Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the legislation. This week, Star Parker provided insight in ``Staying Free and Faithful in a Pandemic'' in The Daily Signal: ``The coronavirus presents challenges to us as Nation and as individuals. There are principles we should keep in mind. We have a Constitution that assigns limited, defined powers to the Federal Government and leaves the rest to the States and individuals.'' Trump acted with deliberation, shutting down flights from China. We know this virus is most lethal to the elderly. There are large variations among the States. The answer is we should maximize local responsibility. There are two other things to keep in mind. One is, life is unpredictable. That is why socialism and national planning are so bogus and always result in failure, and that is why freedom is so critically important. Only through freedom is responsibility focused on individuals. Two, faith is critical. It is faith that keeps us human, faith that binds us together, unique individuals. ``Faith will play a key role in helping our Nation through this crisis and emerge better for it.''

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I am happy to congratulate Justin Matthew Wills and Aimee Renee Wills, of Lexington, South Carolina, on the birth of their new baby girl, Mabel Rose Wills. Mabel was born on Friday, March 6, 2020, weighing six pounds and eleven ounces and measured nineteen and three-quarter inches long at Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia, South Carolina. Congratulations to her maternal grandparents, Kim and Rose Myers of Etna, Ohio, and her paternal grandparents, John and Elizabeth Wills of Huntsville, Alabama.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I am happy to congratulate Alexander Fancourt Morris and Rebekah Livingston Morris, of Gaston, South Carolina, on the birth of their new baby boy, Baker Addison Morris. Baker was born at 4:48 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia, South Carolina. He weighed eight pounds and fifteen ounces and measures twenty-one inches long. Congratulations to his grandparents Debra Morris of Columbia, and Major General (Ret) Robert Livingston and Barbara Livingston of Gaston. He will join his older brother, Alexander Fancourt Morris, Jr.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I am grateful Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas of The First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, South Carolina, in the weekly First Things (Monday, March 1) newsletter published a tribute for Richard Wurmbrand of Bucharest, Romania. This tribute is a reminder to all Americans of the tragic true inhumanity of totalitarian communism enforced by Soviet Socialists. The Voice of the Martyrs This Saturday . . . The Voice of the Martyrs This Saturday, February 29 (it is a leap year), is the anniversary of the arrest and imprisonment of Richard Wurmbrand in 1948. Born in Bucharest, Romania, in 1909, Richard was sent to Moscow as an adolescent to study Marxism. He was pursued by the Soviet secret police, and upon his return to Romania, he became a Comintern for the communist regime. At the outbreak of the second World War, he was converted to Christianity and was later ordained, first as an Anglican and then, as the war was almost over and his country occupied by the Soviet Union, a Lutheran. In 1944, he began a ministry to his Romanian countrymen and to Red Army soldiers. As the Soviet regime began to control churches, Wurmbrand began an ``underground'' ministry to his people. Within a few years, he denounced communism as incompatible with Christianity. He was arrested on February 29, 1948, while on his way to church. Richard Wurmbrand passed through several penal facilities and would spend three years in solitary confinement, twelve feet below ground without light or sound (the guards put felt under their shoes). He later recounted that he maintained his sanity by sleeping by day and staying awake at night preaching out loud a sermon to himself. Wurmbrand was released from prison in 1956 after eight and half years. Warned not to preach again, he continued to serve the underground churches and was arrested again in 1959 and sentenced to 25 years. During this second imprisonment, he was beaten and tortured, including mutilation, burning, and being locked in a freezer icebox. Later, he recounted how his feet were beaten until the flesh was exposed, and then the next day beaten until the bones were exposed. In 1964, Norwegians paid the Communist regime $10,000 for his release, and Wurmbrand and his wife would eventually emigrate to the United States. He died in 2001 in California. During his time in the United States he authored almost 20 books and founded The Voice of the Martyrs, an organization that draws attention to the persecuted church worldwide. Here is one of Wurmbrand's famous quotes: ``I have seen Christians in Communist prisons with fifty pounds of chains on their feet, tortured with red-hot iron pokers, in whose throats spoonfuls of salt had been forced, being kept afterward without water, starving, whipped, suffering from cold--and praying with fervor for the Communists. This is humanly inexplicable! It is the love of Christ, which was poured out in our hearts.'' --Derek W.H. Thomas, Senior Minister.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I am grateful to President Donald Trump for focusing on the safety and health of American families since the beginning of his administration. Not only did President Trump immediately take action to address the coronavirus with a travel ban, he has increased funding for important disease research and preparedness efforts since he first took office. President Trump has focused on a whole-of-government approach in combating the coronavirus by ensuring State, local, public, and private officials are prepared to keep families safe. He has made the swift decision to appoint Vice President Mike Pence head of the Coronavirus Task Force, who is skilled as a voice for this important service. Since President Trump was elected, his administration has increased funding to the National Institutes of Health by 39 percent, the Centers for Disease Control by 24 percent, balanced biomedical research by 35 percent, Strategic National Stockpile by 32 percent, and infectious disease response by 70 percent. This administration is committed to keeping families safe while preparing our country for disease outbreaks. 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, in the February jobs report, job numbers remain strong. Jeff Cox with CNBC wrote an article titled: ``Job Growth Smashes Expectations for February As Unemployment Falls Back to 3.5 Percent.'' This title reflects the 273,000 jobs created in February, smashing the expectation of 175,000 additions. The article also said: ``The Labor Department reported . . . that the U.S. economy added 273,000 new jobs during the month, while the unemployment rate was 3.5 percent, matching its lowest level in more than 50 years.'' I am grateful that for African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans there is record low unemployment with record opportunities to achieve jobs. President Trump is continuing his record of promises made, promises kept. This is clear with the release of the February report of 273,000 more jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this was a winning weekend for basketball in South Carolina. On Saturday, both the boys and girls Cardinal Newman High School basketball teams won their State titles, and this past Sunday, the University of South Carolina women's basketball team won the Southeastern Conference Championship. Both Cardinal Newman teams fought until the end to accomplish these impressive wins. Congratulations to girls' coach Molly Moore and boys coach Philip Deter on their successful leadership. The Cardinal Newman girls won over Northwood, and the boys won against Trinity-Byrnes. Congratulations to the University of South Carolina Women's Basketball Head Coach of the Year, Dawn Staley, on leading number one South Carolina to its program-record 23rd straight win. USC women have a perfect record of 16-0 in the Southeastern Conference this season. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Mark Levin is correct. Senator Schumer should be reprimanded for threatening bodily harm to Supreme Court Justices.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, this week, we welcomed the American Israel Public Affairs Committee to Washington for the annual AIPAC Policy Conference. This conference, with over 18,000 attending, is the largest gathering of America's pro-Israel community. AIPAC President Betsy Berns Korn is a very effective leader. Monday, I had the opportunity to have attended the AIPAC Leadership Reception hosted by Howard and Elayne Levkowitz with Adam Schiff. Yesterday, I met with AIPAC members, led by David Kulbersh and his wife, Jane, of Columbia. They continued the tradition of the late David Baker of Columbia advising my predecessor, Chairman Floyd Spence. Americans appreciate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a world statesman, for his cooperation with Jared Kushner for peace. I will always cherish leading the congressional delegation for the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem with Ambassador David Friedman as President Donald Trump fulfilled ``Promises Made, Promises Kept.'' In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the global war on terrorism. Our prayers for Jeannie Burkett.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this year, Midway Elementary School in Lexington, South Carolina, commemorated its 25th anniversary and celebrated international recognition of its French immersion program. Midway Elementary is the only recipient in South Carolina, one of just five in the Southeast. I appreciate Midway Elementary Principal Jan Fickling, Lexington County District One Superintendent Dr. Greg Little, Lexington One School Board Chair Cindy Smith, State Superintendent Molly Spearman, and all the dedicated teachers and administrators who work tirelessly to ensure student success and opportunity. As co-chair of the French Caucus, I am grateful for our State's French heritage, our first ally. Lexington County hosts the largest manufacturing facilities in the world for Michelin Tire Corporation, with over 2,000 appreciated employees. We look forward to welcoming Ambassador of France Philippe Etienne to visit South Carolina next month. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the global war on terrorism. ``Je parle Francais, un tres peu.'' ``I speak French very little.''

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 5984.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week, I was grateful to participate with the delegation for the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, co-chaired by Congressman Alcee Hastings and Senator Roger Wicker, in Vienna, Austria. We attended the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly's 19th Winter Meeting. The delegation engaged with OSCE officials and parliamentary members from 57 nations. Ambassador Jim Gilmore and his wife, Roxane, were effective assuring allies and potential adversaries of American commitment for peace through strength. It was especially meaningful to meet with the courageous Ukrainian delegation, led by Mykyta Poturaiev, which appreciates President Trump's providing Javelin missiles to stop Russian aggression. Bulgaria was well-represented, with a delegation led by Desislava Atanasova. Today, America celebrates Bulgarian National Day with Ambassador Tihomir Stoychev at the Library of Congress across the street in Washington. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I am grateful that the Democratic Presidential debate was last night in my birthplace, the holy city of Charleston, where they would see firsthand the successes of the economic policies of Donald Trump creating jobs. When President Trump visits North Charleston Friday, the facts are clear. The Post and Courier, on February 7, by David Wren, reported ``SC Extends Global Reach.'' ``By air and sea, South Carolina boosted the dollar amount of goods exported to foreign countries to a record of $41.5 billion in 2019-- nearly 20 percent better than the previous year, despite the threat of tariffs. ``Dreamliner jets built at Boeing Co.'s North Charleston plant and vehicles manufactured by BMW in the Upstate and Volvo cars in the Lowcountry combined for more than half of the total, or roughly $24.4 billion . . . . `' ``The dollar amount of outbound goods has swelled by 68 percent since 2011, and South Carolina now accounts for 35 percent of all U.S. tire exports and 16 percent of all U.S. vehicle exports.'' In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Best wishes to Zach Caldwell on his visit to Washington.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I was absent from a vote which occurred on February 13th. I was with the Vice President of the United States, meeting with constituents, in my congressional district and unable to make the vote. Had I been present, I would have voted Nay on Roll Call No. 70 (H.J. Res. 79).

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I was regrettably absent for votes on February 7, 2020. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 52, YEA on Roll Call No. 53 and NAY on Roll Call No. 54.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, on February 10, 2020, I was unavoidably detained due to a flight delay and missed the first vote. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 55.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the January jobs report with gains is terrific. Over 225,000 jobs were created and wages increased. New job creation has achieved a 50-year high with record highs for women and younger citizens. I am grateful that President Donald Trump and Republican policies have put the American economy into high gear, reducing taxes and regulations. This first job report of the decade shows that America's economy will continue to thrive in 2020, thanks to President Trump. Following an acquittal after the impeachment hoax; providing a peace plan for Israel; inspiring the Nation with the State of the Union Address; providing new trade agreements with China, Mexico, and Canada; and the announcement of Opportunity Now, this job report rounds out another week of winning for President Donald Trump. All Americans celebrate the lowest levels of unemployment ever for African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans. 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, congratulations to Charles Waites McCabe, a freshman at A.C. Flora High School in Columbia, son of John and Amanda McCabe. Next Sunday, Charles will receive the extraordinary award of Eagle Scout from Troop 10 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. He is preceded by his brother, John Franklin McCabe, Jr.; and his first cousins, Michael Joseph Harty III, Daniel McCabe Harty, and Christopher Robert McCabe; as well as his uncle, Robert Ainsley McCabe, Jr., in earning this prestigious honor with the Boy Scouts of America. Charles has also been elected senior patrol leader in Troop 10, serving with Scoutmaster Flynn Bowie, as well as being elected to the Order of the Arrow. As the father of four sons who are Eagle Scouts, I am grateful to attend courts of honor such as for Charles. This weekend, it was inspiring to be with Andrew Talkish at St. Simon and St. Jude Episcopal Church in Irmo. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism, led by President Donald Trump. Congratulations to Coach Dawn Staley on her continuing victories for the Gamecock women's basketball.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, on Friday, I was grateful to travel on Air Force One to Charlotte with my colleagues from South Carolina, Ralph Norman and William Timmons, along with our colleagues from North Carolina, Virginia Foxx, Patrick McHenry, Richard Hudson, Mark Meadows, Mark Walker, Ted Budd, Dan Bishop, and Greg Murphy. WIS-TV News of Columbia reported the President spoke at the North Carolina Opportunity Now Summit at Central Piedmont Community College. President Trump highlighted the impact opportunity zones have made and announced a new nationwide initiative called Opportunity Now. ``Under my administration, we work to restore the American promise of upward mobility,'' President Trump said. ``We want everyone to get ahead and get ahead big league.'' Over the weekend, everywhere I went, citizens praised President Donald Trump with victory in the impeachment hoax as acquitted, exonerated, vindicated, not guilty, innocent, empowered, esteemed, and cleared. Madam Speaker, I congratulate President Donald Trump. 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, February is American Heart Month, a month where we especially recognize and promote positive heart health. Currently, 302,000 people in South Carolina have coronary heart disease. I am thankful for the great work of the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease and the American Heart Association for their steps to spread awareness about heart disease, the number one killer of men and women in America. I am grateful that, in the Second Congressional District, we have many incredible events to recognize heart health, including the Heart Walk, held in Aiken and the Midlands. These walks raise critical funds to help save lives from heart disease. As a volunteer with the Lexington County Heart Association, I know firsthand of the dedicated personnel. I appreciate American Heart Association Executive Director Crystal Kirkland of the Midlands and Jackie Lipscomb of the American Heart Association-CSRA. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Congratulations, President Donald Trump, for your deserved exoneration.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I am grateful to be recognized by the Magnet Schools of America as a Champion of Magnet School Excellence and to be a steadfast supporter of magnet schools. I appreciate that President Donald Trump's praising of magnet schools was included last night in the State of the Union. Last week, I had the opportunity to visit Dutch Fork Elementary School Academy of Environmental Sciences, a magnet school in Irmo, South Carolina. Dutch Fork is one of many amazing examples of how magnet schools are important for academic excellence. I had the opportunity to meet with students and teachers and talk with them about their unique educational experiences. I was thankful to talk with Katrina Goggins, the Director of Communications for District Five of Lexington and Richland Counties, Principal Julius Scott, Assistant Principal Brandon Gantt, School District Five Magnet Director Sara Wheeler, and Shirley Cope. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism with the courageous leadership of President Donald Trump.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as the President in the State of the Union reviews his achievements from the vantage point of the White House, I have lived his successes on the ground level, in South Carolina and overseas. In Orangeburg, his Opportunity Zone legislation with Senator Tim Scott has prompted a $20 million spec building for jobs. In Munich, Germany, with Senator Lindsey Graham, I saw his urging NATO defense spending. In Aiken, Chancellor Sandra Jordan has achieved the funding for the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative in USC-Aiken. In New Delhi, India, and also in Houston, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured his alliance with President Trump. In Cayce, Lou Kennedy of Nephron Pharmaceuticals continues her success, growing over 2,000 jobs. And in Manama, Bahrain, it was heartwarming to see our Arab allies appreciate peace through strength. In Columbia, I joined Governor Henry McMaster to visit Fort Jackson to meet our reinforced troops. In Krakow, Poland, our allies appreciate the 5,000 U.S. troops to stop Putin aggression. In Barnwell, foreign investments at Swiss Krono have reached half a billion dollars. In Israel, citizens are more grateful for the President's moving of the Embassy to Jerusalem. Our prayers for Rush Limbaugh, an American icon of truth telling.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize Stuart MacVean of Aiken, president and CEO of Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, for being honored as a 2020 CEO Who ``Gets It'' by the National Safety Council's Safety and Health magazine. This award is presented to those who go the extra mile through risk reduction, performance measurement, safety management solutions, and employee engagement--safety first. Stuart has made keeping his employees safe and healthy a top priority. His dedication has resulted in successful site mission operations for support of our Nation's nuclear complex. Stuart has been recognized by his local community. This month, I was present when Stuart was named Man of the Year for his leadership, community impact and involvement, and integrity by the Aiken Chamber of Commerce, led by President David Jameson and Chair Julie Whitesell, succeeding Pastor Paul Bush. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism with the leadership of President Donald Trump.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I thank the Republican leader, Mike McCaul, for yielding. I am pleased to speak in favor of H. Res. 752, which supports the rights of the Iranian people to protest without violent consequences from the Islamic Republic regime, which I coauthored with my appreciative colleague, Chairman Ted Deutch from Florida. Last November, thousands of people all over 100 cities of Iran demonstrated against the regime's oppressive economic and tyrannical other policies. The Islamic Republic responded viciously to these peaceful protests. The regime killed over 1,000 people and arrested thousands more. We mourn the deaths of these courageous individuals who died while advocating for their rights. The Iranian people again voiced their anger in January when the Islamic Republic lied about shooting down a Ukrainian civilian passenger Boeing jet, killing 176 people. How did the regime respond to the protests over the death of these innocent people? By using more violence against innocent civilians. Today, we say to the people of Iran: We respect the importance of Persian culture to the world and your right to be heard without fear. We support your rights to ask for a better governance. We ask for accountability from your government, to ask for a government that puts your interests first and does not deceive you with blatant corruption. We will not allow you to be overlooked or forgotten, and we will stand by you while this regime brutalizes you. President Donald Trump has taken a firm stand in support of the protestors, saying: ``To the brave, long-suffering people of Iran: I've stood with you since the beginning of my Presidency, and my administration will continue to stand with you. We are following your protests closely and are inspired by your courage.'' I agree with President Donald Trump, and I am gratified to stand today in support of the free expression of the Iranian people. President Trump's sanctions deter terrorism and protect American families. I thank my colleagues for bringing this bipartisan resolution to the floor. I look forward to seeing it pass and continuing to work together to support the rights of the Iranian people. Iranian Americans are extraordinarily successful in America and very much appreciated in every State. In my home State of South Carolina, Iranian American doctors are vital.