio and Brad Sherman from California. Congress first enacted this important legislation in 1998. The legislation allows eligible developing countries to restructure certain debt owed to the U.S. Government and, in turn, generates additional revenue to support tropical forest or coral reef conservation projects. These agreements also reinvest in locally led civil society and conservation organizations that take ownership of this critical restoration work. According to The Nature Conservancy, agreements under this program have saved more than 67 million acres of tropical forest in countries such as Botswana, Brazil, the Philippines, and Indonesia. Since first enacted, the Tropical Forest Conservation Act has generated almost $340 million in local currency for tropical forest conservation projects. These are substantial investments in the health of our world's most critical forests and an investment in future generations. I urge my colleagues to support this important measure.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Chabot), the sponsor of the bill.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, President Donald Trump was extraordinarily successful in South Carolina, overcoming the biased fake news to have a tremendous victory. The voters appreciated record job growth for African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans, along with record job growth for women and youth, along with a restored military with peace through strength, protecting our allies like Israel, as he stood for law enforcement to protect American families. There is true love and affection for Donald Trump in South Carolina. Democrats wasted the largest onslaught ever of cash, with over $200 million from out-of-State, to pathetically spend money to the point where their votes were $120 per vote to lose. Democrats unintentionally exposed their socialist agenda of everything free for everybody, resulting in citizens with no freedom, but the political and media elites have all the power. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was correct that socialism will work until it has run out of spending other people's money, always failing. In South Carolina, female Republicans were especially targeted by the failing Democrats. South Carolina has elected the first female Republican Congresswoman ever, Congresswoman-elect Nancy Mace. The South Carolina State Senate has elected, with Penry Gustafson of Camden, the first Republican ever to be elected to the State Senate from Kershaw County, joining Senators Katrina Shealy of Lexington and Sandy Senn of Charleston. Despite Democrat dirty tricks, a smeared Senator Lindsey Graham swept to victory, with Republican gains at all levels--Federal, State, and local--with the largest number of Republican elected officials in 140 years. State Party Chairman Drew McKissick and Executive Director Hope Walker have been dynamic leaders for successfully leading the victory party with Governor Henry McMaster, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, and Attorney General Alan Wilson. I am humbled to have lived the modern Republican revolution, attending the swearing-in of State Representative Charlie Boineau in August 1961 as the first elected Republican in the 20th century, with State Representative Floyd Spence being the first to courageously switch parties in 1962, leading today to super Republican majorities with all statewide officials now Republicans, along with eight out of nine Federal legislators being Republicans. I credit my mother, Wray Wilson, for my political involvement, as she was a pioneering activist in South Carolina for President Dwight Eisenhower in 1952. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the global war on terrorism. Our sympathy for the family of the visionary Midlands business leader Arthur Brown, Jr.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, with America under attack by the Wuhan virus, President Donald Trump announced Operation Warp Speed, led by Vice President Mike Pence. Operation Warp Speed is America's commonsense path toward a historic effort to safely bring the virus testing, treatments, and vaccines to the American people in record time. Extraordinary scientists, doctors, and manufacturers from around the Nation are working tirelessly through Operation Warp Speed to develop safe and effective vaccines. A safe, effective vaccine is the key to restoring our normal way of life and restoring jobs. Just this week, Moderna announced vaccine success and, thanks to President Trump, vaccine production is underway. This is great news for our families and for the restoration of jobs, and I am grateful that we are closer than ever to defeating the pandemic. 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 rise today to congratulate the government and people of the Republic of Turkey on the 97th anniversary of October 29, 1923, when Turkey became a Republic. It was on this day in 1923 when Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the visionary leader of modern Turkey, became its first President. Under his leadership, Turkey rose from the ashes of a war-torn country into a confident, stable, and growing democracy. Turkey and the United States have been NATO Allies since 1952. Our soldiers have been serving side by side for almost seven decades in crises and conflicts in a vast geography, ranging from Afghanistan to Kosovo. Turkey is an important ally and partner of the United States in facing 21st century challenges. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Turkey is now the largest refugee-hosting country in the world. Turkish Americans are an important part of the fabric of the United States, as evidenced by their contributions to the arts, science, academia, and business. Turkish Americans serve as goodwill ambassadors promoting greater understanding between the United States and Turkey, by educating people in the United States about Turkey's rich cultural heritage, and the importance of the partnership to advance mutual interests between the United States and Turkey. I rise today to congratulate my friends in the United States and Turkey on the 97th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Turkey.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, the insightful columnist Star Parker provided an extraordinary analysis, ``Supreme Court Fight is about Life and Death,'' in the Aiken Standard. ``Chuck Schumer, Senate minority leader, says, `Our number one goal must be to communicate the stakes of this Supreme Court fight to the American people' . . . `nothing is off the table.' ``Nothing? Not even violence?'' `` . . . Senator Schumer is right that the American people must know what's at stake. ``Will we have a culture of life and civility, or a culture of death, violence, and chaos. . . . '' ``Fortunately, President Donald Trump understands what is at stake.'' Because of ``the diligence of this President and the Republican Senate, we will soon see an outstanding conservative woman--one who respects both the sanctity of life and the sanctity of our Nation's institutions--fill this Court vacancy.'' In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Godspeed, Amy Barrett and Carol Davis.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, last week, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson who, when first elected in 2010, was America's youngest Attorney General, explained to Newsmax with John Gizzi, ``The Case for Moving the Supreme Court Confirmation.'' ``Since the passing of United States Supreme Court Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Democrats and members of the mainstream media have accused President Donald Trump and Senate Republicans of hypocrisy and unfairness. ``First, let's look at the constitutional perspective. In the case of nominating and confirming a United States Supreme Court justice, the rules are simple. Article II, Section 2 of the United States Constitution says that the president `. . . shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint . . . judges of the Supreme Court.' ``A president has not just the right but a duty to appoint a person to the Supreme Court so long as that appointment is accompanied with the advice and consent of the Senate. ``Second, as to the historical perspective, these actions are neither shocking nor unprecedented. As Dan McLaughlin of the National Review, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and others have pointed out, there have been 44 presidents, and 22 of them have had 29 vacancies to fill in their last year in office. ``Regardless of how you feel politically about filling this vacancy, history and the Constitution support Trump and the Republican Senate. The Senate needs to move forward and fill this seat now.'' 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, on September 24, I was in my district to celebrate the unveiling of the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative to be located at the University of South Carolina Aiken, as well as attend the ribbon cutting for the Salt Waste Processing Facility at the Savannah River Site. Both of these programs will have positive impacts on our community and I look forward to their success. For these reasons, I was absent for votes. Had I been present, I would have voted: NAY on Roll Call No. 202; NAY on Roll Call No. 203; NAY on Roll Call No. 204; YEA on Roll Call No. 205; and NAY on Roll Call No. 206.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, on September 15, I joined President Trump for the historic signing ceremony at the White House. For this purpose, I was absent from votes. Had I been present, I would have voted Nay on Roll Call No. 185, and Nay on Roll Call No. 186

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the Post and Courier of Charleston on September 19 editorialized ``Good news at last from the Middle East.'' ``A series of friendship treaties between Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates with Israel, midwifed by his (Trump's) unorthodox Middle East diplomatic team, provides constructive news from a region that sorely needs it.'' ``With strong support from his first United Nations ambassador, Nikki Haley, Mr. Trump rejected his predecessor's ambiguous stance toward Israel and strongly supported the Jewish nation. With worries increasing about Iranian aggression and power, some Arab nations began looking at Israel as a potential ally rather than an enemy.'' ``But Mr. Trump has been constructive in limiting Iranian interference in Iraq and promoting friendship between Israel and major Sunni Arab nations . . . he deserves credit for seizing the moment to take an important step toward creating a more peaceful region.'' 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, today is the 233rd anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution by our Founding Fathers in Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The seven articles of the Constitution give clarity to our three branches of government: the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, and explains the separating of duties for each. As an attorney, a retired member of the United States Armed Forces, a Member of Congress, and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I appreciate the Constitution each day and hold fast to how the Founding Fathers envisioned limited government to provide for expanded freedom. I encourage all Americans to read and discuss the U.S. Constitution today with family, friends, coworkers, and others in honor and celebration of Constitution Day. 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, yesterday marks an historic turning point for the Middle East and north Africa. For the first time, Arab nations have pursued peace with the Jewish state with the motive of friendly relations with Israel--no land for peace, no confidence-building measures, simply peace in exchange for peace for the very first time. I was grateful to be at the White House for the signing of the landmark agreements brokered by President Donald Trump between the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Israel. Seeing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu alongside UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al Nahyan and Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani was inspiring. Under the leadership of President Trump, the Middle East is a new chapter, an opportunity for peace and prosperity. Thank you to President Trump, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Jared Kushner, and all others who achieved this historic advance for peace. 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. Mr. Speaker, all of America was grateful on Friday, the 19th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, to witness President Donald Trump present Sergeant Major Thomas Patrick Payne the military's highest honor for valor, the Medal of Honor. A native of South Carolina towns Batesburg-Leesville and Lugoff, Payne and Master Sergeant Joshua L. Wheeler with fellow Army Rangers in 2015 helped rescue about 70 hostages set to be executed by the Islamic State terrorists in Iraq. The terrorists had dug mass graves to prepare for mass murder. Sadly, Sergeant Wheeler lost his life, but Payne, with Kurdish commandos, continued their multiple courageous assaults to cut the locks, free the hostages, and helicopter the hostages to freedom. 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, earlier this month, President Donald J. Trump presided over the greatest diplomatic breakthrough in the Western Balkans in the last two decades. Indeed, for over twenty years, the potential of the Western Balkans region has been paralyzed due to the intractable conflict between the Republic of Serbia and the Republic of Kosovo. This bloody conflict took the lives of over 13,000 people and precipitated NATO intervention and bombardment at the turn of the 21st century. For over twenty years, a perpetual state of tension and distrust existed between Belgrade and Pristina. Ultimately, those that suffered most are Serbian and Kosovar families. I am grateful that under President Trump's leadership we have witnessed the first glimmers of hope and progress that will benefit Europe as a whole. On September 4, 2020, President Trump announced that the leaders of Serbia and Kosovo has agreed to enter into an agreement normalizing economic relations between the two nations. Serbain President Aleksander Vucic and Kosovo Prime Minister Avdullah Hofi are courageous for peace and prosperity. President Trump is exactly right to say, ``Economies can bring people together.'' Mutual economic prosperity incentivized the creation of the European Union itself. By focusing on economic benefits and commercial ties first, these two erstwhile enemies can put aside thorny policy debates that have gotten them nowhere for decades and instead see the immediate dividends of peace. When both sides can prosper, unprecedented progress can be made on complicated issues. The ramifications of this agreement will reverberate far into the future and will reshape the course of history of the Western Balkans. Additionally, both Serbia and Kosovo also pledged to remove 5G equipment provided by untrusted vendors--namely China--from their mobile vendors and to prohibit all future bidding by such vendors. This is also marks a major achievement in the Trump Administration's foreign policy agenda to counter malign Chinese Communist Party influence around the world. This historic milestone comes amid a litany of Trump Administration foreign policy successes--including successful peace agreements brokered between Israel and the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Bahrain. Notably, on the day of the Serbia-Kosovo announcement, the White House also mentioned that Kosovo and Israel had agreed to normalize ties and establish diplomatic relations, and that Serbia had agreed to move its embassy to Jerusalem by July. Time and again, President Trump is proving to the world that real success can be achieved by implementing American leadership based on President Ronald Reagan's maxim of Peace through Strength.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, the Midlands of South Carolina is appreciating the extraordinary service of the late Bill Riser, as so well revered by The Times and Democrat of Orangeburg on August 21, 2020: John W. Riser Sr. West Columbia--On Monday, Aug. 17, 2020, John William ``Bill'' Riser Sr., loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away at the age of 86 after a short illness. Bill was born on Jan. 4, 1934, in Bowman, to the late Thomas ``Doc'' Riser Sr. and Nell Weathers Riser. He received a BS degree from Clemson University in 1957, where he played basketball from 1952-56. He was on the first Clemson team to play in the first ACC Conference in 1954. He worked for the Clemson University Extension Service in Aiken, Saluda and Richland counties retiring in 1989. In 2015, he was in the first class of inductees to be inducted into the A. Frank Lever County Extension Agent Hall of Fame for service to S.C. and the farming industry. Bill also served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1991-2002 for House District No. 69, Lexington County. His tenure in the House included effective membership on the critical Ways and Means Committee and on the budget subcommittee for Higher Education, TECH, and Cultural, as well as his vital chairmanship of the legislative Personnel and Benefits Subcommittee. He was also a member of the Agricultural, Natural Resources and Environment Affairs Committee for four years. Bill served his community well, and never met a stranger. When he became Richland County's top agent, he became a media star, hosting the Early Riser show from 1976-89, and was a columnist for The State. A longtime farmer and extension agent, he never refused to share plant and garden tips as he traveled the countryside. Bill was a former Jaycee, Lion's Club member, and worked with the youth in the 4-H program in Saluda County. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Peggy Ann Gwinn Riser. They raised three children, Deborah A. Riser of Columbia, Karen R. Roof (Robert) of Eastover and John W. Riser Jr. (Jennifer) of Atlanta; four grandchildren, Caldwell Roof, Kirsten McClam, Emma Riser and Chloe Riser; as well as one great-grandchild, Drakeford McClam.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I would like to take the time to remember Ronnie Kole for his contribution to the musical community and his charitable work. I include in the Record the following article ``Ronnie Kole, renowned New Orleans pianist who performed for 6 presidents and a pope, dead at 89'' by Dominic Massa on August 28th from the The New Orleans Advocate: Ronnie Kole, the renowned New Orleans pianist who performed for six presidents, a pope and audiences around the world, died Thursday. He was 89. Kole, a consummate entertainer known for his boundless energy, had been in declining health but stopped performing only recently, according to his son. Kole's wife of 36 years, Gardner, died this past January. Kole's career spanned nearly 70 years and took him to Carnegie Hall, concert venues and music clubs across the United States, Europe and Asia. He recorded dozens of albums and was a frequent performer in New Orleans, where he settled in the 1960s before moving to Slidell some 30 years ago. Kole--who was tall, lanky, goateed and always immaculately dressed--entertained six U.S. presidents during his career. In 1987, he performed ``Amazing Grace'' for Pope John Paul II during the Holy Father's visit to New Orleans. Kole performed at the outdoor Mass celebrated by the pope near the UNO Lakefront Arena. Accompanied by a symphony orchestra and a 350-voice choir, Kole called the performance ``the way I've always envisioned doing `Amazing Grace,' '' mixing the hymn with bits of ``Jesus Christ Superstar'' and the ``Hallelujah Chorus.'' The song was a hallmark of most every Ronnie Kole concert. His set lists showcased a diverse range of musical genres from modern and traditional jazz to show tunes, classical music and everything in between. A typical show might feature ``Rhapsody in Blue,'' ``Somewhere Over the Rainbow,'' ``What a Wonderful World,'' selections from Mozart or Beethoven, ``Ave Maria'' and a souped-up version of ``When the Saints Go Marching ln,'' just to name a few. In between songs at his concerts, he would frequently entertain his audience with jokes, anecdotes, self-deprecating asides and musical history lessons. ``My feeling is, anything your mind can think of, you can put down on a piano,'' he said in a 2004 Times-Picayune profile. ``To me, a piano is an orchestra. It's a very imaginative instrument that you can do most anything on, which I try to do. I try not to have limitations. I have a lot of fun with it. I love to entertain.'' According to Times-Picayune music writer Keith Spera, Kole was renowned for his showstopping, all-request Broadway medley, which concluded with him playing the main melodic theme with his left hand and a succession of requested melodies with his right--simultaneously. Kole was a founder of French Quarter Festival, performing at the first event in 1984 and every festival since. He was scheduled to perform at this year's French Quarter Fest, as well as at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, both of which were canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. Kole had performed at nearly every New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival since its inception in 1970 and played at the modern event's precursor, the 1968 New Orleans Jazz Festival. Born Ronald Kuhn, Kole was a native of Chicago. He suffered from a heart condition as a child, which limited his outdoor activities. ``When I was feeling good, I wanted to go outside and play ball, but when I was sick I was sometimes laid up for a month and a half, two months in bed,'' he said in a 2012 WWNO-FM interview. ``My aunt played piano by ear and she had a big old upright piano. She showed me how to play `Chopsticks' . . . and my mother and father said, `Maybe we should get him a piano. That would keep him from wanting to go outside to play baseball.' '' Kole recalled first tickling the ivories around the age of 13 and considered himself largely self-taught. He went on the road in the Midwest to perform when he was just 16. Kole first came to New Orleans in 1957 to audition as part of a jazz trio. He didn't get the job but he fell in love with the city. While back in Chicago, he crossed paths with New Orleans music great Al Hirt. Although Kole had already toured the country and made somewhat of a name for himself as a young jazzman, he was uncertain of his career path. Hirt, a nationally known jazz trumpeter, encouraged Kole's career and gave it a major jump start by asking him to bring his ensemble to New Orleans in 1964 to serve as the house band for Hirt's Bourbon Street club. ``I guess I owe everything to Al for bringing me down,'' Kole said in 1987. ``And also for kicking me in the fanny a year or so prior to that, when I had totally given up and decided to play solo in a restaurant piano bar thing.'' Kole worked at Hirt's club for several years before opening his own club, Kole's Korner, where he performed for six years. ``Man, I'm treated like a hometown boy here,'' Kole said of the city in a 1967 Times-Picayune profile. ``The people are wonderful--even the club operators on Bourbon Street--there's none of the cutthroat competition here that I've found elsewhere. To us, New Orleans is the ideal place.'' Before coming to New Orleans, Kole, who performed solo but also with a trio or septet, frequently played Las Vegas and on national television, with appearances on ``The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson,'' ``The Mike Douglas Show'' and ``The Merv Griffin Show.'' A dedicated civic booster, Kole served as president and chairman of the Sugar Bowl, chairman of the Louisiana Tourist Commission and president of the World Trade Center. He was also one of the investors in the New Orleans Buccaneers, the short-lived 1960s team affiliated with the American Basketball Association, which later merged with the NBA. Kole was also known for his philanthropy. For nearly 30 years, the Jazz on the Bayou fundraiser, held at the Koles' home on the banks of Bayou Liberty in Slidell, raised almost $2 million for local charities. Beneficiaries included Easter Seals Louisiana, STARC, Safe Harbor, the Tammany Trace Foundation and other local charities. For many years, Kole also hosted the annual Easter Seals telethon on local television. He was a gourmet and wine connoisseur whose personal cellar once contained more than 3,000 bottles of vintage wines. His love for French wines and vineyards began with his 1984 honeymoon in France, where he and his wife Gardner would return every summer. Kole wrote several songs based on the vineyards and wines of France. He compiled them into a series of CDs, called ``Music of the Vines.'' The work earned him the honor of Chevalier of Arts and Letters, the highest award presented by the French government for achievement in the arts. ``Music opens the door to anything in the world,'' he once said, ``and wine does, too.'' A life-size statue of Kole, donning a tuxedo and holding a glass of wine, is included in the New Orleans Musical Legends Park on Bourbon Street, alongside fellow icons Pete Fountain, Fats Domino, Chris Owens, Irma Thomas, Allen Toussaint, Louis Prima and Hirt. Last year, the City of Slidell officially named its Heritage Park Amphitheater Stage ``The Ronnie and Gardner Kole Stage'' in recognition of the couple's cultural contributions to the city. Kole was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in 2012. In addition to the loss of his second wife, Gardner Morrow Schneider Kole, the musician also lost a son, James F. Kuhn. His first wife, Violet Shafer Kole, is also deceased. Survivors include five children, Sandra Kole Bernos, of Poplarville, Mississippi; Rhonda Kole Glassmeyer, of Slidell; Ronnie Kole Jr., of Lafayette; Bobbi Kole Ballero, of New Orleans; and James V. Kuhn, of Decatur, Illinois; three stepchildren, Pete Schneider, Chris Schneider and Doree Schneider Donovan, all of Slidell; as well as 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, last week I was grateful to visit the famously friendly community of Pelion, South Carolina, where I met with Town of Pelion Police Officer Odell O.G. Glenn, a full time Police Officer/School Resource Officer/Children's Book Author. I will always cherish his thoughtfulness to present me two autographed books: The Adventures of Officer O.G. School Cop and the Adventures of Officer O.G. School Cop: School Fire. The series of books are dedicated to all the hard working School Resource Officers who protect children and staff. In an era of disrespect to law enforcement, Officer Odell ``O.G.'' Glenn is an extraordinary example of the vast majority of law enforcement who are dedicated to protecting American families. The visit was enhanced by a warm welcome by Chief Mike Crider, Mayor Frank Shumpert, and enthusiastic educators with community leaders.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, this past weekend we celebrated the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment. I include in the Record an article from the The Aiken Standard that highlights women leaders in our community and the role that Eulalie Salley had in the suffragist movement: Aiken's Women Leaders Reflect on 19th Amendment's 100th Anniversary, Eulalie Salley's Role (By Dede Biles August 15, 2020) Women leaders in the Aiken area reflected recently on this month's 100th anniversary of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution's 19th Amendment, which guarantees that an American's right to vote will not be denied on the basis of sex. They also discussed the legacy of Eulalie Salley, an Aiken resident who was a prominent suffragist. Read what they had to say: Lessie Price, Aiken City Council member and Aiken Mayor Pro Tempore: ``Those women (who fought for the right to vote) were very bold and brave. Can you imagine doing that during that period of time, what was said about them by their peers and the names they were probably called? ``Also there were pressures faced by their husbands because their wives were doing something that was not the norm. ``On both sides, there were enduring pressures, but the women were so strong. Where would we be (as women) if those women were not brave enough or strong enough to take a stand and be a voice for us to have the freedom to vote? I am standing on the shoulders of those women and their history and them being trailblazers in the fight for equality. ``They fought for equality for all of us. And that's the bottom line.'' ``Eulalie Salley was quite outspoken, and we are fortunate to have had her as part of the Aiken community. ``She led an innovative campaign regarding suffrage.'' Kay Biermann Brohl, Aiken City Council member: ``I think it's important that we celebrate this. It took so long for women to win that right to vote. ``And today we see so many women in leadership positions. It brings a whole different perspective to the decisions that are made and how they are made. ``I think Eulalie Salley was a trailblazer. She did so many things that a lot of people are just finding out about, and she contributed greatly to the culture, the history and the fairness of how things are done here in Aiken.'' Gail Diggs, Aiken City Council member: ``In 1920, women won the right to vote, and here we are in 2020 with the possibility of having a Black female vice president. It's truly something to celebrate. I'm proud to know that Eulalie Salley was one of the women who led the way. We've come a long way, baby! ``Eulalie Salley was strong, outspoken and determined to make a change. For her, silence was not an option. She saw something seriously wrong and not only said something, but actually DID something! ``She helped pave the way for women to have a voice. Eulalie Salley was a true woman of substance!'' Dr. Sandra Jordan, Chancellor of USC Aiken: ``The 19th Amendment was critical to the rights women enjoy today, for it finally guaranteed all women the right to vote during our national, state and local elections. ``History teaches us that once disenfranchised groups can vote, other forms of equality, such as social, economic and educational opportunities will follow. ``While we may take this right for granted today, we should never lose sight of the fact that women gained civil rights quite late in the history of our nation. It would be a travesty for modern-day men and women to dismiss the long, hard struggle that culminated in the passage of the 19th Amendment. ``While women have experienced many successes since the passage of the amendment, women have not yet achieved full equality. I hope I will see in my lifetime our daughters and granddaughters achieve the dream of equal pay for equal work, freedom from harassment and freedom from discrimination based on gender. ``The dream of equality is worth the effort of keeping these issues on the forefront of our thinking, our actions and our national discussions. ``The university has many special ties to Eulalie Salley, a former Frist Lady of Aiken and a local suffragette, who used her personal earnings to underwrite her efforts to champion the cause. ``In fact, the Salley home now sits on the USC Aiken campus. ``Her tireless efforts to help secure this important civil right for half of the U.S. population was recognized by the governor (of South Carolina) who invited her to stand beside him as he signed the bill into law. ``Her commitment to the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed all women equal rights, on par with men, including gaining the right to vote, is an inspiration for women today.''

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, this week's announcement of a U.S.-promoted peace treaty between the United Arab Emirates and Israel is an achievement of historic proportions. It is the clear result of President Donald Trump's bold foreign policy agenda with Jared Kushner creating peace through strength. This is a major step towards a more stable, peaceful, and prosperous Middle East in which all people and religions can coexist and prosper. Credit is due to President Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for their commitment to peace and prosperity. The Washington Examiner editorial titled, ``Team Trump Deserves Congratulations on UAE-Israel Peace Deal'' is right. This agreement is a substantive and significant victory for Israelis, Emiratis, and the Trump administration. UAE is ably represented in Washington by Yousef Al Otaiba working with Ambassador David Friedman in Jerusalem. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.