Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week, I was grateful to serve on a congressional delegation to Poland and Israel, led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi, with colleagues Eliot Engel, Chairwoman Nita Lowey, Chairman Ted Deutch, with Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Brad Schneider. On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, we saw, firsthand, the horrors of the innocent Jews at the death camps. From the ashes of German Nazism and despotic Soviet communism, Poland is now a dynamic, prosperous democracy. We were welcomed to Jerusalem by Ambassador David Friedman, then meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. At the Fifth World Holocaust Forum, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin introduced Vice President Mike Pence, President Emmanuel Macron, Prince Charles, and President Vladimir Putin. Heads of state from over 30 countries attended, and I and fellow co-chair of the Bulgarian Caucus, Brad Schneider, were honored to be with President Rumen Radev with our alliance for freedom. America's associations with Poland and Israel have never been stronger, citing President Trump's placing 5,000 American troops in Poland to deter further Russian aggression and Israel still celebrating his moving of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem. 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, I thank Congressman Chris Smith for his dedication and leadership, and I thank Congressman Grothman from Wisconsin for yielding. Mr. Speaker, on January 22, 1973, the Supreme Court struck down State and Federal right-to-life laws in their decision on Roe v. Wade. Since then over 61 million unborn children have been stripped of their right to life, and our country has denied itself future teachers, doctors, farmers, neighbors, friends, and loved ones. I am grateful to stand with my colleagues in Congress to defend the right to life for the unborn. In the House we have worked to pass commonsense pro-life legislation such as H.R. 962, the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act. This bill would give a child the right to live if he or she is born alive following an abortion or attempted abortion. With over 191 cosponsors, this bill has been shamefully dropped by House Democrats for a vote 80 different times. Last weekend I attended the Right to Life Dinner featuring Governor Henry McMaster and First Lady Peggy McMaster and appreciated participating with thousands of citizens across the State for a program emceed by Attorney General Alan Wilson at the Statehouse in Columbia. South Carolina Citizens for Life work tirelessly to protect innocent human lives, and I appreciate the leadership of Lisa Van Riper, Holly Gatling, Alexia Newman, Karen Iacovelli Forster, Brenda Hucks, and Sally Zaleski for their hard work and dedication. I look forward to welcoming next weekend the participants for the March for Life in Washington. Each year tens of thousands of students from across America will show their appreciation of life. This year is special in that my oldest grandson and namesake, Addison Wilson III, will attend with a delegation from Holy Trinity Classical Christian School of Beaufort, South Carolina.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I congratulate General John W. Raymond, who was sworn in yesterday as the first Chief of Space Operations for the newly established U.S. Space Force. As a senior Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am grateful to President Donald Trump for General Raymond's confirmation and for being able to attend the National Defense Authorization Act signing which officially established the U.S. Space Force. General Raymond is a Clemson University alumnus and has over 30 years of military experience. ``This establishment is absolutely critical to our national security,'' he said during his remarks after being sworn in. I am grateful that the U.S. Space Force is in strong, capable hands. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th, defeating terrorists overseas, 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, the people of Iran have taken to the streets in defiance of their oppressive regime and refuted the lies that Soleimani was a beloved general. Already 1,500 people have been killed while protesting the authoritarian regime. The Epoch Times of January 7 is correct: ``The protesters' central demand in Iran is for the mullahs' regime to step down, stop its terrorist adventures abroad, and end its massive corruption at home.'' This is why I am cosponsoring H. Res. 791, introduced by Leader Kevin McCarthy that supports the protesters of Iran. I am thankful for the courageous leadership of President Donald Trump and his support for the Iranian people. He tweeted in Farsi: ``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.'' 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, in the December Jobs Report, job numbers remain strong. Over 140,000 jobs were added, and wages are up. The unemployment rate remains at a 50-year low at 3.5 percent. These new, consistent numbers show that President Trump is continuing his effective record of promises made, promises kept. The December Jobs report also showed that the total employment level rose to 158.8 million--another record high. By creating jobs, lowering unemployment, increasing wages, and consistently working to promote opportunities, President Trump continues keeping his promises. Baseless attacks on the President by Democrats and the biased fake news attempted to conceal his successes, but make no mistake: President Trump is focused to work for American families and jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Best wishes to Coach Dabo Swinney, go Clemson Tigers tonight.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, this week, universally respected Senator Joe Lieberman, a Democrat, provided an extraordinary op-ed in The Wall Street Journal: ``President Trump's order to take out Qasem Soleimani was morally, constitutionally, and strategically correct. . . . No American can dispute that Soleimani created, supported, and directed a network of terrorist organizations that spread havoc in the Middle East.'' In Syria, ``more than 500,000 Syrians have died.'' ``During the Iraq war, Soleimani oversaw three camps in Iran.'' These trained fighters have killed more than 600 American soldiers. The claim that President Trump ``had no authority to order this attack without congressional approval is constitutionally untenable and practically senseless. . . . Democrats should leave partisan politics at `the water's edge' and . . . stand together against Iran and dangerous leaders like Qasem Soleimani.'' Senator Joe Lieberman tells the truth. We must resist: ``Death to America,'' ``Death to Israel.'' I extend our sympathies to the family of Nawres Hamid, an Iraqi American Muslim from California, who was murdered by Soleimani-financed terrorists 13 days ago.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I am grateful for the addition of the Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Advanced Individual Training courses at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, which is one of the most military friendly communities in America. Civil affairs and psychological operation soldiers bring unique skill sets. The relocation of Fort Jackson, where over half of all soldiers attend basic training, effectively organizes courses in the Army Training and Doctrine Command environment. Through job growth at Fort Jackson, the local economy of Columbia will benefit with nearly $5 million in initial establishment, and $3.5 annually. Congratulations to Commanding General Milford Beagle, Jr., of Fort Jackson on this expansion. I appreciate his extraordinary leadership. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th, defeating terrorists overseas, in the global war on terrorism with the courageous leadership of President Donald Trump. Our sympathy goes out to the family of Nawres Hamid, an Iraqi American Muslim from California who was murdered by the Soleimani- financed terrorists on December 27.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week, I traveled across the Second Congressional District of South Carolina visiting the Midlands, Aiken, North Augusta, Barnwell, and Orangeburg to present my 2020 legislative agenda. At each stop, I was grateful to share my priorities and answer questions from the media. In this new legislative year, I will continue to advance legislation to create jobs for American families and reduce the harmful regulations that destroy jobs. I will promote working with local chambers and agencies. In 2020, I will advocate for future and current missions at the Savannah River Site and Savannah River National Laboratory. We also must protect the economic future for our children and grandchildren to address the debt by supporting the most conservative budget options. I am also focusing on promoting peace through strength to support our troops and keep American families safe by defeating terrorists overseas in the global war on terrorism. This year, I will also serve as the ranking member of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, where I will work with my colleagues across the aisle to maintain our international partnerships. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may we 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, yesterday, universally respected Senator Joe Lieberman provided an extraordinary op-ed in The Wall Street Journal: ``President Trump's order to take out Qasem Soleimani was morally, constitutionally, and strategically correct. . . . No American can dispute that Soleimani created, supported, and directed a network of terrorist organizations that spread havoc in the Middle East.'' In Syria, ``more than 500,000 Syrians have died.'' ``During the Iraq war, Soleimani oversaw three camps in Iran.'' These trained fighters have killed more than 600 American troops. The claim that President Trump ``had no authority to order this attack without congressional approval is constitutionally untenable and practically senseless. Authority to act quickly to eliminate a threat to the U.S. is inherent. . . . Democrats should leave partisan politics at `the water's edge' and . . . stand together against Iran and dangerous leaders like Qasem Soleimani.'' Senator Joe Lieberman tells the truth. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism, with the courage and leadership of President Donald Trump.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, as we, today, close this year's legislative session, I am grateful to reflect on significant opportunities experienced in 2019. My highlight was my continued association with India as former co- chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans, continuing my family's 75-year appreciation of India. In August, I visited Mumbai to pay respects at the locations of the Islamic extremist attacks of November 26, 2018, the Indian equivalent of the 9/11 mass murder. The Independence Day address by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi was inspiring on August 15. In September, it was extraordinary to be present in Houston for the Howdy Modi welcome of Prime Minister Modi by President Donald Trump. With 52,000 persons attending, it was the largest welcome event in American history for a head of state. At the same time, the Indian Parliament, with multiparty support, voided the constitutional autonomy of Kashmir, supporting the Prime Minister's efforts to boost economic development, fight corruption, and end gender, cast, and religious discrimination. 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. Americans are grateful, as the world's oldest democracy, to see India succeed as the world's largest democracy.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, over a month ago, on November 14, I spoke on the impeachment hoax with points true then and still true today. After over a month of secret investigations into the administration, Democrats have now decided to open these controlled hearings to the public. This continues the deception by Democrats to mislead the American people. It is insulting: no Republican witnesses, no counsel by the President to participate, and full exoneration by courageous President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine. It is sad that, instead of focusing on funding our military through the National Defense Authorization Act passed only last week or passing the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement to create jobs, Democrats continue, having wasted $30 million of taxpayers' money on the Russian hoax, now proceeding with a Ukrainian hoax. This partisan witch hunt diverts attention from the President's successes: The unemployment rate remains at a record low; there is record job creation; and the stock market, again, today, is thriving, showing that President Trump keeps his promises. 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, now and in the future the American people need to know the truth about events today as correctly chronicled in this letter from President Trump to Speaker Pelosi. His truth will prevail, despite 93 percent biased media coverage. The White House, Washington, DC, December 17, 2019. Hon. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Madam Speaker, I write to express my strongest and most powerful protest against the partisan impeachment crusade being pursued by the Democrats in the House of Representatives. This impeachment represents an unprecedented and unconstitutional abuse of power by Democrat Lawmakers, unequaled in nearly two and a half centuries of American legislative history. The Articles of Impeachment introduced by the House Judiciary Committee are not recognizable under any standard of Constitutional theory, interpretation, or jurisprudence. They include no crimes, no misdemeanors, and no offenses whatsoever. You have cheapened the importance of the very ugly word, impeachment! By proceeding with your invalid impeachment, you are violating your oaths of office, you are breaking your allegiance to the Constitution, and you are declaring open war on American Democracy. You dare to invoke the Founding Fathers in pursuit of this election-nullification scheme--yet your spiteful actions display unfettered contempt for America's founding and your egregious conduct threatens to destroy that which our Founders pledged their very lives to build. Even worse than offending the Founding Fathers, you are offending Americans of faith by continually saying ``I pray for the President,'' when you know this statement is not true, unless it is meant in a negative sense. It is a terrible thing you are doing, but you will have to live with it, not I! Your first claim, ``Abuse of Power,'' is a completely disingenuous, meritless, and baseless invention of your imagination. You know that I had a totally innocent conversation with the President of Ukraine. I then had a second conversation that has been misquoted, mischaracterized, and fraudulently misrepresented. Fortunately, there was a transcript of the conversation taken, and you know from the transcript (which was immediately made available) that the paragraph in question was perfect. I said to President Zelensky: ``I would like you to do us a favor, though, because our country has been through a lot and Ukraine knows a lot about it.'' I said do us a favor, not me, and our country, not a campaign. I then mentioned the Attorney General of the United States. Every time I talk with a foreign leader, I put America's interests first, just as I did with President Zelensky. You are turning a policy disagreement between two branches of government into an impeachable offense--it is no more legitimate than the Executive Branch charging members of Congress with crimes for the lawful exercise of legislative power. You know full well that Vice President Biden used his office and $1 billion dollars of U.S. aid money to coerce Ukraine into firing the prosecutor who was digging into the company paying his son millions of dollars. You know this because Biden bragged about it on video. Biden openly stated: ``I said, `I'm telling you, you're not getting the billion dollars' . . . I looked at them and said: `I'm leaving in six hours. If the prosecutor is not fired, you're not getting the money.' Well, son of a bitch. He got fired.'' Even Joe Biden admitted just days ago in an interview with NPR that it ``looked bad.'' Now you are trying to impeach me by falsely accusing me of doing what Joe Biden has admitted he actually did. President Zelensky has repeatedly declared that I did nothing wrong, and that there was No Pressure. He further emphasized that it was a ``good phone call,'' that ``I don't feel pressure,'' and explicitly stressed that ``nobody pushed me.'' The Ukrainian Foreign Minister stated very clearly: ``I have never seen a direct link between investigations and security assistance.'' He also said there was ``No Pressure.'' Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, a supporter of Ukraine who met privately with President Zelensky, has said: ``At no time during this meeting . . . was there any mention by Zelensky or any Ukrainian that they were feeling pressure to do anything in return for the military aid.'' Many meetings have been held between representatives of Ukraine and our country. Never once did Ukraine complain about pressure being applied--not once! Ambassador Sondland testified that I told him: ``No quid pro quo. I want nothing. I want nothing. I want President Zelensky to do the right thing, do what he ran on.'' The second claim, so-called ``Obstruction of Congress,'' is preposterous and dangerous. House Democrats are trying to impeach the duly elected President of the United States for asserting Constitutionally based privileges that have been asserted on a bipartisan basis by administrations of both political parties throughout our Nation's history. Under that standard every American president would have been impeached many times over. As liberal law professor Jonathan Turley warned when addressing Congressional Democrats: ``I can't emphasize this enough . . . if you impeach a president, if you make a high crime and misdemeanor out of going to the courts, it is an abuse of power. It's your abuse of power. You're doing precisely what you're criticizing the President for doing.'' Everyone, you included, knows what is really happening. Your chosen candidate lost the election in 2016, in an Electoral College landslide (306-227), and you and your party have never recovered from this defeat. You have developed a full-fledged case of what many in the media call Trump Derangement Syndrome and sadly, you will never get over it! You are unwilling and unable to accept the verdict issued at the ballot box during the great Election of 2016. So you have spent three straight years attempting to overturn the will of the American people and nullify their votes. You view democracy as your enemy! Speaker Pelosi, you admitted just last week at a public forum that your party's impeachment effort has been going on for ``two and a half years,'' long before you ever heard about a phone call with Ukraine. Nineteen minutes after I took the oath of office, the Washington Post published a story headlined, ``The Campaign to Impeach President Trump Has Begun.'' Less than three months after my inauguration, Representative Maxine Waters stated, ``I'm going to fight every day until he's impeached.'' House Democrats introduced the first impeachment resolution against me within months of my inauguration, for what will be regarded as one of our country's best decisions, the firing of James Comey (see Inspector General Reports)--who the world now knows is one of the dirtiest cops our Nation has ever seen. A ranting and raving Congresswoman, Rashida Tlaib, declared just hours after she was sworn into office, ``We're gonna go in there and we're gonna impeach the motherf****r.'' Representative Al Green said in May, ``I'm concerned that if we don't impeach this president, he will get re-elected.'' Again, you and your allies said, and did, all of these things long before you ever heard of President Zelensky or anything related to Ukraine. As you know very well, this impeachment drive has nothing to do with Ukraine, or the totally appropriate conversation I had with its new president. It only has to do with your attempt to undo the election of 2016 and steal the election of 2020! Congressman Adam Schiff cheated and lied all the way up to the present day, even going so far as to fraudulently make up, out of thin air, my conversation with President Zelensky of Ukraine and read this fantasy language to Congress as though it were said by me. His shameless lies and deceptions, dating all the way back to the Russia Hoax, is one of the main reasons we are here today. You and your party are desperate to distract from America's extraordinary economy, incredible jobs boom, record stock market, soaring confidence, and flourishing citizens. Your party simply cannot compete with our record: 7 million new jobs; the lowest-ever unemployment for African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans; a rebuilt military; a completely reformed VA with Choice and Accountability for our great veterans; more than 170 new federal judges and two Supreme Court Justices; historic tax and regulation cuts; the elimination of the individual mandate; the first decline in prescription drug prices in half a century; the first new branch of the United States Military since 1947, the Space Force; strong protection of the Second Amendment; criminal justice reform; a defeated ISIS caliphate and the killing of the world's number one terrorist leader, al-Baghdadi; the replacement of the disastrous NAFTA trade deal with the wonderful USMCA (Mexico and Canada); a breakthrough Phase One trade deal with China; massive new trade deals with Japan and South Korea; withdrawal from the terrible Iran Nuclear Deal; cancellation of the unfair and costly Paris Climate Accord; becoming the world's top energy producer; recognition of Israel's capital, opening the American Embassy in Jerusalem, and recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights; a colossal reduction in illegal border crossings, the ending of Catch-and-Release, and the building of the Southern Border Wall--and that is just the beginning, there is so much more: You cannot defend your extreme policies--open borders, mass migration, high crime, crippling taxes, socialized healthcare, destruction of American energy, late-term taxpayer-funded abortion, elimination of the Second Amendment, radical far-left theories of law and justice, and constant partisan obstruction of both common sense and common good. There is nothing I would rather do than stop referring to your party as the Do-Nothing Democrats. Unfortunately, I don't know that you will ever give me a chance to do so. After three years of unfair and unwarranted investigations, 45 million dollars spent, 18 angry Democrat prosecutors, the entire force of the FBI, headed by leadership now proven to be totally incompetent and corrupt, you have found NOTHING! Few people in high position could have endured or passed this test. You do not know, nor do you care, the great damage and hurt you have inflicted upon wonderful and loving members of my family. You conducted a fake investigation upon the democratically elected President of the United States, and you are doing it yet again. There are not many people who could have taken the punishment inflicted during this period of time, and yet done so much for the success of America and its citizens. But instead of putting our country first, you have decided to disgrace our country still further. You completely failed with the Mueller report because there was nothing to find, so you decided to take the next hoax that came along, the phone call with Ukraine--even though it was a perfect call. And by the way, when I speak to foreign countries, there are many people, with permission, listening to the call on both sides of the conversation. You are the ones interfering in America's elections. You are the ones subverting America's Democracy. You are the ones Obstructing Justice. You are the ones bringing pain and suffering to our Republic for your own selfish personal, political, and partisan gain. Before the Impeachment Hoax, it was the Russian Witch Hunt. Against all evidence, and regardless of the truth, you and your deputies claimed that my campaign colluded with the Russians--a grave, malicious, and slanderous lie, a falsehood like no other. You forced our Nation through turmoil and torment over a wholly fabricated story, illegally purchased from a foreign spy by Hillary Clinton and the DNC in order to assault our democracy. Yet, when the monstrous lie was debunked and this Democrat conspiracy dissolved into dust, you did not apologize. You did not recant. You did not ask to be forgiven. You showed no remorse, no capacity for self- reflection. Instead, you pursued your next libelous and vicious crusade--you engineered an attempt to frame and defame an innocent person. All of this was motivated by personal political calculation. Your Speakership and your party are held hostage by your most deranged and radical representatives of the far left. Each one of your members lives in fear of a socialist primary challenger--this is what is driving impeachment. Look at Congressman Nadler's challenger. Look at yourself and others. Do not take our country down with your party. If you truly cared about freedom and liberty for our Nation, then you would be devoting your vast investigative resources to exposing the full truth concerning the FBI's horrifying abuses of power before, during, and after the 2016 election--including the use of spies against my campaign, the submission of false evidence to a FISA court, and the concealment of exculpatory evidence in order to frame the innocent. The FBI has great and honorable people, but the leadership was inept and corrupt. I would think that you would personally be appalled by these revelations because in your press conference the day you announced impeachment, you tied the impeachment effort directly to the completely discredited Russia Hoax, declaring twice that ``all roads lead to Putin,'' when you know that is an abject lie. I have been far tougher on Russia than President Obama ever even thought to be. Any member of Congress who votes in support of impeachment--against every shred of truth, fact, evidence, and legal principle--is showing how deeply they revile the voters and how truly they detest America's Constitutional order. Our Founders feared the tribalization of partisan politics, and you are bringing their worst fears to life. Worse still, I have been deprived of basic Constitutional Due Process from the beginning of this impeachment scam right up until the present. I have been denied the most fundamental rights afforded by the Constitution, including the right to present evidence, to have my own counsel present, to confront accusers, and to call and cross-examine witnesses, like the so-called whistle blower who started this entire hoax with a false report of the phone call that bears no relationship to the actual phone call that was made. Once I presented the transcribed call, which surprised and shocked the fraudsters (they never thought that such evidence would be presented), the so-called whistleblower, and the second whistleblower, disappeared because they got caught, their report was a fraud, and they were no longer going to be made available to us. In other words, once the phone call was made public, your whole plot blew up, but that didn't stop you from continuing. More due process was afforded to those accused in the Salem Witch Trials. You and others on your committees have long said impeachment must be bipartisan--it is not. You said it was very divisive--it certainly is, even far more than you ever thought possible--and it will only get worse! This is nothing more than an illegal, partisan attempted coup that will, based on recent sentiment, badly fail at the voting booth. You are not just after me, as President, you are after the entire Republican Party. But because of this colossal injustice, our party is more united than it has ever been-before. History will judge you harshly as you proceed with this impeachment charade. Your legacy will be that of turning the House of Representatives from a revered legislative body into a Star Chamber of partisan persecution. Perhaps most insulting of all is your false display of solemnity. You apparently have so little respect for the American People that you expect them to believe that you are approaching this impeachment somberly, reservedly, and reluctantly. No intelligent person believes what you are saying. Since the moment I won the election, the Democrat Party has been possessed by Impeachment Fever. There is no reticence. This is not a somber affair. You are making a mockery of impeachment and you are scarcely concealing your hatred of me, of the Republican Party, and tens of millions of patriotic Americans. The voters are wise, and they are seeing straight through this empty, hollow, and dangerous game you are playing. I have no doubt the American people will hold you and the Democrats fully responsible in the upcoming 2020 election. They will not soon forgive your perversion of justice and abuse of power, There is far too much that needs to be done to improve the lives of our citizens. It is time for you and the highly partisan Democrats in Congress to immediately cease this impeachment fantasy and get back to work for the American People. While I have no expectation that you will do so, I write this letter to you for the purpose of history and to put my thoughts on a permanent and indelible record. One hundred years from now, when people look back at this affair, I want them to understand it, and learn from it, so that it can never happen to another President again. Sincerely yours, Donald J. Trump, President of the United States of America.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, as co-chair of the United Kingdom (UK) Caucus, I am grateful to extend my warmest congratulations to Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the Conservative Party for winning a resounding mandate from the British people to get Brexit done. I have complete confidence that Prime Minister Johnson will finally implement the will of the British people to leave the European Union in a manner that best serves the interests of the UK. I look forward to continuing to work closely to deepen our bilateral ties with the UK, especially as it relates to a potential free trade agreement after Brexit is done. I am confident the close relationship with President Donald Trump and the Prime Minister will expedite our trade for mutually beneficial job creation. In conclusion, God Bless our Troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, we are grateful for Captain John ``JT'' Shelson for having served in the Washington office of the Second Congressional District of South Carolina from the Army for the past year as a defense fellow. After graduating from Drexel University, Captain Shelson enlisted in the Army, attending basic combat training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. He then attended the U.S. Army Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he was awarded the Jess Walls Award for commissioning as the top graduate in his class. In 2017, Captain Shelson assumed command of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment and was deployed to Eastern Europe in support of Atlantic Resolve. Captain Shelson has also served in Afghanistan and Kuwait. Captain Shelson has been vital to the office for the past year. He was instrumental in repealing the widow's tax. I am grateful to him for helping enact this important legislation for military families. I am thankful for his commitment to America and wish him all the best for continued success. 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 Ranking Member Thornberry and Chairman Smith. Madam Speaker, I am grateful that the House and Senate have come to an agreement in this year's National Defense Authorization Act conference report to finally repeal the widow's tax. I appreciate my predecessor, the late Chairman Floyd Spence, who was one of the earliest proponents of eliminating the widow's tax, and I picked up on his efforts upon my election in 2001. Being the lead sponsor of this bill will always be meaningful to me. I made every effort to be bipartisan, always inviting all cosponsors of both parties to milestone achievements. Repealing the widow's tax has been personal to me. Lieutenant Colonel Trane McCloud was the military fellow in our office in 2003 and was sadly killed in Iraq on December 4, 2006. His wife, Maggie, and their three children, Hayden, Grace, and Meghan, have always been on my mind and in my heart as we fought for the repeal of the widow's tax. This legislation has the support of 383 Members in the House. This bill that is included in NDAA, has the largest number of cosponsors of any bill in the House of Representatives this Congress. I welcomed Congressman John Yarmuth to be the first cosponsor with the intention of always being bipartisan. This provision will restore the full amount of the survivor benefit annuity to more than 65,000 surviving military families. The repeal of the widow's tax will impact families who could receive an average of almost $12,000 a year. Surviving spouses visited and called representatives and were very convincing. This effectiveness was truly remarkable, and I commend Edith Smith, Barb Christie, Kathy Prout, Kathy Thorpe, Kristy DiDomenico, and Kristin Fenty for their perseverance. Veterans service organizations were also instrumental. I am thankful that the families who have given the greatest sacrifice in service to our country are no longer burdened by this unfair offset. Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to vote in support of the NDAA conference report.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, today is International Anti-Corruption Day, recognizing the need for governments and civil societies around the world to be vigilant in the fight against bribes and abuse of power for personal gain. According to the United Nations, every year $1 trillion is paid in bribes while an estimated $2.6 trillion are stolen through corruption, more than five percent of global GDP. No more is this on clearer display today than across the Middle East, which is witnessing a revival of the 2011 Arab Spring protests in places like Lebanon, Iraq, Iran and in towns and cities across Syria. Peaceful protesters are demanding an end to abusive policies and practices by government officials who seek little else than their own profit--always at the expense of the peoples' fundamental rights. The persistence of protestors today despite increasingly violent government responses indicates a point of no return. The brazen willingness to sacrifice their lives signals just how precarious these citizens' lives have become under their governments. Syria is ground zero for what happens when corrupt governments refuse reform and respond to peaceful demands with violence. The Assad regime continues to leech Syrians of their basic human rights, uprooting their lives, indiscriminately bombing his own people, and deliberately starving them while blaming the United States and other Western states for the dismal conditions of his country and the Syrian people. And all for the sake of protecting the power and interests of corrupt officials who are part of the Assad network, including Fahd Darwish, Samer Al- Debbes, Samir Anis Hassan, Samer Awees, Kanaan Kanaan, Tamim Badr, Mahran Khonda, Osama Ali Zayoud, Iyad Habib Baytnjaneh, Tarif Akhras, and Fares Shehabi, among others. The United States must target these individuals for exposure and sanctions for their corruption and theft from the Syrian people. And in response to these widespread cries for change, the United States must continue to pursue a relentless campaign against corruption everywhere. Without such accountability, perpetrators within and partners of corrupt governments will boldly continue, extending the suffering of innocent civilians around the world. If the United States does not demonstrate its commitment with action, nefarious actors and businessmen around the world will feel emboldened to engage in corrupt practices. On International Anti-Corruption Day, we must stand with those calling out for change.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, this Friday is the 383rd birthday of the U.S. National Guard. Established in 1636, the National Guard is the oldest military organization in America. Its members served during times of war and emergency to keep American families safe and secure. This anniversary allows us to come together to honor those who have risked their lives to protect our freedom. These sacrifices show that freedom is not free. South Carolina is fortunate for the service of Adjutant General Van McCarty appointed by Governor Henry McMaster in the tradition of retiring Adjutant General Bob Livingston. As a veteran of the Army National Guard and the father of three Army National Guardsmen who have served in Iraq, Egypt, and Afghanistan, I appreciate servicemembers, veterans, and military families. I am grateful for the resolve our servicemembers have to protect American families. I am thankful to celebrate this birthday of the militia filled with brave, self-sacrificing men and women. 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, even before President Donald Trump was elected, Democrats have been scraping for any excuse, threatening impeachment to overturn the election results. It is shameful that House Democrats are wasting time and money, over $30 million dollars, on this Impeachment Hoax instead of fixing trade deals, funding our military, and addressing issues that create jobs. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi continues to move forward with these warrantless attacks which undermine the results of the last election, nullifying 63 million votes. House Democrats should stop misleading the American public and work for those who put them in office. This partisan witch hunt diverts attention from the President's successes. The lives of Americans have truly changed for the better under President Trump. The unemployment rate has it record lows, wages have continued to increase, and there is record job creation, showing that President Trump keeps his promises. In conclusion, God Bless our Troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, yesterday, Jessica Holdman with The Post and Courier reported that wages in South Carolina rose faster than expected this year and will continue to rise. I was alerted to this by Gary David and Christopher Thompson on WVOC by iHeartRadio. I am grateful for President Donald Trump's actions to increase wages by reducing taxes and regulations. According to Doug Woodward, economist with the University of South Carolina's Darla Moore School of Business, this is the best job market we have seen in a generation. USC economist Joey Von Nessen says, ``workers are in high demand right now, and we are seeing strong wage growth as a result. This includes wage growth for workers across the pay scale, with those on the lower end benefiting the most.'' By creating jobs, raising wages, and consistently working to promote opportunities, President Trump is continuing his record of keeping his promises. I am grateful that President Trump is focused to work for American families and jobs, despite the failed Russian hoax and today the impeachment hoax. 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, last week, President Donald Trump warmly welcomed Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov to the White House and reaffirmed the strong alliance between our two countries. Based on this successful meeting, the United States and Bulgaria announced a new strategic partnership framework to deepen our historic bilateral relationship which spans over 100 years. According to a joint statement to face a growing concern about the security situation in the Black Sea, Bulgaria offered to provide a maritime coordination function at Varna in support of NATO's Tailored Forward Presence Initiative. This is so important and will be a welcome step in the formation of an intelligence hub in the region to counter destructive activity. The two also agreed to work more closely on energy diversification to advance Bulgaria's energy sector, reduce prices for citizens, and allow for Bulgaria to become a true gas hub and key source of regional energy security. These two measures underscore the important role that Bulgaria continues to play as an ally and a valuable NATO member. I am grateful that President Trump is prioritizing a relationship with a beloved ally like Bulgaria. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, on Saturday, I walked in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation One Walk at Segra Park, home of the famous Columbia Fireflies, with members of the University of South Carolina chapter of the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. I am grateful to have been able to support such an important cause and walk in support of eradicating type 1 diabetes. The money raised at the JDRF One Walk in Columbia supports life- changing research that gives hope to those impacted by type 1 diabetes. It is an autoimmune disease that strikes suddenly and is serious and stressful to families, challenging families across our district. Currently, there is nothing that can be done to prevent type 1 diabetes and there is no cure. JDRF is a leader in funding diabetes research, motivated by their vision of a world without type 1 diabetes. This organization works tirelessly to improve the lives of those affected by this disease by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat diabetes. I appreciate JDRF Palmetto Chapter Development Director Beth McCrary for her hard work and success in coordinating the JDRF Walk in Columbia and for her advocacy for ending type 1 diabetes. 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 our office is participating in the Veterans History Project. This project is an ongoing effort by the Library of Congress to collect and preserve personal accounts by American military veterans and families. I have had the opportunity to meet with local veterans in Aiken and the Midlands to encourage participation. The narratives recorded through this project keep history alive for future generations. Coordinating the project is Purple Heart recipient Jeffrey Crosby. Across America, citizens can participate at website loc.gov/vets. As a veteran, as the son of a Flying Tiger with service in India and China, and as the father of four sons who have served overseas in the Army National Guard and the Navy, I am thankful for the project. Congratulations, President Donald Trump, with news today that his policies of creating jobs have led to South Carolina's lowest unemployment level in history at 2.6 percent--opportunities for all according to WVOC. 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, on Saturday, I walked in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation One Walk at Segra Park, home of the famous Columbia Fireflies. I am grateful to have been able to support such an important cause and walk in support of eradicating type 1 diabetes. The money raised at the JDRF One Walk in Columbia supports life- changing research that gives hope to those impacted by type 1 diabetes. It is an autoimmune disease that strikes suddenly and is serious and stressful to families, challenging families across our district. Currently, there is nothing that can be done to prevent type 1 diabetes and there is no cure. JDRF is a leader in funding diabetes research, motivated by their vision of a world without type 1 diabetes. This organization works tirelessly to improve the lives of those affected by this disease by accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent, and treat diabetes. I appreciate JDRF Palmetto Chapter Development Director Beth McCrary for her hard work and success in coordinating the JDRF Walk in Columbia and for her advocacy for ending type 1 diabetes. 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, the October jobs report was strong. The unemployment rate remains near a 50-year low, at 3.6 percent, and 128,000 jobs were added. Employment of African Americans, Asian Americans, and Hispanics are at record highs. I am grateful for President Donald Trump's actions to create jobs by reducing taxes and regulations. All Americans have benefited, with stocks achieving an all-time record high. The Dow Jones Average has risen to over 28,000, for the first time in history, on Friday. With increased liquidity, jobs are created for small businesses and retirement accounts. The stock market, under President Donald Trump, has soared from 18,000 on election day to, now, over 28,000. By creating jobs, lowering unemployment, and consistently working to promote opportunities, President Trump is continuing his record of keeping his promises. Baseless attacks on the President by Democrats and fake news try to conceal these successes, but President Trump is focused to work for American families and 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, after over a month of secret investigations against the President, Democrats have now decided to open these controlled hearings to the public. This continued deception by Democrats to mislead the American people is insulting. No Republican witnesses, no counsel of the President to participate, and full exoneration by the courageous President Zelensky of Ukraine. It is said that, instead of focusing on funding our military through the National Defense Authorization Act or passing the United-States- Mexico-Canada Agreement to create jobs, which improves our schools, like Lexington District 1, Democrats continue. They have wasted $30 million of taxpayer money on the Russian hoax and are now proceeding with the Ukrainian hoax. This partisan witch hunt diverts attention from the President's successes. The unemployment rate is at a record low; there is record job creation; and the stock market is thriving, showing President Trump keeps his promises. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Thank you, President Lech Walesa of Poland, a world hero, for testifying yesterday for freedom.