Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, sadly, this weekend marks the 10-year anniversary of the death of Marine Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Trane McCloud, a former Military Fellow in my office, an American hero. Trane served in the office in 2003, promoting democracy and freedom. As an Active-Duty marine, Trane provided incredible insight into defense and national security issues. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to work with Trane, and it was a privilege to see his firsthand dedication to the Marine Corps, but equally to his wife, Maggie, and their three young children. Trane was tragically killed in Iraq on December 3, 2006, when the helicopter he was riding in malfunctioned and was forced to make an emergency landing. In an interview in The Washington Post, Maggie described her husband as ``a man of character and honor,'' words that I know accurately describe Trane. To his wife, Maggie; their three children, Hayden, Grace, and Meghan; and the rest of the family: You are in my thoughts and prayers. His service will never be forgotten. Trane lived up to the highest ideals of the U.S. Marine Corps, semper fidelis. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President, by his actions, never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. For Trane, with General Jim Mattis, we will achieve victory to protect American families.

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. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last Friday began a new era for the people of Cuba. For too long, the murderous dictatorship of Fidel Castro has reduced one of Latin America's wealthiest countries to mass poverty in order to benefit the Communist elite and the military. A recent editorial in The Charleston Post and Courier stated: ``Fidel, though he thrived on opposing the U.S., he was long subservient to another superpower, the Soviet Union, until its welcome demise in 1991. He also was an enthusiastic proponent of the Soviets' reckless decision to put weapons of mass destruction aimed at the U.S. in his country.'' President-elect Trump has correctly reviewed: ``It is my hope that today marks a move away from the horrors endured for too long, and toward a future in which the wonderful Cuban people finally live in the freedom they so richly deserve.'' I have been inspired by the late Louis and Nena Gonda, who fled Cuba with their three daughters as all of their property was stolen. They told me about their daughters. They were told to pack for a 2-week visit to visit a sick aunt in New York. They went to a department store there in Cuba, and they bought suitcases. When they arrived home, the secret police were already at the house. They asked them: What are you buying suitcases for? It was explained that they were buying suitcases to go visit a sick aunt in New York and that they would be returning in 2 weeks. They just didn't have the heart to tell their children--their three young girls--that they would never return to their home, that they would never see their personal property. Their cars, the ones that now appear to be unique, are all stolen cars when you see the classic cars in Cuba. Everything that the family owned was stolen by the Communist government. They fled to West Columbia, South Carolina, where they worked hard to achieve the American Dream of extraordinary economic success as neighbors in my home County of Lexington, South Carolina. In conclusion, God bless our troops; and may the President, by his actions, never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Tuesday morning, President-elect Donald Trump made an extraordinary cabinet selection by appointing Chairman Dr. Tom Price to serve as America's Secretary of Health and Human Services. President-elect Trump announced: ``Chairman Price, a renowned physician, has earned a reputation for being a tireless problem solver and the go-to expert on healthcare policy, making him the ideal choice to serve in this capacity. He is exceptionally qualified to shepherd our commitment to repeal and replace ObamaCare and bring affordable and accessible healthcare to every American.'' I am grateful to have served alongside Chairman Price in the House of Representatives and I was honored to be an original cosponsor of his legislation, the Empowering Patients First Act. This is a comprehensive healthcare plan that puts Americans in control of their healthcare plans and choices, not the government. Congratulations to Dr. Tom Price, his wife, State representative Betty, and their son, Robert, my former intern, on this deserved honor. I look forward to watching his success in this new role for the American people. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President, by his actions, never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, President-elect Donald Trump nominated South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley to be America's Ambassador to the United Nations. President-elect Trump has announced: Governor Haley has a proven record of bringing people together regardless of background or party affiliation to move critical policies forward for the betterment of her State and country. She is also a proven dealmaker, and we look forward to making plenty of deals. She will be a great leader representing us on the world stage. Governor Haley has led the people of South Carolina through trying times, such as the historic thousand-year flood last year, Hurricane Matthew flooding this year, and the tragic shooting at Mother Emanuel Church in Charleston. She has promoted a pro-business and pro-job environment by recruiting major companies such as Boeing and Volvo, along with Michelin, BMW, and Bridgestone expansions. Governor Haley will be a strong and effective voice for America, advancing freedom and democracy around the world. Congratulations to Governor Haley and her husband, Michael, and children, Rena and Nalin, on this achievement. Your Lexington County neighbors are very proud of you. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President, by his actions, 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 congratulate my former Chief of Staff Dino Teppara and his wife, Vatsala, on the birth of their daughter. Meera Anusha Saraswati Teppara was born at 11:10 p.m. on Sunday, October 9, 2016, in South Carolina. Meera weighed six pounds and fourteen ounces and measured 19 inches long. She is the second child for the happy couple and I look forward to watching her grow as she is raised by talented parents who will be dedicated to her wellbeing and bright future. I would also like to congratulate Meera's grandparents, Vijay and Vasanti Alsi of Vienna, Virginia, and Dilip and Gita Teppara of Columbia, South Carolina. Congratulations to the entire Alsi and Teppara families as they welcome their newest addition of pure pride and joy

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this week marks National Apprenticeship Week, a time set aside to celebrate and recognize apprenticeship programs for their success in providing a clear pathway from education to employment. Apprenticeship programs are mutually beneficial for employers and job-seekers. They connect well-qualified, trained employees with meaningful, high paying jobs for fulfilling lives. They have played a critical role in the successes companies across South Carolina, such as BMW, Michelin, Bridgestone, MTU America, Boeing, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Volvo. Quality education and training is vital for competing in the workplace and I am grateful to Apprenticeship Carolina, led by Director Brad Neese, for their work in creating jobs. I appreciate that the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act passed the House in September. It is an honor to be a co-sponsor of this bipartisan legislation, and Congressman Glenn Thompson has been successful for his leadership on this important issue. Tax and regulation reduction by President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President-elect Mike Pence partnered with Speaker Paul Ryan will create jobs. In conclusion, God Bless Our Troops and may the President by his actions never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, I was grateful to give the Republican Weekly Address to honor Veterans Day, where I spoke about how House Republicans, under the leadership of Speaker Paul Ryan, are committed to providing our Nation's veterans the highest quality of care. As the son of a World War II Flying Tiger, a 31-year veteran myself, and the grateful dad of four sons who have served overseas in the global war on terrorism, I appreciate the positive work of House Republicans to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans Affairs Chairman Jeff Miller has been a determined advocate for veterans and military families, leading efforts to modernize the VA and deliver 21st century health care. The House has also passed a series of reforms to the VA itself. I look forward to working with President-elect Donald Trump, Vice President-elect Mike Pence, and Speaker Paul Ryan, to create a positive change of culture at the VA to give veterans the care they deserve. Chairman Jeff Miller would be an excellent choice for Secretary of Veterans Affairs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President, by his actions, never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on October 2, 2016, South Carolinians gave deserved tribute to an American Hero, Bucky Going. Colonel Going served with distinction at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, and the follow-up for the Normandy Invasion of June 6, 1944. His heroic actions during the Battle of the Bulge earned him a Bronze Star. Remarkably, he survived not only the Japanese attack of 1941 but also the German counter-attack of 1944. Reverend L. Craig Wilkes of the First Presbyterian Church of Columbia conducted a loving service at historic Elmwood Cemetery of Columbia. The following obituary was published in The State on September 30, 2016: Columbia.--Graveside funeral services for Walter Franklin ``Buck'' Going, Jr. will take place on Sunday, October 2, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Elmwood Cemetery in Columbia, SC. He passed away Wednesday, September 28, 2016 after a brief illness. He was born in Columbia, SC on December 25, 1919 and was the son of Walter F. Going, Sr. and Allie Mack Going. He graduated from Columbia High School where he was a member of the football team. He graduated from The Citadel in June of 1941 and commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. He was stationed at Scofield Barracks in Hawaii and was at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He was transferred back to the United States and was reassigned to the European Theatre of Operations. He was part of the follow on forces during the Normandy Invasion. He was then assigned to the Third Army commanded by General George S. Patton and fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded a Bronze Star. After World War II, he entered the School of Law at the University of South Carolina where he met and married the love of his life, Eleanor Toole. They formed the law firm of Going and Going, Attorneys and practiced law together for forty years. He remained in the U.S. Army Reserve and became commanding officer of the 360th Civil Affairs Unit. He retired from the Army in 1971 with the rank of full Colonel. He was a member of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge, The Pearl Harbor Survivors Association and the American Legion. He was also active in the Lions Club and was a member of the South Carolina Bar and the Richland County Bar. He is survived by daughters, Jacquelyn A. Going and Mary Going McIntosh (David); granddaughter, Eleanor Carmen ``Carrie'' McIntosh; sister, Ethel Going DuBose, as well as a number of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Eleanor Toole Going and sister, Jacquelin Maxwell Gambrell. The family will receive friends in the Atrium of First Presbyterian Church in Columbia following graveside services. Memorials may be made to The Citadel, 171 Moultrie St., Charleston, SC 29409 or to First Presbyterian Church, 1324 Marion St., Columbia, SC 29201. Elmwood Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last Tuesday the American people, with optimism, elected Donald Trump and Mike Pence to lead our country. I congratulate President-elect Trump and our friend and former House colleague Vice President-elect Pence, and Karen Pence, on their deserved victory. This election clearly revealed, when presented with a choice of continuation of big government or change for limited government with expanded freedom, the American people stood up for the conservative values that would create jobs, lower taxes, and rebuild our military. The ideological conflict is alive and well, and conservative principles are proven to promote opportunity for all Americans. The American people have selected a brighter future for their children and grandchildren. I look forward to working with President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Pence, partnering with Speaker Paul Ryan, to promote jobs for all Americans and reinforce our principles of limited government with expanded freedom. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President, by his actions, never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. God bless President-elect Donald Trump and Vice President- elect Mike Pence.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, congratulations to Jeanette James, Professional Staffer for the House Armed Services Committee, on being awarded The Military Coalition's 2016 Freedom Award for her outstanding service and significant contributions to the military and veterans' community. On September 22, 2016, The Military Coalition, an association of 32 military, veterans, and uniformed services organizations, recognized her for over a decade of dedicated work with the House Committee on Armed Services. During her tenure with the committee, she has been a crucial part of crafting important legislation and an exceptional asset for the Military Personnel subcommittee now chaired by Congressman Joe Heck of Nevada. She was previously recognized as a Freedom Award recipient in 2012. I am grateful for her admirable service and dedication to the committee and our servicemembers and military families. She has maintained the high standards of her predecessor, the late John Chapla.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on late Friday afternoon, to avoid the American media, the FBI released over 180 pages concerning the 46 interviews of investigation into Hillary Clinton's emails. The Daily Caller has provided ``12 Biggest Bombshells in FBI's Clinton Investigation Notes.'' A few of the most notable include: Obama's top negotiator for the dangerous Iranian Nuclear Deal may have had her private email hacked. She also admitted to using her private email to conduct government business. Secretary Clinton's lawyer asked about a computer technician to wipe out computer data in 2013. President Obama emailed Ms. Clinton at least 18 times while claiming he did not know she had an email server, which are now kept secret. The State Department computer technician was against housing Clinton's server in her basement. These are just four of the revelations of the investigation. It is clear that Secretary Clinton's actions displayed a lack of judgment, putting American families at risk of attack. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President, by his actions, 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, last week, I was grateful to join Senator Tom Cotton from Arkansas to introduce a bill which would stop the President from circumventing Congress by signing the U.S. onto the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty without the required Senate approval. This legislation is clear. Matters related to nuclear deterrence and national security should be the job of Congress and not an unaccountable, international body. Nuclear deterrence is the basis for preserving peace through strength to protect American families. That is why the legislation pledged to defund the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization Preparatory Commission if the President relinquished sovereignty over testing of nuclear weapons, putting American families at risk of attack. Just days after introducing the legislation, the U.N. Security Council approved a meaningless resolution that merely encourages all nations to sign the ban on nuclear testing weapons around the world. This bill reinforces the Senate's constitutional authority to approve all international treaties. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President, by his actions, never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on September 13, 2016, Air Force Major Rocko Rodriguez was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. I was then grateful to participate in his promotion ceremony on September 23rd. Rocko has been serving in my office as an In-Resident Intermediate Development Education Student attending the Air Force Legislation Liaison Fellowship Program. Rocko was commissioned in 2001 through the Officer Training School at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama. He distinguished himself early as a leader, holding various positions in special operations, space operations, and cyber operations. Rocko has also honorably served in Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and Southern Watch and Deny Flight. This year, Rocko will receive his Masters of Science degree from Georgetown University Government Affairs Institute. When he finishes in my office he will transition to work at the U.S. Cyber Command Legislative Affairs Branch. I would also like to offer best wishes to his wife, Sarah, and daughters Kaitlyn and Natalie and sons Troy and Timothy with his father Michael Rodriguez and mother-in-law Susan Burke, because behind every man and woman in uniform is a dedicated family. In conclusion, God Bless Our Troops and may the President by his actions never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chair, I am grateful to be a co- sponsor of H.R. 5931, to prohibit future cash payments to Iran. In January, the President made a $1.7 billion cash payment along with the dangerous Iranian Nuclear Deal. After months of questions from the Foreign Affairs Committee about the deal and other leaders, we are just now getting the truth-- The payment was a ransom for four Americans who sat on a runway until the currency was en route. The payment was made in cash--provided in pallets of untraceable foreign currency easily provided to murderous terrorists. The Administration claimed cash was the only way to pay the ransom, yet the Treasury Department stated that the U.S. has made payments to the Iranian government via wire transfer in the past year. As a leading state sponsor of terrorism, a cash payment to Iran will almost certainly go to finance terrorist activities, putting American families at risk. Needless to say, the cash payment to the Iranian regime is a dangerous precedent that puts American families at risk. Last week, I sent a letter to the Treasury Department's Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence asking what steps his office took to ensure the cash ransom did not go to finance terrorism. I am still awaiting response. I appreciate the leadership of Chairman Ed Royce for sponsoring this legislation and for his work to stop the dangerous practice of providing cash to state sponsors of terrorism threatening American families. I urge my colleagues to vote in support of this crucial legislation.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that, in my service, I began as a member of the unique class of 2001. These were Members elected in special elections that year, including now-U.S. Senator John Boozman, along with chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, Randy Forbes, and chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Jeff Miller, both of whom are completing their House service this year. Since being elected to the House, Chairman Randy Forbes has been a crucial member on the House Judiciary Committee and the House Armed Services Committee, where he serves as the chairman of the Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces. He also founded the Congressional Prayer Caucus, promoting religious freedom worldwide. I have been privileged to work along with Chairman Randy Forbes during our service in Congress. He is a true advocate for peace through strength and has been a leading voice on defense and national security issues. A Trump administration would have a dynamic Secretary of the Navy. I am grateful for the successful service of Chairman Forbes. He and his wife, Shirley, have served the citizens of Virginia's Fourth Congressional District with honor, making a difference for American families. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President, by his actions, never forget September 11th, in the global war on terrorism. Our sympathy to the people of India.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that in my service I began as a member of the unique class of 2001. These were Members elected in special elections that year, including now-U.S. Senator John Boozman of Arkansas, along with chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Jeff Miller of Florida, and chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, Randy Forbes of Virginia, both of whom are now concluding their House service. Since being elected to the House, Chairman Jeff Miller has demonstrated his remarkable leadership as a member of the House Armed Services Committee, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, and as chairman of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. Chairman Miller has been a dedicated advocate for troops, veterans, and military families. He has also worked tirelessly to hold the Department of Veterans Affairs accountable to ensure our servicemembers receive the best care. A Trump administration would have an excellent Secretary of Veterans Affairs. I appreciate Chairman Miller, his wife, Vicki, and his family for honorably serving the people of the First Congressional District of Florida. Roxanne and I will always treasure them as champions for American families. Godspeed, Jeff and Vicki. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President, by his actions, never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, Politico revealed that past wire payments to Iran directly contradict the President's inaccurate claim that the $1.7 billion ransom payment had to be in cash. ``The United States made at least two separate payments to the Iranian Government via wire transfer within the last 14 months, a Treasury Department official confirmed Saturday, contradicting explanations from President Barack Obama that such payments were impossible. . . . ``In July 2015 . . . the U.S. Government paid the Islamic Republic approximately $848,000. . . . Then, in April of 2016, the U.S. wired Iran approximately $9 million . . . `' In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President, by his actions, never forget September 11th in the global war on terrorism. Being in New York City yesterday, I saw firsthand the failed legacy of the President. American families are at greater risk of murderous attack today than ever. I am grateful for first responders and the National Guard being everywhere across the city.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, when I was first elected in 2001, I am grateful Mark and Claudia Valente were among the first to give me and Roxanne counsel on service to the public. The following obituary is a fitting tribute to his service for American families. I especially appreciate his affection for Italian-American heritage with my son recently completing a three year tour in Italy with my three Italian-speaking grandchildren: Former Grosse Pointe Park resident Mark Valente III passed away in his home in Springfield, VA on August 3, 2016. Mark was born July 27, 1956, in Detroit, MI. He graduated in 1974 from University Liggett School, earned an accounting degree from his beloved Villanova University, class of 1978, then went on to earn a Law Degree from the University of Detroit School of Law. Mark left Grosse Pointe in 1984 to work in the Office of Public Liaison at the White House under President Ronald Reagan. In 1986, he became the Director, Coalition Development Department at the Republican National Committee. In 1989 Mark worked as Director, in the Office of Congressional Relations, at the US Office of Personnel Management for President George H.W. Bush. After leaving government service, Mark formed a Washington, DC based government relations firm, Valente & Associates, providing legislative analysis and government relations advice. He worked there until his death. Mark was elected to the Grosse Pointe Park city council at age 24, the youngest in the city's history and was the president of the Detroit Young Republicans during that time. Most recently Mark, a proud grandson of Italian immigrants who emigrated from Abruzzo, Italy, served on the national board of the National Italian American Foundation where he held the leadership role as chairman of the Public Policy and Government Relations Committee and was a board member of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society. Also, he chaired the Board of the Center for Marketing and Public Policy Research at Villanova University School of Business. Mark was a long-time supporter of the Baseball Hall of Fame (HOF) and a member of its Champions Program. He was a frequent host of and participant in the HOF events in Washington, DC and other baseball cities. A member of the Detroit Athletic Club, Capitol Hill Club in Washington, DC, and Springfield Golf and Country Club in VA. Mark was a devoted Detroit Tigers fan and loved to play golf with his friends. He also was a coach and umpire for Little League and Grosse Pointe Park Babe Ruth league. Mark is survived by his wife Claudia (Barker), mother Maria (Ballerini), father Marco Jr., brothers: JB, Richard, Dean, and brother-in-law Craig Barker, nieces and nephew and twelve godchildren. Mark was predeceased by his grandparents Ballerini and Valente. A memorial service is planned at St. Clair of Montefalco Catholic Church, located at the corner of Mack Avenue and Outer Drive in Grosse Pointe Park on August 25th at 10:30 am. Visitation at 10 am. A second memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 14th at 2:00 pm at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 313 2nd Street SE, Washington, DC. Followed by a reception at the Capitol Hill Club. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be directed to the scholarship being established in the name of Mark Valente III at Villanova University School of Business, ATTN: Clay Center at VSB, 800 E. Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. I thank Chairman Randy Forbes. Mr. Speaker, when I was first elected, one of the first persons to greet me was my classmate of 2001, Chairman Randy Forbes. From the beginning, I saw what a gentleman he was, what a dedicated Member of Congress he has been. I so appreciate his leadership on behalf of national defense, promoting peace through strength. Additionally, he and his wife, Shirley, are stalwart Christians, promoting religious freedom successfully around the world, making a difference. I am grateful to be an original cosponsor of H.R. 5351, prohibiting the transfer of Guantanamo detainees. Introduced by Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, this further protects American families by halting the transfer of any detainee to any location. During the August recess, sadly, the administration released 15 more dangerous detainees from Guantanamo Bay. The prisoners that are being held there--and I have been to Guantanamo Bay twice, I know the professionalism of the American military--these are the co-conspirators of Osama Bin Laden, trained mass murderers. By holding them there, we show our resolve and that we have not forgotten the mass murderous attacks of September 11. The President's reckless release of detainees puts American servicemembers and families at risk. The deterrence of incarceration has never been more important. We, today, have a greater spread of terrorist safe havens than in the history of the world. From Algeria in North Africa, through the Middle East, through South Asia, all the way to Indonesia and the Philippines, these safe havens of Islamic terrorists are going to receive persons to come and be reinforcements. In March, the Director of National Intelligence reported that at least 116 detainees, nearly a third, released from Guantanamo have returned to the battlefield. What we have further is Reuters reports that more have returned to the battlefield to threaten and kill American families. I appreciate the leadership of Congresswoman Walorski of Indiana, and I urge my colleagues to vote in support.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to congratulate my former Chief of Staff Eric Dell and his wife, Torry, on the birth of their son. Charles Joseph Dell was born at 10:21 a.m. on Wednesday, August 17, 2016, at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia. Charles weighed six pounds and eight ounces and measured 19 and \1/4\ inches long. He is the second child for the happy couple and the younger brother of Noah Isaac Dell 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 Charles's grandparents, Ouida Dell of Ridgeland, South Carolina, and Joseph and Mary Lyons of Aiken, South Carolina. Congratulations to the entire Dell and Lyons families as they welcome their newest addition of pure pride and joy.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Glenn Thompson for yielding. I am grateful to support the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. Whether I am visiting one of the remarkable schools in South Carolina's technical education system of Aiken, Midlands, Orangeburg-Calhoun, or a local manufacturing facility, the message is the same: the job market is changing rapidly. Quality education is vital to competing, which is why apprenticeship programs are so important in leading to the success of BMW, MTU, AGY, SRS, Michelin, Bridgestone, Boeing, and soon Volvo in South Carolina. While existing technical education, which was established by Fritz Hollings and Floyd Spence, has played a role in creating jobs, existing legislation has not been updated for the last 10 years. This bill serves as a first step to reforming technical education programs by helping all Americans enter the workforce for high-skilled, in-demand jobs. Some reforms include empowering State and local community leaders, limiting Federal mandates, encouraging employment engagement, and increasing accountability. I am grateful to cosponsor the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. I appreciate the leadership of Chairman Glenn Thompson for sponsoring this leadership, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, September 10, 2016, a memorial service was conducted for Linda Rawl Shealy by Dr. Mark S. Bredholt. Eulogies were provided by former Columbia television news anchor Cheryl Irwin and myself I was honored to provide the following tribute: Family and friends of Linda Rawl Shealy, this is a loving service honoring a dear lady, but, additionally, it is fitting for me to participate as this is also a reunion of former staff members of my predecessor, the late Congressman Floyd Spence, who was a Patriot, Statesman and Southern Gentleman. Congressman Spence was a good judge of character and integrity, selecting talented young people for his staff. Especially extraordinary was Chief of Staff Craig Metz, along with District Director Sammy Hendrix. Sammy was perceptive enough to recommend his fellow Lexington High School classmate, Linda Rawl Shealy, to the Congressman. In 1984, Congressman Spence was the Ranking Member of the House Ethics Committee and Linda Shealy was selected to be a Staff Assistant for the Committee--a tough job for a Committee which is Solomonic as issues were presented equivalent to counting the number of angels who danced on a pin. She served with young attorneys Mark Elam and John Hoefer, who were counsels to the committee, fresh out of law school, and today are among the most highly respected attorneys of Charleston and Columbia, with Mark as Director of State and Local Relations for Boeing and John as a Partner in the law firm of Willoughby and Hoefer. In 1995, Linda shifted to become Special Assistant to Floyd Spence as he was elected Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, where she faithfully served dependably and loyally until his death on August 16, 2016. I was grateful that Linda led transition efforts for the Second Congressional District Office upon my election on December 18, 2001, and, in June 2002, she was selected as the second staff member of the House Office of Emergency Planning. This important office was established following the September 11th attacks by Islamic Terrorists. Current Director Joe Lowry praised Linda as the ``First Lady of the Emergency Planning Office,'' through her retirement in January 2014, as the longest serving employee of the Office. Linda's achievements reflected well on her heritage with the Rawl Family being among the earliest German-Swiss families to settle here in the Saxe Gotha Region. Welcoming attendees were other original families of Shealy, Addy, Meetze, and Price, who established a positive community where they are a tiny percentage of Lexington County, one of America's fastest growing, with transplants from the Northeast and Midwest along with worldwide residents. It was also fitting to be at the Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, established by original families Virl and Steve Caughman with Daisy Wilson and Harry Harman. As we reflect on the dedicated life of Linda Rawl Shealy, it can clearly be established that she made a positive difference for a better community and nation.