Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, in honor of National Vending Day, it is appropriate to celebrate the millions of Americans who get beverages, snacks, and unlimited items from vending machines. Crane Merchandising Systems of Williston, South Carolina, managed by Rich Tucker, is a leading full-service vending solutions provider and employs over 700 associates. Crane is one of the largest employers of the Barnwell County region, and I am grateful for their success creating jobs. The automatic merchandising industry in America promotes an economic impact of nearly $25 billion with 150,000 employees. Not only does the industry meet the needs of consumers around the world, it also contributes $7.21 billion in wages to the economy and pays $3.5 billion in taxes. 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, Saudi Arabia has a vital role in the global war on terrorism. Riyadh is a crucial counterterrorism partner. But, sadly, textbooks of Saudi Arabia have been teaching its students to hate others for too long. One current textbook is inflammatory against Christianity, Judaism, and even other Muslims who do not subscribe to the Saudi interpretation of Islam, which they describe as ``evil.'' Saudi Arabia has committed to reforming curriculum for over a decade. That is why Congressman Bill Keating and I have introduced H.R. 554, the Saudi Educational and Transparency and Reform Act. It will hold the Saudis accountable by requiring an annual report on any intolerant content of their textbooks. It will also send a clear, bipartisan message to end the incitement now. 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, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

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

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the Congressional Bulgaria Caucus, I appreciate Ambassador Tihomir Stoytchev and Mrs. Lubka Stoytchev for their hosting a reception yesterday in recognition of National Day of the Republic of Bulgaria at the Library of Congress, celebrating 141 years of liberation. Bulgaria is a close strategic ally and partner of the United States. This month, we celebrate 15 years since Bulgaria joined the NATO alliance. During his time recently in Sofia, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg noted: ``Bulgaria has contributed to strengthening the Alliance.'' He also thanked Prime Minister Boyko Borissov for his government's commitment to reach the NATO defense spending goal of 2 percent. I am confident the partnership between the United States and Bulgaria will continue to grow in the years ahead. It will be mutually beneficial to promote peace through strength. 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, the Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology is celebrating 30 years of success. I am grateful to recognize the achievement of MEP in South Carolina. Senator Fritz Hollings of South Carolina introduced the legislation that led to the creation of the program. It later was renamed in his honor. The MEP has served over 26,000 companies. It has earned support in Congress for assisting small- to mid-sized manufacturers. I am grateful that the South Carolina MEP has generated almost $380 million in new investment and created 1,361 jobs. It generated almost $2.7 billion in statewide economic impact. In the Second Congressional District, it helped to create and retain 989 jobs last year and brought in over $30 million in new investment. I commend these employers for creating jobs in South Carolina and nationwide. 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 I was grateful to join Senator Lindsey Graham on a delegation for the Munich Security Conference. A highlight was Vice President Mike Pence reaffirming America's commitment to the Transatlantic Alliance. I then joined the delegation led by Congressmen Gerry Connolly and Rick Larsen for the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi reassured our allies of bipartisan support for NATO's continued success. Congressman Mike Turner ably presided as vice president of the assembly. Another highlight in Brussels was to meet with U.S. Ambassador Ronald Gidwitz and his wife, Christina, whose enthusiasm for service is extraordinary. The ambassador is promoting the restoration of the Mardasson Memorial, honoring American servicemembers in the Battle of the Bulge. 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 ask unanimous consent to be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 940.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chair, I urge opposition to H.J. Res. 37, directing the removal of U.S. Armed Forces from the hostilities in Yemen. Actually, the U.S. is not directly engaged in any hostilities in Yemen. This is not my independent assessment, but the determination of the Department of Defense. The U.S. is currently supporting the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen by providing targeting assistance, intelligence sharing, and joint planning to defeat the Houthi rebels who are armed by Iran, with missiles that they have directed at civilian airports in Saudi Arabia. There is no doubt that the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen has made terrible targeting mistakes. But what would happen if the U.S. were to pull the plug on our intelligence-sharing and targeting cooperation? Would this improve the coalition's targeting or possibly make it worse, increasing the chances for collateral damage and civilian casualties? I am concerned that, if we walk away now, these terrible tragedies will simply multiply. The United States must be at the table so that we can insist on and respect international law. This does not mean that the coalition will always do the right thing, but it does mean that we will have leverage and influence to promote the right direction. Instead of this resolution, I hope that our colleagues, Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Eliot Engel and Ranking Member, Republican leader, Mike McCaul, will work together on a bipartisan initiative that can address these important concerns in Yemen. We can all agree that the humanitarian crisis in Yemen must be addressed and that the ongoing conflict must come to an end. Let's work together as we have always done on the Foreign Affairs Committee to address this issue and end the suffering of the Yemeni people.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, President Donald Trump made the courageous decision to withdraw from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty last week. This was long overdue. Sadly, there have been obvious Russian violations since 2011. The 1987 INF Treaty was achieved by President Ronald Reagan to prohibit development of ground-launched cruise missiles. The INF Treaty was seen as the gold standard of arms control agreements for years, but Russia has been in violation of the agreement, while we have continued to limit our research and development. Allowing Russia to violate the INF Treaty endangers American families. Now, Russia will find more incentive to return to the negotiating table, encouraged by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. We must continue to seek peace through strength. It was this strategy implemented by President Reagan that prompted Moscow to sign the INF Treaty in the first place. 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, the people of Venezuela have taken to the streets to demand an end to 20 years of dictatorship and repression. I am grateful that President Donald Trump is supporting the democratic aspirations of the Venezuelan people. The people of Venezuela deserve to prosper. They are fortunate to hold the world's largest supply of crude oil, but decades of socialist corruption and mismanagement, first under Hugo Chavez and then Nicolas Maduro, have impoverished Venezuela. Then came the sham 2018 Presidential elections. That is why the National Assembly President Juan Guaido implemented their constitution by declaring himself interim President and called for new elections. We must continue to support hope in Venezuela. Free and fair elections must be held. The people of Venezuela deserve freedom and democracy. In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, the world paused to commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Millions of Jews were mercilessly killed as part of what the Nazis called their final solution to the Jewish problem. This happened just 74 years ago, though many seem to forget. From the ashes, Jewish people returned to their ancient homeland and established a dynamic democracy in the Middle East. Unfortunately, the Jewish people of Israel are again targets of extermination. Just yesterday, the deputy head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps called to erase Israel from the global political map. We must honor the memories of the 6 million murdered by Nazis by vowing that Jews will never again be threatened with extermination. The American people stand with Israel as proven by the embassy being established in Jerusalem where I led the House delegation May 14. We remember, and we vow: never again. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this month, Qatar and the United States completed the second annual Strategic Dialogue. The State Department cited the many successes of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The Strategic Dialogue highlighted the strength of the relationship to deepen the cooperation to benefit both countries. The United States welcomed Qatar's generous offer to expand critical facilities at bases used by U.S. forces in the country, enabling expansion at Al Udeid Air Base. Both sides intend to strengthen their security and counterterrorism partnership to eradicate terrorism and violent extremism. There was continued support for a strong and united Gulf Cooperation Council promoting a peaceful and prosperous future for the region. Our GCC allies should work together to resolve their differences for the sake of the success and security of the region. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Our sympathy to the family of Robert Adams, VI.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, last week South Carolina paid deserved tribute to the late Redd Reynolds who was appreciated as the ``South Carolina Bob Hope'' of the National Guard. I include in the Record his thoughtful obituary, which was published January 15th in The State newspaper. Lexington.--Clarence T. ``Redd'' Reynolds, 91, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday January 13, 2019. The son of the late Henry and Lottie Reynolds, Redd was born Jan. 17, 1927 and grew up in Lexington, South Carolina, where he attended Lexington schools. He honorably served in the 78th Division of the United States Army in World War II and with the Armed Forces Radio Network. Following World War II, Redd attended Newberry College and, most importantly, married the beautiful Doris Rawl on Aug. 26, 1950. Redd became a prominent radio personality and broadcaster at WBLR 1430 AM in Batesburg. As a result of his ties in the broadcasting industry and his patriotism, he and Doris created Caravan of Stars, a traveling music and dance group that entertained troops at military bases in Georgia, Virginia and Mississippi. Redd was considered the Bob Hope of the National Guard, producing and directing shows for more than 30 years. In 1987 he was honored with the Order of the Palmetto by Gov. Carroll Campbell. Redd was a committed member of American Legion Post 7 for more than five decades, dedicating his time and talents to the cultivation of his beloved community. He made significant contributions to the Palmetto Boys and Girls State programs, as well as American Legion Post 7 baseball. He also served on Lexington Medical Center's board of trustees from 1978 to 1987. In 2012, Redd was thrilled to be selected for the Honor Flight program, joining other South Carolina World War II veterans on a trip to visit war memorials in Washington, D.C. Redd was a vibrant member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Lexington, serving with Lutheran Men in Mission and as a Sunday School teacher, Young at Heart member and church council member. He and Doris also teamed tirelessly to care for the grounds of St. John's. If it was happening in God's house, Redd participated. Surviving Redd are his wife of 68 years, Doris; children Terry (Anne) Reynolds, Phil (Janice) Reynolds, Jandell (Richard) Morrison and Barry (Jeanne) Reynolds; grandchildren Clay (Lindsey) Reynolds, Justin (Rachel) Reynolds, David (Ann Marie) Reynolds, Macaulay Morrison and Caroline Morrison; and great-grandchildren Cale, Jack Wyatt and Amelia Reynolds. Redd was predeceased by his two sisters, Betty Hutto and Pauline Salter. The family will receive friends and the community at Barr- Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lexington Chapel from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 15, 2019. A celebration of life and interment will be held at St. John's Lutheran Church 3:00 p.m. Wednesday January 16, 2019. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. John's Lutheran Church or to the Redd and Doris Family ROTC Grant-in-Aid at Clemson University. (Mail to Deborah Towery, Clemson University Foundation, P.O. Box. 1889, Clemson, SC. 29633.)

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the murderous regime in Tehran has a very clear policy: death to America, death to Israel. That is why Iran trains, arms, and funds militia groups to fight its proxy wars throughout the Middle East. In Iraq, these militias destabilize the country, weaken Baghdad's central authority, and do Iran's bidding. These militias directly threaten American interests in Iraq. Many of them have American blood on their hands, but they are not being held accountable for their actions by our government. That is why I introduced H.R. 361, the Iranian Proxies Terrorist Sanctions Act, with my colleagues on the Foreign Affairs Committee, Brad Sherman, Steve Chabot, and Tom Suozzi. This bill will finally sanction two notorious Iranian-controlled proxy groups in Iraq, including those responsible for the September 2018 attacks on the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and U.S. Consulate Mosul. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill. 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, South Carolinians are celebrating the life and achievements of Moffatt Burriss, Sr., who passed away last week at the age of 99. He should always be remembered for his valiant service in the Army, liberating Europe during World War II. This was chronicled in his autobiography, ``Strike and Hold.'' His heroism led to the capture of the Nijmegen bridge in the Netherlands. It is the basis of the movie, ``A Bridge Too Far.'' Upon his return, he established an extraordinary family, business success, and, as the first State house caucus leader, was a pioneer in developing the modern Republican majority in South Carolina. My wife, Roxanne, and I offer our deepest sympathy to the Burriss family. 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, America is grateful for our alliance with Finland, a loyal NATO partner, to promote regional security. Finnish Defense Minister Jussi Niinisto wrote an article in Defense News reviewing our partnership: ``Today, the Finnish Defence Forces are more capable and more interoperable than they have ever been. That makes [Finland] effective in looking after our own security and a solid partner for other EU member states and NATO countries. ``During my time as the minister of defense of Finland, we have taken other steps to strengthen the trans-Atlantic link. A prime example is our bilateral defense relationship with the United States. In October 2016, we signed our bilateral statement of intent on defense cooperation. This was later followed by a trilateral statement of intent between Finland, Sweden, and the United States in May 2018.'' 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, as co-chair of the European Union Caucus, I appreciate the EU has imposed sanctions on Iran for the first time in 3 years. Following the numerous plots against Iranian opposition leaders in Europe, the EU added two Iranians and a unit of the Iranian intelligence services to its terror list. Iran has used its diplomatic facilities to plot attacks against its critics for decades. France concluded that Iran was behind a planned bombing attack on the Iranian opposition rally group in Paris last year. Germany arrested and expelled a high-ranking diplomat suspected of transporting explosives over the summer. The list of plots is endless, threatening European families. The new sanctions are a good start, but more can and must be done. The EU should work hand-in-hand with America to hold Iran accountable for its promotion of terrorism throughout the world. 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 was grateful last month to visit one of the privatized hotels of the Army at Fort Jackson, managed by the InterContinental Hotels Group. IHG has worked to revitalize Army lodging to provide improved facilities for Army travelers and their families by supporting 40 major installations globally. Significant progress has been made under the leadership of President Donald Trump. Many of the 370,000 guests and family members of basic combat training graduates who come to Fort Jackson are served every year by these hotels. More than 1 million guests have stayed at the Holiday Inn Express at Fort Jackson since 2013. This has saved $84 million and employs 100 personnel directed by Chuck Sourbeer. I support reforms for servicemembers and their families to have the same world-class hospitality experience that Fort Jackson provides. 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, South Carolinians today will celebrate the inauguration of Governor Henry McMaster, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, and Attorney General Alan Wilson, along with all of our other constitutional officers. After serving 2 years as Governor succeeding Governor Nikki Haley, Henry McMaster enters his first full term. He has dedicated his life to serving our citizens. Best wishes to Henry, First Lady Peggy, and their two children, Henry, Jr., and Mary Rodgers. The Governor's running mate, Pamela Evette, is a successful business leader to serve as Lieutenant Governor. Her husband, David, and children, Amanda, Joseph, and Jackson, will make a positive difference. Our oldest son, Alan, was sworn in for a third term today after becoming the youngest attorney general in the Nation in 2011. Our family is very grateful for his and his wife Jennifer's success, with our grandchildren, Michael and Anna Grace. 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, yesterday, I hosted press conferences for a 2019 agenda in the Midlands, Aiken, and Barnwell with my wife, Roxanne. I am grateful for the 2018 successes of serving as Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee chairman to rebuild the military, leading the House delegation to open the Embassy in Jerusalem, and tax cuts creating jobs with record-high middle-class income. In 2019, I will work to create jobs and economic growth, support conservative alternatives, achieve foreign affairs opportunities, and promote our military and veterans. Building on bipartisan successes, I am confident this year we can be productive for American families. Congratulations to the Clemson Tigers for their victory for the national championship. Coach Dabo Swinney and Quarterback Trevor Lawrence are an inspiration for the youth of America. 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, beginning with Gov. Henry McMaster lowering flags across South Carolina, tributes are being made to honor the memory of T. Moffatt Burriss, Sr., who is an American War Hero, business leader, pioneer of the modern Republican Party, and devoted Family Man. I include in the Record the obituary from The State on January 6, 2019: Thomas Burriss Sr. Chapin SC.--Thomas Moffatt Burriss, Sr. passed away on January 4, 2019 at the age of 99. He was born in Anderson, SC, on Sept. 22, 1919, to Frank Judson Burriss and Frances Moffatt. He had two siblings, Frank J. Burriss, and Jean Burriss Wattley, both now deceased. Upon graduating from Clemson College in 1941, he moved to Orangeburg and taught physics and science at Orangeburg High, where he met his future wife, Louisa Righton Hay, of Morristown, Tennessee. When the war broke out on December 7, 1941, Moffatt was called into the service at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he volunteered for paratrooper training school. While on a two week leave, he and Louisa were married on June 22, 1942, in Morristown, IN., by Louisa's father, a Presbyterian minister. In May, 1943, Moffatt's unit was ordered to North Africa to prepare for the invasion of Europe and would not see his wife again for two and a half years. Moffatt was involved in almost every major World War II European battle including Sicily, Italy, Holland, and Belgium. In Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands, Burriss's company was the lead company in the famous Waal River Crossing and the capture of the Nijmegen Bridge. As a company commander, Captain Burriss's part in the battle was portrayed in the movie A Bridge Too Far. For his service during the war, he received the Silver Star, three Bronze Stars, and Combat ``V'' for valor, the Purple Heart, three Presidential Unit Citations, French Fourragere, Belgium Fourragere, and the Dutch Lanyard. After the war, Moffatt and Louisa moved to Columbia where he taught school for a few years and then went into the construction business. In 1970, Moffatt and his three sons formed Burriss Construction Company which was involved in major construction projects throughout the southeast. He was active in numerous civic and business organizations including the Executives Association of Greater Columbia (EAGC) of which he was president in 1964-65, a Board Member of Lions Club, Presbyterian Home of SC, Medical Missions, SC Lottery Commission, and as Executive Director of the Business and Industry Political Action Committee (BIPEC). Moffatt was a founding member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church where he served as a ruling Elder. In 1976, he was elected to the S.C. House of Representatives where he served until he retired in 1991. He was elected minority leader for nine of those years where he was instrumental in building the present day Republican Party. In 1989, he received the ``Order of the Palmetto'' from Governor Carroll Campbell. In 2000, inspired and persuaded by his children, Moffatt documented his war experiences by writing the book Strike and Hold, a memoir of the 82nd Airborne in World War II. In 2009, Moffatt was invited to Holland to participate in the 65th Anniversary of Operation Market Garden in Nijmegen. At the ceremony Mr. Burriss was recognized by the Queen of Holland and the Mayor of Nijmegen and awarded the Nijmegen Medal of Honor for his part in capturing the Nijmegen Bridge in 1944. Mr. Burriss celebrated his 90th birthday by once again parachuting at the original WWII battle site in Holland. Over the years, Moffatt and Louisa built their vacation home at their beloved Lake Dogwood in Eastover, where he enjoyed fishing in the lake. They also enjoyed vacations in Montreat, N.C., where, even in his nineties, Moffatt helped each of his four children build their own vacation homes. In the early 70's, Moffatt faced the toughest battle of his life when Louisa was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's Disease. He courageously cared for her until her death in 1986. Moffatt was later blessed to marry Jean Wheelwright Dooley, who had four grown children of her own, Richard, John, Mary, and Michael. Jean died in 2010. He is survived by his three sons and one daughter, John Hay Burriss (Becca), Moffatt Burriss Jr. (Suzanne), Francis Burriss (Nancy), and Louisa ``Weesa'' Burriss (Bob Toomey); twelve grandchildren, Catherine Tuttle, John Burriss, Jr., Louisa Adam (Brian), Elizabeth Teal (Bart), Alle Denny (Chris), Lisa Thornton (Brian), Philip Prescott, Rich Prescott, Moffatt Prescott, Rachel Burriss, Thomas Burriss III, and David Burriss (Rebecca); and ten great-grandchildren, all who are grateful and humbled to have shared the life of this honorable gentleman. The family would like to thank the staff at Lowman Home and Lutheran Hospice for their compassionate care of Mr. Burriss during his last two months. A memorial service will be held at Lake Murray Presbyterian Church, in Chapin, on Sunday, January 13, at 3:00. The family will receive visitors at the church at the conclusion of the service. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. Memorials may be made to Lake Murray Presbyterian Church, 2721 Dutch Fork Road, Chapin, SC 29063. Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, 2019 marks the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Poland and the United States. As praised by Ambassador Piotr Wilczek: It has been a century of solidarity, understanding, but most of all friendship. Our bond is stronger than ever, and we look forward to the next 100 years to come. In 1795, imperial Russia and Prussia occupied the Polish nation, ending its official existence for 123 years. The Washington Times recounted: In 1918, the Versailles Conference restored an independent Polish state. Freedom was lost once more in 1939 as Nazi Germany invaded from the west and Soviet Russia from the east. Subjugation continued until 1989, with the end of the Soviet-backed communist rule. Free and democratic Poland today is a valued member of NATO and the European Union. Poland has achieved 25 years of uninterrupted economic growth, now continued by President Andrzej Duda. 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, The Wall Street Journal last week reported that the ``Baghdad Blast Walls Come Down.'' It explained that ``the Iraqi Government marked the first anniversary of the Islamic State's defeat Monday by reopening parts of Baghdad's Green Zone.'' Iraqi forces, along with support from the U.S.-led alliance, reclaimed the last of Islamic State territory last December. The article notes that ``the changes at the Green Zone reflect declining violence across Iraq that is particularly tangible in Baghdad, and further states that: ``Over 1,000 streets in Baghdad have been reopened during the past 2 years, with 70,000 segments of concrete blast wall removed. The number of civilians killed across Iraq by terrorism, violence, and armed conflict in November fell to its lowest level in 6 years, according to the United Nations.'' As a grateful dad who has had two of my four military sons serve in Iraq, I am particularly happy for the Iraqi people. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may we never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the dedicated staff work of Major Jonathan Grabill, who served as a military fellow, and Drew Nickels, who served as a foreign policy fellow, in the office of the Second District. Major Grabill has had a distinguished career in the Army for more than 16 years. He provided key insight in developing the National Defense Authorization Act. He has been deployed to Germany, Iraq, and Kuwait. His background has been vital to reverse the decline of readiness in our military. A leader on foreign policy issues, Mr. Nickels has worked tirelessly to develop legislation for the Foreign Affairs Committee. He previously served as intelligence briefer for two Secretaries of Energy. Before that, he was an intelligence analyst with the Foreign Nuclear Programs Division at DOE. Mr. Speaker, their service will always be appreciated, with congratulations for being members of the Wilson team. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Our sympathy to the family of Diane Wells; her husband, Joey; and children Eli, Maya, and Emma.