Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 129) calling on the Department of Defense, other elements of the Federal Government, and foreign governments to intensify efforts to investigate, recover, and identify all missing and unaccounted-for personnel of the United States, as amended.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson), the author of this measure, a former fighter pilot and prisoner of war, and a true American hero.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations; and a longstanding leader on behalf of veterans' issues.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), chairman of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organizations.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. First, I would like to thank Congressman Sherman for his leadership in this bipartisan legislation, which will make a difference on behalf of the people of Gaza and on behalf of the people of Israel. The terrorists of Hamas hide behind school children, hospital patients, and other vulnerable civilians. This cowardly use of human shields is a grave human rights abuse that must be stopped, which sacrifices the lives of innocent Palestinians. I again want to thank the bipartisan sponsors of the Hamas Human Shields Prevention Act, which deserves our unanimous support, and, in particular, I point out the cosponsorship by the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Moulton). Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the coauthor of this legislation and a good friend, Congressman Seth Moulton from Massachusetts, a valued Iraq veteran; as well as the original cosponsors, Congresswoman Ileana Ros- Lehtinen and Congressman Ted Deutch. I also appreciate Chairman Ed Royce and the House Foreign Affairs Committee for allowing it to proceed to a floor vote. H.R. 3542, the Hamas Human Shields Prevention Act, will sanction Hamas for violating human rights standards by using civilians as human shields. For far too long, Hamas has taken shelter and launched offenses against Israel from civilian areas, including schools, hospitals, and mosques. Their cowardly actions knowingly and carelessly put innocent lives at risk and are a gross violation of human rights and international law. Last June, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA, discovered Hamas tunnels under two of its schools in Gaza, demonstrating how they knowingly integrate terrorist operations with children in civilian areas. Sadly, the Iranians and Hamas are willing to fight to the last Palestinian man, woman, and child in their quest to annihilate the people of Israel. Yet neither Hamas nor Iran have been properly held accountable by responsible nations for their crimes against humanity. Unfortunately, the prior U.S. administration never raised this as a serious issue with the Iranians. The cowardly Iranians and Hamas sacrifice innocent Palestinians for their self-destructive ideology. The world must face the threat of Hamas as it continues to perpetrate atrocities against civilians by using them as human shields. This legislation imposes direct sanctions against any Hamas terrorist who is responsible for using human shields. This bill, Hamas Human Shields Prevention Act, encourages the U.S. Permanent Representative to the United Nations to secure a U.N. Security Council multilateral resolution imposing sanctions against Hamas for the use of human shields. It would also sanction foreign governments and individuals who provide material and financial support to Hamas, which would cut off the resources that allow Hamas to terrorize civilians. I appreciate that Ambassador Nikki Haley has been outspoken against the murderous terrorists in the global war on terrorism. I believe this legislation will promote working to ensure that lives of innocent civilians of the citizens of Gaza are spared by proactively imposing strong sanctions against Hamas and their murderous actions. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on the Judiciary, Washington, DC, February 7, 2018. Hon. Edward R. Royce, Chairman, Committee on Foreign Affairs, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Royce: I write with respect to H.R. 3542, the ``Hamas Human Shields Prevention Act.'' As a result of your having consulted with us on provisions within H.R. 3542 that fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on the Judiciary, I forego any further consideration of this bill so that it may proceed expeditiously to the House floor for consideration. The Judiciary Committee takes this action with our mutual understanding that by foregoing consideration of H.R. 3542 at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over subject matter contained in this or similar legislation and that our committee will be appropriately consulted and involved as this bill or similar legislation moves forward so that we may address any remaining issues in our jurisdiction. Our committee also reserves the right to seek appointment of an appropriate number of conferees to any House-Senate conference involving this or similar legislation and asks that you support any such request. I would appreciate a response to this letter confirming this understanding with respect to H.R. 3542 and would ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration of the bill. Sincerely, Bob Goodlatte, Chairman.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on February 1, 2018, a memorial service was conducted at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne, Louisiana, to honor the life of Dr. James R. Bush, Jr. I include in the Record the following thoughtful obituary published in The Crowley-Post Signal on January 27, 2018: A Funeral Mass will be held at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Thursday, Feb. 1, for Dr. James R. Bush, Jr., 68, who died Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, at his home surrounded by his family. A rosary will be said Thursday, Feb. 1, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. The services will be officiated by Fr. William ``Bill'' Roskoski and Deacon Tommy Adams. He is survived by his mother, Betty Bush of Rayne; his wife of 44 years, Mary Bush of Rayne; two sons, Michael Bush and wife Courtney of Rayne, and John Bush and wife Lindsey of Crowley; two daughters, Mary Katharine Dore and husband Jason of Washington, D.C., and Elizabeth Leonards and husband Luke of Lafayette; a brother, David Bush and wife Sandra of Rayne; two sisters, Nancy Stutes of Baton Rouge and Elizabeth Mooney and husband Mike of Rayne; six grandchildren, Vivian, M.J., Jack-Thomas, Eleanor, William and Mary-Cynthia; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Dr. James R. Bush, Sr.; a brother, Jerome Bush; two nephews, Ben Stutes and Dereck Bush; and a brother-in-law, Darrell Stutes. Dr. Bush was born April 8, 1949, in Church Point to Dr. and Mrs. James R. Bush, Sr. A 1967 graduate of Rayne High School he earned his bachelor of science degree from USL in Lafayette. He went on to complete studies at the LSU School of Dentistry in New Orleans in 1975. He practiced dentistry in Baton Rouge between 1975 and 1985, after which, he returned home and served the Rayne community from 1986 until 2009. Dr. Bush was a member of the Rayne Lions Club and the 6th District Dental Association. He will be remembered not only as a kind and loving person, always willing to help in any way possible; but, also as a compassionate dentist and caregiver who cared for all his patients.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on February 3, 2018, a memorial service was conducted at the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Annapolis, Maryland, to honor the life of Brigadier General Vernon Rodney Tate, Sr. I include in the Record the following obituary published in The Post and Courier on February 1, 2018: Brigadier General Vernon Rodney ``Rod'' Tate, Sr. passed away peacefully on January 28, 2018, in his home on Daniel Island, South Carolina, with his beloved wife, Lynn, his children and two faithful rescue cats, Frankie and Cooper, by his side. He celebrated his 80th birthday this past November with family. Rod was born on November 18, 1937, in Washington, D.C. to Dr. Vernon Dale Tate and Katherine Ann (Moore) Tate, and lived his childhood years in Hingham, Massachusetts. Rod earned his Eagle Scout rank as member of Troop 25 in Hingham, Massachusetts. He moved to Annapolis with his family in 1954 when his father began serving as Director of Libraries at the U.S. Naval Academy. Rod graduated from Cushing Academy, Ashburnham, Massachusetts, in 1957. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland in 1961, where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and the University of Maryland Swim Team. He later received a Masters of Business Administration at George Washington University with a focus on International Marketing in 1967. Rod began his career working at Xerox Corporation. He later founded Nationwide Fulfillment Systems located in Ridgely, Maryland, serving Fortune 500 companies. During this time, he served in the U.S. Air Force and spent his last five years in service as a Brigadier General, USAF, working in the Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), which included duties at the Pentagon, Office of Secretary of the Air Force. He was also a Mobilization Assistant to the Inspector General (SAFIG). Upon retirement from the Air Force, Brigadier General Tate received the Distinguished Service Medal. Rod and his late wife, Missy, founded Weems Creek Nursery School and Kindergarten, Annapolis, MD in 1972, which, 46 years later continues making a difference in children's lives. They also established Super Skate roller rink together in 1979. During retirement, Rod and his son, Vernon (Skip) Rodney Tate, Jr. founded Recreation World RV Center, Annapolis, MD. Over his lifetime, Rod was involved in many philanthropic causes, serving in various capacities including Anne Arundel Medical Center, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Annapolis, the Annapolis Area Christian School, the Summit School, Cushing Academy, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and other organizations. Rod was a member of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Annapolis, the Annapolis Yacht Club (AYC), the Rehoboth Beach Country Club, U.S. Naval Academy Golf Club, and the New Providence Club in Annapolis. Most recently, he has cherished his time attending East Cooper Baptist Church, Mount Pleasant, SC and hosting weekly Bible studies with his wife. He was an active member at the Daniel Island Club. Rod lived a full life and enjoyed sailing and Wednesday Night Races at AYC, traveling, golf, restoring historic homes, was an automobile enthusiast, and most of all, cherished spending time with his family. Rod is survived by his wife, Lynn of 10 years; his sons, Vernon Rodney (Skip) Tate, Jr., (Katharine), William Paul Tate; his daughters, Hilda Margaret (Maggie) Tate Riith (Michael), all from Annapolis and Elizabeth Downing Jowett, (Marshall) of Yale, Michigan, from his 43 year marriage with the late Missy Tate; ten grandchildren; and a sister, Charlotte Tate Bendell (Alfred) of Hagerstown, MD. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 2, 2018, from 5:00pm-8:00pm at the John M. Taylor Funeral Home, 147 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD. The service will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 2:00pm at the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Annapolis, 710 Ridgely Avenue, Annapolis, MD. Interment will follow at the St. Margaret's Episcopal Church Cemetery, 1601 Pleasant Plains Road, Annapolis, MD. Those wishing to do so may make donations to one of the philanthropies mentioned above, Respite Care Charleston, Dementia & Alzheimer's Support, the Charleston Animal Society or the Senior Dog Sanctuary of Maryland. Condolences may be sent to the family at wwwjohnmtaylorfuneralhome.com.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, tragically, in the last week, I have been impacted by two train wrecks, and I have also seen firsthand civilian heroes rise to the challenges. The first, on Wednesday, was the trash truck collision in Crozet, Albemarle County, Virginia, where my wife, Roxanne, and I were passengers. It was inspiring to see immediately physician Members of Congress race to those injured in the wreck led by Congressman Brad Wenstrup from Ohio and Roger Marshall from Kansas and heroically assisted by registered nurse Lily Knight, wife of Congressman Steve Knight from California. First responders and emergency personnel were professional and showed great courage. Yesterday, an Amtrak train collided with a parked freight train in my home community of Pine Ridge, South Carolina. The passengers thoughtfully cared for each other as emergency personnel and law enforcement from Cayce and Pine Ridge, and Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon, working with State officials, provided assistance coordinated by Governor Henry McMaster. The American Red Cross, along with Lexington School District Two, established a shelter for victims. I am grateful that Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao called with her sympathy and assurance of Federal support. Our deepest condolences go out to the families who have suffered a loss in these accidents and our prayers for the quick recovery for all injured. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, The Epoch Times this month presented an extraordinary expose by economist Daniel Lacalle that Cuba ``still serves as the best example of why communism doesn't work and will never work.'' Cuba was once one of Latin America's wealthiest countries when Communists seized power. But now the Castro regime--like any socialist government--is a machine of squandering subsidies. Between 1960 and 1990, Cuba received more than $65 billion from the Soviet Union, also hundreds of millions of dollars from international organizations. Despite this, the NationMaster ranking ranks Cuba last, 176th in the world, with an average salary of $25.05 per month in 2014. The only way Cuba can catch up with other developing countries is by ridding itself of communism. Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher has been proven right again: ``The trouble with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money.'' In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Madam Speaker, our sympathy this week goes to the people of Afghanistan in the global war who have suffered mass murders in Kabul by the Taliban, reaffirming that we must defeat terrorism overseas.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this weekend, South Carolinians saw the damaging impacts of the Schumer shutdown: 2,200 servicemembers in the South Carolina National Guard who had drill scheduled were forced to go home after driving across the State from all over the Southeast. I know firsthand of the disruption, as a Guard veteran myself and grateful dad of three sons who have served in the Guard overseas. Additionally, 70 soldiers who were operating on Active Duty Operational Support orders had their orders terminated and will no longer have insurance or income as of today. Approximately 750 Federal technicians who handle mechanics for the South Carolina National Guard will be laid off today. This is not only devastating to families, it will negatively impact the readiness of our forces, which I recognize as chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee. The Guard has 80 soldiers who were planning to attend necessary training this weekend, but those drills have been canceled, resulting in soldiers not being qualified or eligible for promotion due to missing training. This serves as a sad example of just the impact on the South Carolina Guard members. Senate Democrats need to stop holding military funding hostage. 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, yesterday the editors of the National Review explained the Schumer shutdown clearly in their editorial, ``Hang Tough, Republicans.'' In no uncertain terms, Senate Democrats have blocked a bill to keep the Federal Government running and fund the Children's Health Insurance Program for the next 6 years. Senate Democrats have made a choice not to keep the government open. A government shutdown does not benefit anyone. It causes irreparable harm to our military. Over 100,000 National Guard members will be sent home from weekend training, and over 2 million servicemembers will have their pay disrupted by the Senate Democrats' partisan politics. As chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee, I know that military readiness is at risk; yet the government would be fully open for business if Democrats had not voted against the bill, a bill that has nothing of substance that they oppose, to get leverage for a policy they favor. This Schumer shutdown could have been avoided if Senate Democrats had prioritized funding at-risk children and troops over political grandstanding. Sadly, the Democrats' negotiating stance is: Give us amnesty or we will make the government shut down and blame you Republicans. This is an unreasonable position. Hang tough, Republicans. 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 American families that today marks the first year of the Presidency of Donald Trump. We can rejoice in his successes of promoting peace through strength abroad and economic opportunity at home; that America is being restored as a beacon of freedom and liberty. ISIS is now really being defeated with his call for victory supporting our military. The economy is booming with jobs and skyrocketing stock markets. His dedication for all Americans is clear, as African-American unemployment is at a 17-year low and Latino unemployment is at a record low. The Democrat response has been mean-spirited obstructionism of resistance. Last month, Senate Democrats opposed the tax cuts, which clearly benefit workers. And now, last night, Senate Democrats shut down the government in an ugly effort to smear the President while distracting the American people from the President's achievements on his anniversary. I have just learned, in fact, that Senate Democrats are closing National Guard armories across our States today at noon, putting our military readiness and troops at risk. I am confident that, with the positive leadership of Speaker Paul Ryan, House Republicans will continue to be the adults in the room for American families. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Thank you, President Trump, for your heartfelt address to the historic March for Life yesterday on The Mall.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on January 11, 2018, South Carolina lost a dedicated statesman with the death of John Edgar Bourne, Jr. In 1971, Bourne was a visionary and led the incorporation of the City of North Charleston, South Carolina. He continued to preside over North Charleston's expansion as Mayor for nearly 20 years, to where today it is the state's third largest city. My mother worked for Senator Bourne in his real estate firm, and I am grateful for his leadership as one of South Carolina's first Republican state senators in the Twentieth Century. I include in the Record the following thoughtful obituary, published in The Post and Courier on January 11, 2018: John Edgar Bourne, Jr., 90, of North Charleston, SC, died Thursday, January 11, 2018. The family will receive friends Monday January 15, 2018, in the Felix C. Davis Center, Park Circle, North Charleston, SC, from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm where a Service of Remembrance will be held at 2:00 pm. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Northwoods Chapel. John was born December 4, 1927 in Conway, SC, son of the late John Edgar Bourne and the late Mary Thelma Bland Bourne. He was a veteran of the US a retired realtor, a member of Cooper River Baptist Church and the first Mayor of North Charleston. He is survived by two daughters, Mary Bourne (Patrick) Bos and Carol Bourne Toman of North Charleston, SC; three sisters: Irma Gasque, Joan Jordan, Margie Bercume all of Conway, SC; ten grandchildren: Duncan (Mardi) Padgett, Sam (Shannon) Padgett, Alicia (David) Callahan, Troy (Laurie) Bos, Matthew (Amy) Heath, Sarah (Rudy) Estrada, Natalie (Paul) Hernandez, Nick (Kat) Bourne, Katie Bourne, John B. (Marissa) Bourne. He was preceded in death by his wife, Blanche Holt Bourne; son, John E. Bourne III; brothers, Frankie Bourne and Morris Bourne. He leaves behind 17 great- grandchildren. He also says goodbye to his most faithful four legged companion, Buddy, a rescued West Highland Terrier. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to American Red Cross Carolina Low Country Chapter, 2424 City Hall Lane Suite #A, Charleston, SC 29406 and/or Charleston Animal Society, 2455 Remount Road, North Charleston, SC 29406. Living plants will be replanted in the parks of North Charleston for all citizens to enjoy.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, South Carolina is appreciating the patriotic service of Summit Mayor Rosalyn Reeder who passed away Sunday, January 14, 2018. Mayor Reeder was a proud patriot as Mayor and as a U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer. I will always cherish my pleasant surprise to meet with her and fellow Seabees in Fallujah, Iraq in 2005, where she made such a difference establishing infrastructure for a civil society in Iraq include in the Record the following obituary, published in The State on January 17, 2018: Rosalyn Mary Reeder, 64, passed away Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018 at Warriors Walk, Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia, SC. A memorial will be held in Rosalyn's honor from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018 at Shiloh Methodist Church, 1000 Spring Hill Rd., Gilbert, SC 29054. Rosalyn was born June 12, 1953 in McKeesport, PA to Mary and Larry Reeder. Surviving are her sisters Betty Jo, Cheryl, and brother John, and she was proceeded in death by her sister Loretta. She was a loving Aunt to 12 nieces and nephews. Rosalyn graduated from Midlands Tech and retired from the U.S. Navy as a Chief Petty Officer, serving for 20 years, and completing tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. A driving force, she was the Mayor of Summit, SC accomplishing several community projects and supported a population of over 430 people. Rosalyn was the heart of her family, caring for everyone she met. With her Chihuahua, Izzy, by her side she never hesitated to put others first. In her final years, she resided with her Aunt, Zu Martin, and lived life to the fullest. Her bigger than life personality will forever be missed and never forgotten. Anchors Aweigh!

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

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

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful in unity with the thousands of dedicated citizens traveling to Washington this week for the 45th annual March for Life. The vision is of a world where every life is valued and protected. It is one I support every day in Congress. Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to meet with Ryan Bomberger in Columbia. Although Ryan's biological mother was raped, she chose life for Ryan and gave him an opportunity to grow up in a loving, adopted family. His witness and success demonstrate the importance of ensuring that the unborn have an opportunity for a fulfilling life. I also appreciate the commitment and enthusiasm of the South Carolina Citizens for Life executive director, Holly Gatling. Through her hard work and the efforts from the South Carolina Citizens for Life team, hundreds of people, including myself, gathered at the statehouse steps this month for the Stand Up for Life Rally with Bishop Robert Guglielmone of Charleston and Attorney General Alan Wilson. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Congratulations to Republicans Nancy Mace of Charleston and Ashley Trantham of Greenville for their elections to the South Carolina House of Representatives.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, all American families benefit when the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at a record high of nearly 26,000 last week. Students benefit as college endowments grow, reducing tuition costs. Retirees benefit as their retirement accounts appreciate. With increased liquidity, jobs are created for small businesses. It is undeniable that the stock market, with the positive leadership of President Trump, has soared. Rush Limbaugh was correct on his program today that the growth is unprecedented. One year after President Trump was elected, the stock market increased by 28.5 percent. Today, the Dow Jones hit another record high, up over 7,200 points since the 2016 election. Since the start of the year, the stock market has already reached six new record highs. I am grateful for the leadership of President Trump, who has tweeted this achievement, with the leadership of Speaker Paul Ryan and House Republicans. This has promoted economic growth through the anticipation and enactment of bills creating immediate jobs, reduced regulations to allow small businesses to begin hiring again, and reformed our Tax Code so that families will be able to keep more of their hard-earned paycheck. 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, yesterday, I was grateful to learn that Tidewater Boats, led by Jimmy Metts, is investing $8.3 million to expand their manufacturing facility in Lexington, South Carolina. This investment will create 100 new jobs. This news is on top of AFLAC announcing that they will be expanding their 700 employees in Columbia, South Carolina, managed by Daniel Lebish, and doubling their employee 401K matching funds. On the same day Republicans passed historic tax cuts, AT&T led by Pam Lackey announced they are providing 200,000 employees a $1,000 bonus. Comcast, whose leader in South Carolina is Douglas Guthrie, will be providing $1,000 bonuses to 100,000 employees. BB&T, a valued corporate citizen led by Mike Brennan, will be raising their employee wages to $15 an hour and providing a $1,200 bonus for 27,000 employees. Boeing of Charleston, led by Joan Robinson-Berry, announced they will be donating $100 million to charity that focuses on education, local communities, veterans and military personnel. But the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is not only for businesses. I appreciate that next month, American families will see more of their own money in their paychecks. In conclusion, God Bless our Troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism. Best wishes to Chairman Darrell Issa and Kathy Issa for their dedicated service as they announce their retirement. We look forward to their continued service for the American people.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I was grateful to learn that Tidewater Boats is investing $8.3 million to expand their manufacturing facility in Lexington, South Carolina, creating 100 new jobs. This news is on top of Aflac announcing they will be expanding their 700 employees in Columbia, South Carolina, and doubling their employee 401(k) matching funds. On the same day Republicans passed historic tax cuts, AT&T, led by Pam Lackey, announced they are providing 200,000 employees a $1,000 bonus. Comcast will be providing $1,000 bonuses to 100,000 employees. BB&T, a valued corporate citizen led by Mike Brennan, will be raising their employee wages to $15 an hour and providing a $1,200 bonus for 27,000 employees. Boeing of Charleston announced they will be donating $100 million to charities that focus on education, local communities, veterans, and military personnel. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is not only for businesses. I appreciate that next month American families will see more of their own money in their paycheck. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Best wishes to Darrell Issa and Kathy Issa for their dedicated service as they announce retirement. We look forward to their continued service for the American people.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, congratulations to W. Brunson DePass, III, and Emily Barnhill DePass on the birth of their son William Brunson DePass, IV, born at 4:47 p.m., Saturday, January 6, 2018, at Baptist Medical Center of Columbia, South Carolina, weighing six pounds and fourteen ounces. He is welcomed by his grateful grandparents William (Rusty) B. DePass, Jr. and Susan Parker DePass along with Jane Arnold Barnhill and Edward (Butch) D. Barnhill, Jr., Esq.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week, I had the opportunity to visit every county in the district I represent on an annual agenda day tour. I shared with local media and constituents the legislative agenda for 2018, as well as my appreciation for the Republican tax reform bill, which has already created jobs. While walking through Walgreens 2 weeks ago, the owner of Mooneyhan's Auto Service, Bill Mooneyhan, told me that, as a direct result of Republican tax cuts, he is adding a new bay to his shop. Nephron Pharmaceuticals of Cayce, led by Lou and Bill Kennedy, announced an annual $1,000 pay increase and is adding 125 jobs in Lexington County. American Airlines and Aflac are adding jobs, while countless other businesses are providing pay increases and bonuses for their employees. I am grateful for the leadership of President Donald Trump, Speaker Paul Ryan, Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Republican Whip Steve Scalise, and Chairman Kevin Brady. I thank them for providing much- needed tax relief for citizens to create jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Best wishes to Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed and Marie Royce on their decision to conclude service in Congress.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans are delivering on the first meaningful tax cuts in a generation. These tax cuts are in the tradition of Ronald Reagan, allowing American families to keep more of their hard-earned paychecks and creating jobs. Over 80 percent of hardworking American families will keep more of their own money. As early as February, American families will see more of their own money revealed in their paychecks. Additionally, by lowering the corporate tax to 21 percent, American businesses will become more competitive overseas and jobs will be created, such as Nephron Pharmaceuticals, led by Lou and Bill Kennedy of Cayce. I am grateful for the success of Speaker Paul Ryan, Chairman Kevin Brady, and all House Republicans in delivering tax cuts for American families. In the words of the great President Ronald Reagan: ``Whenever we lower our tax rates, our entire Nation is better off.'' In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. I want to thank Ambassador Nikki Haley for standing tall with President Donald Trump for recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. God Bless Guatemala, courageously led by President Jimmy Morales, for being a friend of America today in the United Nations.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, we are thinking of my family friend Martin Whitmer and his wife, the former Julie Thurmond, as Martin is scheduled for open heart surgery this Thursday, December 14. We pray for his family in this difficult time and have faith that he will recuperate quickly to become even stronger than before.