Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 30th Anniversary of the tragic attack on the USS Stark during the Iran-Iraq War. On May 17, 1987, the USS Stark was on patrol in the Arabian Gulf when an Iraqi aircraft fired two missiles at the frigate without warning. The attack and resulting fire killed 37 military personnel and wounded 21 others. The brave crew fought the fire throughout the night and managed to save the ship. I would like to recognize the heroism of the service members who served on the USS Stark, including Mr. Luther James Padgett of Gaston, South Carolina, a member of the HSL-32 Squadron. A proud Navy man, he served his country from 1977 to 1995. I am grateful for his admirable service.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this week is National Police Week, a time each year when we honor the service and sacrifice of our Nation's heroes in blue. At this particular time, I especially cherish the memory of Officer Greg Alia, a veteran of the Forest Acres Police Department. He was a hardworking, humble man, an Eagle Scout, a graduate of Richland Northeast High School and the University of South Carolina. Greg's end of watch was September 30, 2015, when he was shot while pursuing a suspect. He is survived by his wife, Kassy; parents, Richard and Alexis; and his young son, Sal. Kassy continues to promote Greg's legacy of service through the Heroes in Blue, an organization dedicated to sharing the caring and courageous stories of police officers across the Nation. As we mark National Police Week, I am grateful to have officers who risk their lives every day to protect our families. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Congratulations to the newly crowned Miss USA, Kara McCullough, a South Carolina State University graduate who represented the District of Columbia. Also, congratulations to Miss South Carolina USA, Megan Gordon, of North Augusta, who placed in the top five.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on May 15, 2017, a Celebration of the Resurrected Life of Jim Ricard took place at Faith Lutheran Church of West Columbia, South Carolina. Services were lovingly conducted by Pastor M. David Kiel who eulogized that Jim ``made a difference in our part of the world.'' The Wilson family especially appreciates Jim's service as Scoutmaster of Troop 1, where our four sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scouts. The following thoughtful obituary was included in the church bulletin: Haskel James ``Jim'' Ricard Jr., a baptized Christian and lifelong member of Faith Lutheran Church, entered into God's loving embrace on May 12, 2017. He was born January 4, 1942 in Springdale, South Carolina. He was the oldest son of Hack and Melva Ricard. Jim is survived by his wife of 52 years, JoAnn S. Ricard, and three children, Jamey Ricard (Jeanne), Juston Ricard (Tammy), and Joni Coleman (Brad). His grandchildren are Tanner, Jacob, Sydney, Josie, Jayne, and sister-in-law, Cindy. He was predeceased by his brother, Bobby Ricard. After graduating from Brookland-Cayce High School, he worked for Baker Equipment Company before starting his own business, Ricard's Welding. After earning his Eagle Scout Award as a young man, he later served as Scoutmaster of Troop 1. He received both the Silver Beaver and Lamb Award. He served in the South Carolina National Guard in the 133rd MP Company. Blessed be the memory of Haskel James ``Jim'' Ricard Jr.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on May 12, 2017, South Carolina honored distinguished Southern Gentleman and former Congressman Ed Young of Florence. He was a World War II hero, a dedicated family man, a committed Christian, a farmer, a real estate developer creating jobs, and a pioneer public servant who helped develop the two-party system in South Carolina. The following thoughtful obituary was published May 11, 2017, in the Florence Morning News: A hero was lost to the Florence community, the greater Pee Dee area, the state of South Carolina, and our nation when Edward Lunn Young died on May 9, 2017 at the age of 96. Surrounded by his loving family, he passed away in the home where he was born in 1920. Ed grew up on his family's farm in the Ebenezer community and attended Florence High School. He enrolled in the Corps of Cadets at Clemson University, where he majored in dairying and played Reveille on the bugle each morning and Taps each night. He graduated in 1941 and, like many young men of his generation, went off to war. Ed joined the Army Air Corps and flew P-38 fighter missions in the South Pacific. After completion of his required missions, Ed requested to remain in the theater, flying a total of 195 combat missions. For his valor, Major Young was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with nine Oak Leaf Clusters. After the war, Ed returned to Ebenezer and the home where he grew up, following in his father's footsteps raising dairy cattle, and growing cotton, corn, soybeans, and tobacco. Although farming was a life calling for Ed, it was not his only calling. He became involved in state politics, serving in the South Carolina Legislature from 1957-1960. His service at the state level was followed by a term as his district's first Republican to the US Congress in 1973. Mr. Young's devotion to service was hardly limited to politics. Among his many activities, he served frequently throughout his life as a Member or Chairman of the Board of Deacons of Ebenezer Baptist Church, President of Coble Dairy, President of the Florence County Farm Bureau, President of South Carolina Association of Young Farmers, Member of the South Carolina State Development Board and Chairman of the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce, among many others. Ed was selected Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year by South Carolina Association of Young Farmers and awarded Outstanding Man of the Year in Agriculture by Progressive Farmer magazine; he also received the Distinguished Service Award from Clemson University and the Distinguished Agricultural Award, presented by the South Carolina Cooperative Council. Ed is perhaps best known in the Pee Dee area for his tenure as the host of the Southeast Almanac television show in the 1960s. He is also well known in the community for participating weekly for over 50 years on the live Sunday morning radio program, Radio Sunday School. Another weekly occurrence was his attendance at The Rotary Club of Florence, where he led the singing and eventually became a life member. In 1996, he was honored with the Rotarian President's Award for Distinguished Service. In the business world, Ed was instrumental in several real estate developments including Oakdale Country Club, Forest Lake, as well as hotels in Florence and Surfside Beach. He combined his love of real estate projects and love of community by donating land for the Florence Civic Center and Veterans Military Park in Florence. More than any of these interests, Ed's strongest and highest devotion was to Ebenezer Baptist Church. He and his wife, ``Hatsy,'' taught Sunday School for over 50 years, and both were devoted members of the church choir. While Ed Young has been a hero to his community and nation, he was more than any of these, a hero to his loving family. Ed is survived by his wife and ``bride'' of 71 years Harriet (``Hatsy'') Yeargin Young, and his four daughters and sons- in-law: Dr. Claudia Venable & Dr. Greg Brigman of Atlanta, GA, Dr. John & Harriet Charles of Myrtle Beach, SC, Dr. Farrell & Virginia Gean of Simi Valley, CA, and Rev. Jay & Rebecca Madden of Atlanta, GA. Ed leaves behind seven adoring grandchildren: Julia Charles, Lillian Charles, Luke Venable, Austin Charles, Sarah Venable, Neale Madden, and William Madden. Ed's family attributes his success and long life to a grapefruit every morning, a nap every afternoon, and his never-failing optimistic spirit. He never met a stranger and everywhere he went, he would ask each person his or her name. Ms charm, handshake and the twinkle in his eye made everyone he met feel special. He is predeceased by his three brothers: William (Bill) Young, James (Jay) Young, and John Young and his grandson, Henry Brockington (Brock) Madden. The family extends their deepest gratitude to Dr. Steven Ross, not only for his excellent medical care, but also for his personal devotion and his wisdom over the past several years. Gratitude is also extended to the team that provided continuous care at his home and to McLeod Hospice for their superb caring attendance and reassurance during these final months. The family extends heartfelt love and admiration to Ed's dearest friend and coworker, Mr. Nathan Faison, for his lifelong friendship and support. They also thank the many along the way who have prayed and extended sweet thoughtfulness to the family. In lieu of food and flowers, contributions may be sent to the Ebenezer Baptist Church Building Fund, 524 S. Ebenezer Rd., Florence, SC 29501. The funeral service will be held at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 524 S. Ebenezer Rd. in Florence on May 12, 2017 at 2:00 pm, with burial following in the church cemetery with full military honors. The Youngs will receive visitors after the funeral at their home until 5:30 pm. Waters-Powell Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

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, next week marks Teacher Appreciation Week, which recognizes the special role educators make for American families. As the husband of a retired schoolteacher and a grateful dad of four sons with eight grandchildren, I know firsthand the positive impact educators have for students. South Carolina's Second Congressional District is filled with dedicated and talented teachers and administrators, and it is always a pleasure to visit with them at their school or when their classes visit Washington. I would also like to recognize the 2017 Teacher of the Year, Jennifer Wise, of Hand Middle School of Columbia, which my mother attended. As a math teacher, Jennifer motivates her students for mathematics to energize their lives outside of the classroom. The success of our teachers is amplified by the leadership of State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman, working with Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, and the parents, teachers, administrators, and locally elected school boards who are making a difference for the students of South Carolina for job opportunities and meaningful lives. 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, it was my honor to be with Ranking Member Eliot Engel.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate Mr. Royce's determined leadership on this important issue of national security protecting American families. I am in strong support of H.R. 1644, the Korean Interdiction and Modernization of Sanctions Act. In 2003, I traveled to Pyongyang, North Korea, with the ranking member, Congressman Eliot Engel, in a bipartisan delegation, along with Congressman Curt Weldon, Chairman Jeff Miller, Silvestre Reyes, and Solomon Ortiz, where we saw firsthand the tyranny and oppression of the Communist regime. Last month, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed H. Res. 92, a bipartisan resolution I introduced condemning the regime in North Korea for their recent ballistic missiles, and called for the consideration of all available sanctions. It passed 398-3. Since then, North Korea has continued testing missiles and released yet another propaganda video--this one simulating the destruction of American troops, aircraft, warships, and even the U.S. Capitol Building. After 8 years of ``strategic patience,'' I appreciate the strong leadership of President Trump and his administration, along with the Ambassador to the U.N., Nikki Haley, and also Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. It is clear the regime in North Korea will only respond to strength, and these sanctions that are proposed in this package would effectively target the regime and any other individuals who would do business with North Korea, especially in the shipping and financial industries. I appreciate the extraordinary leadership of Chairman Ed Royce and Ranking Member Eliot Engel on the legislation, and I urge my colleagues to vote in support.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this week marks National Small Business Week, a time to recognize the remarkable contributions small businesses make creating jobs. In South Carolina, small businesses represent 99 percent of our State's businesses, employing 47 percent of our citizens. I am grateful for the input from the National Federation of Independent Business, NFIB, led by Ben Homeyer; the State Chamber of Commerce led by Ted Pitts; and local chambers from Barnwell to Blythewood and from North Augusta to northeast Columbia, promoting every corner of the district. When I meet with members of the small-business community of South Carolina, I learn how government regulations and government overreach threaten their businesses and reduce job opportunities. I support President Trump's commitment to creating jobs and how, in only 100 days, his administration has proven to be a champion of small business by cutting harmful regulations and outlining tax reform. I appreciate the leadership of the small-business administrator, Linda McMahon, and her advocacy for the 29 small businesses nationwide. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to congratulate Alex Morris, the Deputy District Director of the Second Congressional District of South Carolina, and his wife, Rebekah, on the birth of their son. Alexander Fancourt ``Court'' Morris, Jr. was born at 3:19 a.m. on Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at Palmetto Health Baptist in Columbia, South Carolina. Court weighed eight pounds and fifteen ounces and measured 21 and \1/4\ inches long. He is the first child for the happy couple and I look forward to watching him grow as he is raised by talented parents who will be dedicated to his well-being and bright future. I would also like to congratulate Court's grandparents, Debra Morris of Elgin, South Carolina, and Major General Robert and Barbara Livingston of West Columbia, South Carolina. Congratulations to the entire Morris and Livingston families as they welcome their newest addition of pure pride and joy.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

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

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

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Captain Taylor Force of South Carolina was a graduate of West Point, a veteran who had served in Afghanistan and Iraq, and he was an MBA candidate at Vanderbilt University when he was, at random, stabbed to death by a Palestinian terrorist in March of 2016 as he innocently departed from a bus as a tourist in Israel. He was only 28 years old. His merciless murder at the hands of Palestinian terrorists is even more gruesome because of the Palestinian Authority program of paying out hundreds of millions of dollars to terrorists and their families in support of mass murder. I am grateful to support the Taylor Force Act, legislation that restricts all aid from the Palestinian Authority until the Secretary of State confirms they do not provide financial rewards for terrorists in their murderous activities. I appreciate the leadership of Senator Lindsey Graham, Congressman Doug Lamborn, and Congressman Lee Zeldin for introducing the Taylor Force Act. As Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas travels to Washington to meet with President Trump on Wednesday, I am confident that President Trump will show his commitment to ending financial rewards for terrorists. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

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

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

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last Sunday marked Tax Freedom Day, determined by the Tax Foundation, led by President Scott Hodge. This is the day when our citizens have earned enough money to pay their tax bill for the year. It is alarming that American taxpayers must work 113 days to foot the bill for their annual tax obligation. Collectively, American families spent more on their taxes this year than on food, clothing, and housing combined. This is an abuse of the American people, limiting their ability to spend their own hard-earned wages. As Tax Freedom Day is pushed later each year, we must commit to commonsense reforms to the Tax Code. The Federal Government takes too much from American workers with an obsessive push to increase taxes, destroying jobs. I am encouraged by the tax plan President Donald Trump outlined yesterday and look forward to working with him to provide tax reform that will create jobs, simplify the Tax Code, and grow the economy. I am confident that, by working together, we can deliver comprehensive, balanced tax reforms for American families which will promote jobs. 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 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, this Saturday marks 100 days in office for President Donald Trump, an important milestone for Congress and this administration. Since being sworn in, President Trump has stood strong, upholding his pledge to protect the American people in the face of world threats. He has stood up to the dangerous regime in North Korea by supporting our allies in the region and deploying the THAAD missile defense system. He took swift, decisive action against the dictatorship in Syria by using military force and economic sanctions after the brutal dictatorship executed a chemical attack murdering innocent civilians. Additionally, the President has taken strong action to win the global war on terrorism by destroying ISIL-controlled tunnels in Afghanistan. I appreciate President Trump for being a strong President and a model of Ronald Reagan, promoting peace through strength. Congratulations to him on a remarkable first 100 days in office. I look forward to continuing to work with the President to protect American families while successfully creating jobs. 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, through my service to South Carolina's Second Congressional District and as past Cayce-West Columbia Rotary Club president, I appreciate Rotary International's work in promoting worldwide Service Above Self. In coordination with national governments, Rotary International created the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, producing Polio Plus as one of the most successful public-private health initiatives in history. The initiative has provided immunizations for more than 2.5 billion children, spared 15 million from disability, prevented over 1.5 million deaths, and has reduced polio illnesses by 99 percent. Earlier this year, I introduced H. Res. 165, recognizing Rotary International's work on the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and supporting their ongoing services. While we have made remarkable strides, more work remains. I am grateful to support the current president of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative with Rotary International President John Germ and past Vice President Anne Matthews of Columbia, South Carolina. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Our sympathy to the family of National Review conservative stalwart Kate O'Beirne.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last night, the Gamecocks women's basketball team made history, winning the NCAA National Championship for the first time in school history. Defeating Mississippi State 67-55, the Gamecocks dominated the all-SEC game, leading the Bulldogs in scoring and in rebounds. Early in the season, the Gamecocks set their sights on the championship, themeing the season as 100, with the ``1'' reflecting their commitment to one goal, one team, one dream, one family, and one focus. They never gave up their goals, and their dedication clearly paid off. I join all of Gamecock Nation in celebrating this remarkable victory. We are also grateful for the Gamecock men, who, in the Final Four, were ahead of number one Gonzaga in the last 3 minutes until the disturbing Zags pulled ahead. Special congratulations to superstar A'ja Wilson of Heathwood Hall and Hopkins, South Carolina, who had a great game, scoring a team high 22 points, and who was also named most outstanding player in the Final Four. Congratulations as well to Head Coach Dawn Staley, President Harris Pastides, and USC First Lady Patricia Pastides. The Gamecocks women's basketball team joins Clemson's football team and Coastal Carolina's baseball team as the third college national championship from South Carolina in just 1 year. Go Gamecocks. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Welcome, Timmerman School of Forest Acres, South Carolina, to the Capitol.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I was grateful to visit North Korea on a congressional delegation in 2003 with House Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Eliot Engel on a delegation led by Congressman Curt Weldon of Pennsylvania. While there, we witnessed a regime obsessed with a Potemkin-like appearance and preservation to the detriment of its own citizens who have been reduced to destitution and starvation. After seeing the devastation of the people at the hands of the totalitarian regime, I have been even more invested in the need to hold the regime in Pyongyang accountable for threatening neighbors. In early February, I introduced this bipartisan resolution in response to North Korea's threat to test an intercontinental ballistic. Their threat is concerning because an ICBM has the capability of reaching the West Coast of the United States. The rapid pace of North Korea's growing offensive nuclear weapons development is alarming to the United States and our allies. In just a few short months, North Korea has appeared to successfully test an ICBM; launched a satellite; tested four simultaneous ballistic missiles, three of which landed in Japanese territorial waters; had a failed missile launch; and tested a ballistic missile engine. The regime also claims to be planning another nuclear test for later this month. Sadly revealing, the regime in North Korea recently released a propaganda video depicting a missile striking a U.S. aircraft carrier and calling for the destruction of the American people. North Korea is rapidly advancing their capabilities, working to miniaturize nuclear technology to deliver a nuclear weapon anywhere in the world. Sadly, 8 years of strategic patience only enabled the dictatorship. We cannot afford to stand by as this regime grows in power and influence, threatening the United States and our allies. I am grateful that President Donald Trump is taking the regime and its threats seriously. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson recently visited our allies in South Korea and Japan; and the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, has led the efforts for strengthening international sanctions against North Korea. The administration has also demonstrated peace through strength by backing up their commitments to our allies with action. We have begun deploying the THAAD missile defense system, recently resumed the annual military training exercises with South Korea, and deployed attack drones to support our servicemembers stationed in the region. This defends the extraordinary people of South Korea, who have developed one of the most prosperous nations on Earth. As we work to check the growing influence and missile capability of North Korea, Congress, too, has a vital role, starting with passage of H. Res. 92 to forcefully condemn North Korea for these actions and call for the consideration of all available sanctions on the regime and the individuals or businesses who sustain it. We are clear: the United States must stand strong against North Korea for American families and our South Korean allies. I appreciate the consideration of H. Res. 92, with 120 bipartisan cosponsors. I know that America is fortunate to have the leadership of House Foreign Affairs Chairman Ed Royce, serving in a bipartisan manner with Ranking Member Eliot Engel. I urge my colleagues to vote in support of the resolution.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last Saturday, March 25, marked National Medal of Honor Day. Designated by Congress in 1990, the National Medal of Honor Day celebrates each of the men and women who have earned America's highest, most prestigious military decoration. I am grateful that South Carolina has a long tradition of military service, with 34 Medal of Honor recipients, including the youngest living honoree, Corporal Kyle Carpenter of Gilbert. To mark National Medal of Honor Day, I join Medal of Honor recipient Major General James Livingston and South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson with a wreath-laying ceremony at Mount Pleasant Memorial Garden. The inspiring program was organized by the Fort Sullivan Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, led by Regent Nancy Herritage. Additionally, congratulations to the University of South Carolina women's basketball team and head coach Dawn Staley on their victory in the Elite Eight last night. I am happy to cheer for the Gamecocks as they head to Dallas, Texas, for their second Final Four appearance in just 3 years. In conclusion, God bless our troops. We will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.