Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, members of the South Carolina National Guard are heroes. During this challenging time, it is inspiring that South Carolina National Guard Service Members choose to serve the citizens of South Carolina. The National Guard continues to answer the call and assist communities affected by the Wuhan Virus. Here are six heroes in South Carolina. Doctor (Col.) Phillip Latham is the state Air Surgeon for the South Carolina Air National Guard, serves as the South Carolina Air National Guard medical lead and COVID-19 medical response coordinator. His efforts and accomplishments positively impact South Carolina communities daily. Colonel Latham liaises with the South Carolina Hospital Association. He assists statewide medical surge planning and weekly regional response coordination meetings. Additionally, Colonel Latham has coordinated a patient transportation response plan, enhanced resource acquirement allocation, and regional planning for Tier 1 and Tier 2 alternate care sites, as well as improve emergency ambulance response protocols. He also worked through the South Carolina Hospital Association and South Carolina Manufacturers Empowerment program for the creation of centralized ordering and distribution of protective personal equipment. Engineering support statewide alternate care site surveys, identified and planned for possible infrastructure expansion to meet needs in excess of current regional hospital capacity. Lastly, he coordinated phase 2 testing and contact tracing plans in concert with the South Carolina Hospital Association, South Carolina Emergency Management Division, Department of Health and Environmental Control and National Guard leadership for a roll out of both diagnostic and immunity testing across the state. Doctor (Lt. Col.) Vanessa Wideman, is the 169th Medical Group, Flight Surgeon. Lieutenant Colonel Wideman advised South Carolina National Guard leadership on COVID-19 mitigation efforts, mapped out McEntire Joint National Guard Base's strategy and response for COVID-19, and advised 169th Fighter Wing leadership on Health Protection Condition (HPCON) levels. She continues to coordinate with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to improve individualized member response to COVID-19 for potentially affected members. Doctor (Lt. Col.) Fred Smith, is the 157th Fighter Squadron, Flight Surgeon. Lieutenant Colonel Smith's testing efforts helped map out hospital network efforts across South Carolina. He also observed and provided oversight for the South Carolina National Guard--civilian partnership, in food distribution, and receiving, at Harvest Hope food bank. Lieutenant Colonel Paul Laymon is the 169th Security Forces Squadron Commander. Lieutenant Colonel Laymon has coordinated, organized, planned, staffed, and co-lead the development of the COVID-19 Joint Task Force--Security (C-JTFS). He also developed new Operating Instructions for safe and secure entry onto McEntire Joint National Guard Base and authored the National Guard's Adversary Threat Assessment to include concerns over weaponization of the Novel Virus COVID-19. Lastly, he coordinated with the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, and the South Carolina Joint Operations Center for the safe-secure delivery and redistribution of the CDC National Stockpile Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Lieutenant Colonel Allen R. Stewart serves as the South Carolina National Guard Joint Force Headquarters Logistics Director. In this capacity, he's coordinated South Carolina National Guard support at Oliver Gospel mission, set up Blue Tent training between the Department of Health and Environmental Control and 59th Troop Command, and worked with the South Carolina National Guard to set up the Georgia Air National Guard's sanitizing ``Train the Trainer'' classes for the South Carolina National Guard. Furthermore, his efforts helped improve planning efforts and protective measures with the South Carolina Department of Corrections. Lieutenant Colonel Stewart also helped set up South Carolina's food distribution in Horry County and facilitated the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicle's plan to use South Carolina National Guard armories across the state to enable social distancing between the public and DMV staff. Second Lieutenant Trey Murphy is the Logistics Readiness Officer for the 169th Logistics Readiness Squadron. Second Lieutenant Murphy coordinated and hosted the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Receipt, Store, and Stage (RSS) refresher training course, which showed how to manage distribution of Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) material. His efforts enabled his squadron to store over two-hundred pallets of personal protective equipment on more than fifty tactical convoys, serving all forty-six counties in South Carolina. He also coordinated the joint effort for the staging of US Army personnel and equipment in advance of civilian bus driver training conducted on McEntire Joint National Guard Base. I am grateful to have worked with my colleagues in the 116th Congress to provide needed funding for vital personal protective equipment, material, and support for our Service Members and their families.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I was grateful to read in The Wall Street Journal (May 13) that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a nationally televised speech pledged to boost economic self- sufficiency amid the Wuhan Virus pandemic. With 1.3 billion people locked down since March 25th the country has suffered historic job losses as nonessential industries have been completely shut down. Prime Minister Modi is inspiring the people of India with the slogan ``Lets be vocal for local''. America is fortunate to have such an incredible leader of the Indo- Pacific. I was present firsthand several years ago with Ambassador Nikki Haley to welcome the Prime Minister to the Center Ring of Madison Square Garden in New York City. Last year I was present at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi for the Prime Minister's Independence Day address, and later in Houston with President Donald Trump for the Howdy Modi event with over 50,000 attending in the largest welcoming celebration for a foreign head of state in the history of the United States. I am confident with the obvious warm relationship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump that the families of India and America will prevail over the Wuhan Virus. Now more than ever India, the world's largest democracy will partner with America, the world's oldest democracy for mutual prosperity of creating jobs. With the dedicated leadership of President Kavee Kumar of the Indian American Chamber of Commerce there can be a replication of one of capitalism's most phenomenal successes. Indian Americans develop over half the hotels, motels, and hospitality centers across America with the leadership of AAHOA led by President Cecil Staton and Vice President Chirag Shah.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, as the grateful son of a World War II Flying Tiger of the U.S. Army Air Corps who served in China, I grew up with appreciation for the people of the people of Xian, Chungdu, and Kunming where he lived served. First Lieutenant Hugh deV. Wilson educated me on the bravery of the Chinese people to resist aggression with an extraordinary cultural heritage. It is because of my devotion to the people of China that I believe the proper identification of the deadly threat to all nations of the world is The Wuhan Virus. Why Correctly Identifying Wuhan Virus Actual location of origination Underscores American sympathy for initial Chinese victims Highlights ``wet market'' or the Wuhan Institute of Virology Recognizes Whistleblower Dr. Li Wenliang Praises the bravery of Whistle-provider Dr. Ai Fen Honors Chinese doctors Questions disappearance of Chinese doctors Raises issues of untrue denial of person-to-person transmission Causes WHO to clarify misinformation Confirms a global catastrophe not Trump's fault Puts on notice biased American mainstream media it must tell truth Alerts hate-filled that illness of Trump Derangement Syndrome will be exposed Verifies local and national talk radio hosts are today's Paul Revere's of truth Underscores President Trump's early decisions to block travel from China Clarifies people of Italy not responsible Debunks fake news of U.S. military conspiracy Refutes ignorant smears of untrue European Virus Promotes that Taiwan should have WHO admission Reveals WHO complicit with Chinese Communist Party American Enterprise Institution correct, Communist Party and U.S. media gullible Senator Tom Cotton is fully vindicated on China as a pariah state China Project of Congresswoman Liz Cheney documents deception and fraud Eighteen states Attorneys Generals led by Alan Wilson demand the truth on the Wuhan Virus Turning Point USA's video is accurate ``China Lied People Died'' Ann Coulter unmasks liberals' mandatory fascist stuff For so many substantive reasons, it is important to correctly name The Wuhan Virus. It is not to condemn the innocent people of China, but to serve as a message to authoritarians not to conceal their incompetence as billions of citizens are at risk in over 200 countries with illness, death, and economic destruction of jobs.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, during this time of unprecedented crisis of Wuhan Virus, our families, small businesses, and hospitals need support now to maintain jobs, more than ever. Unfortunately, the Democrats have ignored any bipartisan effort to fight with families and jobs. Instead, we have the largest stimulus package yet, a $3 trillion wish list that partisan House Democrats have put forward by themselves. This massive, partisan bill has truly shown that they will let no crisis go to waste. While millions of Americans are out of work and our families are attempting to recover, Democrats are mortgaging the future of younger Americans. Our children and grandchildren will be the ones paying the bill. Now is the time for Congress to work together to help our families recover from the coronavirus pandemic, I will be voting ``no'' on this legislation. This bill should never become law. 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. Speaker, I oppose this parade of absurdities on behalf of America's students and grandchildren--Addison, Houston, Emily Ruth, Michael, Anna Grace, Jack, Sally, and Katherine-- who will be burdened by debt. On Monday, I saw the best of America in my birthplace of Charleston. I was with Boeing CEO David Calhoun as he presented planes full of PPEs to MUSC President David Cole, showing our appreciation for health professionals. I thank Doctors Balbir Minhas and Shalini Mittal for my N95 mask. This was private business, not government, protecting American families. All levels of government were present: municipal with Mayor Keith Summey of North Charleston and Mayor John Tecklenburg of Charleston, county with council Chairman Elliott Summey, State with Governor Henry McMaster and Senator Marlon Kimpson, and Federal with Senator Tim Scott and Congressmen Joe Cunningham and Ralph Norman. Republicans and Democrats are working together. Just 11 weeks ago today, I was at the same airport with President Donald Trump and 30,000 supporters thanking him for record job creation.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, it was heartwarming that on May 7th, during National Small Business Week, The Augusta Chronicle identified North Augusta businesses, getting creative. As we all work together to defeat the Wuhan Virus, it is inspiring to see small businesses working together. I include in Record the following article developed by Staff Writer Miguel Legoas. With a tent, a couple tables, and a dedicated staff, The Purple Hull restaurant made a DIY drive-through that has done so well owner Ray Henderson said they may make a more permanent version. ``I think it's developed some business that we didn't have, so I think we may go and actually build off the back-end and put us a drive through there,'' he said. Henderson said the pandemic dealt a serious blow to the business, as it has done with many other small businesses, which is why they had to get creative in order to persevere. Jenny and Jesse Elliot, of Shoppe313, have flexed those same creative muscles with their online sales and by creating kits for parents so they can build their own teddy bears from home. Suzanne Fanning, of the Pink Dipper ice cream ship, also reiterated Henderson's point, and since re-opening her store has adjusted hours, put up a partition between the customers and employees, updated their delivery service, and has done more with curbside pickup. ``Every day is a learning process being open during the pandemic,'' Fanning said. ``What we learned and what we're trying to teach our staff is that, in this craziness, we're having to be really flexible. . . (and) most customers have been really pretty understanding of the changes.'' But some of the customers in the North Augusta area have done much more than be courteous. Parks Pharmacy store manager Karen Powell said some customers, in their own time and with their own money, surprised the pharmacy with handmade masks for the entire staff. ``It was very touching, it spoke very loudly that someone cared,'' Powell said. ``We've got a little GroupMe chat, we've got emails shooting back and forth when all this was kicking up, the Chamber and North Augusta Forward were super, super helpful in just educating us all about the resources that are available,'' Fanning said. Henderson said they have tried to help other businesses, ones that could be considered competitors. When Wife Saver said it would be closing, they offered encouragement and help, and did the same with a nearby Mexican establishment. They even provided DeShawn's Seafood and Chicken Restaurant with some much-needed supplies. ``We all kinda doing our own thing and not really focused on each other,'' Henderson said. ``I think it made it where we were more willing to open up and say ``Hey, I need your help.''

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, in the midst of the battle against the Wuhan Virus it is refreshing to read of innovations by small businesses to protect our courageous health professionals. The Augusta Chronicle first page featured Lisa Stuart of Carolina CoverTech on May 4th with a thoughtful article by Staff Writer Damon Cline, which I include in the Record: Carolina CoverTech makes 12,000 products that--as the company slogan says--``cover, protect, contain and enclose.'' But it wasn't until this month that the third-generation manufacturer made a product to cover and protect health care workers. The North Augusta-based custom fabricator--best known for producing commercial awnings, golf car fabrics and spill- control guards for the oil industry--is making disposable isolation gowns for University Hospital. With the COVID-19 pandemic draining the nation's supply of personal protection gear, the hospital called on CoverTech to produce a special run to help get it through the shortage. ``Three weeks ago we had never made one, ever,'' CoverTech President Rian True said. ``Now we're making 2,000 a day.'' Although the company and the hospital are less than 15 minutes apart, the idea of a supplier-customer relationship was something neither knew was possible. But when gown stockpiles started running low, University began searching for options while volunteers and staff cranked out up to 1,200 smocks a day using inexpensive sealing machines and plastic sheeting from home improvement stores. In a facility that disposes of 2,000 gowns a day, hospital officials predicted all inventory would be exhausted by the time the pandemic's predicted ``curve'' began its upward ascent. Mike Brown, University's director of materials management, offhandedly mentioned the dilemma to Greg Shuford, the pharmacy manager at University's Summerville campus. Shuford happened to know True, and he quickly put the two together. CoverTech operations manager Lisa Stuart said the plant started producing prototypes using existing material within a day of the first meeting. ``We like people who come to us and need us to solve a problem,'' she said. ``We can be agile and do things quickly.'' After a few modifications and switching the material to a textured plastic sheeting, the plant had created a gown that fit the hospital's needs. True said it took a little over a week to get the gown line up to full production. Brown said some of the hospital's nursing staff have mentioned they prefer CoverTech's smock to the ones sourced from the hospital's medical-equipment supplier. ``They say its a little more durable,'' Brown said. ``So they have managed to make a gown that is of equivalent quality and is a little more durable.'' The gowns, generally light blue in color, keep bodily fluids from contaminating health care workers' clothing and scrubs. The gowns are worn by all workers treating suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients. Reed said he enjoys designing products for all designing products for all types of applications, but that the gown project was especially satisfying. ``We feel like we're helping make a little bit if a difference,'' he said.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, Americans are grateful for the persistence, competence, and professionalism of Sydney Powell Esq., attorney for General Michael Flynn. As more information emerges about the outrageous General Flynn case, it is increasingly obvious that Flynn, a decorated general and former director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, was the victim of rogue FBI entrapment on entirely illegal and unconstitutional grounds. Confirming the worst of the Deep State. Sydney Powell deserves highest accolades for fighting for General Flynn in the face of a deliberate criminal conspiracy by rogue leadership at the FBI to incriminate both General Flynn and the Trump Administration under the fake pretense of ``Russian collusion.'' The entire investigation began and continues to be a partisan witch hunt which must be uncovered for the sake of the American Republic. If this can happen to someone like General Flynn, indeed it can happen to any law-abiding citizen of this country. In persistently fighting against this madness, Sydney Powell and the rest of General Flynn's capable legal team also fight for the rights of all Americans to defend themselves against illegal conspiracies of the highest degree by a Deep State. As a proud attorney myself and being the grateful father of S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson, I am especially shocked at the rogue FBI and Department of Justice abuses of the profession. From the outset, there was absolutely no criminal predicate before the election for investigation into General Flynn. Previously undisclosed FBI documents from 2016 make the intentions of federal investigators crystal clear. One note from these documents written by the former head of FBI counterintelligence reads, ``What is our goal? Truth and admission or to get him to lie, so we can prosecute him or get him fired?'' These documents also reveal discussions regarding how the Justice Department could get Flynn to admit to breaking the Logan Act, even though this law has never been used to convict an American citizen and questions abound as to its legality since its enactment in 1799. But when General Flynn was blackmailed into pleading guilty, none of these documents were made available to him or his legal team. And while federal investigators did not believe that General Flynn had lied intentionally during the investigation, the disgraced Special Counsel Mueller and his team disregarded this and moved ahead with the dubious charges, ratcheting up the pressure by even threatening to charge General Flynn's son, aided and abetted by the shamefully biased U.S. District Judge Sullivan. What emerges from the evidence at hand is a shameful and chilling account of attempted entrapment by the federal government against an innocent man with a long history of serving his country. I commend Sydney Powell for her fortitude and determination against these seemingly insurmountable odds. America is grateful for leaders like General Michael Flynn and for strong advocates of the law like Attorney Sydney Powell. It is sad that many Democrats and their brazen mainstream media allies have become afflicted with Trump Derangement Syndrome leading to any nefarious illegality to establish the ends justify the means of the destruction of the Trump Presidency.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, on Tuesday May 12th there was an inhuman murderous attack by terrorists of a 100-bed hospital compound in Kabul, Afghanistan, which included a maternity ward run by aid group Doctors Without Borders. Gruesomely, the terrorist attack left 16 murdered, including mothers, infants, and healthcare workers, and 15 others were wounded. Shortly thereafter, a cowardly suicide bomber targeted a funeral ceremony of a local police commander in Nangahar, leaving at least 24 dead and 68 injured. This level of fanaticism underscores that we must secure Afghan families or the terrorists will again eagerly kill Americans as they did on September 11th from a cave in Afghanistan. Tuesday's gut-wrenching attacks are unfortunately not an aberration in Afghanistan, as terrorists who would like to stifle freedom and liberty continue to destabilize the country and threaten the democratic trajectory of the Afghan government. Although the Afghan Taliban have formally denied their participation in these attacks, President Ashraf Ghani pointed an accusatory finger at the terrorist group and called on them to cease and desist. ``I once again call on them to embrace peace,'' President Ghani said in an official statement, noting that it is ``not only a demand of the government, but the nation and the international community.'' America is grateful for President Ghani's courageous leadership. As Co-Chairman of the Afghan Caucus, I especially have appreciated meeting with the President in Kabul where I found firsthand his devotion to the people. If the Taliban truly did not participate in these heinous attacks, the group should work with the Afghan government to bring the murderous perpetrators to justice. It is especially tragic that these attacks occurred during the Muslim holy Month of Ramadan, a time meant for solemn prayer and peace. The people of Afghanistan deserve a peaceful future, free from terrorism and death that they have been plagued with for far too long. Americans pray that peace, stability, and security return to Afghanistan and we stand ready to support Afghanistan's government and security services in their efforts to realize this dream for prosperity of Afghan families.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, in the midst of the catastrophe of the Wuhan Virus it was uplifting to read on the front page of The State newspaper of Columbia, S.C., on May 14th ``Airport High School holds virtual graduation ceremony'' by Tracy Glantz. Lexington County School District Two is professionally led by Superintendent Bill James with an extraordinary School Board of Chairman Bill Bingham, Elizabeth (Beth) Dickerson Branham, Cynthia M. (Cindy) Kessler, R. Kevin Key, Christina Rucker, J.M. (Bud) Summers, and Linda Alford-Wooten. Principal David Damm provides dynamic leadership. I Include in the Record the article highlighted by the inspiring family photo of Graduate Marcus Gadsden and his deservedly proud parents Yvonne and Richard Gadsden. Airport High School Graduation About 300 seniors at Airport High School walked across a stage in their graduation caps and gowns on Wednesday, but it wasn't their graduation day yet. Wednesday was the second day of filming and photographing at the school to produce a televised, virtual graduation ceremony that will air June 6. South Carolina state officials have left it to school districts to plan for graduation while taking necessary precautions with social distancing to stop the spread of coronavirus. ``We talked of every possible option, but never stepped away from our foundational desire to keep it safe and keep it responsible,'' Airport High Principal David Damm said. Groups of graduates and their parents were spaced several feet apart as they approached the stage. The students took their turns, walking across the stage, receiving their diploma case and getting photographs made. These images will be put together in a video along with speeches by Principal David Damm, valedictorian Ashleigh Smith, salutatorian Rose Brandon, Student Body President Katie Kyzer, and Senior Class President Geena Rocanella. ``There's some element to it that we hope is special. . . We are trying to provide the graduates with a memory, a video of their graduation, but do it in a way that keeps people apart and safe,'' Damm said. ``I'm just glad to have had a ceremony, even if it was small,'' Julion Brooks said after walking across the stage. His parents, Shaquana and Lamar Brooks, made photographs while wearing T-shirts honoring the class of 2020--``delayed not denied''--printed across the front. At Lexington District 2's other high school, Brookland- Cayce, students will have a similar opportunity on May 14. Other efforts to help honor the class of 2020 include yard signs, billboards, social media and a countywide porch light salute on May 20, at 8:20 p.m. Virtual graduation ceremonies for the two high schools will air online and on local television June 6, the Lexington 2 school district announced this week. They will be broadcast together from 5-7 p.m. June 6 on WACH-Fox 57. They will also be available for streaming via STIRR, a free TV app. The presentations will be posted on the school district's YouTube channel after they have aired.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, as the grateful son of a World War II Flying Tiger of the U.S. Army Air Corps who served in China, I grew up with appreciation for the people of Xian, Chungdu, and Kunming where he served. First Lieutenant Hugh deV. Wilson educated me on the bravery of the Chinese people to resist aggression with an extraordinary cultural heritage. It is because of my devotion to the people of China that I believe the proper identification of the deadly threat to all nations of the world is The Wuhan Virus. Why Correctly Identifying Wuhan Virus? Actual location of origination Underscores American sympathy for initial Chinese victims Highlights ``wet market'' or the Wuhan Institute of Virology Recognizes Whistleblower Dr. Li Wenliang Praises the bravery of Whistle-provider Dr. Ai Fen Honors Chinese doctors Questions disappearance of Chinese doctors Raises issues of untrue denial of person-to-person transmission Causes WHO to clarify misinformation Confirms a global catastrophe not President Trump's fault Puts on notice biased American mainstream media it must tell truth Alerts hate-filled that illness of Trump Derangement Syndrome will be exposed Verifies local and national talk radio hosts are today's Paul Reveres of truth Underscores President Trump's early decisions to block travel from China Clarifies people of Italy not responsible Debunks fake news of U.S. military conspiracy Refutes ignorant smears of untrue European Virus Promotes that Taiwan should have WHO admission Reveals WHO complicit with Chinese Communist Party American Enterprise Institution correct, Communist Party and U.S. media gullible Senator Tom Cotton is fully vindicated on China as a pariah state China Project of Congresswoman Liz Cheney documents deception and fraud Eighteen state Attorneys General demand the truth on the Wuhan Virus Turning Point USA's video is accurate ``China Lied People Died'' Ann Coulter unmasks liberals mandatory ``fascist stuff'' For so many substantive reasons, it is important to correctly name The Wuhan Virus. It is not to condemn the innocent people of China, but to serve as a message to authoritarians not to conceal their incompetence as billions of citizens are at risk in over 200 countries with illness, death, and economic destruction of jobs.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I was grateful to read in The Wall Street Journal (May 13) that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a nationally televised speech pledged to boost economic self- sufficiency amid the Wuhan Virus pandemic. With 1.3 billion people locked down since March 25th the country has suffered historic job losses as nonessential industries have been completely shut down. Prime Minister Modi is inspiring the people of India with the slogan ``Lets be vocal for local'' America is fortunate to have such an incredible leader of the Indo- Pacific. I was present firsthand several years ago with Ambassador Nikki Haley to welcome the Prime Minister to the Center Ring of Madison Square Garden in New York City. Last year I was present at the historic Red Fort in New Delhi for the Prime Minister's Independence Day address, and later in Houston with President Donald Trump for the Howdy Modi event with over 50,000 attending in the largest welcoming celebration for a foreign head of state in the history of the United States. I am confident with the obvious warm relationship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Donald Trump that the families of India and America will prevail over the Wuhan Virus.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, as a former journalist myself, it is sad the mainstream media is so biased due to Trump Derangement Syndrome of mindless hatred. There is unlimited U.S. fake news, the Chinese Communist Party is relentless with propaganda, Russia blogs sow absurd discontent, Iranian zealots flat out lie, but in the midst of this madness it should be gratefully recognized there are rare beacons of truth as evidenced on March 19th with The Epoch Times editorial The Web of Lies Spun Around the CCP Virus. It is especially noteworthy what was correctly opined months ago is still rarely true today. It is so important and correct it should be worthy of the Congressional Record for the American people to know today and historians in the future. I include in the Record a piece authored by Heng He, a commentator on Sound of Hope Radio, a China analyst for NTD and a writer for The Epoch Times newspaper. ``The Web of Lies Spun Around the CCP Virus'' The world can learn much by paying attention to how the outbreak of the CCP virus--commnonly known as the novel coronavirus--has been handled in China. There were at least two well-known doctors at Wuhan Central Hospital during the outbreak, the whistleblower Dr. Li Wenliang and whistle-provider Dr. Ai Fen. Ai is the emergency room director who saw a SARS coronavirus-positive test report for a patient on Dec. 30, 2019, and sent the report to a friend. The report immediately circulated in a circle of eight doctors that included Li. The reaction was almost instantaneous. At 10:20 p.m., the hospital sent a message conveying a Wuhan Health Commission notice that anything about the ``unknown pneumonia'' shouldn't be made public. One hour later, the hospital sent another, similar notice. Then, on Jan. 2, Ai was called to the hospital office and was rebuked by a hospital official, who also conveyed orders from higher authorities. Ai didn't talk about the virus afterward, not even to her husband, until Jan. 20. Li and seven other doctors who were considered whistleblowers got more serious punishment. They also were censured, and not by hospital officials, but by police on Jan. 3. The censorship effort turned out to be very successful; all of the doctors who knew about the outbreak kept silent. Meanwhile, the rest of China and the world were kept in the dark for at least another 20 days. The coverup and censorship had begun before Ai shared the test report. Wuhan Central Hospital sent out the first ``unknown pneumonia'' patient sample on Dec. 24, 2019. The report, which the hospital received Dec. 27, indicated that a coronavirus was found in the sample, with 70 percent similarity to SARS coronavirus. A report from a second test facility stated simply, ``SARS.'' Both facilities were private companies. The hospital reported the results to the Wuhan Health Commission the same day, which means that Wuhan officials knew of the disease three days earlier than Ai. While the Wuhan Health Commission can directly order the hospital to silence doctors, only administrative officials can order the police to punish whistleblowers. The coverup was already at the city government level as early as Jan. 3. Other organizations also covered up the outbreak. On Jan. 1, the Hubei Provincial Health Commission notified gene- sequencing companies not to take the Wuhan pneumonia samples, not to test the samples, not to submit scientific papers, and not to reveal the results to the public. It also was ordered that all samples must be destroyed. On Jan. 3, the National Health Commission formally banned all non-governmental facilities from testing samples related to the Wuhan pneumonia case, which the Beijing financial magazine Caixin recounted, in the report ``Tracing the Novel Coronavirus Gene Sequencing: When Did the Alarm Sound.'' The Caixin article was taken down several hours after being published.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, congratulations to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo for traveling to Israel this week, his first international trip in nearly two months amid the ongoing Wuhan Virus pandemic. The trip coincided with the two-year anniversary of President Trump fulfilling his campaign and implementing U.S. law by relocating the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem, Israel's eternal unified capital. I was grateful to lead the House Delegation with Senator Lindsey Graham, Vice President Mike Pence, lvanka Trump, and Jared Kushner for the opening of the new embassy with Ambassador David Friedman as President Trump fulfilled ``Promises Made, Promises Kept.'' Secretary Pompeo's trip also coincided with the 72nd anniversary of the Israel's Declaration of Independence on May 14, 1948. The timing of the visit, especially given today's circumstances, sends a clear message to our valued allies and friends in Israel: the United States will unequivocally stand by your side. Secretary Pompeo's visit also comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his political rival Knesset Speaker Benny Gantz are in midst of forming a unity government after over a year of political stalemate that has paralyzed the Israeli government. This new unity government will be especially significant as it will take the first steps to realize President Trump's bold and unprecedented ``Peace to Prosperity'' Middle East peace plan coordinated by Jared Kushner. President Trump's plan, unveiled in January 2020, offers a fresh opportunity to restart final status negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. This new plan includes many incentives for both sides, including an Israeli settlement freeze for four years, land swaps for both sides, and $50 billion in new investment in the Palestinian territories. While Israel has indicated a willingness to restart the negotiations, the Palestinian side has unfortunately categorically rebuffed President Trump's plan, in line with their rejectionist track-record. I am grateful for the Trump Administration's efforts to restart negotiations for Middle East peace, and I beseech both sides to take this opportunity for a new, hopeful future seriously. Undoubtedly another high priority item on Secretary Pompeo's agenda in Israel is the persistent threat to Israel and indeed the stability and security of the entire region, posed by Iran's sponsorship of terrorism and its development of ballistic missiles. The threat will unfortunately be compounded in October of this year, when the United Nations arms embargo on Iran expires pursuant to UN Security Council Resolution 2231. Not only does its expiration allow Iran to buy potentially game- changing military hardware and technology, it also weakens and effectively eliminates the legal architecture that has underpinned international efforts to restrict Iran's ability to transfer weapons to their proxies. I'm grateful that Secretary Pompeo and President Trump have made coordination of security with Israel a top priority in light of this growing threat. Secretary Pompeo's visit to Israel this week is yet another indication of the Trump Administration's strong support for our valued ally, Israel. It is a strong sign that this Administration will not forsake our allies and will always stand with the people of Israel to face any challenge side-by-side.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, in the midst of the National Emergency being successfully faced by President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, there have been so many citizens stepping forward to help fellow neighbors in need. I am grateful to recognize heroes who are making a difference. Journalist Kara Gormley Meador has initiated highlighting innovative citizens efforts to address the Wuhan Virus with former S.C. Revenue Director Burnie Maybank of the Nexsen-Pruet Law Firm, there is free streaming at www.buzzpodcast.com. The first conversation was with President Lou Kennedy of Nephron Pharmaceutical where she explained retooling her operation almost overnight to respond to the virus. She has been welcomed to the WVOC Radio in the Midlands with Gary David and Christopher Thompson. Dale Hatchell and Elizabeth Burt of Lexington have organized Support a Nurse to provide ``Light of Love'' care kits to nurses on the front lines. These kits are donations of nutritional and immunity products with a support message helping the Dorn Veterans Administration Hospital, Lexington and Prisma hospitals, and Department of Juvenile Justice. Talk radio host Kevin Cohen has been relentlessly providing important updates for the Midlands of South Carolina, fulfilling his goals on The Point promoting charities and local events. Halsey Cook, Chief Executive Officer of Milliken & Company of Spartanburg is continuing the visionary tradition of the late Roger Milliken. Milliken & Company of Spartanburg is developing the manufacturing process for a new nanofiber with antiviral properties in cooperation with retired Colonel David Lobb of Aiken and Ascend Materials of Florida. Scott Gottlieb of the American Enterprise Institute in The Wall Street Journal (April 12) has thoughtfully presented a plan to reopen the economy for jobs with companies diagnosing coronavirus cases in the workplace. He understands healthy citizens need a healthy economy. Ambassador Andre Haspel of the Kingdom of the Netherlands has thoughtfully forwarded encouragement to members of the Congressional Caucus of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The alliance of the Netherlands and the United States is strong and appreciated to defeat the Wuhan Virus. General Milford Beagle, Commander of Fort Jackson, with Army Chief of Staff Major General James McConville have been pro-active to protect the lives of new recruits and the dedicated personnel at Fort Jackson. The installation trains nearly 50 percent of all Soldiers and more than 60 percent of all women entering the Army each year. Cecil Staton, President and CEO of the Asian American Hotel Owners of America, with Vice President Chirag Shah have worked tirelessly to promote the gruesomely impacted hospitality industry. AAHOA is the largest hotel owner's association in the world with 20,000 members owning half of hotels in America. Walgreens Drug Stores with the dedicated staff in West Columbia is appreciated for featuring ``Thanks to our frontline heroes.'' On Saturday, first responders, law enforcement, doctors and nurses will receive 30 percent off Walgreens brands and 20 percent off other brands. Drug stores, grocery stores, convenience stores and grocery stores, truckers, and other essential enterprises have been vital service for communities.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, we are fortunate our alliance with Israel has never been stronger with the leadership of President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Amid international lockdowns and cancellations due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. and Israel quietly marked a major milestone in our militaries' bilateral defense relationship. For the first time ever, on March 29 U.S. and Israeli F-35s trained together in Israel in a combined air-power exercise dubbed ``Enduring Lightning.'' Despite coronavirus-related cancellations across the globe, this exercise over Israeli skies illustrated the strength and endurance of the military cooperation between our two nations. Our militaries have worked together for years to fight the threat of terrorism and defend our way of life from those that seek to threaten it. Today, as we all face the universal threat of COVID-19, it's time we ensure that our cooperation with our friends in Israel relating to public health is as prioritized as our strong defense ties. It's no surprise that defense has long been at the forefront of our bilateral cooperation with Israel. But our collaboration with Jerusalem spans all sectors of our society and our government-to-government collaboration on public health goes back decades. In 1985 when the Department of Health and Human Services signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Israeli Ministry of Health. The MOU provided for the exchange of information between the two countries, joint training and education, conferences, and collaborative projects. But our bilateral work on public health is certainly not limited to government-to-government cooperation. The nature of cooperation between the United States and Israel, in every field, is based on the deep respect, friendship, and affection between Americans and Israelis. Just last month, the Israeli pharmaceutical company Teva announced it will donate more than six million doses of the anti-malarial drug hydroxychloroquine sulfate to hospitals across the United States. More than ever, we can appreciate person-to-person friendships as evidenced by the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) so ably led by President Betsy Berns Korn and Chief Executive Officer Howard Kohr. It is no secret that for years Israel has been at the forefront of breakthrough scientific research and technology. Just last week, the Galilee Research Institute in Israel announced it was on the cusp of developing a vaccine for the coronavirus, with estimates that it could be ready within a few weeks and available within 90 days. The Israel- based company Pluristem developed a placenta-based cell therapy treatment that has shown a 100 percent survival rate among severely ill COVID-19 patients and has just begun treating American patients days ago. During this crisis, Israel has also developed new, more affordable methods of producing ventilators and personal protective equipment that could change the way we respond to epidemics in the future. As we move forward in the fight against COVID-19, we would be wise to double down our health cooperation with Israel. There is no doubt that our two countries will benefit from information sharing related to the virus' spread, treatment, and containment. I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to support deepening our health ties with the Jewish State. As Ranking Member of the Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, I work closely with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to prioritize the U.S.-Israel relationship. I'm grateful to be the lead Republican with Chairman Ted Deutch (D-FL) on H.R. 1837, the United States-Israel Cooperation Enhancement and Regional Security Act which among other things seeks to deepen our collaboration with Israel on health issues. The bill calls for close collaboration with Israeli institutions on research and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, with which Israelis have, unfortunately, had a lot of experience given their current security situation. It also authorizes and funds a bilateral cooperative program with Israel for the development of health technologies, including artificial intelligence, biofeedback, and kidney care. Importantly, the bill, which passed the House of Representatives in July of last year, also includes language support for setting up a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regional office in Israel to facilitate joint work on critical issues relating to health. Last November, I was grateful to co-lead a letter with the Chairman of the Helsinki Commission, Alcee Hastings, to HHS Secretary Alex Azar underscoring that the establishment of an FDA office in Israel, ``would facilitate collaboration in life-saving research and is a natural step for strengthening the special relationship between our countries.'' There has never been a better time to invest in robust bilateral health cooperation between the United States and Israel. Victory against the Invisible Enemy will require close collaboration with partners across the globe, especially with true friends like Israel. It's time we deepen the ties between Washington and Jerusalem for the sake of global public health.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, in the midst of the national emergency being successfully faced by President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, there have been so many citizens stepping forward to help fellow neighbors in need. I am grateful to recognize heroes who are making a difference. Journalist Kara Gormley Meador has initiated highlighting innovative citizens efforts to address the Wuhan Virus with former S.C. Revenue Director Burnie Maybank of the Nexsen-Pruet Law Firm. There is free streaming at www.buzzpodcast.com. The first conversation was with President Lou Kennedy of Nephron Pharmaceutical where she explained retooling her operation almost overnight to respond to the virus. She has been welcomed to the WVOC Radio in the Midlands with Gary David and Christopher Thompson. Dale Hatchell and Elizabeth Burt of Lexington have organized Support a Nurse to provide ``Light of Love'' care kits to nurses on the front lines. These kits are donations of nutritional and immunity products with a support message helping the Dorn Veterans Administration Hospital, Lexington and Prisma hospitals, and Department of Juvenile Justice. Talk radio host Kevin Cohen has been relentlessly providing important updates for the Midlands of South Carolina, fulfilling his goals on The POINT promoting charities and local events. Halsey Cook, Chief Executive Officer of Milliken & Company of Spartanburg is continuing the visionary tradition of the late Roger Milliken. Milliken & Company of Spartanburg is developing the manufacturing process for a new nanofiber with antiviral properties. Scott Gottlieb of the American Enterprise Institute in The Wall Street Journal (April 12) has thoughtfully presented a plan to reopen the economy for jobs with companies diagnosing coronavirus cases in the workplace. He understands healthy citizens need a healthy economy. Ambassador Andre Haspel of the Kingdom of the Netherlands has thoughtfully forwarded encouragement to members of the. Congressional Caucus of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The alliance of the Netherlands and the United States is strong and appreciated to defeat the Wuhan Virus. General Milford Beagle, Commander of Fort Jackson, with Army Chief of Staff Major General James McConville have been pro-active to protect the lives of new recruits and the dedicated personnel at Fort Jackson. The installation trains nearly 50 percent of all Soldiers and more than 60 percent of all women entering the Army each year. Cecil Staton, President and CEO of the Asian American Hotel Owners of America, with Vice President Chirag Shah have worked tirelessly to promote the gruesomely impacted hospitality industry. AAHOA is the largest hotel owner's association in the world with 20,000 members owning half of hotels in America. Walgreens Drug Stores with the dedicated staff in West Columbia is appreciated for featuring ``Thanks to our frontline heroes''. On Saturday, first responders, law enforcement, doctors and nurses will receive 30 percent off Walgreens brands and 20 percent off other brands. Drug stores, grocery stores, convenience stores and grocery stores, truckers, and other essential enterprises have been vital services for communities.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, at a time of national emergency, it is inspiring that the positive ``It Can Be Done'' American Spirit is appreciated. I include in the Record a meaningful contribution by Joan M. Lacombe, the Poet Laureate of Aiken, South Carolina, published in the Aiken Standard. Battling the Pandemic They have closed the building, but not the church! We will continue to reach out to the needy and distressed, Vowing not one soul left to be missed. For the church is not a building constructed by man. It is made of ``we the people,'' God's message to bring. The church embodies the God-crafted Temples of the Holy Spirit Where we all lovingly dwell within. The cancellation of liturgies, a dramatic move, New rules or worship set in place, health conditions to protect; we to obey. Heartbreaking--as it disrupts our Lenten Journey To have this taken away when we need it most--a bitter irony. Together we will get through this-- It is not for us to fall into a faithless abyss. For we Christians are persevering As our Easter goal we are nearing. With 2000 years of History behind us, Our current effort to worship, an added plus. We can recall times and places Where we have endured persecution and trouble. We can still pray, worship, and commune with God--all together in the great outdoors, While maintaining social distancing and Greeting each other with hands folded in prayer, fingers pointing to heaven, a simple bow of the head--the Namaste greeting-- Acknowledging, ``I recognize the Spirit of God within you.'' Our Faith still alive and flourishing, carrying us through difficult times. Our effort shows our resiliency and resourcefulness-- To be together, yet apart, as we cope with our current distress. We are up to the challenge--Praising God in new and creative ways. Our prayers and sympathy for the tragic loss to the Wuhan Virus of Nursing Student Joshua Bush of the University of South Carolina-Aiken. Our community is blessed with the determined leadership of University Chancellor Sandra Jordan.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, this month, the people of Poland mark 10 years since the tragic Smolensk plane crash, which killed 96 people including President Lech Kaczynski and Polish First Lady Maria Kaczynska. On April 10, 2010, a Polish state delegation was heading to Smolensk, Russia, to commemorate the murder of nearly 22,000 innocent Polish citizens by the Soviet secret service NKVD in the spring of 1940 during World War II. The gruesome crash in the thick fog near Smolensk in western Russia was Poland's worst air disaster since World War II and completely stunned the country as scores of military political leaders were killed in one fell swoop. The American people stand with the people of Poland in solemn commemoration of this horrible national tragedy that still reverberates throughout Polish society to this very day. The Soviet Union was complicit with Nazi Germany in the oppression of the courageous people of Poland. Despite the ongoing Wuhan Virus, senior Polish officials laid wreaths at the monument to the victims of the Smolensk air disaster at the Pilsudski Square in Warsaw earlier this month. Unfortunately, questions relating to the cause of this tragedy still linger. Although an official Polish government investigation concluded that the crash was caused by pilot error, suspicions of foul play persist. At the memorial earlier this month, Polish President Andrzej Duda said, ``After 10 years, it's difficult to say anything or predict whether the case can ever be resolved.'' This is mainly because Russia has consistently refused to turn over basic evidence to the Polish state. The Russian government is still in possession of the plane wreckage including the black boxes that could provide more clarity. In a press statement from earlier this month, Poland's Foreign Ministry renewed demands that Moscow return the wreckage of the Tupolev aircraft that crashed so that the Polish people can finally find some closure. Russia's refusal to turn over evidence raises many suspicions, despite claims by Russia's Investigative Committee that crew errors led to the accident. The American people support the Polish Foreign Ministry's calls to return the wreckage to Poland, as well as the Ministry's assertion that ``no norm of international law gives grounds for Russia to impound Polish property.'' We stand with the people of Poland in remembering the victims of this awful tragedy and supporting efforts for a transparent investigation into its cause to provide a measure of justice to the victims and their families. The Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Washington is well represented by Ambassador Piotr Antoni Wilczek, promoting the message to never forget this catastrophe. President Andrzej Duda is appreciated in America. Democratic Post-Communist Poland is the only country in Europe to have 25 years of uninterrupted economic growth, which I saw firsthand in January. I particularly know the significance of America's beloved Polish-American Community of 10.5 million citizens. My daughter-in-law Jennifer Miskewicz Wilson is grateful for Krakow heritage and her association with Poet Adam Mickiewicz.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, the people of South Carolina are so appreciative of the achievements and success of former Congressman Mick Mulvaney serving as White House Chief of Staff for President Donald Trump. I include in the Record a deserved tribute published by John Feerhery with his column entitled ``Mulvaney fit for Northern Ireland Post'' in The HILL on March 10, 2020. To the untrained eye, Mick Mulvaney's departure as White House chief of staff and appointment as the president's special envoy to Northern Ireland might seem to be a bit curious and a big demotion for the former congressman from South Carolina. But those who know Irish politics understand that this new assignment is very important to the United States and that Mulvaney is well suited to take it on. For his entire time in the White House, Mulvaney has developed deep relationships within the Irish government and with key actors in Northern Ireland. These relationships became critical as Great Britain negotiated its departure from the European Union and created a special status for Northern Ireland and its border with the Republic. Most analysts expect that Great Britain and the United States will start negotiating a free trade agreement once the dust settles on Brexit. But any FTA must acknowledge Northern Ireland and the reality of the all-Ireland economy, a reality that some negotiators might want to ignore. It all gets very complicated. Ireland has done well over the last decade, bouncing back from the dark days of the 2008 financial crisis. Unemployment is at historic lows, property values are at historic highs, and growth is the strongest of any country in Europe. Multi- national corporations from around the world, especially the United States, choose to headquarter in Ireland because of its highly trained workforce and its very favorable corporate tax rates. Those corporate tax rates cause heartburn in Brussels, but all political parties in Ireland support them, even the left-leaning Sinn Fein. Northern Ireland has a good story to tell, as well. They have a highly educated population, a favorable regulatory regime and increasingly close economic ties to their island neighbor. But they also have the lingering legacy of the Troubles, pockets of persistent economic hardship, border communities that lack access to any infrastructure and a fragile political structure that hasn't been functioning for over three years. And the reality is that Northern Ireland and Ireland are, at the moment, two different countries with two different outlooks, two different attitudes towards the future, two different views of the past. Integrating these two different countries economically while respecting their different political and cultural traditions is not going to be easy. The Good Friday accords, negotiated by George Mitchell, another special envoy from the United States, are the basis for the current power sharing agreement in Northem Ireland. It has been two decades since that agreement was reached, and for the most part, they have held up pretty well. That the United States was central to bringing an end to the Troubles was no accident. No other country has the ability to serve as an honest broker to both sides, a role that continues to this day. Making sure that the United Kingdom continues to vigilantly honor the Good Friday accords is one of Mick Mulvaney's central tasks. Another is to make certain that Ireland doesn't get ahead of itself when it comes to talk of a unified island. Sinn Fein, the dominant Catholic political party in the North, surprised observers and gathered the most votes in the last election in the Republic. Talk of a new border poll, a vote to see if the majority in the North would want to unify with the South, immediately ensued. But time is not ripe for those discussions. Let's see how things develop in the post-Brexit world first. Mick Mulvaney, whose grandparents hail from Country Mayo, knows the players and knows the issues that separate them. He knows that America must play the indispensable role in continuing to broker peace and to make sure that Ireland as an island succeeds both economically and socially. Serving as chief of staff to President Trump undoubtedly had its challenges. This new assignment will prove to be challenging too.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, all communities are grateful to all our health care heroes in the State of South Carolina. Throughout this national emergency, they have been on the front lines working long hours to keep our communities safe. Hospitals and community medical centers are unselfishly serving patients with the Wuhan Virus. Citizens correctly appreciate Aiken Regional Medical Center led by CEO Jim O'Loughlin, Lexington Medical Center under the leadership of President and CEO Tod Augsburger, Prisma Health Richland Hospital under guidance of President and CEO Mark O'Halla, Providence Health of Columbia with Terry Gunn's leadership as CEO, Regional Medical Centers Orangeburg Hospital and Bamberg-Barnwell Emergency Medical Center, both under guidance of CEO Charles Williams, and Rural Health Services Inc. led by CEO Carolyn Emanuel-McClain. From performing tests to helping patients recover, they have been and remain leaders in our community. I am grateful to have worked with my colleagues in the 116th Congress to provide needed funding for vital personal protective equipment and ventilators.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I support the legislation. I am grateful that President Donald Trump has succeeded with an agreement to address the destructive impact of the Wuhan virus. Our families, small businesses, and hospitals need this support to maintain jobs now more than ever. The Paycheck Protection Program has been successful in supporting small businesses in maintaining jobs, already saving 30 million jobs. A real-world example of success was on Fox Business News last week with Melissa Francis interviewing Bill Dukes of the Blue Marlin restaurant in Columbia, praising Scott Hagler of the Security Federal Bank for saving jobs. This agreement will help families but, sadly, there was a delay because of partisan politics, letting no disaster go to waste. 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 this extraordinary period of national emergency with the Wuhan Virus, there is time to cherish the service of citizens who have made America great. In South Carolina a true Southern Gentlemen is Robert Elford Livingston, Sr., who justly has been recognized by the obituary below: Robert Elford Livingston, 90, of West Columbia passed away Tuesday, April 14, 2020. He was born on September 18, 1929 in Columbia, SC to the late Gerhard Elford Livingston and Essie Culclasure Livingston. He is a life-long member of Mount Tabor Lutheran Church, founder of Livingston Insurance Agency, and a founding board member of Lexington State Bank. His service to his state and country includes the South Carolina Army National Guard, where he retired as a Colonel. He was also a member and served in leadership positions on the Lexington District 2 School Board, State School Board, Boys and Girls Club of the Midlands Board, Glen Forest School Board of Directors, Columbia Convention Center Board of Directors, Independent Insurance Agents of America, Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of South Carolina, Lexington County Planning for the Future, Board of Directors for South Carolina BB&T, Lexington County Water and Sewer Commission, River Alliance. Board of Directors, Old Charleston Insurance Company Board, American Legion Post 79, and numerous other community organizations. Bob is a member of the Sinclair Lodge, Columbia York Rite Bodies, and Jamil Shriners. He was predeceased by his wife of sixty-seven years, Raye Hutto Livingston. He is survived by his son, Bob Livingston, Jr. (Barbara), his daughter, Marilyn Gray (Billy); seven grandchildren, Acy Flora (Blair), Bob Livingston, III (Katie), Betsy Sippel (Patrick), Rachel Popkowski (Joe), Anna Bryant (Tom), Rebekah Morris (Alex), and Roxanne Rich (Auston); thirteen great-grandchildren, Jack Sippel, Joe Popkowski, Jr., Connor Bryant, Margaret Raye Flora, Emily Sippel, Barbara Popkowski, Georgia Popkowski, Ford Livingston, Greyson Bryant, Court Morris, Foster Rich, Mary Lane Livingston and Baker Morris. A private graveside service will be held at 9:00 on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at Mount Tabor Lutheran Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mount Tabor Lutheran Church, 1000 B Avenue, West Columbia, SC 29169.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I am grateful during this National Emergency to face the coronavirus pandemic many dedicated and extraordinary leaders have come forward to protect American families. The White House briefings have been informative and encouraging with President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Alex Azar, White House Coronavirus Response Coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx, Acting Deputy Department of Homeland Security Secretary Ken Cuccinelli, Head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Dr. Robert Redfield, and Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Seema Verma. I appreciate hosting townhalls by telephone with professional participants Dr. Jonathan Knoche of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, Jeremy Wheeler Congressional Relations Officer for the Department of Veterans Affairs Southeast Region, District Director Gregg White from the South Carolina Small Business Administration SBA Counselor Savannah Wilburn, Jamie Suber, the Interim Chief Administration Officer of the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce, Dr. Steve Shelton of Emergency Management for the Prisma Health-Midlands, Dr. L. Brannon Traxler of the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control, and Dr. John Gnann of the Medical University of South Carolina and with Deputy Director Chuck Bundy of the S.C. Department of Commerce. In the District, Governor Henry McMaster has been a defender of the families of South Carolina with Adjutant General Van McCarty, Emergency Preparedness Director Kim Stenson, School Superintendent Molly Spearman, Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers, and Attorney General Alan Wilson. Local officials have been effective in combating this virus with Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin, Lexington Mayor Steve MacDougall, Aiken Mayor Rick Osbon along with local law enforcement and all first responders with Sheriffs Leon Lott of Richland, Jay Koon of Lexington, Michael Hunt of Aiken, Ed Carrol of Barnwell, and Leroy Ravenell of Orangeburg. The Second Congressional District Staff I have faith in, and they have fulfilled their duties on behalf of citizens. Chief of Staff Jonathan Day has ably led the Washington staff of Oren Adaki, Drew Kennedy, Leah Grace Denny, Emily Saleeby, Stephanie Pendarvis Jeremy Tillman, McLaurine Pinover, Joshua Grant, Daniel Ramirez, and Omar Hossino. District Director Alex Morris has always been available to the public for constituent service along with Laura Batey, Millie Powell, Hal Wade, Jeffrey Crosby, Byron Thomas, Sam Orr, Butch Wallace. Aiken and Barnwell Deputy Director Marth Ruthven along with Garrett Dragano with Evan Caldwell work tirelessly in promoting families. Our office has been assisted by private sector leaders capably stepping up to face the invisible threat. Beginning with our medical and hospital professionals. All members of the community are courageous in standing up with churches and religious leaders, pharmacies, food stores, trucking with leaders Bill and Tobin Cassels, restaurants for being innovative with drive up service as developed by Alex Koutrakas, Ted Stambolitis with Gus and Pete Manos, motels and hotels inspired by the Asian American Hotel Owners of America, convenience stores led by Seema Shrivastava-Patel, truck stops, agriculture, the military led by Fort Jackson Commander Milford Beagle, the National Federation of Independent Business promoted successfully by Director Ben Homeyer, local chambers of commerce inspired by Terri Smith, Terra Carrol, David Jamison, Kerry Powers, Carl Blackstone, Otis Rawl, Richard Skipper, and Ted Pitts, the pharmaceutical industry with Lou Kennedy of Nephron, educators with innovative distance learning, Postal workers, insurance personnel with AFLAC and Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Midlands talk radio hosts Keven Cohen, Gary David, Kelly Nash, and Jonathan Rush, and Christopher Thompson, delivery services such as UPS of West Columbia, airline pilots, mechanics, and flight attendants, veterans service organizations, online sales personnel such as Amazon of Cayce, financial services industry led by Kim Wilkerson, Mike Brenan, and Scott Woods, and vital large corporations such as Boeing with suppliers Zeus, Prysmian, and AGY. Our prayers for the people of South Carolina and America in this worldwide crisis. We are confident of the leadership of President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence with Governor Henry McMaster. God Bless America.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, during a time when our nation is facing an unprecedented crisis, I am grateful to join President Donald Trump in supporting the CARES Act to provide American families recovery from the coronavirus. Even though I am not completely happy with every aspect of this bill, it does addresses multiple parts of our economy, specifically, it expedites resources to healthcare providers and patients, supports small businesses, to keep jobs alive, and provides direct assistance to American families. To fast track a national recovery, I ask that we all do our part in stopping the spread of the coronavirus by following the Center for Disease Control's guidelines. The health and safety of our nation is the top priority, I am confident we will push through and come out of this crisis stronger than ever.