Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today, July 28, 2017, a Celebration of Life was conducted for Dr. Frank S. Moore at New Covenant Presbyterian Church with services by Pastor Drew Kornreich. A resident of Aiken, South Carolina, for 25 years, Dr. Moore was a dedicated family man, beloved member of the community, and respected nuclear physicist. He will be greatly missed. The following thoughtful obituary was appropriately published in the Aiken Standard on June 20, 2017: Frank S. Moore Jr., Ph.D., passed away Monday, July 24, 2017 at his residence at the age of 81. Dr. Moore was born July 25, 1935 in Norfolk, VA to the late Frank S. Moore Sr. and the late Margaret Moore. He received his undergraduate degree from Hampden-Sydney College, his Master's degree from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and his Doctorate from the University of Georgia. He has been a resident of Aiken for the past twenty-five years. Dr. Moore retired as a Nuclear Physicist at the age of 70 from Westinghouse at the Savannah River Site. He was an avid marksman and runner all his life. In addition to his parents, Dr. Moore was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Mac Moore. He is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen Moore; two daughters, Elizabeth Corneluis (David) and Martha Ruthven (KT.); two sons, Christopher Moore and Matthew Musolf (Michelle); and four grandchildren, Allison Corneluis; Michael Corneluis, Dylan Crowell, and Jacob Crowell. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Friday, July 28, 2017 at New Covenant Presbyterian Church with Pastor Drew Kornreich officiating. Interment will follow in Southlawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Elmer Wilhite, Don Drinkwater, John Cook, Ken Odell, Jim Harris, and Claude O'Donovan. The family will receive friends beginning one hour prior to the services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Can Hope Foundation, PO Box 3694, Aiken, SC 29802.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this week The Boyd Company released their annual report confirming that South Carolina is the best State to locate or expand a business for jobs. As reported in The Spartanburg Herald-Journal on Monday, the Palmetto State ranks the lowest in the Nation in annual operating costs for advanced manufacturing companies. This success is also improved by low property taxes and being a right-to-work State, which has helped recruit high-quality jobs for South Carolina families by remarkable companies, including BMW, Michelin, Boeing, Volvo, MTU, and more. South Carolina is also a competitive State to create jobs because of our educated workforce. Working with readySC and Apprenticeship Carolina, businesses have technical colleges to close the skills gap and hire employees for highly technical jobs, enhanced with positive Federal legislation. I appreciate the leadership of local chambers of commerce in creating jobs, working with Governor Henry McMaster and Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt. 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 to Ms. Katherine B. Whitman for her dedicated service as a detailee to the House Armed Services Committee over the past six months. Katie is completing her Capitol Hill detail next month, and it is my hope that she has benefited as much from this experience as have we from her service on the subcommittee staff. Katie joined the committee during a year when the Department of Defense is struggling to recover from years of readiness account shortfalls. Katie's experience as a former surface warfare officer in the U.S. Navy along with her expertise as a budget analyst within the Office of Management and Budget proved critical in our successful effort to markup and adopt one of the broadest reaching National Defense Authorization Acts in recent memory. Her analytical prowess and tenacious appetite for data enabled an historic increase in fiscal year 2018 NDAA authorization of additional resourcing for the Department's facility readiness accounts by over 2 billion dollars. I am grateful to Katie for enduring many late nights at work. Her ``can-do'' attitude and tireless work ethic have been infectious. Her willingness to tackle new issues, and to embrace the goals I have set for the staff, were truly commendable. I have no doubt that as Katie continues her career she will achieve great things for the Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Defense, and her country. I appreciate her dedicated staff work and wish her the best in all her future endeavors.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, it is with sincere gratitude and appreciation I have the opportunity to recognize Candace Rich, legislative assistant for South Carolina's Second Congressional District. I will always appreciate Candace for her years of service on behalf of the people of South Carolina. A native of Virginia, Candace is an esteemed alumna of the University of South Carolina, with degrees in history and political science. She also earned a master's of arts in instruction and curriculum from Angelo State University. She is truly dedicated to public service, beginning as an intern in the district office starting in 2010 before joining the staff in 2014. Candace's experience on healthcare, education, and workforce issues, combined with a genuine desire to serve constituents, has made a difference. Candace was crucial in helping Republicans pass and have signed a record number of bills this year. It is with mixed feelings but great happiness that I bid Candace farewell. She is moving on next week to a new role teaching social studies at Central High School in San Angelo, Texas. I know her parents, Tim and Angela, along with her brothers, Aaron and Adam, join me in recognizing her achievements. 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 morning at Cameron, South Carolina, I was grateful to join EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt, Senator Lindsey Graham, Attorney General Alan Wilson, and Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers to discuss the waters of the United States rule published by the prior administration. This harmful rule geometrically expanded intrusion of the Federal Government, imposing greater Federal overreach, dictating the definition of waterways, and destroying jobs of original conservationists who promote a clean environment. I appreciate Administrator Scott Pruitt who facilitated the roundtable to learn directly from local agricultural community leaders about the harmful consequences of the rule. The men and women of the roundtable, hosted by Jim and Karen Roquemore, clearly explained the real impact overreaching regulations have on environmentally positive development for jobs. I am grateful that President Donald Trump and Administrator Pruitt have committed to review the rule and, most importantly, considered the input from grassroots organizations about the negative impact. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. I appreciate Rusty Shannon of Sandy Run, South Carolina, for alerting me to the destructive consequences of the rule.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to honor a true American hero who has continued to make a difference in the lives of many throughout his life. Lt. Colonel Arthur ``Ted'' Ballard Jr. was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina in 1932. He is a graduate of Spartanburg Senior High School, Spartanburg Junior College, and attended Clemson University. In 1954, Ted joined the U.S. Air Force as an Aviation Cadet and received his silver pilot's wings and commission the following year. In 1955, he married the love of his life, Ruth. Their son, Kevin, was born in 1959. In June of 1966, Ted was deployed to the Korat Air Force Base in Thailand to begin flying combat missions over Vietnam. On September 26, 1966, during his 68th mission, Ted's F-105 was shot down by ground fire, forcing Ted to eject the aircraft over enemy territory just north of Hanoi. He suffered a broken left leg and was captured and interned by the North Vietnamese. Ted remained as a prisoner of war for six years, spending time in the infamous ``Hanoi Hilton.'' Upon his release in March of 1973, Ted returned to the United States and underwent medical treatment and recovery until August of that year. He and his wife decided to finish their undergraduate degrees after his return. Ted went on to earn a master's degree and serve on the faculty of the USAF War College before retiring in 1975. He and his wife moved back to Spartanburg, South Carolina, where Ted became the instructor for the Air Force Junior ROTC program at Gaffney High School. He retired in 1997 after teaching for 22 years. Sadly, Ted lost his son in 2009 and his wife in 2015. Upon his wife's death, Ted established the Dr. Kevin Dale Ballard 1980 Endowed Scholarship Fund at Wofford College, in South Carolina, in memory of both his brilliant son and loving wife. The scholarship will be awarded to a deserving Wofford College student studying science, technology, or medicine for the first time this fall. On May 7, 2017, Ted was presented the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor, by Governor Henry McMaster for his admirable service to the citizens of South Carolina. A truly remarkable man, Ted continues to share the extraordinary story of his life, his time as a POW, and his time in the armed forces. He has made South Carolina and our nation proud.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow marks President Donald Trump's first 6 months in office, and I appreciate his many successes for the American people. His leadership for jobs has inspired record highs today for the Dow, S&P 500, and NASDAQ. President Trump has advanced a decisive foreign policy positively addressing the Muslim world, upholding the United States commitment to NATO, and working with our allies for peace through strength. Additionally, the President has taken firm action against rogue regimes. In Syria, President Trump was clear that America will not tolerate chemical weapons attacks by the Assad regime against his citizens. In North Korea, the President has made clear that he will challenge the continued provocation by the communist, totalitarian regime; and that the U.S. will expose Iran for their ballistic missile testing and human rights abuses. As of June 30, the House has passed 269 bills, the most of the last five administrations, with 37 laws signed to date, the most of the last five administrations. I look forward to continuing to work with President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence for positive achievements to promote American families. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, twenty-three years ago, Argentina and the world faced an unprecedented tragedy. A car, loaded down with explosives, detonated outside of the Argentine-Israelite Mutual Association (AMIA), killing 85 individuals and wounding at least 300 in Buenos Aires. This murderous terrorist attack was the largest attack on the Jewish community since the atrocities of World War II. I am disappointed that despite years of investigation that have affirmed the attack was perpetrated by Hezbollah, a terrorist organization sponsored by Iran, there has still been no justice for the victims or their families. America has profound sympathy and solidarity for the people of Argentina. I appreciate the leadership of my colleague, Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, former Chairwoman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, for her diligent work to support the government of Argentina as they work to bring those responsible to justice. 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, it is sad many Americans have forgotten the ongoing global war on terrorism declared against Western families by war fatwas in 1996 and 1998, as displayed at the entrance of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum in New York City. In the last year, there has been a year of terror in Europe, as reported by The Washington Times on Friday. Beginning in defiance of the anniversary of Bastille Day on July 14, 2016, at Nice, France, with 86 people murdered, it continued with attacks in Berlin, Germany, on July 18; Ansbach, Germany, on July 24; Reutlingen, Germany, on July 24; Normandy, France, on July 26; Berlin, Germany, on December 19; Istanbul, Turkey, on January 1; London, England, on March 22; Stockholm, Sweden, on April 7; Paris, France, on April 20; Manchester, England, on May 22; and London, England, on June 3. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. We will never forget the 85 men and women murdered in the AMIA Jewish Center bombing in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I am grateful President Donald Trump is taking actions to protect American families.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the National Defense Authorization Act with a bipartisan vote of 344-81. This bill represents a strong commitment to enacting accounting reforms and rebuilding our military. As chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, I am grateful that this bill modernizes our forces and begins to close the readiness gap facing our servicemembers, fulfilling President Donald Trump's pledge to rebuild the American military. This legislation also supports military families by providing the largest pay raise in 8 years and by giving military families greater flexibility when relocating during the school year. The primary function of the national government is to provide for our national defense, to ensure that our servicemembers have the training, equipment, and resources they need to achieve the goal as established by Senator Barry Goldwater, ``Why Not Victory.'' I appreciate the determined leadership of Chairman Mac Thornberry, and I look forward to continuing to work with him to advance the legislation through the conference process. 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 July 14, 2017, South Carolina lost an esteemed businessman and dedicated public servant with the death of William W. ``Hootie'' Johnson. He made a positive difference with his philanthropic efforts and I am grateful for his longtime service as Chairman of the Executive Committee at Bank of America and Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club. On Monday, July 17, 2017, a funeral service will be conducted at Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina. The following thoughtful obituary was appropriately published in The State on July 15, 2017: Mr. Johnson died Friday, July 14, 2017, at the age of 86. Hootie Johnson was a former chairman of the Executive Committee of Bank of America's Board of Directors. He had also served on the Boards of Directors of Alltel Corporation, Duke Energy Corporation, Liberty Corporation and Stephens, Inc. He was the husband of Pierrine Baker Johnson and was a son of the late Dewey H. and Mabel Woodward Johnson. He was born in Augusta, Georgia. Mr. Johnson held a B.S. degree in business administration from the University of South Carolina as well as an Honorary Doctor of Law degree. Honorary Doctor of Humanities degrees were also conferred upon him by the Medical University of South Carolina and Lander University. He served as chairman of both the South Carolina Ports Authority and the South Carolina Research Authority, as well as a member of The South Carolina State Development Board. Mr. Johnson also served as chairman of the Committee to Develop a Plan of Desegregation of the National Urban League. He was a Laureate of the South Carolina Business Hall of Fame. The State newspaper named Mr. Johnson as one of South Carolina's 15 most influential business leaders of the 20th Century. Mr. Johnson, an independent, was active in politics serving as finance chairman for Governor Robert McNair, Governor Carroll Campbell, Governor David Beasley, Senator Strom Thurmond, Senator Bob Dole and President George H.W. Bush. Mr. Johnson was chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and chairman of the Masters Tournament from 1998-2006 and chairman emeritus from 2006-present. He held memberships in Biltmore Forest Country Club, Forest Lake Club, the Palmetto Club, the Flamenco Club and the Centurion Club. Memorials may be made to the USC Moore School of Business. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. In addition to his wife, Pierrine, Mr. Johnson is survived by daughters and sons-in-law, Jennifer and Chuck Todd, and Marie and John Fairey, all of Columbia, Sally and Ronnie Wrenn of Charlotte, and Jane and Dan Breeden of Spartanburg; grandchildren, Charlie Todd, Pierrine Todd Thomas, John Fairey, Jr., Harriett Fairey Gilmer, William Fairey, Holt Wrenn, Sarah Wrenn, Mary Breeden, Sally Breeden and Anne Breeden Pitt; great-granddaughters, Louise Thomas, Mabel Marie Gilmer, Florence Elizabeth Wrenn and Elsie Fairey; great-grandsons, Robert Gilmer, John Gilmer, John Fairey III, Willard Fairey, Gage Fairey, William Thomas, Charles Todd IV and Dewey Wrenn. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Dorothy Ellington, and his brother, D. Wellsman Johnson.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I thank Chairman Mac Thornberry for his extraordinary leadership and for the opportunity to speak on amendment No. 76. In the past few years, we have seen a clear rise in how terrorist and extremist groups use propaganda and sophisticated messaging operations to increase their reach to recruit new members, execute attacks, and raise funds. These violent extremist organizations represent a new type of threat to the United States and our families, and we must identify how existing agencies should work together to address the threat. This amendment requires the President to submit a comprehensive interagency strategy for countering violent extremist groups that pose a threat to American families or their interests. Any plan would identify how to counter the violent messaging, combat terrorist financing, support existing law enforcement activities, support counterradicalization organizations, and offer military support. Additionally, the amendment provides for accountability by requiring an annual assessment of the progress made implementing and achieving the strategy. The time is now to bring a whole-government approach to combat violent extremism. This strategy will serve a vital role in this effort. Mr. Chairman, I urge the passage of this amendment and the en bloc package.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow marks 2 years since the previous administration capitulated to the dangerous Iran deal, a one-sided agreement that rewarded the regime in Tehran with a $1.7 billion ransom of pallets of unmarked currency for four hostages and put our allies, including Israel, at risk. The Iran deal emboldened the authoritarian regime. Just last month, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley correctly pointed out that Tehran has engaged in destructive and destabilizing actions, both testing ballistic missiles and engaging in arms smuggling. This week, Senators Tom Cotton, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, and David Perdue, sent a letter to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urging him not to certify Iran's compliance with the Iran deal as the deadline approaches. Refusing to certify Iran's compliance with the Iran deal would send a clear message that President Donald Trump is committed to peace through strength and refuses to comply with a ridiculous deal that puts American families at risk. 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 June 18, 2017, The State newspaper of Columbia, South Carolina, published a remarkable article by John Monk entitled, ``In S.C. artist's portraits, Holocaust children live.'' The following portions of the article reveal how the memories of these children are kept alive through an extraordinary heartfelt achievement: ``I draw their eyes first,'' said Mary Burkett, ``and I reach a moment where I just make some little subtle shading, and all of a sudden, I see the little person, and I just sort of say, `Hey, darling.' ``It is so wonderful that they are there. They seem to me as though they are hiding in the paper, and I just reveal them. I just find them. Since January, Burkett, 64, of West Columbia, has created 19 pastel portraits of children. Using old grainy black and white photos she printed from the Internet, she has spent hours, dabbing on minute amounts of pastel with a Q-tip or a rolled paper stump called a tortillon, creating the pictures on light brown paper. She works at home, surrounded by high windows, or on the third floor of the Richland County's main library--both places with natural or bright overhead light. It takes her 25 or 30 hours over a week to draw just one image. They aren't just any children. They are Jewish children who died in the Holocaust. Their faces exude happiness, though, for the photos that Burkett worked from were taken when the children were with their families, before being sent to the horror of the death camps created by Nazi Germany. To those who have seen them, Burkett's portraits radiate life, love and loss, intertwined in a way digital or photographic images can't convey. Many viewer tear up. They might have come across photos before of Jewish children killed in Hitler's concentration camps during World War II. But none like Burkett's, they said. ``I've never seen anything like it, personally,'' said Barry Abels, executive director of the Columbia Jewish Federation. ``Something gets yanked right out of me when I look at these pictures.'' Abels heard about Burkett's portraits. After showing them to some friends, he invited her to Holocaust Remembrance Day at Columbia's Tree of Life Synagogue in April. She set up a table, and people dropped by to see her sketches, still in her sketch book. ``Everybody was amazed,'' Abels said. ``The images jump out of the paper. She had captured the essence of the children. `Remarkable' was a word I heard more than once . . .'' Because of the positive reactions from others, Burkett has made her goal with the pictures to share them with others in a way that lets others learn their stories . . . Burkett showed her first portrait, of Hersch Goldberg, to her husband of 40 years, Ronny. He liked what she had done, encouraged her to continue, and advised her that if she felt she had to do the portraits, she should continue. ``I started looking for pictures of children from the Holocaust, wanting their pictures to be from the 1930s, before the Holocaust happened. The reason for that is, they were children. They laughed, and they cried, and they fussed, and they giggled, and they ran, all the things that kids do.'' Back then, Burkett said, cameras were a novelty and children didn't make faces when you took their picture. ``Whatever emotion they were feeling, is actually on their little faces . . .'' Belinda Gergel, a Burkett friend and retired history professor at Columbia College who now lives in Charleston, said, ``Quite frankly, these drawings are about as powerful as they could be.'' ``Mary has a gift, and it's a gift that transcends time, and it brings the past right back into the present,'' Gergel said. ``When you look at these drawings, you are confronting the central question about human experience: How could we have lost these very special children?'' Gergel, Hamm, Abels and Filler all hope Burkett can find a way to share what she's done with wider audiences. Whatever happens, Burkett doesn't want herself to be the focus of attention. ``All the power resides in the children. I don't think it's my drawing at all,'' she said.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

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

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, thank you for the opportunity to speak on amendment No. 66. On July 4, the Communist totalitarian regime in North Korea marked the holiday testing an intercontinental ballistic missile. This is yet another escalation by a regime that has tested ballistic missiles and has conducted five nuclear tests. This amendment expresses a clear sense of Congress: we will not tolerate the escalation by the regime in North Korea testing ballistic missiles or developing a nuclear weapon threatening American families. The amendment also reaffirms the strong commitment of the United States to our allies in the region, especially South Korea, Japan, and Australia. I am encouraged by the leadership of President Donald Trump for a commitment of peace through strength. It is clear the regime in North Korea will only respond to strength, and this sense of Congress strongly states our commitment to keeping all options on the table while addressing the threat of North Korea, whether it be military, diplomatic, or economic. Mr. Chairman, I urge support of this amendment with the en bloc package.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, to me, this is, again, clearly an amendment which is in coordination with the Senate initiative by Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas that clearly continues the funding of the International Monitoring System to improve our global nuclear detection capability and returns us to the longstanding policies from President George W. Bush's administration. The amendment is clear. Protecting American families is the job of Congress, not an unaccountable, international body. As we see a rise-- as I have stated in the past--in threats around the world, our nuclear deterrence capability is crucial to promote our ability to preserve peace. Mr. Chair, I urge the approval of the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Rogers).

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank the Chair for the opportunity to speak on the amendment to restrict the funding from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization while still providing funds for the international monitoring system. The purpose is simple. Congress never ratified the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. It is irresponsible to the taxpayer and contradictory for the United States to financially support an organization that the United States has never officially joined or contributed funds for a treaty that was never enacted. The amendment clearly continues to fund the international monitoring system to improve our global and nuclear detection capability, and returns us to the longstanding responsible policies from President George W. Bush's administration. This amendment makes it clear that protecting American families is the job of Congress, not an unaccountable international body. As we see a rise in threats around the world, our nuclear deterrence capability is crucial to promote our ability to preserve peace. It is also important that the United States does not require adherence to this treaty in order to continue our self-imposed moratorium on testing nuclear weapons of any size or of any kind. However, as we live in a world of increasing threats, we should not bind the United States to an agreement that other nuclear powers like China and Russia do not adhere to. The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty has never been enacted so there is no change in policy or outcome by supporting this amendment, just a saving of taxpayers' dollars. Mr. Chair, I urge passage of this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I thank Congresswoman Hartzler for her leadership, and I thank her for this opportunity to speak on this misguided amendment. I have visited Guantanamo Bay twice, and I know firsthand the detainees at Guantanamo Bay are the worst of the worst, terrorists who are conspirators of Osama bin Laden, trained mass murderers, and extremists who have a sole intention of killing Americans. We have also seen that releasing terrorists from Guantanamo puts American families at risk. In a report last year, the Director of National Intelligence from the prior administration was clear that at least 116 detainees, nearly one-third, released from Guantanamo have returned to the battlefield to kill American families. As we have seen from the proliferation of terrorists around the world, from Algeria and North Africa, through the Middle East, across to South Asia and the Philippines, the deterrence of incarceration at Guantanamo Bay has never been more important. I urge all of my colleagues to reject this amendment.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Bishop).

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the House Armed Services Committee chairman, Mac Thornberry, for his determined leadership to promote peace through strength. I am grateful to support H.R. 2810, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018. First of all, I would like to thank my colleague and ranking member, Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo of Guam, for her tireless efforts and participation in this process, and I also thank the Readiness Subcommittee members of the House Armed Services Committee on both sides of the aisle for bipartisan input on this bill. The creation of the 2018 National Defense Authorization Act truly was bipartisan. Mr. Chairman, over the past several months, we have heard testimony from every military service branch about their urgent need to address the alarming readiness shortfalls. Their testimonies were sobering, confirming Congress must take bold action. Here today, we have the responsibility of reducing the risk to our servicemembers by making sure they are well trained, supported, and that the equipment they use is properly maintained and combat ready. There are numerous important readiness provisions in the authorization, including adding over $2 billion to long-neglected facilities sustainment and restoration and modernization accounts. It gives the Department of Defense more responsive facility construction, repair, and real estate authorities for more efficient use of DOD resources. It extends multiple temporary hiring authorities to allow the Department of Defense to fill critical manpower gaps, in particular at our defense industrial facilities--our depots, arsenals, and shipyards. None of the readiness provisions are arbitrary. They are specifically targeted to stop and, as much as possible, to reverse the decline of the readiness of our Armed Forces so we can continue to combat and deter the threats to national security from around the world. Mr. Chairman, I strongly support H.R. 2810, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018, and encourage my colleagues in the House to support it as well.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today the House of Representatives will consider three critical bills that will continue efforts to reduce and eliminate human trafficking and implement a stronger detection system for American families. I appreciate the leadership of Congressman Chris Smith, Congressman Tim Walberg, and Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler for their work to build a more effective system to apprehend traffickers. As we take steps at the national level to prevent trafficking, equip local officials, and support vulnerable communities, I am grateful that the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force led by State Attorney General Alan Wilson has been a pioneer in statewide efforts to combat human trafficking. Under his leadership, South Carolina has one of the strongest human trafficking laws in the country and has successfully worked for prosecution, protection, prevention, and partnership. I am encouraged by South Carolina's commitment to protecting the dignity, freedom, and human rights of all citizens, and I hope their success can build a model for other States. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.