Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

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

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Claudia Tenney very much for her heartfelt presentation, and we appreciate her military family. While I am concluding, I would like to recognize a few Holocaust survivors in South Carolina. May we never forget their pain and suffering, as well as their family and friends who have become beloved citizens of the State of South Carolina. Ben Stern, born in 1924 in Kielce, Poland. Ben spent 6 months in the Kielce ghetto, where he was beaten and threatened to be hung for leaving the ghetto to get food for his family. Then he was taken to a forced labor camp called Henrykow, after which he never saw his family again. He then was transferred to Auschwitz, where he was sorted and sent to Birkenau. After being transferred again due to the Russians closing in, Ben was forced to participate in a death march where all those left standing at the end were murdered. He had fallen over just before those executions because he could no longer walk. Ben was later found by the American Army and rescued weighing 89 pounds but alive and liberated. Bert Gosschalk, born in 1920 in a little village in Holland. He was a member of the resistance. After a failed resistance attempt to blow up a railway to take away Nazi's access, he and his wife were caught. Bert was then taken to the SS headquarters for questioning. There, he spent all day on his knees without food or water. While he was being questioned at the SS headquarters, a Dutch resistance group ambushed the German police. To retaliate, the Nazis brought all the prisoners to where the Germans had been ambushed and murdered all of them. Bert came back to discover there were only seven or eight men who survived, and, thankfully, he was one. Bluma Goldberg, born in Poland in a town called Pinczow. Bluma joined her sister at a labor camp where they stayed for 2 years making bullets, where they worked 12-hour shifts, 7 days a week. As the Russians moved closer, Bluma was sent to Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, where disease ran rampant and everyone was covered in lice. After 3 months, Bluma was able to go with her sister Burgau, where they painted numbers on airplanes. Renee Kolender, born in the city of Bochnia, Poland, in 1926. In 1941, Renee was taken from the Kozienice ghetto to a labor camp in a Polish town called Skarzysko. There, Renee stayed for 3 years with her mother and brother making ammunition. As the Russians moved closer, Renee was moved to a labor camp closer to Germany where they made parts for machines that made bullets. Eventually, she was rescued by a Jewish policeman, and it was all over. Pincus Kolender was born in the city of Bochnia, Poland, in 1926. In 1942, Pincus and his brother were take from the ghetto, where they lived for about 2 years, to Auschwitz. When Pincus arrived, he was lined up before the gate to be sorted where he was sent to a camp instead of the crematorium. Inside the camp, his head was shaved, and he was tattooed with the number ``161253.'' Pincus described the life in the camp, of which he said: ``The hunger was also terrible. We used to search for a potato peel and fight over it. We were constantly, 24 hours a day, always hungry.'' Every few months, a selection occurred where those who looked feeble were sent to the crematorium. Eventually, Pincus was saved by General George Patton's Fifth Army. Other survivors include: Rudy Herz, born in a very small town called Stommeln on the outskirts of Cologne, Germany, in 1925; Trude Heller, born in Vienna in 1922. She was 15 years old in March 1938 when Hitler took over Austria, and upon coming to America, she served as the First Lady with Mayor Max Heller of the beautiful city of Greenville, South Carolina. Francine Taylor was born in Poland in 1928. Her family moved to France when she was 2 years old. They were living in Paris on June 14, 1940, when the French capital fell. Leo Diamantstein, born in Heidelberg, Germany, in 1924. I am grateful for this opportunity to highlight these people and this important issue during these ``Days of Remembrance,'' and I am hopeful that we will make preserving this history and telling these stories a priority. We will never forget the lessons we have learned from the horrific tragedy in history. We must protect natural God-given rights and do all in our power to prevent these types of crimes against humanity. Helping the world to not forget is an extraordinary artist of West Columbia, South Carolina, Mary Burkett, who has produced drawings of the murdered children of the Holocaust. These loving portraits were placed, last week, on display at the Embassy of Israel in Washington by Ambassador Ron Dermer. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. I am particularly grateful to be here tonight with Congressman Lee Zeldin from New York for promoting the restoration of integrity at the Department of Justice and the FBI with a second special counsel. Today I rise in honor of the days of remembrance of victims of the Holocaust officially designated by President Donald Trump last week. President Donald Trump will always be appreciated for establishing next month the American Embassy to be relocated and established in Jerusalem. A recent study has found that the knowledge of the atrocities that occurred during the Holocaust is waning as we get further and further removed from the horrible events. The phrase ``We Remember'' is used to emphasize the importance of remembering exactly what happened to ensure that it never happens again. It is in this context that I stand today, not only in honor of those murdered at the hands of the Nazis during the Holocaust, as well as those who survived, but to continue to speak the truth about what happened there and hope that it never fades from our collective memories, to be never repeated. All citizens should tour the Holocaust Museum here in Washington to learn the shocking truth of Nazi inhumanity. In 1933, Adolf Hitler ascended to power in Germany not through force but through an appointment to chancellor by the sitting President Paul von Hindenburg. He devised a fictional tale about the need for ethnic purity to be successful. The German people were desperate and susceptible to lies and deceptions, and, sadly, many eventually followed Hitler into the atrocities that followed. The level of deception Hitler and the Nazis were willing to go to, to gain unilateral authority, was apparent early on. In February of 1933, just a month after Hitler was appointed chancellor, the German Reichstag parliament building was burned, and they immediately blamed it on their opponents. This allowed Hitler to take advantage of this situation and issue a decree that placed constraints on the press and banned political meetings. By June of the same year, the Nazis declared themselves as the only legal party in Germany, and the Nazis passed a law allowing for forced sterilization of those with a genetic defect. The first openly anti- Semitic law was passed in September 1933, prohibiting Jews from holding land 6 years before the start of World War II. After German President Paul von Hindenburg, who appointed Hitler as chancellor out of political expediency, passed away, Hitler named himself as fuhrer, gaining the power of both chancellor and President. One of the most shocking aspects of this ascent, looking back, is that Hitler received 90 percent support from German voters who approved of his new powers. After Hitler took complete control of Germany, the laws persecuting Jewish people escalated rapidly. One month after naming himself the fuhrer, the Nuremberg race laws were decreed. These laws banned interracial marriages between Jews and Germans and established that only those who were German or had German ancestors were able to be citizens. The rights of the Jewish people living in Germany slowly but surely dissipated without much attention from the international community; that is, until the Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass, the night of November 10, 1938. German SS agents and local citizens were encouraged to smash windows of Jewish-owned stores, buildings, and synagogues as the local law enforcement stood by and watched. Although many Germans, especially those who saw the destruction, disapproved, Hitler was able to quell any concerns through his control of the media. This event changed the nature of the German persecution of the Jewish people from economic, political, and social to beatings, incarcerations, and murder. By January 1939, Hitler issued the most public statement regarding his plans to the German parliament. Hitler's goal, in no uncertain terms, was ``the annihilation of the Jewish race in Europe.'' In addition to Hitler's domination over the Jewish people in Germany, he began to expand his empire to neighboring European nations. The hostile takeover began in Austria, though the union of the two countries had been a popular concept for decades. Therefore, there was not much resistance originally from the international community. It took the German invasion of Poland on September 2, 1939, for Britain and France to finally declare war on Nazi Germany. The invasion occurred in collaboration with Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin, who had a joint Nazi-Soviet pact with a secret protocol to invade Poland with Nazi and Soviet tanks providing for the partition of Poland. It would take two years for the United States to follow suit and declare war against Germany, after the surprise attack by the Axis partner Japan at Pearl Harbor. Despite Britain and France declaring war, that did not slow the Nazis advancing across Europe. On April 9, 1940, they invaded Denmark and Norway; and on May 10, they invaded France, Belgium, Holland, and Luxembourg. By June 14, the Nazis were occupying the French capital of Paris. The start of World War II also coincided with the Nazis' increased brutality against the Jewish people. The same month that Britain and France declared war, Reinhard Heydrich issued instructions for the SS to gather Jews in ghettos. One month later, the Nazis would seal those ghettos so no one, meaning no Jewish person, could escape. On March 26, 1941, the German Army High Command gave the Reich Main Security Office approval to initiate SS murder squads throughout the eastern front. These squads, known as the Einsatzgruppen, were responsible for murdering the intelligentsia and cultural elite in Poland. This murder squad mainly killed civilians. Heydrich, upon inspecting the impact of the murder squads on his SS agents, decided these tactics were too costly, demoralizing, and did not kill victims quickly enough. That led the Nazis to increase their use of gas to murder the innocent Jewish people, which caused the death toll to increase exponentially. By the end of 1941, America was drawn into the war by the surprise murderous attack on Pearl Harbor by the Japanese, who, at this point, were part of the Axis powers, which included Germany and Italy. On December 11, after Germany declared war on the United States, President Franklin Roosevelt declared war against Germany, declaring: ``Never before has there been a greater challenge to life, liberty, and civilization.'' America then concentrated 90 percent of its resources to defeating Hitler. On January 20, 1942, the Wannsee Conference was held just outside of Berlin, where senior Nazi officials and SS met to coordinate their Final Solution. The Final Solution to the Jewish Question was the official code name for the murder of all Jews within reach, which was not limited to the European continent. This resulted in the deliberate and systematic genocide of the Jewish people. Operation Reinhard, the deadliest phase of the Holocaust, began the introduction of extermination camps. The goal was mass extermination. This horrific Final Solution was carried out at other execution and concentration camps across Europe. Sadly, the largest was at Auschwitz. Auschwitz I was first constructed to hold Polish political prisoners, who began to arrive in May 1940. The first extermination of prisoners took place in 1941, September. Auschwitz II-Birkenau also went on to become a major site of the Nazi Final Solution. The conditions in these concentration camps were too horrific to imagine. There was a barbaric selection process upon arrival where only those who were able-bodied and strong would survive the night. The rest were sent to gas chambers. The gas chambers were described clearly in ``The Buchenwald Report.'' An estimated 1.3 million people were sent to Auschwitz, of which at least 1.1 million people were murdered. Around 90 percent of those were Jews. Approximately one in six Jewish people killed in the Holocaust died at that camp. Mr. Speaker, I now yield to the distinguished Congressman from Texas (Mr. Gohmert), who represents the First District of Texas, to speak for 5 minutes.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Last week, I introduced H. Res. 815, which commemorates the 70th anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel as well as President Donald Trump's courageous decision to move the American Embassy to Jerusalem. Over the past 70 years, the Israeli people have demonstrated resiliency of the human spirit while overcoming tremendous obstacles. Every day Israelis endure the threat of terrorism in their lives, but they remain optimistic about the future of their country. As Americans face a similar enemy in the global war on terrorism, we must continue to strengthen our relationship inspired by Ambassador Ron Dermer. By holding fair and free elections and vigorously legislating in its parliament, Israel is a shining model of democracy. I am grateful for another remarkable year of freedom with the bold leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, the Syrian Assad dictatorship mercilessly used chemical weapons of mass destruction on the last rebel-held stronghold near Syria's capital, Damascus, murdering over 50 innocent people, including women and children. This comes exactly 1 year after the chemical weapons attack that resulted in President Donald Trump's launching of Tomahawk cruise missiles at the air base that launched the chemical weapons attack. Assad's actions are a clear violation of international law and human rights, and the world must stand against this indiscriminate massacre. I am grateful for the leadership of President Donald Trump, United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley, and National Security Advisor John Bolton to address this threat to protect American families. I stand with Ambassador Haley in calling for the United Nations to adopt a resolution that would condemn the continuing use of chemical weapons in Syria in the strongest terms and to establish a new body to determine responsibility for chemical attacks anywhere in 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. Mr. Speaker, this week, Southern Living Magazine named Aiken, South Carolina, as the Best Small Town in the South. Mayor Riek Osborn unveiled the magazine cover Wednesday, where Aiken was also recognized as the South's friendliest town. According to Southern Living, and my own experience, Aiken is ``an authentic South Carolina Equestrian community, rich in historic charm and tradition.'' From the ``iconic archway of live oaks along South Boundary Avenue'' to ``Aiken's 2,100-acre urban forest,'' Aiken has gorgeous greenery. The extraordinary landscaped medians are highlighted with huge ten feet high azaleas. Aiken has a multitude of great lodging and dining opportunities, where ``Downtown Aiken, especially Laurens Street, is loaded with a variety of eclectic eateries, galleries, and shops.'' I am grateful for the opportunity to represent Aiken County in Congress, where my grandfather Wilson was born in 1888 and great- grandfather Wilson was born in 1860. In conclusion, God Bless our Troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today I introduced the Foreign Influence Transparency Act, which requires organizations, such as the Confucius Institute, to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, FARA, if they promote the political agenda of a foreign country. The goal of this legislation is to increase transparency between foreign governments, universities, and students. Americans have the right to know if they are consuming propaganda that is produced by a foreign government. Currently, FARA contains a technicality that allows foreign governments or organizations to push their political agenda under the facade of an ``academic pursuit.'' The Foreign Influence Transparency Act will clarify the intent and ensure that all propaganda funded by foreign governments at least contains a disclaimer. The Foreign Influence Transparency Act also decreases the monetary threshold of foreign donations that universities are required to disclose. Currently, universities only report on donations they receive of $250,000 or more, while organizations, such as the Confucius Institute, operate below that level. This results in a lack of disclosure to students and parents. The goal of this legislation is simple, and that is to create transparency through disclosure. 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 past few weeks has brought an unfortunate intensification of the Syrian Civil War as the Syrian government, aided by Russia, continues to bomb rebel-held towns and cities in Syria--including targeting hospitals. This worsening crisis puts even more innocent civilians at risk as the fighting moves closer to heavily populated areas. We should not make the same mistakes as the Obama administration, whose ``strategic patience'' allowed Russia to get a foothold in the Middle East by propping up the brutal dictatorship of Syrian President Bashar al Assad and obstructing peace efforts by the UN Security Council. Putin is knowingly allied with murderers. That is why I am a co-sponsor of H.R. 1677, the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act of 2017, which would sanction anyone responsible for hindering access to humanitarian relief in Syria as well as any person who knowingly provides support to the Syrian Government in their attempt to acquire ballistic missiles. The House passed H.R. 1677 last year, and I urge the Senate to pass this bill as well. In conclusion, God Bless our Troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I greatly appreciate Dr. Terry Michalske, who is the Executive Vice President and Director of the Department of Energy's Savannah River National Laboratory, located at the Savannah River site in South Carolina's Second Congressional District. Today is Dr. Michalske's last day as director. I am grateful to thank him for his leadership of this critical national laboratory. The Savannah River National Laboratory conducts research and development, focusing on legacy waste cleanup, national security, and clean energy. Dr. Michalske has more than 30 years of experience in these fields. He holds seven patents, has authored 90 journal publications, and also collaborated on several books. Dr. Michalske also coordinates with the Department of Energy to support the Savannah River site as a leading national laboratory and regional producer of jobs. Also, congratulations to Dr. Vahid Majidi, who will succeed Dr. Michalske. As a former staff member at the site myself, I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the Savannah River site in Congress. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Mr. Speaker, I thank Secretary Rex Tillerson for his service, and best wishes for continued success for Secretary of State designate Mike Pompeo.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this week we have representatives from the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership, MEP, visiting for their annual legislative day. MEPs are public-private partnerships that help small- and medium-size manufacturers grow their business. There are MEP centers in all 50 States and Puerto Rico. Manufacturing is one of America's major economic drivers, comprising over 12 percent of our annual GDP, with most manufacturing firms in the United States having 500 employees or less. MEPs provide much-needed assistance for manufacturers to become more successful. MEPs help manufacturers grow their global market with export guidance on where to eliminate waste. Last year, MEPs across the country generated $1.7 billion in cost savings, $3.5 billion in new client investments, and helped create and retain over 100,000 jobs. You can see these benefits firsthand in the Second Congressional District, where the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership, led by Chuck Spangler, served over 40 companies last year, resulting in $25 million in new sales and 25 retained jobs. I am grateful for the MEP's positive impact in communities across the country. 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, Israel is America's treasured ally in the Middle East, and we must stand up for our friends when they are being treated unfairly. Recently, we have seen the United Nations targeting Israel with six anti-Israel resolutions passed in the last year alone. This is hypocritical discrimination. That is why I introduced House Resolution 728, which recognizes that the United Nations Human Rights Council wastes U.S. taxpayers' money by targeting Israel and reiterates that they need to stop the shameful, prejudicial behavior toward Israel. Even U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed disappointment with the Human Rights Council singling out Israel, given the multitude of other human rights violations occurring around the world. I was grateful for the opportunity to have attended the AIPAC Policy Conference this weekend, where I participated in a panel discussion on the threat to Israel from Gaza. There I highlighted the broad security concerns Israel is facing, such as the Hamas tunnels, and discussed ways in which the United States can assist to address the threats of kidnapping and murder, such as the murder of Taylor Force. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Americans appreciate Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a world statesman, for his visit to Congress today.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, in 2002, after extensive research by the Department of Energy (DOE), scientists concluded that Yucca Mountain met all the requirements to act as a repository for high level radioactive waste. After which, the DOE applied for the license from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to begin construction of the Yucca Mountain facility. Unfortunately, due to political brinksmanship, those plans have stalled indefinitely, despite the fact that ratepayers have contributed nearly $30 Billion to the nuclear waste fund, which is specifically designated to be used for Yucca Mountain. The federal government and taxpayers have dedicated enormous resources to completing the nuclear storage facility at Yucca Mountain. However, the Obama Administration did everything in its power to stall the completion of the facility, holding up construction under political red tape--even though the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's own safety evaluation found it would not be a threat to the local population of Nevada as it would benefit all of America. Thankfully, the Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2017 will finally remove unnecessary burdens to make much needed improvements to our national nuclear waste strategy. This legislation is especially important to the residents of South Carolina. South Carolina ratepayers have invested over $1.3 billion into Yucca over the last 30 years--that's in addition to the billions of dollars collected from ratepayers across the country. During this time, states like South Carolina have remained de facto repositories for nuclear waste. The federal government should finish what they started and complete the Yucca Mountain license application. Currently, SNF is stored in 121 different neighborhoods, across 39 states--all waiting to be moved to a permanent location. The Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act will address the concerns of communities across the country, in a cost-effective manner, and passed the Energy and Commerce Committee with bi-partisan support, 49 members voting in favor and only 4 against. I am grateful for the opportunity to support this legislation, and am hopeful that it will provide much needed clarification on the disposal of spent nuclear fuel. I am grateful that text from my bill, the Sensible Nuclear Waste Disposition Act was included in this bill and thank Chairman John Shimkus for his leadership.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, sadly, Walter J. Buckert, Jr., a proven champion for military service-members and their devoted families, passed away last week. He will always be cherished for championing benefits for our military and providing extraordinary jobs for military family members. The Office of the Second Congressional District of South Carolina was fortunate to have as staff members two of his talented granddaughters, Elizabeth Grayson and Katherine Grayson, who he influenced for extraordinary service on behalf of constituents. I include in the Record the following thoughtful obituary: Walter J. Buckert, Jr., age 85, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 25th at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Virginia. Walter was born on February 24th, 1933, in Rochester NY, to Walt and Marge Buckert. In 1955, Walter graduated from Georgetown University with a BA in Business. He joined the General Electric Company's Corporate Financial Program where he was assigned to the Federal Government Department of Electronics Division. From there, he was promoted to General Electric's Lighting Business Group, its highest division by revenue at that time. He took on increasing roles of responsibility with each transfer accepting positions in New York, Cleveland and Richmond. His final assignment from General Electric, before his retirement in 1995, was as Manager of U.S. Government Sales and Marketing for all lighting products for government use and resale to military personnel. In that role, Walter grew government sales and created a division highly valued to this day. After 47 years with General Electric, Walter joined Webco General Partnership in 1996 as Director of Government and Industry Affairs. A strong advocate for military personnel and their families, he was awarded the American Logistics Association Lifetime Achievement Award, The Department of the Army Outstanding Civil Service medal for his service, and The Exchange. Walter is survived by his beautiful wife of 55 years, Mary Sutton Buckert and loving daughter, Laurie Grayson; son-in- law, Bill Grayson; and granddaughters Katherine, Elizabeth, and Caroline Grayson who fondly referred to their grandfather by his childhood nickname, Buddy. He is also survived by his older sister, Joanne McDermott, and too many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family to count but to whom he held much love and respect. Walter will be remembered for his loyalty, hard work, and dedication to others. He was a true blooded, American patriot who never took his freedom for granted. He was a humble, stoic man, with strong convictions and beliefs, but underneath it all was a childlike spirit. Walter was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend, he will forever be missed.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Roxanne and I will be forever grateful for the positive impact Reverend Billy Graham has had for American families and the world. Reverend Graham had the amazing ability to digest the stories and lessons in the Bible and relay that information in ways that were understandable, relatable, and powerful. He was followed and adored by millions across the world but still remained humble, with his home in Montreat in the beautiful mountains of western North Carolina, from Grandfather Mountain to Cashiers, where Psalms 72 proclaims the mountain shall bring peace. Over 200 million people worldwide attended his crusades in over 185 countries. In 1987, our family was grateful to participate in the crusade organized by Harry Dent in Columbia, South Carolina. Reverend Graham's accomplishments outside of his ministry were inspiring. In 1983, he was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom award by President Ronald Reagan; and in 1996, he and his wife, Ruth, together were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor. That was also followed by the outpouring of love for Reverend Billy Graham, which will serve as a reminder for his family and staff of how much he was admired and respected. 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, last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Munich Security Conference, highlighted by Defense Secretary James Mattis and National Security Advisor H.R. McMaster, and senior representatives from more than 70 countries. During the conference, we met with General Curtis Scaparrotti, NATO Supreme Allied Commander, and General Christopher Cavoli, Commander U.S. Army Europe, who are successfully implementing President Donald Trump's European Deterrence Initiative to promote peace through strength, preventing further Russian aggression. I was grateful for the opportunity to meet with British Prime Minister Theresa May, Prime Minister of Iraq Haider al-Abadi, and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, who are on the front lines of advancing democracy. A highlight was Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu exposing Iranian drone wreckage. I also had the opportunity to participate with Congressman Mike Turner at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels, where we reinforced the bonds with our NATO allies of 29 countries and discussed joint efforts to confront threats of Russian aggression in Moldova, Georgia, and Ukraine. In conclusion, God Bless our Troops, and may we never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this weekend, Iran has wrongfully seized another American hostage. Morad Tahbaz, a dual American and Iranian citizen, was volunteering with the Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation when he was maliciously arrested. This is in addition to the tragic news that Canadian Kavous Seyed Emami, who was arrested working with the Foundation, died last week under suspicious circumstances in an Iranian prison. Morad Tahbaz is the CEO of the Persian Wildlife Heritage Foundation and former president of Empire Resorts. He attended Colgate University and Columbia Business School. He is an upstanding American citizen who does not deserve to be treated like a criminal, nor a political pawn, by a rogue regime as he promotes the extraordinary heritage of Persia. The Obama administration caved to the dangerous ransom deals with Iran, but ``strategic patience'' only emboldened them to subjugate the brave citizens of Iran. As the Iranian Government continues to undermine peace, free nations must work together to address this serious threat. I support Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley in calling for the release of all American citizens unjustly detained in Iran. 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 happy to congratulate Summer Buchanan Bravo and her husband, Matthew Edward Bravo, on the birth of their new baby girl, Sloane Dachisen Bravo. Sloane Dachisen Bravo was born on February 3, 2018, at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C. Sloane weighed seven pounds and eight ounces and measured 19 and \3/4\ inches long. I would also like to congratulate Sloane's grandparents, Steve and Barbara Buchanan of Birmingham, Alabama, and Charles and Linda Bravo of Fairfax, 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. I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on this measure.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. As I close, I want to commend the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, which continues the noble work of accounting for our missing troops and personnel day in and day out around the world. I also want to express gratitude to those groups that continue to keep the home fires burning bright for the many families still awaiting concrete information on their loved ones. These include: The National League of POW/MIA Families; The American Legion; The Veterans of Foreign Wars; The Disabled American Veterans; The Jewish War Veterans;

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of H. Res. 129, which recommits us to the sacred task of accounting fully for our troops who are still missing and unaccounted for in past wars and conflicts. From World War II onward, more than 82,000 U.S. personnel have not come home and are not accounted for. That means that for tens of thousands of American families, friends, and comrades in arms, the pain of uncertainty continues to this very day. This resolution also calls upon foreign nations to fully cooperate and to provide the Defense POW-MIA Accounting Agency with all information on our missing personnel that those countries may have. It is especially appropriate that we are considering this resolution this week, which marks the 45th anniversary of Operation Homecoming, which secured the return of more than 550 American prisoners of war from Vietnam. This group that left Hanoi on February 12, 1973, included an American fighter pilot whose F-4 had been shot down over North Vietnam in 1966. When he ejected from his plane, he had suffered a broken arm, a broken back, and a dislocated shoulder, but that was only the start of his ordeal. This pilot spent nearly 7 years as a prisoner of war, enduring torture, abuse, and an incomprehensible 3 years in solitary confinement. For 18 months, he shared a cell with Senator John McCain at the infamous ``Hanoi Hilton.'' For his service and heroism, he was awarded two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, one Bronze Star with Valor, two Purple Hearts, and numerous other deserved awards. After that pilot returned home, he stated: ``The freedoms that most Americans take for granted are, in fact, real and must be preserved. I have returned to a great nation, and our sacrifices have been well worth the effort. I pledge to continue to serve and fight to protect the freedoms and ideals that the United States stands for.'' Well, we know that that pilot did continue to serve, not only in the military. He is a former combat warrior and prisoner of war, an American hero, and a Member of Congress. His name is Sam Johnson, and we are honored by his presence in the Chamber today. I want to thank Congressman Johnson for introducing this resolution. But even more, we all, every American, want to thank him for his life of valor and service. H. Res. 129 is an opportunity to renew our pledge to our men and women in uniform and to the families of those who have gone missing in service to our country. We will leave no one behind, and we will not forget your solemn sacrifices laid upon the altar of freedom. I urge support for this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Armed Services, Washington, DC, February 12, 2018. Hon. Edward R. Royce, Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: I am writing to you concerning H. Res. 129, a resolution ``Calling on the Department of Defense, other appropriate elements of the Federal Government, and foreign governments to resolutely continue efforts to investigate, recover, and identify all United States personnel designated as unaccounted for from past wars and conflicts around the world.'' There are certain provisions in the resolution which fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on Armed Services. In the interest of permitting your committee to proceed expeditiously to floor consideration of this important legislation, I am willing to waive this committee's further consideration of H. Res. 129. I do so with the understanding that by waiving consideration of the resolution, the Committee on Armed Services does not waive any future jurisdictional claim over the subject matters contained in the legislation which fall within its Rule X jurisdiction. Please place a copy of this letter and your response acknowledging our jurisdictional interest into the Congressional Record during consideration of the measure on the House floor. Thank you for the cooperative spirit in which you have worked regarding this matter and others between our respective committees. Sincerely, William M. ``Mac'' Thornberry, Chairman.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the following loving obituary is a deserved tribute to a true Southern Lady of South Carolina who made a positive, meaningful difference for others with nearly 104 years of life. Dorothy Calhoun Wilson Rogers (``Dot'') died February 9, 2018 at McLeod Hospice in Florence, SC. A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Bennettsville, SC with a reception to follow at the Church. Dot was born February 18, 1914 in Macon, GA. She was the daughter of the late Harry Gardelle Wilson and Corrie Hartzog Boineau Wilson. She was predeceased by her husband of 69 years, Frederick Alexander Rogers, Jr., her twin brother Harry Gardelle Wilson, her younger brother Hugh deVeaux Wilson, her daughter Harriett Rogers Drake, her son-in-law Julian Moyd Drake, and a grandson, Frederick Alexander Rogers IV. She is survived by her children--Frederick Alexander Rogers, III of Beaufort, SC and Judith Rogers Gibson (Frank) of Wilmington, NC, and by six grandchildren--Hamilton Rogers Drake (Nancy), Julie Drake McCue (Joey), Smilie Gregg Rogers (Mary Kathryn), Kinchen Council Rogers, Frank Byron Gibson III, Faison Gibson Sutton (Hunter), numerous great grandchildren and extended family. Throughout her adult life, Dot was an active and devoted communicant of the Episcopal Church. Her steadfast faith and detailed knowledge of the Bible and the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer were legendary among her family and friends. At her death she maintained her membership at All Saints Episcopal Church, Florence, SC. She was also a member of the DAR and the Huguenot Society of SC. Dot majored in fine arts at USC and was a prolific and gifted artist. She saw her art as a means of glorification of God's creation. She enjoyed many notable accomplishments, including being one of the founding artists of the Petite Louvre Art Gallery, Charleston, SC, and membership in the Charleston and South Carolina Artists Guilds. She took special pleasure in teaching art to others, especially her family. Her work and creative vision will always be cherished by her family and friends. Dot's life was full of love and joy, family and friends, creativity and intellectual curiosity. Dot lived out her faith every day and to know her was to experience the joy and peace that comes from a personal relationship with Christ. She will be missed and remembered with much affection by all whom she enriched with her beautiful smile and her faith and courage. The family would especially like to thank the Methodist Manor, her personal caregivers, McLeod Hospice, and All Saints Episcopal Church for all the loving care shown to Dot. Memorials may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 306 Fayetteville Ave., Bennettsville, South Carolina 29512, All Saints Episcopal Church, 1425 Cherokee Rd., Florence, SC 29501, or to the charity of one's choice.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3542) to impose sanctions against Hamas for gross violations of internationally recognized human rights by reason of the use of civilians as human shields, and for other purposes, as amended.

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

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen), who chairs the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa.

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