Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, a biology teacher in the Second Congressional District has been selected as the 2019 Outstanding Biology Teacher of the Year of South Carolina by the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT). According to the New Irmo News, ``the award is given annually to a teacher who shows a passion for teaching biology. Each state, province, and territory recognizes an Outstanding Biology Teacher.'' Ms. Lauren Brown has been teaching biology for 9 years, the last five years have been at Spring Hill High School. She was also honored as the American Legion Teacher of the Year from Chapin Post 193. She has also served for three years as a coaching teacher with the University of South Carolina's Education program. Our communities in the Second Congressional District are grateful for leadership like Ms. Lauren Brown's. Congratulations to Lauren for earning this distinct honor. 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, congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his landslide victory on May 23, as 600 million Indians went to the polls. After the elections, Prime Minister Modi called for a ``strong and inclusive India.'' According to The Washington Times, Modi said, ``This election has become a movement of social unity,'' and that his government would work to earn the trust of all Indians, including religious minorities such as Muslims and Christians. India's rising global standing is due in large part to the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, who has promoted free enterprise to create jobs. His reelection reinforces the strategic partnership between India and the United States. Best wishes to Prime Minister Modi on his next term. India is appreciated as the world's largest democracy by America, which is the oldest democracy. India is well represented in Washington by Ambassador Harsh Vardhan Shringla. 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, Lexington County and South Carolina were blessed with the Caughman Twins, Hampton and Raymond, as extraordinary civic leaders. Sadly, Raymond passed away March 28th and now Hamp passed away June 1st. Below is the loving obituary of June 3rd from The State newspaper. Hampton Caughman (1927-2019) Hampton Sox Caughman--Lexington. Funeral services for Hampton Sox Caughman, 92, of Lexington, SC will be held at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at Saint David Lutheran Church with interment to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday, June 3, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Caughman Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. David Lutheran Church Building Fund, 132 St. David's Church Rd., West Columbia, SC 29170 or to ``Take One Make One'' c/o SCDNR, P.O. Box 167, Columbia SC 29202 with funds designated to Thomas Caughman Memorial. Hampton passed away on Saturday, June 1, 2019. He was born on January 10, 1927 to the late Willie Morgan and Mary Catherine Sox Caughman. In addition to his parents, Hampton was also preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Betty Dye Caughman, sisters Evelyn Segelken, Zela Boozer, Sue Shull, Henry Etta Frye, Virginia Shull and brothers Henry Morgan Caughman, Elford Caughman, Raymond Caughman and Kenneth Caughman. He was also predeceased by his beloved grandson, Army Specialist Thomas Day Caughman. Hampton is survived by his son Hampton S. Caughman Jr. and his wife Jane Day Caughman and their daughter Lisa Caughman. He is also survived by his daughter Carol Caughman and her son Connor Caughman Hild. Hampton was a WWII Army Veteran who served in China from 1945-1946. In 1949 he began a 32 year career in the retail grocery business as a partner in Frye & Caughman Grocery in West Columbia. He opened the first supermarket in Lexington in 1964, Hamp's Red and White. Hampton was one of the organizers of the Food Retailer Association of South Carolina, serving as its President from 1958-1959 and was, South Carolina's Grocer of the Year in 1974. In 1961, Governor Fritz Hollings appointed Hampton to the South Carolina Dairy Commission and in 1975 when he tried to resign, the Governor appointed him Chairman and he served in that capacity until 1981. Hampton was one of the organizers of the Lexington Rotary Club, served as its first President, was Rotarian of the Year in 1971, and named as a Paul Harris Fellow in 1990. He served as the Chairman of the Rotary Club Horse Show for 30 years and was recently honored for his 50 years of service to that club. He and his twin brother Raymond's hobby was tiding and showing Tennessee Walking Horses. Every morning at 5:00 a.m., they would get up to ride, feed and water their horses. Hampton was a member of and President of both the South Carolina Walking Horse Association and the South Carolina Horse Show Association, and was named Horseman of the Year in 1977. Upon closing Hamp's Red & White, he and his wife Betty opened Caughman's Catering and were well known for their country style steak and gravy and delicious banana pudding. Later Hampton earned his real estate agent license and worked with McGee Realtors until he retired in 2012. Hampton was very active in the Boy Scouts of America and was given the Silver Beaver Award for Distinguished Service to Boyhood in 1974. Hampton was twice awarded the ``Key to the City'' by the Town of Lexington and ``The Order of the Silver Crescent'' by Governor Nikki Haley in 2015. Hampton was a very active member of St. David Lutheran Church for 92 years. He was Chairman of the Property Committee for 60 years, sang in the choir and was very active with the St. David Lutheran Men. Hampton was a very loving, caring husband, grandfather, father, brother and friend who will be remembered for always putting the concern of others before him. He will be greatly missed by many people.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. 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. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, on May 17, 2019, I was regrettably unable to attend votes due to a doctor's appointment. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 215; YEA on Roll Call No. 216; and NAY on Roll Call No. 217.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, Thomas Bryte Hughes passed away peacefully in Lake Tahoe on May 18, 2019, surrounded by family. A fourth generation Sacramentan, Tom was born on February 20, 1937 to Ruth Bryte Hughes and Gordon Stanley Hughes. Tom was the younger brother of Gordon Bryte Hughes (1935 to 2017). After attending Sacramento High School and graduating from Menlo School, Tom enlisted in the United States Army, stationed primarily in Nuremberg, Germany. He recalled that time as instrumental to his formative years. Upon returning to Sacramento, he attended Sacramento City College, Sacramento State, then met Martha Reese. They were married in 1961. Tom's 50 year career in the automobile industry began with his love of cars, and was influenced by his dear friends and business partners Rusty and Roy Jacobes. Tom developed an early love of Lake Tahoe from trips with family and friends. He loved to share stories of his hijinks both on and off the lake, where he spent countless hours enjoying his boats, `Splash', `Tomsfoolery', `ML Crisis' and `Senior Crisis'. His family and friends were often encouraged to ``say goodnight to the lake'' with him at the end of an evening. Tom was a Life Member of the Sutter Club, where he loved nothing more than his domino game over, lunch with friends, which he continued until the last week of his life. He also belonged to The Pioneers, Royal Order of Raccoons, The Grandfathers, Tahoe Yacht Club, and The West Shore Club. Tom is survived by his wife of almost 58 years Martha (Reese), his children Jennifer Dowley (Doug Longyear), Howard Hughes (Katy) and Meredith Lyons (Carter). He was fondly known as ``Grumpy'' to his seven grandchildren: Meg and Tommy Dowley; Reese and Stephen Hughes; and Elizabeth, Katie and Molly Lyons. Tom loved cars and boats, he loved Lake Tahoe, he loved his friends, and most of all, he loved his family. A celebration of Tom's life will take place on Wednesday, June 5th at 11:00 a.m. at The Sutter Club. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Shriners Hospital for Children in Sacramento or the North Lake Tahoe Historical Society.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy is the champion of MEDISCA's 2019 Student Pharmacist Compounding Competition. A special congratulations to Rebecca Caughman, Amee Shah, Jessica Shue, and their supervisor Kathy Quarles Moore for being a part of the winning team. According to Kathy Quarles Moore, `this competition is comprised of three categories: the teams were required to develop a unique innovation piece to better serve patients, pharmaceutics knowledge, and a pharmacy compounding formulations portion where the teams had to come up with a formulation and then compound the medication based on a unique patient scenario.' These are `National Champion Scholars and pharmacy student leaders that will soon be making a difference within the pharmacy profession.' Congratulations to our Gamecocks. Best wishes to this team as they continue to reach new heights in the future. 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, Ronnie Young was a model public servant who genuinely loved the people he represented. I was fortunate to work with him firsthand as Chairman of the Aiken County Council, where he uniquely ran countywide fairly serving every community. Each year as County Council Chairman and later, State House member, one of my highlights in public service was to be a guest of Ronnie in Christmas parades where he never had a shortage of candy to share. You could see the mutual love and affection between him and his constituents. Roxanne and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Susan, family, and innumerable friends. Clearwater, SC--Funeral Services for Mr. Ronald ``Ronnie'' Young, 71, of Clearwater, SC, who entered into rest May 19, 2019, will be conducted Friday morning at 11 o'clock from the Christian Heritage Congregational Holiness Church. Bishop Phillip Napier and Pastor Stephen Phillips officiating. Mr. Young was a native of Aiken County, having made the Valley Community his life-long residence. He was a member of the Sweetwater Church of God, attended Leavelle McCampbell School and graduated from Langley-Bath-Clearwater High School and was a former HR Manager with the Graniteville Company. Mr. Young enjoyed a long career of public service including the following responsibilities, currently a Full-time Legislator as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives for District 84 serving on the Education and Public Works Committee and the Rules Committee; a member of the Aiken County Council, Valley Public Authority, Aiken County School Board, Three Rivers Solid Waste Authority, Three Rivers Solid Waste Technology Center, U.S. Selective Service Board and the Lower Savannah River Council of Governments. He was a member of several civic and governmental organizations including the Graniteville Exchange Club, Aiken Rotary Club, Midland Valley Lion's Club, Midland Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Has Been Club and the South Carolina Association of Counties. All whom he befriended enjoyed his well-known culinary skills. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Susan Napier Young; a sister, Patricia Boyd, Warrenville; two brothers-in-law, Paul (Lucy) Felberg, North Augusta and Bishop Phillip (Sonya) Napier, Modoc; a sister-in-law, Mary Young, Graniteville; several nieces and nephews. Mr. Young was predeceased by a daughter, Tabatha Young, parents, Norris and Earlene Renew Young and a brother, Terry Young. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the South Carolina General Assembly and the Has Been Club. Active Pallbearers will be Joel Randall, John Caleb Napier, Leighton McLendon, Tommy McElveen, Roger Boyd, Bubba Baker and Ray Taylor. The family will receive friends at the Christian Heritage Congregational Holiness Church Thursday evening from 6 until 8. The family expresses deep appreciation to Tommy McElveen and Joel Randall for their loving care of Mr. Young.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, South Carolina is commemorating the life of Ronnie Young, who was a model public servant who genuinely loved the people he represented. State Representative Young of Aiken County entered into rest on Sunday. He was a native of Aiken County, having made the valley community his lifelong residence. He was a member of Sweetwater Church of God. He was a full-time legislator for District 84 in the State house. Previously, he had been elected countywide as chairman of Aiken County Council. His civic involvement included the Graniteville Exchange Club, Aiken Rotary Club, Midland Valley Lions Club, Midland Valley Chamber of Commerce, and the Has-Been Club. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Susan Napier Young, and a sister, Patricia Boyd of Warrenville. Ronnie Young will always be cherished for his successful dedication to public service. 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, Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma or DIPG is a common form of pediatric brain cancer responsible for the majority of deaths in children with brain tumors annually. In honor of Olivia Mazzell, whose life was taken far too soon by DIPG, I am grateful to cosponsor House Resolution 114, which supports the designation of May 17th as `DIPG Awareness Day' to raise awareness and encourage research into cures for DIPG and pediatric cancers in general. I would also like to recognize her grandparents Angelo and Kathy Basile and parents Jonathan Mazzell and Heather Hiett of Lexington, South Carolina, for their efforts to create greater access to helpful medications. Working together we can have a meaningful conversation about strengthening medical research to address the needs of children with cancer. We honor the life of Olivia Mazzell, commend the tireless work of her family to raise awareness of DIPG, and gratefully encourage fellow Members of Congress to continue prioritizing medical research for childhood cancer.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this is National Police Week, highlighted by Peace Officers Memorial Day, which President John F. Kennedy designated, in 1962, as May 15. Law enforcement officers and their families selflessly serve our communities across the country. Americans appreciate honoring officers, their families, and fallen heroes on Peace Officers Memorial Day. Law enforcement personnel are national heroes. We are grateful for their sacrifices made to serve and protect our country on a daily basis. We also provide our deepest support and gratitude to those who have been injured or lost their lives in the line of duty and to their families. Grateful citizens across the country will take time to thank a police officer this week. 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 this day last year, I was grateful to lead nine House colleagues on a congressional delegation to Jerusalem for the opening of the U.S. Embassy. We had the opportunity to meet with Members of the Knesset, the Israeli Parliament, and to meet the Knesset Foreign Affairs chairman, Avi Dichter. It was an honor to be welcomed to the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We have a shared priority to stop terrorism and anti-Semitism in both of our countries and around the world. I am confident in the leadership of Israel and know they will do all they can to protect and serve its citizens. I am thankful for the strong commitment shown to the American-Israeli alliance by President Donald Trump, with promises made and promises kept. Ambassador David Friedman enthusiastically coordinated the Embassy movement, fulfilling a vote of Congress in 1994 to relocate from Tel Aviv to the capital of 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, 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. Mr. 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 Friday's economic numbers continue to show that policies championed by the President and Republicans are helping the American people succeed: The economy added an incredible 263,000 jobs in April; More than 5.8 million jobs have been created since the election; The unemployment rate fell to 3.6 percent in April, the lowest since December 1969; The employment rate for women is the lowest rate since 1953; The veterans' unemployment rate fell to 2.3 percent, the lowest rate on record; The employment rate for Americans with a disability fell to the lowest rate on record; Average hourly earnings rose by 3.2 percent over 12 months. Before 2018, wage gains had not reached 3 percent since April 2009. 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 Easter Sunday, at least 253 innocents were brutally murdered in Sri Lanka as a result of coordinated attacks targeting hotels and Christian churches. There were four American fatalities. The tragic Easter Sunday bombings are one of the worst terrorist attacks since September 11, 2001. At least seven suicide bombers hit multiple targets, including St. Anthony's Shrine, within a short period of time of each other. The attack was clearly planned in advance, as at least nine sites were targeted. ISIS has claimed responsibility for the attacks, and a safe house of ISIS was raided by authorities on Friday. The American people stand steadfast beside the people of Sri Lanka in mourning and solidarity. We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, and we vow to never let the people of Sri Lanka or any country stand alone before the scourge of terrorism. 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, Annie Dickerson has been a leading activist and advocate for several decades on conservative policy. She began her career at the Michigan Republican Party in the 1980s working for Spencer Abraham, who later became a United States Senator from Michigan and then the Secretary of Energy. She has supported and helped elect candidates from state and local position to statewide and federal offices. She did presidential campaign advance work for President H.W. Bush and was deputy finance director for the reelection of President George W. Bush in 2003 and 2004. She served as chief of staff to American Ambassador Mercer Reynolds in Switzerland during the Bush Administration. Later, she was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 2016, serving on the Platform Committee where she stood up for inclusion and support of minority communities within the GOP. Annie has also been a mentor of and advocate for women, founding Winning For Women in 2017 to support more conservative women to federal office. She has been a political commentator on television and a leading fundraiser for candidates and charities over the years. She is the proud mother of two children and currently resides in New York City.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Clyburn for inviting the delegation to participate in honoring the late Senator Ernest F. ``Fritz'' Hollings. Every day, when I travel across South Carolina, I am reminded of an extraordinary achievement of Senator Hollings, when he served as Governor. He helped establish the technical college education system to develop trained workers in manufacturing. This enabled South Carolina to recruit new industry, foreign and domestic. As Governor, there was no auto production, there was no tire production in our State. Today, because of the highly skilled, trained workers, South Carolina is the leading exporter of cars from any State in America. Two years ago, this was $10.4 billion of product. South Carolina is now the largest manufacturer and exporter of tires of any State. Thousands of jobs have been created. Our citizens will always cherish the vision of Senator Hollings to help families have fulfilling lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Hollings family and his many friends.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, South Carolinians are grateful that President Donald Trump has nominated Michael Kratsios, son of John and Maria Kratsios of Columbia, to be the U.S. Chief Technology Officer. He is a very successful and qualified leader to develop technology initiatives for the White House. Under Michael's leadership, the White House has been able to develop plans for artificial intelligence, quantum computing, 5G, STEM education, and advanced manufacturing. Michael is a global leader and has proven that he is the best person to serve our country in this position. Among many accomplishments, Michael led the American Artificial Intelligence Initiative, which secures American leadership and artificial intelligence research and development and opens the door for greater innovation. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has praised the nomination of Michael Kratsios as putting a ``knowledgeable leader at the helm of American technology.'' 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 people of Lexington and South Carolina are mourning the loss of one of its great citizens, Mr. Raymond Caughman. He was ``Mr. Lexington'' leading the small town of Lexington in banking and civic service to be the center of one of America's most dynamic counties. He and his wife, Lib, are beloved in the community. The following obituary for Caughman-Harman Funeral Home clearly indicates his achievements. Lexington.--Funeral services for Raymond Sox Caughman, Sr., 92, will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 31, 2019, at St. David Lutheran Church with interment to follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2019, at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. David Lutheran Church, 132 St. David's Church Road, West Columbia, SC 29170. Mr. Caughman was born January 10, 1927 in Lexington, SC, and passed away on Thursday, March 28, 2019. He was a son of the late Willie Morgan and Mary Catherine Sox Caughman. Mr. Caughman was educated in the Lexington Public Schools, graduating in 1944. He attended the American Institute of Banking from 1954 to 1957 and earned an Honorary Doctorate from Newberry College. He served in the US Army from July 20, 1945 through December 31, 1946, serving with occupational forces in China in 1946. Mr. Caughman's employment included The Bank of Lexington, of The Lexington State Bank (President and CEO) and he retired from BB&T Bank and was Coroner of Lexington County. He was President of both the SC Bankers Association and Independent Bankers of SC. His many involvements included the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, Lexington Rotary Club, Lutheran Men, SC Lutheran Synod (Treasurer), Lexington School District One Board of Trustees and Educational Foundation, Woodmen of the World (National Director), 6-51 Club, Lexington County Planning Commission, Central Midlands Planning Commission, Walking Horse Association, Lexington Medical Center Foundation Board, and he was honored by Lexington Extended Care when a wing of one of the buildings was named ``Caughman Way''. Mr. Caughman is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ann Elizabeth ``Lib'' Hook; children, Ann Elizabeth Caughman Alexander (Gene), Amanda Catherine ``Mandy'' Caughman Derrick (John), Raymond S. ``Ray'' Caughman, Jr. (Ron); grandson, John Caughman Alexander (Katie); granddaughters, Beth Ann Alexander Bremer (Mike), Anna Catherine Derrick Panning (Jonathan), Sarah Elizabeth Derrick; great-grandchildren, Anderson Alexander, Caughman Alexander, Allie Bremer and Jacob Panning and twin brother, Hampton Sox Caughman, Sr. He was predeceased by his siblings, Evelyn C. Segelken, Zela C. Boozer, Henry Etta C. Frye, Henry Morgan Caughman, Sue C. Shull, Elford Caughman, Virginia C. Shull and Kenneth Caughman. Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel, is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. 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. 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

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, due to recovery from being sick, I was unable to attend. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on Roll Call No. 126; ``nay'' on Roll Call No. 127; ``yea'' on Roll Call No. 128; ``yea'' on Roll Call No. 129; ``nay'' on Roll Call No. 130; ``nay'' on Roll Call No. 131; ``yea'' on Roll Call No. 132; ``yea'' on Roll Call No. 133; ``nay'' on Roll Call No. 134; ``nay'' on Roll Call No. 135; and ``yea'' on Roll Call No. 136.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, it was reported last week that the BMW plant in South Carolina remained the top vehicle exporter in America, with more than $8.4 billion worth of cars shipped to foreign countries. Nearly a quarter of a million cars were exported, with the vast majority sent from the Port of Charleston, led by State Ports Authority President Jim Newsome. Mr. Speaker, 25 years ago, the late Governor Carroll Campbell recruited BMW to South Carolina with export production of 1,400 cars a day. Production in 2018 was 356,749 vehicles. Governor Henry McMaster and Commerce Secretary Bobby Hitt continue to promote an additional $600 million investment in Plant Spartanburg, which already at $10 billion is the largest BMW plant in the world, providing 11,000 jobs. Thousands of additional jobs in the region have been created by suppliers to the assembly facility. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.