Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that Congressman Tom Rice of South Carolina, with his accounting and legal background, was recognized for his role in determining the unlawful implementation of Obamacare. The following article by Emma Dumain was published May 13, 2016, in the Charleston Post and Courier: Washington--A federal judge on Thursday ruled the Obama administration was improperly funding a subsidy program of the Affordable Care Act, a victory for House Republicans who took the unprecedented action nearly two years ago to sue the White House. U.S. Rep. Tom Rice argues that he's partially to thank. The South Carolina Republican doesn't get much, if any, public credit for being the first member of Congress to broach the idea of filing a lawsuit against President Barack Obama on the grounds he was overstepping the limitations of the executive branch on health care, immigration and other issues. But as Rice tells it, the seeds of the Obamacare lawsuit began with the resolution he introduced in December 2013 at the end of his very first year on Capitol Hill. Rice became bothered by Obama's alleged circumventing of Congress that summer when the U.S. Supreme Court determined the penalties the health law places on individuals who don't buy insurance are protected by the Constitution, because they count as taxes. Around that time, Rice, like other Republicans, was also reeling over Obama's decision to delay implementation of the so-called ``employer mandate'' which requires business owners to provide health insurance for their employees. ``I'm a tax lawyer,'' Rice told The Post and Courier, ``so I knew that cannot be right. If the president can just willy nilly choose to waive a tax or enforce a tax, then his power is unlimited. He can say, `well, I'm not gonna apply the highest tax rate this year. I'm not gonna apply the capital gains tax this year. I'm not gonna apply whatever.' '' So Rice consulted legal experts on what legislative remedies might exist to hold Obama accountable short of impeachment, which even the staunchest critics of the administration knew was a political minefield. The result was the STOP Act, short for ``Stop This Over- Reaching President Act.'' It authorized the House of Representatives to sue the Obama administration in any of the following areas: The delay of the employer mandate, the stays of deportations for certain children of undocumented immigrants, and changes in criteria for receiving welfare. Rice took the resolution to then-House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio. ``I asked him to read it and to my surprise he came back to me within two hours,'' Rice recalled. ``And he said, `a lawsuit against the president? That's kind of radical, isn't it?' So I knew it wasn't going anywhere fast.'' But momentum grew, with more co-sponsors signing onto the STOP Act every time Obama said or did something that perturbed the Republican base. ``I filed it right before Christmas of 2013. And over December the president said, `I got a pen and a phone and if you all don't do what I want you to do I'm gonna do it myself.' And I got like 50 co-sponsors the next day,'' said Rice. ``And then in January he gave the State of the Union address and he said, `if you don't enact my agenda then I'm gonna do it myself.' I got 15 more co-sponsors.'' As 2014 wore on, the pressure was growing on Boehner to allow the House to act. ``He was getting a lot of calls,'' said Rice, ``so he called me in and said, `I need you to help me market this but I'm going to re-file this resolution under my name.' So he did. He put my resolution aside and filed an entirely new resolution.'' By July, the House voted to authorize a lawsuit in federal court challenging Obama's delay in implementing the employer mandate. It also targeted the cost-sharing program between the administration and insurance companies which Republicans say Congress never approved. On Thursday, a federal district judge in Washington, D.C., ruled in the House's favor on that second point. The Justice Department has appealed the ruling, which sets up a prolonged legal battle. Rice said he still feels ``vindicated.'' ``I'm happy that it moves towards restoration of the balance of powers that the framers set up in the Constitution,'' he said. ``I'm sorry we had to go through this great lengths to make that happen.''

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to have held an essay competition for elementary school students throughout the Second Congressional District of South Carolina. The ``Smiling Faces, Beautiful Places'' essay competition received over 125 submissions where the students described their favorite moment in South Carolina history. Helen Miller, a third grade student at Brennen Elementary School in Columbia, wrote a winning essay on the Revolutionary Battle of Charleston that took place in 1780. Jack Hinchey, a third grade student at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School, wrote his winning essay on the pirate Blackbeard. I appreciate all of the other schools that submitted essays to the ``Smiling Faces, Beautiful Places'' essay competition: Pontiac Elementary, Chapin Elementary, Gilbert Elementary, Forts Pond, Timmerman, Lake Carolina, Midway, and Round Top Elementary. I am inspired to represent so many remarkable young people and dedicated educators in the Second Congressional District, and I was humbled to receive so many submissions. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President, by his actions, never forgot September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chair, I claim the time in opposition.

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

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chair, usually Congressman Garamendi and I agree on issues like small monitor reactors.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Committee on Education and the Workforce, under the leadership of Chairman John Kline held a hearing on the importance of reauthorizing the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act. This Act provides individuals with the necessary academic and technical tools to succeed in this skills-based jobs market. We should support our career and technical colleges that improve the lives of many hardworking Americans. In South Carolina, we have sixteen remarkable technical colleges that have been successful in helping to create jobs throughout the state and particularly the Second Congressional District. Apprenticeship Carolina has been successful in creating more than 15,000 apprentices to date, partnering with businesses such as Michelin and Continental. Thank you to their Director Brad Neese and the South Carolina technical college presidents. A special congratulations to Dr. Forest Mahan, who was selected to be the fifth president of Aiken Technical College on Monday. Godspeed President Susan Winsor. 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. Chairman, I rise today in support of the bipartisan amendment with Congressman Seth Moulton, No. 95, that would increase transparency and accountability--in addition to promoting peace through strength. In the past few months, the Tehran regime has repeatedly pushed the boundaries of the dangerous Iran deal and on United Nations Security Council resolutions. Since January, the Iranian regime has tested at least two intercontinental ballistic missiles, including one that had the writing ``Israel should be wiped off the Earth,'' written in Hebrew. These ICBMs have the ability to reach Israel and other allies in the Middle East from southeastern Europe to India. Sadly, the American people have not received satisfactory answers about why the actions by Iran are without repercussions. This amendment will require a quick and clear response: Why or why not did the ICBM tests violate international agreements, and what response the administration will take. This bipartisan amendment will hold the administration accountable and require a timely and thorough report on our response to hostile actions. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to vote in support.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. I thank Chairman Thornberry for his leadership of peace through strength. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of amendment No. 69, a bipartisan amendment submitted with Ranking Member Jim Langevin. As we reach to secure cyberspace and protect American families from new and emerging threats while encouraging innovation, we turn to the mutual benefit that public-private partnerships provide industry employees and Department of Defense personnel. We have seen the success of public-private partnerships already in the IT field. This amendment will provide an opportunity to expand the benefits of the talent exchange to all components of the Department of Defense. The benefits to the military are clear. These partnerships provide the ability for fresh talent and concepts from outside the government sector. The private sector benefits as well by having the flexibility to gain a unique insight into how the government operates and engage in public service creating jobs. This bipartisan amendment promotes choice and opportunity that will benefit America's workers and the defense community. Actually, the collaboration will benefit all American families. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, over the weekend, Iran held another government-sponsored Holocaust cartoon contest in the capital of Tehran. Their denial of the mass slaughter endured by millions of men, women, and children during the Holocaust is yet another example of this theocratic regime's irrational and counterproductive conduct which hurts the citizens of Iran. As he announced the dangerous Iran deal, the President claimed that it would help Iran become a more moderate regime, one that respects our allies. The President was not correct. This is a nation that continually denies the genocide of the Holocaust, is a state sponsor of terrorism, tests missile development, and chants ``Death to America,'' ``Death to Israel.'' Sadly, the President continues to put faith in this dangerous regime. I am grateful that, under the leadership of Chairman Ed Royce on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, we are putting forth legislation to deny Iran access to the U.S. dollar if they continue to promote terrorism to threaten American families with mass murder. 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. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for his efforts to promote peace through strength. Mr. Chairman, I am grateful to support H.R. 4909, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, which I believe faithfully sets forth a path to recover and strengthen our military readiness. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities of the House Armed Services Committee, I am particularly appreciative to oversee some of the most innovative aspects of the Department of Defense. A few key areas of the subcommittee's contributions to this legislation are providing robust and resilient cyber capabilities and authorities to improve our cyber readiness and ensure resiliency for Department of Defense networks and weapons systems. We support innovative science and technology programs and authorities to meet future challenges. We fully resource and support our Special Operations Forces, who remain at war and globally postured, supporting our national security in the global war on terrorism. We extend vital counterterrorism authorities while improving congressional oversight in this very important area. Again, I would like to thank Chairman Mac Thornberry for his steadfast leadership as well as the subcommittee ranking member, Mr. Jim Langevin of Rhode Island, who has been an energetic partner on these issues with an extraordinary subcommittee staff. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this bill and vote ``yes'' on H.R. 4909.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month we celebrated Small Business Week, a time when we especially recognize the unique contributions small businesses make providing opportunities for citizens. South Carolina feels the positive impact of small-business owners. These individuals represent 97 percent of all employers in our State. I am grateful to represent these entrepreneurs who are dedicated to creating jobs that will help citizens around them have meaningful and fulfilling lives. I appreciate visiting with members of the South Carolina small- business community. I was grateful to tour Dayton Rogers, a plant in Columbia, South Carolina, led by President Ron Lowry, where I was inspired by the enthusiastic personnel. I participated in a roundtable discussion with the National Federation of Independent Business, NFIB, led by Ben Homeyer about the overreach of government. These meetings made it clear that small businesses are not being supported by this administration because of the burdensome tax regulations. I look forward to working with my fellow House Republicans as we support reforms to reduce regulations and create jobs and opportunities. 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 thank Sheriff Dave Reichert along with Sheriff Richard Nugent and Judge Ted Poe for their service to law enforcement in Congress. Mr. Speaker, this Sunday marks the beginning of National Police Week, a time each year when we especially honor the service and sacrifice of our Nation's police officers. Tragically, the citizens of South Carolina's Second Congressional District lost two distinguished and courageous officers this year. Officer Gregory Alia, a 7-year veteran of the City of Forest Acres Police Department, was beloved by his friends, family, and the entire community where he was born and raised. Gregory was an Eagle Scout, a graduate of Richland Northeast High School, and a graduate of the University of South Carolina. In 2003, I was grateful to accompany him along with my son, Hunter, with Troop 100 of St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Columbia to the Philmont Scout Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico, for a 100-mile trek. I knew he was a great fellow. A hardworking, dedicated, and humble man, he was the embodiment of a hero every day of his life. As a new father, he loved his family, looked for the good in everyone, and was a selfless leader, one who brought people together. His end of watch was September 30, 2015, when he was shot while pursuing a suspect. I am grateful his wife, Kassy; parents, Dr. Richard and Alexis; aunt, Catherine Alia-Harding; and his infant son, Sal, are here in the gallery and community today. Gregory's legacy lives on not only in the outpouring of love and appreciation from the community, but also in the actions of his family and friends. I would like to especially recognize his wife, Kassy, for her selfless service in the days, weeks, and months following the loss of Gregory. Less than a week--actually, even during the funeral service--after her husband was killed, the community was devastated by a 1,000-year rain, which caused widespread flooding. Days after Gregory's funeral, Kassy volunteered at the Harvest Hope Food Bank. She also started Heroes in Blue, an organization dedicated to sharing and caring and providing courageous stories of police officers in South Carolina and across the country. She founded Gregory Alia Day on December 14, the date of what would have been their fourth anniversary. Hundreds of community members and local businesses honored his memory by providing hot meals to 13 police stations in the Midlands of South Carolina. Nearly a month after Gregory Alia was provided final honors at St. Joseph's Church, our community faced another tragedy when Officer Stacy Case lost her life in the line of duty. Stacy, an Iraq war veteran, served the Army for 15 years, earning several commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Award, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Army Achievement Medal. Originally from Michigan, Stacy joined the City of Columbia Police Department in 2011. She worked one of the most difficult beats of the department and regularly sought opportunities for professional development. Stacy was killed in an automobile accident when responding to a shots-fired call on November 7, 2015. A highly respected member of the Columbia Police Department, her legacy will continue to live on. Indeed, last month the City of Columbia Police Department commissioned a new K-9 officer named Case in Stacy's memory. It is just one of the many tributes to her honor. As we mark National Police Week, I remember those that we have lost and stand in support of the men and women who risk their lives every day to protect us. God bless and protect our law enforcement and their devoted families.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, recently Chief Executive Magazine and the United National Movers Study confirmed what we already knew firsthand: South Carolina is a great place to live and work. South Carolina is ranked seventh in the Nation as one of the best States for doing business, up three spots in the past year according to Chief Executive Magazine. Our dynamic citizens, probusiness environment, and right-to-work laws create jobs. South Carolina is already home to BMW of Germany, Volvo of Sweden, Michelin of France, Bridgestone of Japan, Boeing, and many more. In addition to creating jobs, more people are moving to South Carolina, according to data from the United National Movers Study. Our strong job market, excellent climate, and friendly citizens give South Carolina the second highest rate among States of individuals moving to the State. I am grateful to Governor Nikki Haley, Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt, and all of the economic development groups who are working tirelessly to bring jobs to South Carolina with technical training. 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, last Friday, May 6, marked Vietnam Veterans Appreciation Day, a day set aside by law in South Carolina to remember and thank our brave soldiers that fought heroically in the Vietnam war. To mark this day, the Combat Veterans Group held a Day of Remembrance ceremony to honor local Vietnam veterans across the State for their service. I was grateful to join them and pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of our veterans. I appreciate the service of Commander of the South Carolina Combat Veterans Group Tommy Olds, featured speaker retired Captain Walter Allen Mouzon, and Executive Director Renee Joy. The program was inspiring and uplifting for dedicated Vietnam veterans. While serving as chairman of the Military Personnel Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee, I have visited Vietnam twice to monitor U.S.-Vietnamese efforts to recover MIAs. I was pleasantly surprised to find a deep affection by the Vietnamese for American servicemembers and a desire for stronger American-Vietnamese relationships of friendship. I am especially grateful for the Vietnam service of the late Captain Michael Alan McCrory, Sr., a VMI graduate, of McLean, Virginia. 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, the following is a letter that was submitted to our office by Christopher A. Iacovella, Esq., the Chief Executive Officer for the Equity Dealers of America, expressing the organization's support for H.J. Res. 88, ``Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to the definition of the term `Fiduciary,' '' on April 28, 2016: Dear Speaker Ryan and Leader Pelosi: The Equity Dealers of America (EDA) is writing to you today to urge the U.S. House of Representatives to take up and pass H.J. Res. 88, `Disapproving the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating the definition of the term ``Fiduciary'' '. The EDA represents the interests of middle market financial services firms who provide ``Main Street'' businesses with access to capital and advise hardworking Americans how to create and preserve wealth. Our geographically diverse membership includes BB&T Securities (NC), D.A. Davidson & Co. (MT), Hilliard Lyons (KY), Hilltop Securities (TX), Janney Montgomery Scott (PA), KeyBanc Capital Markets (OH), Piper Jaffray (MN), Raymond James Financial (FL), Robert W. Baird & Co. (WI), Stephens Inc. (AR), Stifel Nicolaus & Company (MO), William Blair & Company (IL), and Wunderlich Securities (TN). We strongly believe that Department of Labor exceeded its Congressionally granted authority when it finalized its ``Fiduciary Rule'' on April 6, 2016. We believed prior to the passage of the rule passage, and continue to believe now, that this rule will (1) reduce access to financial advice for low and middle income Americans; (2) increase costs for retirees by pushing them into inappropriate and expensive fee based financial solutions; and (3) unnecessarily interfere with an individual's ability to make his/her personal choices about investing and saving for retirement. We strongly support the U.S. House of Representatives as it takes up H.J. 88 and we look forward to its swift passage.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. I thank Chairman Phil Roe for yielding, and I appreciate his leadership on this issue for American families. Mr. Speaker, I am in strong support of the resolution to disapprove of the Department of Labor's fiduciary rule. This 1,000-page rule is yet another one of the President's burdensome, expensive regulations. Instead of helping American families by expanding access to financial advice, the Department of Labor has overly restricted the definition of a fiduciary and has created new obstacles for small business owners. In just reading the rule of 1,000 pages, much less picking it up, it is going to cost consumers. This administration's misguided fiduciary rule will make it harder for small businesses to assist their employees in preparing for retirement; it will increase costs; and it will limit choices for those who need the advice most: American families. In the past months, I have met with business leaders and financial advisers of the highest integrity across the Second Congressional District who share my concerns about the negative impacts of this unworkable regulation, which limits freedom. Again, I appreciate Chairman Phil Roe's leadership in sponsoring the resolution, and I urge my colleagues to vote in support.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, from 10 a.m. yesterday until nearly 3 a.m. this morning, the House Committee on Armed Services marked up the fiscal year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act, NDAA. Under the able leadership of Chairman Mac Thornberry, the committee diligently executed the most important duty of Congress: to provide for the common defense. This bipartisan legislation strengthens our military and protects American families from new and emerging threats. Additionally, this legislation fully resources our servicemembers, prioritizes cyber initiatives, and reforms our military healthcare system. The NDAA also stands up for South Carolina by continuing construction for the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication facility, MOX, at the Savannah River Site and prohibits the transfer of terrorists from Guantanamo to American soil. I am grateful to Chairman Thornberry, Ranking Member Adam Smith, my colleagues on the Committee on Armed Services, and dedicated staff members, especially Kevin Gates, Pete Villano, Neve Schadler, Katherine Sutton, and Lindsay Kavanaugh. 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, recently, students from Dent Middle School in Columbia competed in the South Carolina History Day regional competition at the South Carolina State Museum. Their presentation topics ranged from politics and government to historical discussions on some of our nation's greatest Presidents. I am honored to say that eight remarkable students from the Second District won awards during this competition and will compete in the national competition this June. Tessa Giusto won in the Junior Historical Paper category for her work discussing Plato and Locke and how they influenced U.S. politics. Hannah Hedley won in the Junior Individual Documentary category for her entry on Oskar Schindler. Sofia Crowley and Gabby Snow won in the Junior Individual Performance category for their project on Japan. And finally, Katie Pittman, Lauren Price, McKenna Wright, and Mariya Medvedchikova won in the Junior Exhibit Group for their project on Adolf Hitler. Congratulations to these students, their principal Dr. David Basile and teacher Ms. Jill Carroll. 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, the citizens of South Carolina are mourning the loss of one of its most respected judges with the death of Judge Sol Blatt, Jr., on April 20, 2016. He was nominated by President Richard M. Nixon. The Blatt family, of Russian-Jewish heritage, is beloved in Barnwell County for their dedicated service. His passing was recognized in an editorial in the Charleston Post and Courier on April 23, 2016: Sol Blatt, Jr., earned his stellar reputation not for making big headlines but for his long tenure as a fair, courteous and intelligent federal judge--a standard that all judges should aspire to attain. Judge Blatt practiced law in his native Barnwell for 25 years before 1971 when he was appointed a U.S. District Court judge in Charleston. He became a chief judge in 1986. And in 2006, he became the longest-serving federal judge in South Carolina history. In honor of that distinction the U.S. district judges in South Carolina signed a resolution naming the first-floor courtroom in Charleston's federal courthouse the Solomon Blatt Jr. Courtroom. Would that every judge in that courtroom, where he usually presided, could conduct himself as impressively. Judge Blatt's father was the prominent speaker of the S.C. House for 33 years. Like his father, Sol Blatt, Jr., attained prominence for public service, which he handled with grace and competence. Mr. Blatt, 94, died Wednesday night at his home in Charleston. He will be remembered for his remarkable judicial temperament. Indeed, it was as if the American Bar Association had him in mind when it outlined the tenets of judicial temperament: ``compassion, decisiveness, open-mindedness, sensitivity, courtesy, patience, freedom from bias and commitment to equal justice.''

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Columbia Museum of Art received the 2016 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation's highest honor given to museums for service to their community. For decades the Columbia Museum of Art has been revitalizing the city center of Columbia. Today, it is the center of a vibrant and culturally diverse Main Street community. The museum engages students in creative and new ways that showcase the importance of the arts in our school system. As the 2016 Co-Chair of the Congressional Art Competition, I am grateful for their role in encouraging and developing the talents of young artists. This award highlights the Columbia Museum of Art's long-standing commitment to outreach efforts in at-risk, rural, and underserved communities. I am grateful for the tireless work of Executive Director, Karen Brosius, President of the Board, Claude M. Walker, Jr., museum staff, and all of their dedicated volunteers for their commitment to promoting art in our community. Congratulations to the Columbia Museum of Art on this well-deserved honor; I am grateful to serve you in Congress. 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, just 5 years ago, South Carolina veterans struggled to find a job, facing an unemployment rate of over 20 percent. Today, veteran unemployment has dropped to just 4.4 percent, one of the lowest in the country. Veterans have unique training, education, and experiences that are valuable to any workplace. Last month I hosted the fourth annual Veteran Resource Fairs in the Midlands and the Aiken/Barnwell communities. These resource fairs bring together over 40 agencies and employers to help returned veterans find a job. I was grateful to partner with Operation Palmetto Employment under the leadership of Program Director Elisa Edwards, the South Carolina Army National Guard with Colonel Ronnie Taylor, Shannon Banks, Fred Pasley, led by Adjutant General Bob Livingston, and the Department of Employment and Workforce directed by Cheryl Stanton. I appreciate the work of the community leaders; the National Federation of Independent Business, NFIB; and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for their work promoting efforts to hire veterans. I believe that we should assist those who defend our freedoms to be a top priority. 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, yesterday the U.S. House of Representatives was represented at the Supreme Court during oral arguments for United States v. Texas, the challenge by 25 States to the President's illegal executive action on illegal aliens. Article I of the Constitution is clear: only Congress can write laws. Sadly, the President has overstepped his authority by acting alone after repeatedly saying that he did not have the authority he claimed. I was grateful to vote in favor of the resolution, which authorized Speaker Paul Ryan to file a brief in the Supreme Court, the first by the House as a whole. Speaker Ryan deserves recognition for his remarkable leadership in standing up for the Constitution and rule of law. United States v. Texas filings reveal the President's failed immigration policy, which should be to enforce existing laws. As an attorney who has practiced immigration law, I know firsthand the benefits of a lawful system welcoming new citizens following the law. 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, today marks tax day, a day when Americans must file their taxes. The broken Tax Code is nearly 75,000 pages and has excessive regulations, destroys jobs, and lacks certainty. The tax bill is too high for hardworking American families. This year Americans will collectively spend more on taxes than basic necessities like food, clothing, and housing combined. New ObamaCare taxes destroy jobs. We must make the Tax Code fair and simple to allow hardworking American families and small businesses to keep more of their hard-earned tax dollars. That is why I am grateful to be an original cosponsor of H.R. 27, Tax Code Termination Act, which would retire the old, burdensome Tax Code and replace it with a system that provides tax relief for working Americans, protects the rights of taxpayers, eliminates bias against saving, and creates jobs. I will continue to work in Congress toward a commonsense solution that creates a fair and simple Tax Code 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.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last month, the Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency testified that ISIL-Daesh will attempt mass murder within the United States. Sadly, despite these many threats, the President has failed to take ISIL seriously, dismissing them as the ``JV team'' and describing them as ``contained.'' It took an act of Congress to compel the President to submit a plan to defeat ISIL and violent extremists. Over a month after the February deadline, his plan of a pathetic seven pages was released. This is not a serious plan to protect American families, eliminating terrorist safe havens. This is not a real plan because it does not directly reference radical Islam or jihad once. It is not a real plan because it only outlines past activities. It clarifies the President's legacy of failure. Sadly, it is clear that this does not provide a path to defeat ISIL and mass murderers. While I have confidence in our servicemembers and military leaders, they deserve a clear mission. Seven pages is not sufficient, as American families are 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, the recent retirement announcement by 11th Judicial Circuit Solicitor Donnie Myers began an outpouring of appreciation for his dedicated service. South Carolina maintains the terminology of its English heritage by citing the position of district attorney as solicitor. In addition to effectively protecting families from predators, he was especially prudent in recruiting young attorneys who excelled at serving the public. He was recognized in an abbreviated editorial on March 24, 2016, in the Lexington County Chronicle and the The Dispatch-News entitled ``The end of a 40-year career in court'' by Editor Jerry Bellune: Donald V. Myers, the nemesis of death penalty defendants, is ending a 40-year career in 11th Circuit courts. As capital murder cases go, it has been one of the most dramatic careers in state history. Facing a state law-mandated retirement age of 72 next year, Myers decided there's no point in seeking re-election with only 11 months left to serve. That would force taxpayers to bear the cost of an election to fill the rest of his term, he said. Myers' wife Vance urged him to go to law school and join her father's law practice in Gaffney. After prosecuting cases for Attorney General Dan McLeod, an opportunity presented itself when 11th Circuit Solicitor Phil Wingard unexpectedly died. Myers ran to serve the rest of Wingard's term and has not faced a challenger since. Myers's life and career have been far from smooth. He and his wife had one child, Chris, although they had been told she could not bear children. Chris had a rare health condition but that did not slow him. He and his father were inseparable. Chris went along with his father to courtrooms around the four-county circuit. On Valentine's Day in 2003, Chris's condition proved fatal. It was a tragedy for their family. Friends overflowed the old Lexington County Courthouse for a memorial service. Tragedy struck again three years later. His wife Vance, who had a law degree and was her husband's consultant on capital cases, died unexpectedly. Myers was shattered by the loss of his son and wife in such a short period of time . . . Myers said he looks forward to retirement, fishing and a few writing projects he has in mind. We appreciate all he did to help victims of violent crimes. Prominent attorneys have also joined praising his service with a letter to the editor on March 31, 2016, by Pat McWhirter entitled ``Prosecutor Donnie Myers remains one of the best,'' which reads: I was the public defender in Lexington County for 14 years. I began shortly after Donnie Myers became solicitor, and he and I sort of grew up together in those roles. He is an excellent solicitor, honest, forthcoming and reasonable, but tough. He also is one of the best trial lawyers I have ever seen in a courtroom. He is, and I feel certain will remain, a legend among solicitors in this state. He has done an outstanding job for the 11th Judicial Circuit, and we will miss him. When we see him, we should thank him for his work. He will be hard to replace.