Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, Americans are grateful that last week, under the courageous leadership of President Donald Trump, Marco Rubio, Pete Hegseth, General Dan Caine, Pam Bondi, and John Ratcliffe, that our professional military completed an inspiring, legal operation to arrest Venezuela dictator Maduro and his wife. Dictator Maduro rigged elections and also operated a murderous, drug- dealing regime. Drug cartels, which killed hundreds of thousands of young Americans, have now been damaged. The murderous axis of evil of war criminal Putin, Iranian and Cuban regimes, and the Chinese Communist Party are unraveling, exposing dictators with rule of gun which invade democracies with rule of law. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump, mocking Trump, with ghost Russian tankers financing the Maduro murderous dictatorship. Our prayers for a speedy recovery for Dr. Jim Baird and his wife, Danise.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Doug LaMalfa, American patriot, will always be appreciated for his dedicated service for families. In 2025, House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, worked closely with President Donald Trump with real results for American families first. Promises made. Promises kept. There was Republican success on border security, unleashing American energy, keeping money in the pockets of families through lower taxes, and more. House Republicans passed 441 bills, and 70 executive orders were codified. Passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act created jobs and prevented the largest tax increase in history. Republicans passed effective border enforcement with enhanced border infrastructure and funded military readiness to defeat the axis of evil: war criminal Putin, the Chinese Communist Party, and Teheran murderers. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting and mocking Trump, fabricating a nonexistent attack on the Putin mansion. With President Donald Trump, I look forward to a legislative year dedicated to the memory of Congressman Doug LaMalfa.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on the very day war criminal Putin, in Moscow, boasted he would achieve his goals by ``negotiations or war'' by annexing Ukraine into a failed resurrected Soviet Union, he unleashed a murderous assault on civilians in Odessa, as exposed by Ukrainian Prayer Breakfast Leader Pavel Unguryan. I include in the Record, the following statement: ``Dear friend, dear brother, my country--and especially my city, Odesa--has endured the most intense attacks in the entire time since the war began. Just try to grasp this: for the second day in a row, more than three hundred different missiles--hypersonic, cruise missiles, Kinzhal systems, and many other types of weapons in the arsenal of the Russian Federation--have been launched against our city. At this moment, Odesa is completely without electricity. There is no water, no heating. People are living in fear and deep uncertainty, not knowing how they will survive the coming days. Tomorrow is Sunday-- the day we gather to go to church. We have already experienced worship services without electricity many times, relying on generators. But to hold a service without water is something we have never faced before, and honestly, we do not yet know how to handle this situation. A city of more than one million people is now without water, without electricity, and without heating. This is how the criminal Putin demonstrates today--to European leaders, to President Trump, and to the entire world--his so-called readiness to end the war, his desire for peace negotiations, and his ``good intentions.'' I humbly and urgently ask you to stand with us in prayer these days--for our people, for our city, and for our country. This is truly an extremely heavy and painful time for all of us. With love and deep gratitude, your brother, Pavel.''

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on December 16, 2025, America lost a Devoted Patriot with the death of Norman Podhoretz. As Hugh Hewitt, Fox News contributor said, ``What a great American Norman Podhoretz was.'' I include in the Record a grateful review of his accomplishments in his obituary below, published and written by Legacy: Norman Harold Podhoretz, a towering and often contentious figure in American political thought whose editorial leadership at Commentary magazine helped shape the neoconservative movement, died December 16, 2025, in New York City at the age of 95. Born January 16, 1930, Podhoretz grew up in New York City, in Brooklyn's Brownsville neighborhood. He was the son of Jewish immigrants. Podhoretz attended Boys High School in Brooklyn's Bedford-- Stuyvesant neighborhood and earned his undergraduate degree in English literature from Columbia University in 1950. He also studied at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America and received degrees from Clare College, Cambridge University. After serving in the U.S. Army in the 1950s, Podhoretz began his career as a promising young literary critic, contributing to Commentary by the early '50s. By 1960, at just 30 years old, he was named editor-in-chief of Commentary, the influential magazine of the American Jewish Committee. Under his stewardship until 1995, he transformed it from a relatively modest journal into a leading platform for neoconservative thought. His editorial tenure helped launch and elevate the careers of figures such as Jeane Kirkpatrick and Daniel Patrick Moynihan, whose essays in Commentary contributed to their later roles in public service. Podhoretz authored numerous books, most notably his 1967 memoir ``Making It,'' which candidly recounted his rise from a Brooklyn upbringing to the center of American intellectual life. His political evolution from liberal literary critic to one of the nation's most vocal conservative commentators marked much of his career. Often provocative, he pressed for assertive U.S. foreign policy and became a leading voice against Soviet detente and later, in the post-9/11 era, global radical Islam. In 2004, Podhoretz received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States' highest civilian honor, from President George W. Bush in recognition of his influence on public discourse. Podhoretz was married to Midge Decter, a fellow conservative writer and editor, from 1956 until her death in 2022. They had two children together: John Podhoretz, a conservative columnist and editor, and Ruthie Blum, a journalist. He also was stepfather to Rachel Decter Abrams, who predeceased him. In announcing his death, his son said his father was ``a man of great wit and a man of deep wisdom and he lived an astonishing and uniquely American life.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, South Carolinians are grateful that Hoffman & Hoffman is expanding within the 2nd District of South Carolina. Established in 1947, Hoffman & Hoffman serves as a leader in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning solutions (HVAC). The new facility is expected to open in the second quarter of 2026 and will allow Hoffman & Hoffman to consolidate their existing Lexington County offices and grow its operations in the state. The $8.5 million investment will create 60 new jobs, strengthen the local economy, and enhance career opportunities across the state. With a presence across the Southeast, Hoffman & Hoffman continues to demonstrate a commitment to innovation and growth. I appreciate the dedication and leadership of Chief Executive Officer, Jim Bingham. I extend my best wishes to Hoffman & Hoffman for success in their future endeavors.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise and congratulate Mrs. Beverly Moody, Occupational Health Nurse at the Savannah River Mission Completion (SRMC) in Aiken, South Carolina, on being recognized as Nurse of the Year by the South Carolina Association of Occupational Health Nurses (SCAOHN). This prestigious award is given to a nurse who exemplifies excellence in Occupational Health Nursing and has made outstanding contributions to advancing health and wellbeing through organization, educational, community, or work-site programs and activities. Mrs. Moody was selected for consistently going above and beyond to support employees at SRMC, while exemplifying compassion and dedication. She also happens to be the proud granddaughter of one of the original DuPont nurses in the 1950's. Mrs. Moody will continue to advance her profession as an occupational health nurse as she becomes president of SCAOHN in 2026. Mrs. Moody has many accomplishments to be proud of and has contributed greatly to the state. I send my warmest congratulations and best wishes. I am appreciative for all she has done for the Savannah River Site and the Palmetto State.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as we approach Christmas and families around the world gather to celebrate, it is important that we reflect on those not free to worship. Christmas is a time of joy, faith, and community. Under totalitarian dictatorships, it is a reminder that repression and fear exist. Across the globe, dictators impose crushing communist and totalitarian systems that deny basic freedoms, including the freedom of religion. Christmas celebrations are banned or subverted by war criminal Putin and the Chinese Communist Party to worship the state. America was founded that faith should be freely practiced, not state- subverted. We honor the spirit of Christmas and the values of America. Merry Christmas to all countries. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is instituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting and mocking Trump. As the New York Post editorialized, Putin sent Witkoff and Jared Kushner packing with yet more aerial assaults on Ukrainian civilians. American public support for Ukraine is growing.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Americans join President Donald Trump in expressing heartfelt recognition of the three great patriots killed and those wounded by ISIS in Syria. Iowa National Guard Sergeants William Nathaniel Howard and Edgar Brown Torres-Tovar, as well as a civilian interpreter, were remembered by Mouaz Moustafa of the Syrian Emergency Task Force, who condemned the ISIS, Iranian, and Russia collaboration. President Trump is being proven a visionary to give Syria a chance with U.S.-Syria full military cooperation and pledged serious retaliation, while praising Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa for his efforts to defeat ISIS. Ambassador Tom Barrack, the Trump envoy for Syria, correctly cites: ``Defeating ISIS on Syrian soil . . . with local forces is actively shielding America from far greater threats.'' In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting and mocking Trump, as Putin attacks utility infrastructures to freeze Ukrainians as Stalin starved Ukrainians. We extend our sympathies for Brown University college Republican vice president, Ella Cook, of the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham, Alabama; and Uzbek American, Mukhammad Aziz Umurzokov, of Virginia.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to join Republican and Democrat colleagues in passing the FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act, critical legislation that advances the Peace Through Strength priorities of President Donald Trump. Led by Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers, this bill represents the ongoing commitment for national security, modernization, servicemembers, and readiness to defend America at home and around the globe. I am particularly grateful my language was included which: Supports the Savannah River Site and nuclear modernization. Authorizes defense research programs at higher institutions like the University of South Carolina, bridging the gap between academia and national security. Repeals the Caesar Act, giving Syrians a chance for a better future after years of a murderous conflict and 54 years of sadistic dictatorship of Ba'athist Socialists. The Senate, with the leadership of Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, will have to pass this legislation so that President Trump can sign it into law on behalf of American families. In conclusion, God Bless Our Troops as the Global War on Terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting Peace Through Strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump, accelerating murderous attacks on civilian Ukrainian energy systems to freeze Ukrainians in the sadistic tradition of Stalin in order to starve Ukrainians.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize Miriam Atria on her recent retirement from Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism. As President and CEO, Miriam made a unique and significant contribution to tourism in South Carolina, helping to establish Lake Murray's reputation as the ``Jewel of South Carolina.'' She and her husband Nick are an exceptional team. Over her 42 years in the tourism industry, Miriam has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2009 Governor's Cup Award, 2015 Champion of Economic Impact on Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management Award, and the 2016 Rudy Award by the South Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association. Additionally, in 2023, she was honored with the Fred Brinkman Award at the South Carolina Governor's Conference on Tourism and Travel. Miriam had a vision for tourism in the Midlands and accomplished the opening of the Lake Murray Country Visitors Center. She was instrumental in having the historic Lorick Plantation Home moved from St. Andrews Road to its current location on North Lake Drive. The Lorick Plantation Home was built in 1840, and withstood occupation by Union troops during the Civil War. It was donated by Mrs. Helen Green Love to Capital City/Lake Murray Country and relocated in 1995 with the relocation I attended as one of Miriam's appreciated board members. I honor Miriam Atria for all her contributions for the people of South Carolina. Please join me in wishing her continued success.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to Major General MG Jami C. Shawley, the Director of Defense Policy and Strategy, and Acting Senior Director for Africa on the National Security Council. Commissioned in 1992 into Aviation through the United States Military Academy, she began her career flying AH-1 helicopters in the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea and went on to hold company, battalion, and brigade staff roles in both the 2nd Infantry Division and the 3d Infantry Division in Savannah, Georgia. She later commanded a company in the 224th Aerial Exploitation Military Intelligence Battalion. In 2006, MG Shawley re-entered active duty as an Active Guard Reserve officer. Over her distinguished career, she served in the 244th Aviation Brigade, at Human Resources Command, on staff in Headquarters, Department of the Army, and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She commanded the 2-228th Aviation Regiment as it supported simultaneous split rotations in Kuwait, Iraq, Afghanistan and in the counterdrug fight in the SOUTHCOM theater. Additionally, MG Shawley served as military advisor to the Department of State's Bureau of Counterterrorism and Countering Violent Extremism, and later as a senior crisis operations and policy officer for the bureau. She then served as the Assistant Deputy Director for the Joint Staff J5-Africa. As a general officer, she has commanded the Army Reserve Aviation Command, the 81st Readiness Division headquartered at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa in Djibouti. On a personal note, my District Director, Captain Alex Morris, served alongside MG Shawley in Djibouti. During that time, Alex had the honor of serving as Aide-de-Camp to the Commanding General, Jami Shawley, an experience he speaks very highly of. MG Shawley has an extensive military education, including the Army Aviation Basic Course and flight school, the Engineer Advanced Course, the National War College, and more. She holds two master's degrees and has received many awards and badges, including the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star, and the Senior Aviator Badge. As MG Shawley prepares to retire, we recognize and honor her extraordinary career and lifelong commitment to service. I am grateful for her leadership, sacrifice, and dedication to America. I wish her the very best in her well-earned retirement.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to Virginia J. Burnley, Chief Government Relations Officer at the United Service Organizations (USO), for her service to America over the past eight years. Virginia joined the USO senior staff team in 2017 as Senior Vice President of Government Relations and External Affairs, earning herself the title of Chief Government Relations Officer. She has excelled in this role and provided my staff and myself with outstanding service. With many accomplishments, Virginia notably has more than 30 years of experience in the nonprofit community, senior levels of federal service, state government, and the private sector. Since joining the USO, she has been a strong and steady champion for service members and their families, earning the deep respect of her colleagues and those she interacted with. As we wish the best to Virginia, I am grateful to continue working with Clint Cowan, who currently serves as Senior Director of Government Relations and External Affairs at the USO. America values Virginia's leadership, knowledge, and dedication. I wish for her continued success.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, 31 years ago, Ukraine signed the Budapest Memorandum, giving up their nuclear arsenal in exchange for territorial guarantees by America, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Sadly, it has been murderously broken by war criminal Putin as Soviets break all treaties. President Donald Trump tried to deter war criminal Putin by sending Javelin missiles to Ukraine, placing troops in Poland, and stopping Nord Stream 2. Ukrainian courage and determination is inspiring, affirmed by unity of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe led by President Pere Joan Pons with Ukraine support from U.K. MP Chair Sharon Hodgson. In conclusion, God bless our troops as Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump as the New York Post has editorialized: Putin sent Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner packing with yet more aerial assaults on Ukrainian civilians. American public support for Ukraine is growing.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Rogers for yielding. I am grateful to support the National Defense Authorization Act. I appreciate House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers for his success on peace through strength, working together with Ranking Member Adam Smith. I am grateful that the language that I proposed to support missions at the Savannah River Site and nuclear modernization was included. The two-site solution shows American commitment to peace through strength. Support for defense programs at universities like the University of South Carolina has provided for the promotion of academia and national security together. With President Trump's envoy, Tom Barrack, history is being made today for the repeal of the Caesar Act, giving Syrians a chance after 54 years of Ba'athist socialist dictatorship, a message to the dictators in Tehran. Finally, enhancing security ties with European allies to defeat war criminal Putin keeps American families safe at home. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, 1 year ago, the Syrian people achieved the historic impossible. After 12 years of murderous conflict with 54 years of Baathist socialist dictatorship, they drove out the sadistic regime of al-Assad. President Donald Trump has proclaimed successfully ``give Syria a chance.'' Under Assad, half a million people were killed, half of the nation was displaced, and 90 percent of the country was in poverty. In August, I visited Damascus with Senator Jeanne Shaheen and Trump envoy Tom Barrack and saw the devastation of war. It was inspiring, though, to meet with President al-Sharaa, his cabinet, and the diverse interfaith leaders. Syria has a real promise of stability benefiting all the Middle East, including change in Tehran. That is why both of us, a Democrat and Republican, appreciate so much the repeal of the Caesar Act, which is sanctions on the Assad regime with the full support of President Donald Trump. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting and mocking Trump, speaking lovely in the morning and conducting mass murder in the evening.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today we celebrate the 80th birthday of Dr. Hatem Hossino of Charleston, West Virginia. Dr. Hossino was born on December 7, 1945 in Salamiyeh, Syria, later emigrating to the United States. Dr. Hossino has lived the American dream. He opened his vascular and general surgery practice in Charleston, West Virginia in 1978, where he continues to practice serving the community. In February 2023, former Governor Jim Justice recognized Dr. Hossino as a Distinguished Mountaineer, noting that ``his commitment to his community and career has been an outstanding example for us all.'' I am grateful for Dr. Hossino's service to the community and for sharing his son, Omar Hossino, an invaluable contributor to our office. I wish Dr. Hossino a happy birthday, and prayers for many more.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this week, AAPICO announced a historic investment in Orangeburg, South Carolina of one hundred and twenty million dollars, which will create three hundred and ninety-two jobs. AAPICO is a publicly listed tier one automotive parts manufacturer based in the Kingdom of Thailand with more than thirty years of industry experience, that excels in the production of jigs, dies, press parts, chassis frame components, cradles, plastic parts, and forged and machined components. Sodecia Aapico JV's new 400,000-square-foot facility, located in Orangeburg, will manufacture ladder frames predominately for SUV and truck model vehicles and will open in 2027. The enduring alliance of the United States and Thailand continues to positively support the lives and economies of people in both nations. I am grateful to Ambassador Suriya Chindawongse for his continuing support of Thai relations and the U.S.-Thai Alliance Caucus, which I am grateful to Chair.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to President Donald J. Trump and the governments of the Republic of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on the signing of what has been widely described as a ``historic'' peace agreement--brokered by the United States--to bring stability to eastern Congo and chart a new course for regional cooperation signed today at the Donald J. Trump United States Institute for Peace. This accord, signed in Washington and set to formalize measures first agreed in June, stands out as a bold and necessary step toward ending decades of conflict that have devastated communities, displaced millions, and hindered development across the region. The leadership displayed by Rwandan President Paul Kagame to choose dialogue over division, collaboration over conflict, deserves recognition and respect. President Trump and President Kagame's dedication to Peace is admirable and the facilitation of Rwandan Ambassador Mathilde Mukantabana is appreciated. Today, we celebrate not just a document, but a renewed hope: hope for stability, for prosperity, hope for a future where war no longer defines entire generations. I congratulate President Trump for fostering enduring peace for the region.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize Army congressional fellow Captain Andrew ``Andy'' George for his service to America and the citizens of South Carolina. Throughout his dedication to the office, Andy has been a valued team member for legislation supporting the military and veterans. After graduating from Virginia Tech, Andy served in leadership positions within the 101st Airborne Division, including deployment to Syria with Operation Inherent Resolve. Andy later served as a special operational detachment commander for multinational exercises in Central and South America. Impressively, Andy is a White House military social aide. The only unfortunate quality about this Massachusetts native is that he is a fan of the New England Patriots. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump, and mocking Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in Moscow today as Putin threatens expanded war in Europe.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I was otherwise detained off the floor. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 306, and YEA on Roll Call No. 307.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I was otherwise detained off the floor. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 308 and AYE on Roll Call No. 309.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as we return from Thanksgiving with families and friends, I am grateful that, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, America is beating inflation, leading to lower costs, higher pay, and job creation. The cost of Thanksgiving dinner itself decreased by 5 percent, with 16 percent less for turkey. Additionally, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act is working for American families. Inflation has dropped almost in half. Gas prices are at the lowest level in 4 years. American families are saving up to $2,100. America has attracted nearly $20 trillion in foreign investments-- promises made, promises kept. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstating peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump as Putin mass murders civilians across Ukraine. As a 31-year National Guard veteran myself with three National Guard sons, our sympathy to the family of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and prayers for Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe. Both are American heroes standing for liberty and freedom in our own country.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of American families, Republicans have delivered on the promises made by President Donald Trump to create jobs for affordability. Signed into law by President Trump, appropriately on July Fourth, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act puts American families first. The law will raise wages up to $3,300 for every American worker. It eliminates taxes on Social Security for 88 percent of recipients. It permanently extends tax cuts that will create jobs. It eliminates taxes on tips, adding an average of $1,300 annually for workers. It also will eliminate taxes on overtime, adding an average of $1,400 for millions of hourly workers. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump as The Washington Times exposes today that 25 civilians were murdered yesterday by Putin near NATO ally Poland with children burned alive.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman David Wright, and Speaker Mike Johnson, House Republicans are working to increase American energy production. This will, in turn, make energy prices affordable and reliable, creating jobs. Last night, we voted to pass bills which will: Unleash nearly 19 million acres of land for oil and gas leasing, and energy infrastructure, leading to lower prices; Overturn restrictions and ensure access to over 48 billion tons of coal, enough to meet American coal needs for the next 116 years, lowering prices and creating jobs; and Repeal the Biden-era restrictions on oil and gas development for more than 1 million acres in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Promises made, promises kept of the all-of-the-above energy policies programs. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump, mocking Trump, mass murdering Ukrainian civilians, and sacrificing his own Russian and North Korean troops.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the Schumer shutdown was proven irresponsible, achieving nothing and hurting American families. Last week, I joined with Republican colleagues in voting to open the government, as Republicans originally voted in September to keep it open. Now that the 43-day Democrat shutdown, the longest in history, is over, the government can get back to work on behalf of the American people. The Democrat shutdown caused the loss of paychecks, destroyed jobs, delayed services to our military, and included the inconvenience of delayed and canceled flights worldwide. I am grateful for the leadership of President Donald Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson for promoting families first over failed political stunts. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and yesterday attacking a Turkish- flagged tanker, causing evacuation in Romania, both NATO allies that we so value. Our prayers for the recovery of South Carolina native Jesse Jackson.