Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as American soldiers risk their lives in the Global War on Terrorism to protect American families, the United Service Organization (USO) is more important than ever. I am grateful to participate in the USO Care Package Day on the Hill today led by CEO and President J.D. Crouch, II, along with Senior Vice President Virginia H. Johnson. The USO has always been at the forefront of entertaining and caring for our brave troops and their families. As a 31-year veteran of the Army Reserve and National Guard as well as a father of four sons who have served in the Armed Forces overseas, as well as a member of the Congressional USO Caucus, I am especially grateful for the USO. Today, with the help of 30,000 volunteers, the USO provides approximately 1.5 million hours of community service each year. I am especially grateful for USO South Carolina, led ably by Director Joanie Thresher. There are USO locations in the Second Congressional District at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport and Fort Jackson with extraordinary welcoming volunteers. I also thank longtime friend Jed Becker as President of the USO National Board of Governors. 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. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5515, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019. I appreciate Chairman Mac Thornberry achieving a bipartisan success in the committee with 60 ``yes'' votes and only 1 ``no'' vote. This bill contains significant policy and funding initiatives to provide the military resources necessary to restore lost readiness for peace through strength. The bill authorizes additional funding for equipment and weapons systems maintenance, spare parts, and training-- all sorely needed to begin to reverse years of minimal funding and military readiness accounts. In addition, the bill includes several provisions aimed at improving the readiness and operation of naval surface forces in response to the tragic collisions suffered last year with the loss of 17 sailors of the Fitzgerald and the McCain. We also addressed aviation readiness concerns by increasing flying hours, funding for spare parts, and depot level repair capacity. With military end strength at a premium for operational units, Federal civilians are an ever-increasingly important component of military readiness. This bill contains several measures meant to improve the civilian workforce management with a special emphasis on faster hiring. There is a provision that provides the Secretary of Defense hiring authority for many critical readiness skills until 2025, as well as the ability to hire new college graduates. Also included are several additional authorities to provide commanders innovative ways to solve installation infrastructure problems, including a measure that will speed execution of force protection projects. In conclusion, I want to thank Chairman Mac Thornberry and Ranking Member Adam Smith and the subcommittee's distinguished ranking member, the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo), and her staff for their contributions to this bill and support in the process. Of course, we were joined by an active and informe and dedicated group of subcommittee members with professional staff members. Their recommendations and priorities are clearly reflected in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019. I strongly urge my colleagues to support this worthy bill.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this weekend, I was grateful to lead nine of our colleagues in the House of Representatives on a congressional delegation to Jerusalem for the opening of the U.S. Embassy with Ambassador David Friedman, Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner. I was joined by Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida, Ron DeSantis of Florida, Jody Hice of Georgia, George Holding of North Carolina, Steve Knight of California, Tom Rice of South Carolina, Dennis Ross of Florida, Scott Taylor of Virginia, and Lee Zeldin of New York. I appreciate Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry for authorizing the delegation. We had the opportunity to meet with members of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, and I was especially grateful, as a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, to meet with the Knesset Foreign Affairs Chairman Avi Dichter. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed us to his office and confirmed our shared heritage. We must work together to stop Hamas terrorist attacks using human shields financed by Iran. With President Donald Trump, the American-Israeli alliance has never been stronger 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, 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, 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, yesterday, at an emergency session of the U.N. Security Council, Ambassador Nikki Haley spoke truthfully about the horrific Hamas terrorist attacks in Gaza over many years by tunnel and firebombs using human shields financed by Iran. Ambassador Haley explained, as our President said: ``The location of our Embassy has no bearing on the specific boundaries of Israeli sovereignty in Jerusalem or the resolution of contested borders. . . . It does not undermine the prospects for peace in any way.'' ``But let's remember that the Hamas terrorist organization has been inciting violence for years, long before the United States decided to move our Embassy,'' Ambassador Haley said. ``This is what is endangering the people of Gaza. Make no mistake: Hamas is pleased with the results of yesterday.'' The real story I saw in The Jerusalem Post is ``Promises Made, Promises Kept,'' not the fake news of Hamas sympathizers. In addition, last night, at the Willard, I was grateful to attend the International Republican Institute dinner led by President Daniel Twining where Ambassador Nikki Haley was honored with Secretary James Mattis to receive the Freedom Award. 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 was unavoidably detained on my way to the House Chamber on May 9, 2018. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 175.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this weekend I was grateful to lead a congressional delegation to Jerusalem, where we met yesterday with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Knesset Foreign Affairs Chairman Avi Dichter, while we attended the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, ably coordinated by Ambassador David Friedman with Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner. Sadly, some threaten Israel's legitimacy, but the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, with the courage of President Donald Trump, provides validity to the State of Israel and their inherent right to determine their own capital. America's bond with Israel is unique. And its strength is the foundation of American leadership in the Middle East for peace. By moving the embassy to Jerusalem and promoting Israel's permanency, the world is safer for American families. And I appreciate the opportunity to have been there for this historic achievement with President Trump fulfilling his promises. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Best wishes for a speedy recovery for the Congressman from Maryland, Anthony Brown.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, South Carolina honored a Grateful Patriot, Judge Robert Foster Chapman, who passed away on April 18, 2018. As a courageous pioneer for developing the two-party system, Judge Chapman was Chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party in 1961 when Charlie Boineau of Richland County was elected the first Republican legislator of the 20th Century, and in 1962 when State Representative Floyd Spence of Lexington County, was the first legislator to switch parties in the 20th Century. From this humble beginning, the Republican Party advanced to majority status in 1994. I particularly appreciate his judicial service in 1984 when he ruled that State Senate elections would not be delayed and single member districts would be implemented based on equal population. The following obituary was published on April 26, 2018, in The State of Columbia, South Carolina: Judge Robert Foster Chapman, born April 24, 1926, in Inman South Carolina, as the middle son of the five sons of James Alfred Chapman and Martha Marshall Chapman, died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, April 18, 2018. He attended the public schools of Spartanburg and graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1943. He entered the U.S. Navy on July 1, 1943, in the V-12 Program at Emory and Henry College. In March of 1944, he transferred to the naval ROTC at the University of South Carolina and graduated in 1945 with a B.S. Degree and was commissioned as an Ensign. He was assigned to Guam and commanded the ship YW-92 at age 19. He later attended the Crossroads Operation where atomic bombs were tested after the war. He entered the University of South Carolina Law School in September of 1946 and graduated in January of 1949. He entered the practice of law as an associate in the firm of Osborne, Butler and Moore in Spartanburg, South Carolina and remained with this firm until December of 1951 when he was recalled to active duty with the U.S. Navy. He was on active duty as a Lieutenant from January of 1952 until October of 1953, on the staff of the Commander Naval Forces, Marianas Islands. He returned to Spartanburg in October of 1953 and formed the law firm of Butler and Chapman, which became Butler, Chapman, Parler and Morgan where he practiced law until appointed by President Nixon in May of 1971 as a United States District Judge. In October of 1981, President Reagan appointed him to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit where he served until electing senior status in May of 1991. Judge Chapman moved from Spartanburg to Camden, South Carolina shortly after he became a federal judge and he resided in Camden until moving back to Spartanburg in 2008. He became active in the South Carolina Republican Party in the spring of 1960 and was a delegate to the Republican National Conventions in 1960, 1964 and 1968. He served as the Chairman of the South Carolina Republican Party from July of 1961 until March of 1963. He was the Chairman of the Spartanburg County Republican Party from 1964 through 1969. He received the Order of the Palmetto in 1978; the National Patriot's Award from the Congressional Medal of Honor Society in 1985; an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from the University of South Carolina in 1986; an Honorary Doctor of Humanities from the College of Charleston in 2000. He became a member of the American Trial Lawyers Association beginning on September 1, 1969. He married Mary Winston (Wince) Gwathmey Chapman of Spartanburg on December 21, 1951 and took her with him to Guam. They had three sons: Edward Bates Chapman, born December 11, 1953, of Tryon, North Carolina; Alfred Foster Chapman, born October 16, 1955, of Spartanburg, South Carolina; and Winston Gwathmey Chapman, born November 11, 1958 of Breckenridge, Colorado. Wince Chapman was the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Edward M Gwathmey of Spartanburg and she died September 28, 1998. He married Mary Vail St. Georges of South Amboy, New Jersey on September 30, 2000. Mary died February 14, 2013. He has three daughters in-law, Jeanette, Ruth and Ann; step children, Joe St. Georges and Cathy St. Georges, and their children; eight grandchildren, Robert, Malsert, Gabrielle, Ian, Katie, Chelsea, Cameron and Daniel; four step grandchildren, Hannah, Ben, Lori, and Will; and ten great grandchildren. Judge Chapman was the third son of the late Mr. and Mrs. James A Chapman of Spartanburg. His brothers who predeceased him were James A Chapman, Jr; William Marshall Chapman; Joseph Wallace Chapman, and Hugh McMaster Chapman. He is survived by his brother in-law, Edward M Gwathmey of Vail, Co; and sister in-law, Elizabeth S. Chapman of Spartanburg, SC; and many nieces and nephews. He was a Deacon and an Elder at the First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg and an Elder at Bethesda Presbyterian Church in Camden. The family is most appreciative for the loving care rendered to the Judge by ``his Ladies'': Toni Moore, Felicia Hollis, Betty Garrett, Courtney Oglesby, Karen Styles and Angie Lipscomb. Honorary pallbearers will be the many law clerks who worked with and were mentored by the Judge over his career. A memorial service will be held Monday, April 30th, 4:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg. Memorials may be made in Judge Chapman's honor to The Linville Foundation, P.O. Box 99, Linville North Carolina 28646; or The Chapman Cultural Center, 200 East St John Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as President Donald Trump is set to make an announcement this afternoon regarding the failed nuclear agreement with Iran, I want to again express my continued opposition to this deal and thank President Trump for his determination. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has revealed compelling revelations in the last week of Iranian duplicity. This was a reckless and dangerous deal from the start. It never served the interests of American families, and it continues to threaten the safety and security of our allies, especially Israel. In just 7 years, there will be nothing stopping the Iranian dictatorship from constructing nuclear weapons as they chant ``death to Israel, death to America'' while they oppress the Iranian people. In addition, President Obama authorized a cash ransom of $1.7 billion to Iran to release five innocent Americans. This deal promoted Iran's monetary support for terrorist groups Hezbollah, Hamas, and militias that plant IEDs to murder Americans. 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, I had the opportunity to meet with Diann Shaddox of North Augusta, South Carolina, founder of the Diann Shaddox Foundation for Essential Tremors. Essential tremor is a neurological condition that causes the trembling of the hands, head, voice, legs, or body and affects nearly 10 million people in the United States. Despite its prevalence, it wasn't until 2013 that essential tremor was given its own specific diagnosis apart from other tremors. Diann Shaddox was diagnosed with essential tremors in her early twenties. Since then, Diann has acted as an advocate for awareness and, for over 35 years, has dedicated her life to finding a cure for essential tremors. The mission of the Diann Shaddox Foundation for Essential Tremors is to educate and increase awareness about people afflicted with essential tremor, which is the largest movement disorder in the world. The foundation also collects donations for medical research in the hope of discovering the cause and a cure, and I wish them continued success on their important mission. 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 Carolina last week paid tribute to the late Mary Eleanor Wiggins Bowers of Estill, South Carolina. She will always be cherished as a Southern Lady who lovingly served constituents at the U.S. House of Representatives Office in Estill. The following thoughtful obituary was published in The State on May 4, 2018: Mary Eleanor Wiggins Bowers died at home in Estill, surrounded by her adoring family after a long, rich, and wonderful life. Born March 20, 1931 in Estill, South Carolina to Robert Graham and Louise Folk Wiggins, she was the granddaughter of Thomas Jackson and May Smoak Folk and Robert Graham and Mary Crane Wiggins all of Estill. Mary Eleanor finished Estill High School as valedictorian and attended Mercer University. She loved to jitterbug, once dancing holes in the soles of the shoes bought that day and always said she fell in love with her Corrin while ``cuttin' a rug''. She married ``that cute Bowers boy'' of Luray on August 27, 1949. She was the mother of Sharon B. Green (Roy), Mayor Corrin Fitts Bowers, Jr. (Sallie) both of Estill, Elizabeth B. Palles (Mitch), and Graham B. Solana (Mark) both of Savannah. Grandsons include John Green (Deana) of Jacksonville, Corrin Green (Hanna) of Pawley's Island, Andrew Green (Elizabeth) of Aiken, Mitchell Palles III of Charlotte, Corrin Fitts Bowers III (Abigail) of Estill, Joseph Solana II, and Henry Solana of Savannah; three granddaughters, Mary Crane Palles Orne (David) of Savannah, Louisa Bowers Beach (Brandon) of Estill, and Mary Tippins Solana of Savannah; seven great grandsons, Patrick, William, and Thomas Green of Jacksonville, Corrin Green, Jr., and Samuel Green of Pawley's Island, Marshall Beach of Estill, and Charles Orne of Savannah, two great granddaughters, Sallie Sims Beach of Estill, and Eliza Green of Aiken. She often stated ``My big family is the best thing ever!'' She loved the Lord and was a lifelong member of Lawtonville Baptist Church, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, GAs, Sunbeams, Young Women's Association, and led Training Union for many years with Corrin. She served as W.M.U. president on two occasions, was a Circle leader, served on two pastor search committees, and was a charter member and chair of the Lawtonville Historical Society. For years, she collected children from around Luray to study the Bible on the family farm. Mama Mama, as she was known to her grandchildren and many who loved her, could bring a room to life with her magnetic personality and gift of gab. Often drawing company with her encyclopedic knowledge of the area's rich history and genealogy, she welcomed all into her warm home with bird dog under foot and food on the stove. A visit with Mama Mama was always an adventure, as she might entertain by playing the piano by ear or put you to work on a flower cutting expedition, antique hunt, or tombstone search. Mary Eleanor helped establish the Hampton County Historical Society, and was instrumental in saving both the Bull Durham building and Estill's first town hall. She loved Estill, and belonged to many clubs including Social Dozen (over 60 Years), Estill Music Club, was a founding member of Friendship Book Club and Monday Night Couples Bridge, and Thursday's big and little supper clubs. A tireless civil servant, Mary Eleanor worked 30 years in the voting polls, Estill's first zoning board, the community relations committee for the federal prison, and was a member of the Estill election committee. Her penchant for politics gave her ample opportunity to educate people on what their platform ``should be''. She ran the U.S. Representative office in Estill from 1987 until 2003 for Arthur Ravenel, Jr., Floyd Spence, and Joe Wilson, maintaining her status as a staunch Democrat in a sea of beloved Republicans. She served on the Tricentennial book committee for Both Sides of the Swamp as well as assisted Coy Kelly Johnston in the book, Two Centuries of Lawtonville Baptists. During that time she indexed Lawtonville cemetery, scrubbing down gravestones along the way. She was predeceased by her loving husband Corrin Fitts Bowers and her grandson, Graham Fontaine Solana. In addition to her children, she is survived by one brother, Robert Graham ``Bro'' Wiggins III (Vivienne) of Estill, one aunt, Barbara F. Callahan of Warrenton, N.C., chosen daughter Geraldine Brantley, four nieces, seven nephews, and special cousin, Thomas Folk (Jan), as well as eighteen grand nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be 11 AM Saturday in the Lawtonville Baptist Church conducted by Rev. Jamie Norris and Rev. Noel Cooper with burial in the Lawtonville Cemetery in Estill, directed by Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home. Visitation will be Friday from 5 to 7 PM at the home located at 680 Wyman Blvd. in Estill. A reception will be held at the home following the service. The family would like to thank her caregivers, Lottie Garvin and Roger Bryant for their faithful service.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the following thoughtful obituary was published in The Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin on April 27, 2018: Anthony Giannetti Jr. passed with amazing grace on Saturday 21 April 2018, at North Austin Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. He was born 10 March, 1939, in Meshoppen, PA, to Anthony and Concetta Giannetti. One of four children, Tony, or Junior as he was called by his family, was a determined young man who graduated from Vestal High School and served in the United States Marine Corps. He had a long and distinguished career as a project manager for International Business Machines in Endicott, NY, and Austin, TX. He worked for IBM for 32 years until his retirement in 1994. Tony was first and foremost a family man. He enjoyed watching all kinds of sporting events, especially attending those his children and grandchildren played in. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Beverly, son Michael, son Anthony and daughter-in-law Silvana, son Joseph, daughter Christine and son-in-law Bryan, and his two granddaughters Nadia and Fiona. He will be eternally loved and sorely missed by his family and friends. Tony left nothing undone here on earth, . . . and he did it his way. Rest in peace.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to congratulate Lauren Tolleson and Jesse Tolleson of Alexandria, Virginia, on the birth of their new baby boy, Clark Gray Tolleson. Clark Gray Tolleson was born on March 2, 2018, at Inova Alexandria Hospital in Alexandria, Virginia at 8:31 p.m. Clark weighed five pounds and twelve ounces and measured 18 and \3/4\ inches long. I would also like to congratulate Clark's grandparents, Jesse and Sybil Tolleson of Rienzi, Mississippi, and Gray and Jean Gildner of Fairfax Station, Virginia. Congratulations to the entire family as they welcome their newest addition of pure pride and joy.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the topic of this Special Order.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairwoman Virginia Foxx for her comments. And I thank her, as an educator, for educating the American people and bringing to the attention of the American people the real facts of the benefits of the tax cuts. Congress today appreciates that Americans should keep their hard- earned tax dollars, and it is shocking to hear the other side of the aisle say that they would repeal the tax cuts if they get a majority in the House come November, resulting in tax increases on American families, destroying jobs. Sadly, I suspect a lot of families and businesses being highlighted today will be shocked--but maybe not so shocked--to hear that Democrats are campaigning on raising taxes, destroying jobs. I sincerely hope that Americans across the country know that Republicans will continue to do all that we can to our ability to increase take-home pay to families, reduce the tax burdens on seniors, and create more efficient and effective government that works for you and provides opportunities for the young people of America. General Leave

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for the points he makes of where people can look at their paycheck and see they are keeping more of their own money. This is not from the government. This is their own money. How important this is, and how it enables families to have a better life. And for the young people of our country, how positive this is. I thank the gentleman for reiterating that point. The Business Roundtable, an association of America's largest employers, is reporting that tax reform has already produced wage increases, bonuses, increased matches for retirement savings, lower prices for consumers, investment in facilities, and tens of thousands of new American jobs as a direct result of tax reform. As I indicated, we have the lowest unemployment among African Americans ever. We have the lowest unemployment among Hispanics since it has ever been determined. It is so exciting. Fourteen States have the lowest level of unemployment in recorded history. Among women, we have the lowest level of unemployment in 20 years. Everybody benefits from the tax cuts. This is so positive. The Business Roundtable members alone have provided over $545 million in bonuses to their employees, with bonuses, wage increases, and a range of other employee benefits to 1.6 million workers, along with $1.2 billion in charitable contributions. According to the Tax Foundation, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will significantly lower marginal tax rates and the cost of capital, which would lead to a 1.7 percent increase in the gross domestic product over the long term, 1.5 percent higher wages, and an additional 339,000 full-time equivalent jobs. They also say it will spur an additional $1 trillion in Federal revenue from economic growth, with approximately $600 billion coming from the bill's permanent provisions and approximately $400 billion from the bill's temporary provisions over the budget window. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the congresswoman from the Fifth District of North Carolina (Ms. Foxx). Congresswoman Foxx is secretary of the Republican Conference, she is a remarkably determined former community college president, and she also is very much appreciated as the chairman of the Committee on Education and the Workforce. Then she is particularly fortunate; she lives and has a beautiful home in Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina, some of the most beautiful mountains in the world of western North Carolina.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for his citation about UPS. I have had the same honor to put on the brown uniform to deliver packages. I found out something: the UPS employees--also FedEx, DHL, and others--are remarkable people delivering American-made products to the American people. What wonderful companies these are, and what wonderful employees they are. Now I would like to go over some of the specific positive changes to our Tax Code that occurred under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. An average middle class family in South Carolina will save $2,311 thanks to the tax cuts. The child tax credit was doubled. I want to give a lot of credit because the reason it was doubled was the great work of our U.S. Senator Tim Scott, working with Ivanka Trump Kushner. This was their effort to work to make this child friendly, family friendly, looking out particularly for persons who are single-parent households. The child tax credit was doubled, from $1,000 to $2,000, making it easier for single mothers and new families to provide for their children. The bill also removed the mandate that required you to buy healthcare or pay a penalty. So now people aren't penalized by the government for not being able to afford healthcare and health insurance. The standard deduction doubled to $24,000 for married couples filing jointly. This makes it simpler for couples to file their taxes because they will use the standard deduction and won't have to itemize their return. Corporations that employ people create jobs. Their tax cuts dropped from 35 percent to 21 percent. Time and time again, I have heard from businessowners who plan to use their extra income to reinvest in the company, create jobs, provide bonuses, and raise wages. When taxes are low, businesses thrive and jobs are created in the Reagan tradition. I am grateful for the leadership of Speaker Paul Ryan, House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Brady, and I appreciate the opportunity of working with them, in addition to President Donald Trump, for delivering meaningful tax relief to the American people. They deserve it. Local success of the law was first heralded in the Second Congressional District of South Carolina, the central part of South Carolina, by Lou and Bill Kennedy of Nephron Pharmaceuticals in Cayce, announcing 125 new jobs and a 5 percent pay increase. They said that they made this decision as a direct result of the tax bill. In fact, I am really grateful that Lou put together a barbecue where I was present with Governor Henry McMaster and Attorney General Alan Wilson. She made the announcement right there at the barbecue to the extraordinary employees of Nephron Pharmaceuticals. They may have been the first; they were certainly not the last. I was so grateful. I was going through Walgreen's to pick up some pictures that I was having developed and I ran into Bill Mooneyhan. Bill is the president of the local Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce. He announced: Hey, Joe, because of the tax savings, our business, our auto repair shop, is going to add a new bay and create new jobs. I said: Hey, Bill, because you announced this to me, you have just volunteered for a press conference, which I am really grateful that we were able to have with the National Federation of Independent Business, NFIB, led by Ben Homeyer in South Carolina. NFIB is the largest small business organization in America, and it is bottom's up. The leadership really follows the directions of their local members. So all of us truly appreciate NFIB. In February, I visited with Norman Dunagan, owner of Whiskey Alley restaurant and Dumpster Depot, which is a recycling facility in Aiken, South Carolina. I took this opportunity to congratulate him on his expansion resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. He opened a third business last year due to the confidence in President Donald Trump and the House Republican leadership. All three of his small businesses are thriving and providing much-needed new jobs. That day I also met with Clancy Cipkala, president and CEO of Solara Hospitality of West Columbia. Solara Hospitality is providing bonuses for their hotel hourly associates due to the tax cuts passed by the Republicans. In Orangeburg, South Carolina, South State Bank provided a $1,000 bonus to their employees. In a rural area like Orangeburg, a $1,000 bonus can make a huge difference for families. It can provide an opportunity for families to buy extra school supplies, pay down debt, make an investment in the future, start or add to an emergency fund, or take a much-needed family vacation. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the distinguished congressman from North Carolina (Mr. Pittenger), who represents the beautiful Ninth District of North Carolina, which includes substantially the extraordinary city of Charlotte, which is such a center for job creation of the Carolinas.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Last year, House Republicans made history by passing the first meaningful tax cuts in 32 years. The last time our Tax Code was updated, ``Top Gun'' was the top movie, ``The Oprah Winfrey Show'' first aired across the Nation, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average ended the year at 1,895. For context, today, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is over 24,000 points, which is an increase of nearly 8,000 points, which is a nearly 20 percent increase since the day that President Donald Trump was elected. From that day, the stock market has had a remarkable increase because of faith in his business ability, his acumen, and, I believe, the success that Republicans would have to cut taxes, cut regulations, and create jobs. Despite how much our economy has changed, we were still operating on a tax structure designed in 1986. But last year, House and Senate Republicans came together, inspired by President Donald Trump, to make the Tax Code more fair, more simple, and less burdensome for the middle class, which then, of course, yields to the increase in the stock market, which benefits all Americans. I am grateful that families all across America today are already seeing the direct benefits of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, with the leadership of our chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, Kevin Brady; the extraordinary service of Speaker Paul Ryan; our leader, Kevin McCarthy; our Conference chair, Cathy McMorris Rodgers; and also our secretary of the Conference, Virginia Foxx of North Carolina. The jobs have been created in such a remarkable way that African- American unemployment is at the lowest level since the Bureau of Labor Statistics started tracking it in 1972. Hispanic unemployment is the lowest it has ever been recorded. The level of unemployment for American women is at the lowest rate in over 20 years. It was reported today that 14 States also have record-low unemployment due to new jobs by reducing regulations and taxes, a positive agenda. We are here to highlight stories from across North Carolina and South Carolina of everyday families and small-business owners getting to keep more of their own hard-earned income. I will first yield to my good friend Congressman Ralph Norman, who represents the Fifth District of South Carolina. Congressman Norman was just elected in a special election last year, but already he has been here to make a difference on behalf of the people of South Carolina and the United States. With his background as a real estate developer, he and his wife, Elaine, have proven how to create jobs. Congressman Ralph Norman.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as we begin this evening, I want to begin in my service as co-chair of the French Caucus to welcome Emmanuel Macron, President of France, to Washington. South Carolina is especially appreciative of France, with our shared heritage, particularly as we are very grateful for the Marquis de Lafayette, who was so vital in the American Revolution and who actually began his service landing in Georgetown, South Carolina. It is very significant. I have colleagues from South Carolina, North Carolina, and even Florida. We are very grateful to point out that, here in the House Chamber, is an indication of the affection the American people have for France. There are only two portraits here in the House Chamber: President George Washington and the Marquis de Lafayette. So it is quite revealing that, indeed, there is great love and affection for America's first ally, and how exciting it is that he has arrived here in Washington. We are looking forward to the joint session as he speaks to Congress and the American people tomorrow morning. Tax Reform

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Gohmert for his leadership. We have been joined by the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Tenney), who has served our country so well on the General Assembly of New York and now here in Congress, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.