Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, an extraordinary tribute for President George H.W. Bush was published by Krishnadev Calamur in The Atlantic: ``Had George Herbert Walker Bush never become the 41st President of the United States, he would still be remembered as one of the great Americans of the 20th century. . . . ``But it was his one-term presidency, from 1989 to 1993, that had a monumental impact on the world. Ronald Reagan, his predecessor, uttered the famous words: `Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall,' yet it was Bush who presided over its orderly dismantling. ``Bush oversaw the collapse of the Soviet Union, the end of the Cold War, the birth of the post-Soviet republics, and the West's outreach to former members of the Warsaw Pact.'' In my service in Congress, I have seen firsthand the expansion of freedom and democracy. Today the largest number of nations in world history are free and democratic, from Bulgaria to Lithuania, inspired by President George H.W. Bush. 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 ongoing malicious and provocative construction by Hezbollah of attack tunnels along the Israeli northern border have intensified. This puts innocent lives in critical danger, requiring Israel to destroy the tunnels located on Israeli territory. The world should condemn Hezbollah, a murderous terrorist organization, for infiltration designed to kidnap Israeli citizens. The message of National Security Advisor John Bolton is clear to ``call on Hezbollah to stop its tunneling into Israel.'' This major aggression by the Iranian-backed terrorists has also moved the Trump administration to impose greater sanctions on the terrorist group and to encourage all nations to stand up against the Iranian malign behavior. The Hezbollah attack tunnels are a blatant violation of Israeli sovereignty and a violation of U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1559 and 1701, which call for the disarmament of all nonstate militias and a verified demilitarized zone in southern Lebanon. 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, as an opponent of the failed Iran deal, I am grateful that President Donald Trump and his administration remain focused on combating the dangerous conduct of Iran. Iran's aggression has only increased with the windfall of newly accessible funds from the Iran deal. They have used the funding to upgrade missile technology, force terrorism worldwide, and fuel conflict around the Middle East. Last week, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin announced that Iran had developed an Iran-Russia network to send oil to Syria. This oil is then used to fund murderous terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas. Sigal Mandelker, the Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, explained: ``The Iranian regime continues to prioritize spending money on fomenting terror over supporting its own people.'' President Trump has made the correct decision to impose sanctions on individuals related to this scheme, as he continues to fulfill ``promises made, promises kept.'' 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 am grateful for the recent opening of the Aiken Scholars Academy, an academic school of excellence that offers students an engaging educational experience. It is the result of a partnership between the University of South Carolina Aiken and Aiken County Public School District. Aiken Scholars Academy, led by Principal Martha Messick, is one of only 1,500 schools worldwide to implement the Advanced Placement Capstone diploma program. This is an innovative program that provides students the opportunity to develop skills for college success, including research, collaboration, and communication. The curriculum was developed with feedback from higher education faculty and college admission officers. At the Aiken Scholars Academy, teachers have the flexibility to cover local, regional, national, and global topics relevant to their students, with a wide variety of themes. This provides for effective collaboration and innovation welcomed by Chancellor Sandra Jordan. 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 move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the administration of President Donald Trump should be appreciated for promoting religious freedom. This summer, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hosted the first ever international ministerial on religious freedom. Representatives from 88 countries attended to review the harsh realities confronting religious minorities around the globe. The clearest message of all throughout the ministerial is that the United States unequivocally stands for religious liberty. I am grateful that Ambassador Nikki Haley emphatically addressed the U.N. Security Council about the human rights crisis against the ethnic and religious minority Rohingya of Burma, as well as the minority Christians in Burma. After President Barack Obama lifted sanctions on Burma, the Burmese military has been targeting religious minorities, resulting in the creation of the world's largest ever refugee camp of 1.1 million people in Bangladesh. Secretary Pompeo and Ambassador Haley deserve thanks for shining a light on this tremendous evil in Burma. 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 weekend, the world recognized the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, which ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. As a 31-year veteran, son of a Flying Tiger, and father of four sons who have served in the military overseas, I have a personal appreciation for servicemembers and families. South Carolina has a long history of patriotic military service, including in World War I. Our State is grateful that eight South Carolinians received the Congressional Medal of Honor, which was bestowed upon only 78 veterans for the Nation during the war. I appreciate representing Fort Jackson, which was created in 1917 as the United States entered the Great War. Each time I meet our soldiers, I am so impressed by their professionalism of the troops and their leadership. Let us never forget the sacrifices to preserve America while liberating occupied allies. Freedom is not free. I thank VA representatives Lee Becker and Brendon Gehrke for the commemorative pin. 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, it is with sincere gratitude and appreciation that I have the opportunity to recognize Taylor Andreae, former deputy chief of staff for South Carolina's Second Congressional District. I will always appreciate Taylor for his years of service on behalf of the people of South Carolina. Taylor is a graduate of Wake Forest University and is a recent graduate of the United States Army War College, where he received a master's degree in strategic studies and national security policy studies. Taylor worked on a wide array of issues, specializing in armed services, national security, and foreign affairs. Beginning as a military legislative assistant in 2014, it has been an honor to work with such a dedicated public servant who began his service with Senator Lindsey Graham. Taylor will continue his service as chief of staff for Representative Mike Gallagher. I know his parents, Jane and Chip, are grateful for his success, as both have been congressional staff members, with Chip being former chief of staff for Senator Richard Lugar from Indiana. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Our prayers for the victims of the wildfires in California.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to congratulate Teresa Haas on her retirement as Director of Government and Community Relations at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions. Ms. Haas' career at SRS has spanned close to 28 years. Prior to SRS; she managed political campaigns and worked on Capitol Hill as chief of staff and legislative director for members of the U.S. Congress. Her service with U.S. Congressman Tommy Hartnett of Charleston will always be appreciated. Ms. Haas is Chair of the Aiken County Commission on Higher Education; Past Chair of the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (first woman chair); is a past member of the Aiken County United Way Campaign Cabinet; and former board member of the Aiken Center for the Arts. She is a member of Aiken's First Baptist Church and a graduate of Clemson University, where she serves on the Clemson Board of Visitors. Teresa and her husband Dale reside in Aiken. Godspeed for a productive and meaningful retirement.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the following thoughtful obituary was published on September 26, 2018: Kyle Alan Ziegler, age 59, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sept. 26th 2018 after a recent diagnosis of brain cancer. He was born in Oberlin on Sept. 18, 1959 to Lyle and Dorothy (Upton) Ziegler and was a lifelong resident of Wellington. Kyle graduated from Wellington High School in 1978 and attended Geneva College in Pennsylvania. He was a self- employed businessman, operating Ziegler Lawn Care, which he began as a teenager until his diagnosis. He also had other business ventures including a partnership in Wellington Self Storage and remodeling houses with his son Josh. On Dec. 4 1982 Kyle married Jean Liles at Church of the Open Door in Elyria, Ohio. Together they raised their children. He was a faithful and loving husband, father, grandfather, and a good friend to many. Kyle enjoyed traveling, especially hiking and exploring in the western United States. He served God in many area churches over the years, and spent his last days sharing Jesus out on the porch with every visitor. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Jean; son Daniel Ziegler (Rae-Lynn); son Joshua Ziegler; daughter Kylee Bogner (Kenneth); grandson Emmerich Bogner; granddaughter due in November; brother Mark Ziegler (Joyce); sister Marlene Hamilton (David) and several nieces & nephews. Preceded in death by his father Lyle Ziegler, mother Dorothy Upton Ziegler Tegtmeyer, and grandson Daniel Alan Ziegler Jr.

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, due to the tax cuts of President Donald Trump and the Republican Congress, there is unprecedented growth for American families. The Hill today reported great things for the American people. CNBC reported that consumer confidence rose to its highest level in 18 years. The African American unemployment rate of 5.9 percent is the lowest on record--CNN. Median household income at historic highs-- Investor's Business Daily. Middle class income hit an all-time high last year--The Washington Post. The majority of U.S. workers are satisfied with their job, highest job level satisfaction since 2005-- USA Today. Youth unemployment at a 52-year low--Wall Street Journal. Small-business optimism, and plans to raise wages are at record highs-- Bloomberg. GDP was 4.2 percent, the best performance in 4 years-- Reuters. And unemployment is at a several-decade low--New York Times. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Our prayers for Brett Kavanaugh and his family, a judge of integrity.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as Hurricane Florence threatens to strike South Carolina, I am grateful to Governor Henry McMaster, Adjutant General Bob Livingston, Attorney General Alan Wilson, as well as Kim Stenson, Director of the Emergency Management Division, who have all done a fantastic job of preparing for the high winds and extraordinary flooding, while keeping the people of the State up to date with the encouragement of President Donald Trump. I appreciate that the Governor has been in close coordination with President Donald Trump and together they are working to ensure South Carolinians have all the resources for the courageous first responders to respond to Hurricane Florence, which endangers families. The projected phenomenal rainfall will cause unexpected flooding, so we should be ready for higher elevation with only emergency travel through next week, as roads will be deadly, as citizens should stay in place. FOX News is providing accurate coverage. 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 week, President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and National Security Advisor John Bolton made the courageous decision to close the Palestinian Liberation Organization, PLO, office in Washington. The PLO has taken no steps to advance the peace negotiations with Israel. Instead, they have focused their efforts on leveraging the International Criminal Court, which directly disrupts the peace process. Unfortunately, the PLO's efforts to subvert the International Criminal Court were advanced when former President Barack Obama refused to stand up for Israel in the U.N. Security Council. While the PLO condemns Israel, it is, shamefully, paying payments to families of suicide bombers and terrorists as rewards for mass murder. Hakim Abard, who murdered five members of an Israeli family, receives $14,000 a year from the PLO. The family of the murderer of American Taylor Force received benefits as a reward for that murder. The administration had provided the PLO the opportunity to remain when their waiver lapsed, but, unfortunately, the PLO continues to sponsor violence against innocent American and Israeli citizens. President Trump made the right decision. Our prayers for the people threatened by Hurricane Florence, with our appreciation for the first responders who are protecting American families in the tradition of 9/11.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, next Tuesday is the tragic 17th anniversary of the terrorist attack by radical Islamic jihadists who sought to destroy our freedoms on September the 11th, 2001. The memories of the 3,000 innocent civilians who were killed at the Pentagon, the World Trade Center, and in rural Shanksville, Pennsylvania, will never be forgotten. We are reminded of the incredible heroes of that day, the selfless commitment of so many first responders helping their neighbors, coworkers, or complete strangers, with the leadership of President George W. Bush. Since that fateful day, our Armed Forces have courageously fought to prevent another tragedy by eliminating safe havens overseas. These servicemembers and their families who have paid the ultimate sacrifice deserve our eternal gratitude. Unfortunately, the global war on terrorism is generational, as Islamic terrorists continue to barbarically murder civilians, killing people of Islamic faith first, in their attempt to establish safe havens to plot mass murder in America, as were the acts of 9/11. Today, I am grateful that President Donald Trump is rebuilding the military to protect American families. 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 month, at Fort Drum New York, surrounded by brave soldiers, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the signing of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act, NDAA, by President Donald Trump, fulfilling promises made, promises kept. This critical legislation, thanks to the leadership of House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry, passed the House and Senate, bipartisan, in record time, becoming law before the start of the fiscal year for first time in 20 years. As Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee chairman, I appreciate that the NDAA begins and enhances training, spare parts, equipment, and weapons systems maintenance, promoting safety and effectiveness. The NDAA has an important part for South Carolina by promoting Fort Jackson and its role as the largest initial entry training facility of the U.S. Army, which is commanded by Brigadier General Milford Beagle. Also important are the missions of the Savannah River National Laboratory, which is a bipartisan effort by Congressman Jim Clyburn from South Carolina and a bistate effort by Congressman Rick Allen from Georgia. I am also grateful that Fort Gordon has been reinforced to continue as the U.S. Army Cyber Command headquarters. 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, each August, I conduct a bus tour of South Carolina's Second Congressional District with my wife, Roxanne, and dedicated staff from all offices. This year, I especially appreciate scheduler Emily Saleeby for the very meaningful agenda. It was humbling and inspiring to meet with constituents and visit 22 locations, from small businesses and schools to local chambers of commerce and large employers. I had the opportunity to thank employees for their service, and I observed firsthand the extraordinary success of jobs created by President Donald Trump's tax cuts, promises made, promises kept. Many of the businesses were multigenerational success stories, such as Shumpert's IGA, which has been in operation for four generations and is currently led by Frank Shumpert. We also visited with newer companies that thrive, like Tidewater Boats of Lexington, which started in 2006 and is currently in the top 10 of saltwater boat manufacturers in the Nation with the leadership of Jimmy Metts and Chris Martin. I was grateful for the opportunity to receive, personally, questions, concerns, and input from citizens on the bus tour. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Thank you, Congressman Madeleine Bordallo, for your remarkable achievements, your loving devotion for the families of Guam, and your tireless bipartisan support of a strong national defense. Madeleine Bordallo is a living legend of effective service for the people of Guam.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to congratulate the American Jewish Congress on the 100th anniversary of their founding in 1918. The American Jewish Congress has been instrumental in fighting for civil rights and liberties by participating in the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, working to save Jewish lives during the Holocaust, coordinating the critical effort to create a Jewish state with United States recognition, and defending civil rights of all Americans and individuals throughout the world regardless of race, religion, or national ancestry. AJC actively engages with the U.S. Congress and Executive Branch as well as the United Nations and the Israeli government to educate on Jewish affairs, combat anti-Semitism to include fighting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement that attacks Israel, convey the threat of a nuclear Iran, and reinforce the AJC commitment to a two- state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Congratulations to Jack Rosen, President of the AJC and Board Members Munr Kazmir, Daniel Rosen, Ben Chouake, Vivien Weissman-Howard, Jordan Rosen, John Kruger, Michael Melnicke, Alan Pines, Mark Appel, and Morty Davis for their leadership. The security of Israeli families is vital for the security of American families.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that a talented constituent Pauline M. Brown of Barnwell, South Carolina, has written an inspiring book entitled A Touch of Heaven. Beginning with love letters to her husband serving in Vietnam in 1968, she has continued writing, composing more than five hundred poems. I include in the Record the following poem from her book, A Friendly Hello (pg. 36): A Friendly Hello Always believe in the simplest things-- Sunshine and flowers, flags blowing in the wind, The music of children, rain on a tin roof, Afternoons spent with a cherished friend. A friendly hello can make all the difference In anyone's fragile state of mind. Say ``I miss you,'' ``I love you,'' ``God bless you, my friend,'' And the saddest of spirits will be realigned. A friendly hello can dry the tears of heartache. A little encouragement can rescue a lost cause. Remember a friend who brought you back from despair, And do the same for someone else, just because.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to support the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act. Appropriately named after an American hero, the conference report contains policy and funding initiatives that provide our military with the resources necessary to restore readiness and rebuild combat capability. Chairman Mac Thornberry has been very successful, with leadership, to expedite this critical legislation in record time. As Readiness Subcommittee chairman, I appreciate that the conference report authorizes additional funding for training, spare parts, equipment, and weapons systems maintenance. The conference report also focuses on aviation readiness by increasing flying hours, funding for spare parts, and establishing a commission to examine the tragic rise in military aviation accidents. Both the House and Senate bills address Navy surface forces improvements in response to last year's collisions and tragic loss of 17 lives on the Fitzgerald and McCain. I appreciate the conference report because it contains a range of provisions that improves the operation of surface fleets. The conference report provides critical funding for Fort Jackson and continues construction of the mixed oxide fuel fabrication facility at the Savannah River site to protect the environment in South Carolina and Georgia. It also supports our strongest ally in the Middle East, Israel, by establishing defense partnerships to counter Iran's terrorist activities. In conclusion, I want to thank Chairman Thornberry again for his success with his dedicated, professional staff. I also appreciate the Readiness Subcommittee's distinguished ranking member, Madeleine Bordallo of Guam, for her contributions to this bill. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge all of my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to congratulate Major Andrew Crowe, former Military Fellow of South Carolina's Second Congressional District, and his wife, Major Michelle Crowe, of Alexandria, Virginia, on the birth of their new baby girl, Samantha Josephine Crowe. Samantha Josephine Crowe was born on July 23, 2018, at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital. Samantha weighed seven pounds and 15 ounces and measured 22.2 inches long. I would also like to congratulate Samantha's grandparents, Carol and Donald Long, Edward Brunt, and Cheri and Robert Crowe. Congratulations and best wishes to the entire family as they are blessed with their newest addition of pure pride and joy.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that a talented constituent Pauline M. Brown of Barnwell, South Carolina, has written an inspiring book entitled A Touch of Heaven. Beginning with love letters to her husband serving in Vietnam in 1968, she has continued writing, composing more than five hundred poems including the following from her book, A Friendly Hello (pg. 36). A Friendly Hello Always believe in the simplest things-- Sunshine and flowers, flags blowing in the wind, The music of children, rain on a tin roof, Afternoons spent with a cherished friend. A friendly hello can make all the difference In anyone's fragile state of mind. Say ``I miss you,'' ``I love you,'' ``God bless you, my friend,'' And the saddest of spirits will be realigned. A friendly hello can dry the tears of heartache. A little encouragement can rescue a lost cause. Remember a friend who brought you back from despair, And do the same for someone else, just because.