Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I am grateful our talented colleague, Congressman Rob Woodall of Georgia, stood up for what is right. Yesterday on the House Floor, Congressman Woodall promoted the Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act, the Widows Tax elimination. ``We had an opportunity under the new consensus calendar . . . to bring bipartisan legislation to the floor. What they [Democrats] said was if you bring enough Democrats and Republicans to support your bill, we will give you a special pathway to get that bill to the floor for those ideas that we want to celebrate together.'' ``Congressman Joe Wilson has such a bill . . . to support the widows of our fallen servicemen and women. Widows and widowers.'' Because Democrats subverted this by removing it from the calendar, they did not follow their own rule. It is now legislative day four for a stand-alone vote, with now 371 co-sponsors, bringing over 86 percent of Members of Congress as supporters. 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, it has been 3 legislative days since House Democrats undermined the Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act by shifting the bipartisan bill into a partisan NDAA. There is still time to correct the widow's tax on spouses of servicemembers whose lives were lost during Active Duty or through a service-connected cause. Members of Congress know this legislation is critical, with over 365 cosponsors being 86 percent of the Members of Congress. Congress needs to act out of respect of members of the military and their families. According to the ongoing WUSA 9 report, thousands of surviving military spouses feel their government has abandoned them. This is unconscionable. As Edith Smith, a surviving spouse, said, those who died earned this benefit. It is not a gratuitous benefit. They earned it. Mr. Speaker, 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 continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), the primary Republican cosponsor of this measure.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this resolution condemning the attacks on peaceful protestors and supporting an immediate peaceful transition to a civilian-led democratic government in Sudan. I thank Congressman Kildee, Congressman Bilirakis, and Chairman Engel for their leadership on this issue. For months, thousands of Sudanese peacefully took to the streets to protest the brutal and oppressive dictatorship of Omar al-Bashir. In April, he was removed from office. I condemn the brutal attacks against peaceful protestors that took place on June 3. Over 120 people were killed, and hundreds more were wounded. The security forces responsible for carrying out and orchestrating these heinous attacks must be held accountable. While we are hopeful that the July 5 agreement on the composition of a transitional government will be officially signed and set into motion, there is still much more to be done to advance a true civilian- led democracy. We cannot tolerate spoilers of this process, particularly those who look to support the status quo and the military regime in Khartoum. I support the diplomatic efforts of Special Envoy Booth and commend President Donald Trump's administration for convening high-level working groups to align other countries in supporting a peaceful and democratic future for Sudan. We must continue our engagement at the highest levels to stand with the Sudanese people and their struggle for freedom and democracy. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to thank my colleagues for offering this timely resolution to condemn the brutal attacks on peaceful protesters and stand in solidarity with the people of Sudan. The United States must continue our efforts to support a civilian-led democratic government in Sudan and take action against those who wish to undermine the will of the Sudanese people. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution to condemn dangerous threats to freedom of the press and freedom of expression around the world, understanding that the media has a responsibility of fairness without bias and an independent media is a cornerstone of an educated society and a necessary pillar to a healthy democracy. Unfortunately, freedom of the press and freedom of expression are not protected in many countries. Dictators fear anything that challenges their power. They go to great lengths to restrict the rights of their citizens and control their own people. They attack human rights activists and protesters who march in the street. The last thing that a tyrant wants is to be exposed as a corrupt and immoral leader. As a result, they intimidate, arrest, and sometimes kill members of the media for doing their jobs. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 251 reporters worldwide were being held in prison in 2018. More than half of them were being held in Turkey, China, and Egypt. Last year, over 54 journalists were killed in the line of duty. Thirty-four of them were murder victims. Of course, sadly, we are all familiar with the heinous killing of Jamal Khashoggi, a columnist for The Washington Post who was murdered by Saudi agents. These crimes are completely unacceptable. Republicans and Democrats stand together as Americans in condemning foreign governments that attack journalists and crack down on press freedoms. This resolution allows us to speak in a unified voice to express our support for those who want to report the news without fearing for their lives. I hope all of my colleagues will join me in supporting this bill. I reserve the balance of my time, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I thank Chairman Schiff and Congressman Chabot for their bipartisan work on this issue. The United States must continue to provide a strong voice for a free press and independent media across the globe emphasizing fairness. Supporting a free press must remain an essential part of America's foreign policy, and I urge all Members to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2037, the Saudi Arabia Human Rights and Accountability Act. The killing of Jamal Khashoggi, a prominent Saudi journalist and former diplomatic adviser, was a hideous and gruesome crime. The United States must ensure that everyone involved in this appalling human rights violation must be identified and held accountable. Intimidation and violence by any government against peaceful dissent must be met with strong disapproval by responsible nations. If we do not respond forcefully to this brutal attack, we invite future violations of international norms. Peaceful dissidents all over the world are watching us, waiting to see if we will stand up for their cause. That is why I am grateful to support H.R. 2037, which requires a report to identify those responsible for this heinous assault and blocks visas for those directly involved with this murder. We cannot have business as usual with those who carried out an extrajudicial murder in cold blood. They should not get to come to the United States and pretend like nothing happened. I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their commitment to ensuring that Jamal is not forgotten. He deserves justice, and his family deserves justice. I thank the chairman and Mr. Malinowski for working to ensure that even as we press for accountability, we can continue diplomatic engagements with our partner of Saudi Arabia. These diplomatic engagements are crucial in pushing for human rights improvements mutually beneficial to our Saudi allies, such as the release of wrongfully detained Americans and other matters. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to, once again, thank Chairman Engel and the Committee on Foreign Affairs' membership for their bipartisan work to respond to the terrible injustice of Jamal Khashoggi's murder. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 129, Condemning the Government of Saudi Arabia's Continued Detention and Alleged Abuse of Women's Rights Activists. Last year, we were all heartened by the news that Saudi Arabia was planning to lift its longstanding ban on women driving. We hoped that this would be a sign that the kingdom would finally shed its notoriously harsh policies toward women, such as the guardianship system under which women cannot make decisions without the permission of a male relative. Tragically, we were mistaken. The kingdom has detained and reportedly tortured several of the activists who had long campaigned for more rights for women, including the right to drive. While some of these activists have been temporarily released, they continue to face trial for their peaceful protests. This resolution calls on Saudi Arabia to release these peaceful activists and to hold accountable those who tortured them. It also calls on Saudi Arabia to end the guardianship system. We welcomed reports from the past week that Saudi Arabia may loosen a few select restrictions within the guardianship system, but it is far past time for women in Saudi Arabia to make their own decisions about their lives. The United States has a responsibility to advocate for human rights all over the world, including the right for peaceful dissent. While we value our strategic partnership and alliance with Saudi Arabia, our partnership does not let the kingdom off the hook for abuses of fundamental human rights. Today, the United States House of Representatives calls on Saudi Arabia to do better, to treat its women as citizens with full and equal rights, and to release and exonerate the peaceful dissidents who have long campaigned for human rights, including the rights of women. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to thank Chairman Engel, Representative Frankel, Representative Wagner, and the Foreign Affairs Committee members for their bipartisan work to advocate on behalf of the women of Saudi Arabia, including human rights activists. Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 441, Condemning the attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires in July 1994, authored by Mr. Deutch of Florida. In July 1994, a terrorist tied to the Iranian-backed Hezbollah carried out a murderous bombing of the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Buenos Aires, Argentina, killing 85 innocent people and injuring hundreds more. Unfortunately, 25 years later, the cowardly perpetrators of this attack have evaded justice due to a series of coverups and a botched investigation. This reminds us that terrorism is a continuing threat in our hemisphere and that we must always be vigilant. This important resolution condemns the attack, expresses concern over the continued delay in the resolution of the case, and it encourages accountability for those responsible. The resolution also recognizes a series of critical events, including the mysterious death of the lead prosecutor, Alberto Nisman, who formally accused the Government of Iran and Hezbollah for their role and implicated the Fernandez Kirchner government in negotiating immunity for the Iranian suspects. This resolution demonstrates our commitment to supporting the Government of Argentina, one of our great regional partners, in finding justice for the victims and their families, and combating the continued threat of terrorism in our hemisphere. I was grateful to work with my colleague, Mr. Deutch, the chairman of the Middle East, North Africa, and International Terrorism Subcommittee, on this important resolution. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. General Leave

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, last week, House Democrats had the chance to bring the Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act on the floor to repeal the widow's tax. Roll Call described, today, the bill as a ``broadly supported bipartisan bill'' with 365 cosponsors. This was the first legislation to achieve the Consensus Calendar and would have received a standalone vote, having 86 percent cosponsorship. Roll Call said: ``Wilson's bill, the Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act, would end a disparity between government payments made to surviving spouses of servicemembers who die on Active Duty. ``The `widow's tax' . . . requires the surviving spouses to forfeit much of their DOD Survivor Benefit Plan annuity when they receive Dependency and Indemnity Compensation from the VA. ``The Rules Committee did not give Wilson a heads-up that they were going to put language in the NDAA rules to remove his bill from the Consensus Calendar.'' This was a partisan political gimmick. It is not too late to bring it back up as a standalone bill to help the spouses. 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 yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bill to prioritize the targeting of wildlife traffickers as part of the Department of State's Rewards for Justice Program. I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Buchanan) for leading this important bill and also Chairman Engel for bringing this bill to the floor. This legislation would give explicit authority to offer financial rewards for information pertaining to the capture or conviction of high-profile wildlife traffickers around the world. This is a powerful tool for Federal law enforcement to target those who engage in wildlife trafficking. Illicit wildlife trade is a multibillion-dollar industry. This funds terrorists and criminal networks around the world, destabilizing countries and stripping communities of valuable economic resources. We know that the criminals that poach and then traffic wildlife products are the same people and networks that traffic weapons, drugs, and people. Our ability to crack down on illicit funding streams for criminal and terrorist networks is critical to U.S. national security interests in the global war on terrorism. We must ensure that the State Department and our law enforcement personnel have the tools they need to combat this horrible trade. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Congress should strive for Democrats and Republicans in Washington to truly work together. When the Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act reached 365 bipartisan cosponsors, I was grateful to share the good news. That is a remarkable more than 80 percent of Congress. House Democrats had the ability to bring the Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act to the floor tomorrow to repeal the widow's tax. Instead, Democratic leadership has diverted a vote by tacking it onto a flawed and hyperpartisan bill without notice late at night, which they know will not receive support on both sides of the aisle. This is heartbreaking for the 65,000 military widows in America. However, it is not too late to do the right thing and keep this as a standalone bipartisan bill. I encourage our colleagues across the aisle to put H.R. 553 on the Consensus Calendar. Together, we can give servicemembers and their families the recognition they deserve. 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 following thoughtful obituary was published on July 3, 2019: Sue Kolakoski Harlow passed away peacefully surrounded by her husband, children, and sisters on July 2, 2019 in Fairfax, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her mother Jane Kolakoski and her father Charles Kolakoski. Sue passed on the tenth anniversary of her father's death and joins both of her parents in heaven. Sue is survived by her beloved husband; Bryce (Larry) Harlow, two children, Sandy Harlow and Bryce Harlow II, four grandchildren, Elizabeth Miller, Josh Harlow, Katie Harlow and Nate Harlow, one great grandchild, Lily Chichester and four sisters, Paula Lassiter, Doris Deering-Kjellevold, Mary Lewis and Janet Kolakoski. Born on September 9, 1949 in Washington, DC, Sue was raised in Arlington, VA. A lifelong teacher, Sue specialized in elementary aged children with learning disabilities at Stenwood Elementary in Dunn Loring before moving on to Freedom Hill Elementary in Vienna. Earlier, she worked at Tuckahoe Elementary in Arlington. A teacher for more than twenty years, her love of children was boundless. Sue and her husband Larry were married for nearly fifty-two years having been wed on August 28, 1967 at Saint Agnes Catholic Church in Arlington, VA. Sue and Larry met at Yorktown High School. Following their marriage, they moved to Norfolk, VA while Larry attended college, but returned to Arlington in 1969 when Sue went to work for Senator Gurney. In 1971, they moved to Denver, CO before returning to Virginia in 1976. Sue and Larry raised their two children, Sandy and Bryce, in Arlington and Vienna before moving to their current home in McLean. Sue loved life and all that came along with it. She had a deep appreciation for her garden and loved her multitude of flowers surrounding their home. Sue had an extreme love for Mexican food and a good margarita. She loved animals, particularly the kittens she raised over the years. Virginia Beach was Sue's second home with her love of the ocean and the sea air. But in particular, she had a lasting love for her family and selflessly sought to enrich their lives on a daily basis. She tolerated her family's obsession with Washington sports and became a fan herself. She immersed herself in every aspect of life and the members of her family are better because of her. Services will be held on Thursday, July 11 at 10:30 AM at Saint Agnes Church, 2024 North Randolph St. Arlington, VA 22207. In lieu of flowers the family would like you to dote on your pets, hug your family, and raise a glass to Sue.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, in a climate of endless negative attacks, it is refreshing to read ``President Trump Is Delivering'' by the respected national columnist Star Parker in the Aiken Standard on June 24. She has correctly identified success as being three criteria, the Constitution, Christianity, and capitalism. ``On all three fronts, Donald Trump is making America great again. The Supreme Court now has a solid conservative majority,'' with the environment friendly to Christian values to restore respect for life and family. Regarding the third C, Harvard economist Robert Barro estimates that the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act added almost a third over the average GDP growth rate in the Obama years. ``Optimism among the Nation's small businesses is surging, according to the recent National Federation of Independent Business Small Business Optimism Index,'' with record-low unemployment among Hispanics and African Americans. ``President Trump's courage to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has changed the face of the Middle East . . . for the better.'' 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 the gentleman from Georgia for yielding this time. I appreciate his leadership. H.R. 553, the Military Surviving Spouses Equity Act, is a bipartisan bill with over 365 cosponsors. In fact, it is rare that a bill garners this many cosponsors and was amongst the first to reach the new threshold for mandatory consideration under the Consensus Calendar. I am grateful that colleagues on both sides of the aisle support this legislation to repeal the ``widow's tax.'' Thank you to all of the surviving spouses and advocates who have worked diligently and tirelessly on this legislation. The bill would have been eligible for a vote this Friday. Instead, Democratic leadership has decided to specifically bar this bill from independent consideration and include it in the flawed, partisan NDAA. In fact, the rule for the NDAA specifically states: Rule XV of the Consensus Calendar shall not apply with respect to H.R. 553. Democratic leadership has essentially said, if the NDAA does not pass, the widow's tax doesn't pass. Further, leadership has put this bill at risk of the conference with the Senate. Democratic leadership knows that it is not included in the Senate's version of the NDAA, and I am disappointed with the other side. I even offered a bipartisan amendment with Chairman John Yarmuth to have this legislation be included in the NDAA, but they did not make that amendment in order. Instead, Democrats placed their own amendment in a partisan rule and are forcing the stand-alone bill to be barred from the Consensus Calendar. This is partisan politics at its worst. This is heartbreaking for the 65,000 military widows who have worked tirelessly and very effectively to mobilize support behind the bill. At the peak of their hopes that this bill would pass the United States House of Representatives this week, leadership now has put the bill in jeopardy. Instead of supporting our military and the military families, including those who have died and sacrificed for this country, the majority has chosen to violate their own rules and put the bill in jeopardy. This tactic cheapens the efforts of these military widows by turning their real-world plight into a partisan tactic. A stand-alone bill in the Senate with over 365 House cosponsors would have had a better chance of passing and sent a clear and overwhelming message of support to these widows. Instead, we will be sending this over in a partisan bill, almost ensuring its demise in the Senate. This is a disservice to the widows who deserve better. I am grateful for Ranking Member Tom Cole, who argued against making H.R. 553 as part of this self-executing rule. He is right that this shortcuts the process and is politics at its worse. Our team followed the rules the Democrats set forth to have this overwhelmingly bipartisan piece of legislation set for a vote, and they decided to play partisan politics and remove it. Further, the Rules Committee failed to notify my staff and even failed to notify the community that would be most directly impacted by their actions: the widows who have worked tirelessly to generate support for H.R. 553. The community, inspired by veterans service organizations, gave all, and this Congress can't even follow its own rules. It is sad how the majority has undermined this important bill in the manner they have done. Barring this bill from independent consideration is outright wrong, and I ask that each of my Democratic and Republican colleagues think long and hard about the implications of this parliamentary gimmick.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, during the unrest and riots in Haiti in June, Tim Floyd, International Peace Artist from South Carolina, presented a PeacePainting to the Musee du Pantheon National Haitien in Port-au-Prince. Haiti is the first country in the world to receive a PeacePainting. Over the next several years, Floyd will paint a series of 195 paintings to gift to each country in the world. The art is called PeacePaintings195. Each piece is a two foot by two foot wood panel. The mixed media work uses acrylics, oil, and encaustics. Each painting is meditative using only muted colors with low contrast. Floyd wants to spread peace with art because the language of art breaks all barriers. The goal is to spark conversations about peace. And through these conversations, actions. And through those actions, peace. Bonds of peace create unity between friends. Bonds of peace have kept communities together. Bonds of peace have caused countries to be allies. Floyd studied art at the University of South Carolina. His paintings hang in homes and corporate headquarters across America as well as Germany, England and Italy. Art is his way of leaving bread crumbs of the journey of life to hopefully bring pleasure, encouragement and beauty to fellow travelers who are also passing through.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month. As a member of the Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease, I am grateful to continue supporting families facing Alzheimer's. Additionally, I appreciate the BOLD Infrastructure for Alzheimer's Act that President Donald Trump signed into law in December last year. Currently, there are more than 5 million Americans who live with Alzheimer's, with 16 million family members and friends who serve as caregivers. It is inspiring to know that 313,000 caregivers in South Carolina provide over 352 million hours of unpaid care. South Carolina has extraordinary facilities to provide exemplary care for Alzheimer's patients in a friendly environment, including Carroll Campbell Place of Lexington Medical Center, honoring our late Governor. Support and research are provided by the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's, with walks held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, with Taylor Wilson organizing the Midlands events. 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, yesterday, the National Nuclear Security Administration announced a $5 million investment in workforce development at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina to create jobs. We are grateful that the Undersecretary for Nuclear Security at the Department of Energy and Administrator of NNSA Lisa Gordon-Hagerty announced the investment through the Workforce Opportunities in Regional Careers with the Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization for Aiken Technical College, Augusta Technical College, University of South Carolina Aiken, Augusta University, and the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie. I thank Rick McLeod, David Jameson, Dr. Sandra Jordan, Dr. Forest Mahan, and Congressman Rick Allen. We appreciate their commitment to partnership and look forward to continuing to work together. 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 was the 102nd anniversary and Victory Week at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. Under the leadership of Brigadier General Milford Beagle, Jr., and Command Sergeant Major Jeremiah Gan, Fort Jackson is the bedrock for building readiness for all components of the Army. This week, the Greater Columbia Region is being honored as a Great American Defense Communities Award recipient. The Columbia Chamber of Commerce, led by President Carl Blackstone and Chairman David Lockwood, provided the nomination, citing Fort Jackson, the South Carolina National Guard, and McEntire Joint Air Base. Fort Jackson is the Nation's largest basic training base, conducting over half of the Army's basic combat training, with over 60,000 soldiers per year and with about 10,000 soldiers in basic combat training at any given time. Fort Jackson also trains more than 60 percent of all women entering the Army each year. 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, Sunny Sung-In Kim, 68, died on Sunday, June 9, 2019 at Sunrise at Fair Oaks in Fairfax, Virginia following a three-year battle with an aggressive meningioma. His final days were spent surrounded by his loving family, especially his five beloved grandchildren who serenaded him with music, song and laughter. Sunny was born on November 16, 1950 in Pusan, Korea during the Korean War. He enlisted in the Republic of Korea Marine Corps, graduated basic training with the 218th Class and served from 1969 to 1972, having achieved the rank of Lance Corporal. He emigrated to the United States in 1973, became a naturalized citizen and on May 11, 1975, he married the love of his life, Susan Bok-Ja Kim in Long Island, New York. Their wedding was officiated by the Reverend Dr. Young-Kyo Hahn (1902-1982), an historically renowned Korean Christian Scholar and civic leader who was a former Dean of the College and Graduate School at Yonsei University. Dr. Hahn led Sunny and his wife into the Christian faith, the Presbyterian Church and baptized them. Together the couple had two sons. In 1986, Sunny founded and was President of Grass Roots, Inc., a food service and catering business with multiple locations in the Financial District of Boston, Massachusetts. He retired to Haymarket, Virginia to be near his sons and grandchildren after nearly three decades of running the company together with his wife. Sunny had a lifelong passion of service to his community and served as President of the Korean American Association of New England and the Secretary-General of the Federation of Korean Associations, U.S.A. He was also instrumental in galvanizing support for the creation of the Massachusetts Korean War Veterans Memorial at the Charlestown Naval Shipyard. Having never forgotten the 36,574 U.S. soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines that paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect and defend freedom during the Korean War when he was born, he dedicated his life to honoring all Korean War veterans and their families. For his contributions to the U.S.-Korea alliance and the Korean American community, Sunny was the recipient of a Presidential Commendation by the President of the Republic of Korea. An active member of the Korean Presbyterian Church in Greater Boston where he was an ordained Elder, Sunny's deep and abiding Christian faith was the foundation of his family. He instilled in his sons the virtues of generosity, graciousness and a heart of gratitude. An avid sports enthusiast, he was a devoted fan of the Washington Redskins and the Boston Red Sox. In the final years of his life, nothing brought him greater joy than cheering on his grandchildren while watching them play football, lacrosse and baseball. Sunny is survived by his wife of 44 years, Susan Bok-Ja Kim, his sons Thomas (Nancy) and James (Susan) and his grandchildren Thomas ``TJ'' Kim, Rachel Kim, Samuel Kim, William Kim and Henry Kim. A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, June 12 at Fairfax Memorial Funeral Home, 9902 Braddock Road Fairfax, VA 22032 at 7:00PM. The Burial Service will be held on Thursday, June 13 at Fairfax Memorial Park, 9900 Braddock Road Fairfax, VA 22032 at 10:00AM. Memorials may be directed to the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall of Remembrance in Washington, D.C. or to Open Door Presbyterian Church in Herndon, Virginia.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week was the 75th anniversary of the Normandy invasion. 150,000 American, British, and Canadian fighting men landed on the beaches of Normandy to begin the deadly struggle to liberate Europe from Nazism and stop the Holocaust. Among the heroes were five brothers from Lexington, South Carolina. Sadly, only four came home alive. Carroll Floyd Shealy was killed by mortar fire after jumping with the 101st Airborne Division. Joe Lewis Shealy was wounded and nearly lost his leg after jumping in with the 82nd Airborne Division. Muller Everett Shealy served in Normandy with the Army Air Corps. Billy Ray Shealy and his twin brother, Bobby Rhett Shealy, both served aboard the USS Dale W. Peterson. We owe them our deepest gratitude. Today, congratulations to Bulgaria, recognizing the 29th anniversary of the first post-Communist election to implement democracy. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.