Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, President Donald Trump has another historic achievement for peace and prosperity in the Middle East, reducing threats to Americans at home and abroad. The Wall Street Journal reported Monday: ``Syria has joined the U.S.- led mission to defeat Islamic State . . . after President Trump and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa met at the White House.'' This meeting was the first of a Syrian head of state to visit the White House in the 8,000-year history of Damascus. It was promoted by Ambassador Tom Barrack, the tireless Trump envoy for Syria, and Admiral Brad Cooper, head of U.S. Central Command. I personally appreciate the Trump triumph as, last November, I was condemned by the Syrian dictator, Assad, as an enemy of the state weeks before he fled to Moscow. Mr. Speaker, 8 months later, I was a guest in the Damascus office of Assad with the new President and Senator Jeanne Shaheen. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump with attacks on civilians.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as Chairman of the U.S.- Thai Alliance Caucus, I want to extend my deepest condolences to both the Royal Family and the people of the Kingdom of Thailand following the passing of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother. Born in Bangkok on August 12, 1932--a day now celebrated as Mother's Day--she married the future King Bhumibol Adulyadej, crowned Rama IX, in 1950. Her Majesty led a life dedicated to public service and was a champion of furthering rural development in Thailand. As a steadfast companion of the King for more than four decades, she traveled with him throughout the country touring rural villages and advocating for projects to help the poor. Queen Sirikit was also an advocate for the preservation of traditional silk-weaving and is credited with helping to revitalize Thailand's silk industry. During my visits to Thailand, I have seen firsthand the warmth of the people and their love for the King and Queen, offering only the highest of praises. The Thai people's admiration of the monarchs is a testament of their patriotism and to national unity in Thailand. I am grateful to have been able to have seen these sentiments firsthand, in addition to the numerous other aspects of their rich culture. Thailand is a valued ally of America. Once again, I offer my deepest condolences to Queen Sirikit's family and friends, and to the people of the Kingdom of Thailand.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize the honorable life of Major General Thomas Rew. Having lived for over a century, born on March 13, 1922, Maj. Gen. Rew served 34 years as a U.S. Air Force officer, and fought bravely in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War to keep American families safe and protect freedom with Peace Through Strength. In 1976, he retired from the military and moved to Columbia, South Carolina, where he became a valued community member. I especially appreciate his service as myself the son of U.S. Army Air Corps Flying Tigers in World War II, 1st Lieutenant Hugh Wilson, having served in Kunming, Chengdu, and Xian, China. Maj. Gen. Rew is a true American hero, and I am grateful for his service to the country. My thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends. Maj. Gen. Rew was honored on June 7, 2025, at the WWII Veterans Honor Event at Woodward Field Camden, hosted by Colonel Rick Mantei and his wife Lisa through the Rick Mantei Charitable Fund. His loving obituary has been published by Dunbar Funeral Home: ``Maj. Gen. Rew died Sunday, October 12, 2025. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he was the son of the late Thomas J. and Lucy Davey Rew. He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in New York City. He enlisted in the US Army Air Corps during WWII and was quickly selected for officers' training and flight school. After the war he graduated from Springfield College, Massachusetts with a degree in Physical Education, married Marie Hartigan of Queens, New York, and was subsequently recalled to active duty in the US Air Force during the Korean War. He remained on active duty for the next 25 years flying B-47 and B-52 bomber aircraft. He served in a variety of command positions and in combat during the Vietnam War. He retired from the military in 1976 and resided in Columbia, South Carolina, ever since. In addition to his Christian faith and his family, his three main passions in life were fishing (with his children), sports (playing handball and watching the Los Angeles Dodgers), and aviation. ``Surviving are his wife, Carolyn Rew, and his three sons: Fredric Rew (wife Paige and children James, Mark, Elizabeth); William Rew (wife Christy and children Jessica, Mandy, Kat); Thomas Rew (wife Diana and children TJ and Lindsay); grandchildren Keegan Robar, Devin Brown, and Taylor Brown; plus seven great grandchildren.'' ``He was predeceased by wife Marie Elizabeth Hartigan, sister Mary Carpenter, daughter Maureen Rew Brown, and grandson Wlliam Rew.'' As I attended the funeral services at Northeast Presbyterian Church (PCA), thoughtfully conducted by Rev. Dr. George Crow with Dr. Robert Jones and Rev. Josh Desch, I was inspired to know firsthand of the success of Major General Rew with his World War II, Korea, and Vietnam service. He made possible my visits to formerly deadly enemies of Berlin, Tokyo, Rome, Pyongyang, Seoul, and Hanoi. Now Germany, Japan, Italy, and Republic of Korea have been enriched with American aid and in Vietnam, Americans are beloved. Today, more people live in freedom and democracy than ever in world history due to the American military.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Satirist Greg Gutfeld of Fox Television Channel was at his best on September 23rd correctly analyzing the consequence of violence by the Fake News Media in America. Deranged false accusations of Fascism, National Socialism, against conservatives is dangerous. ``All right. So, NBC claims that investigators have found no link between Charlie Kirk's assassin and any left-wing groups.'' As for this narratives timing, all you have to see are the responses which is, see everyone? No left -wing group was involved in this murder. Congrats, NBC, you provided the cover. You can add that to your other scoops. The laptop is fake, COVID came from bad soup, Trump colluded with Russia, Joe was sharp as a tack. The mainstream media misses more mayhem than a blind cleaning lady at Motel 6. So, is it a relief to know that the assassin wasn't part of some radical group? That he was just some guy who acted upon a daily reminder that in order to save democracy you had to murder someone? True, there were no records of him showing up at the nightly potluck at the YMCA, He didn't need to. Every single day he was fed the message that all US are nazis, fascists, white supremacist. From colleges to comedy shows, you cannot escape the brainwash. So, the media says good news, he wasn't radicalized by a group. Yeah, because he was radicalized by you, the media. The constant drumbeat from democrats, the press, activists who have been screaming for years that people like Charlie aren't just wrong, they are evil. Who needs an armed group having a clandestine meeting in a basement when you have nightly programming on MSNBC? They have more blood on their hands than Jeffrey Dahmer after a first date, I know. Never a second date with him. But if you are thrilled there was no organized group behind this hate and how do you explain the reaction after the assassination? It wasn't universal horror. You had thousands of ghouls cheering his demise. Pop stars, talking heads, teachers, bureaucrats. ANTIFA wasn't needed because culture did the work for them. Saying no left-wing group was involved doesn't mean there is no left-wing influence. It means the poison has seeped into the groundwater. You don't need a special club when the entire ecosystem is the club. It's like Charles Manson bragging that he didn't kill anybody himself personally. No Charlie, it wasn't you. Just a gaggle of human scum, that you brainwashed. These creeps gave motive, permission, and the hopes that Kirk's assassin would be seen as a hero. Meanwhile, the same fools now cite bogus studies and say political violence comes from the right. But the stats are less believable than the shoe polish on Jesse's bald spot. They ignore everything that doesn't fit the script. When their once vaunted economist magazine cited a study showing that the most political violence is right wing, they failed to mention that the study by an outfit called TheProsecution Project was run by a self-proclaimed ANTIFA member. And yet the media devoured this fanfiction like it was objective data. Coming up with a bogus study to smear the right and laundering it through the media, rinse and repeat. So, you have to wonder, why lie? Why did Jimmy Kimmel blame MAGA for Kirk's death? It wasn't bad timing; it helped provide cover for future left-wing violence. So don't tell me no group. The group is CNN; the group is Hollywood. The group is the late- night hosts losing millions but still propped up by the networks. The group is every politician who calls the country nazis. And they are shocked when some unhinged loser believes them? If you can't see that, it means you're part of that group too.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize Dr. Seshadri Raju and his wife, Dr. Sybil Raju, as they honor his mentor, Dr. James Hardy. The Rajus donated one million dollars, endowing the Hardy-Raju Chair of Transplant Surgery at the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). Dr. Raju has made considerable contributions in the areas of transplant immunology, organ preservation, and small bowel transplantation. Dr. Raju performed the first clinically successful double-lung transplant in America and the first successful heart transplant in Mississippi. Notably, Dr. Raju performed a successful double-lung transplant on my predecessor and mentor, the late Congressman Floyd Spence. Congressman Spence incredibly lived an additional 13 year thanks to Dr. Raju and then was able to serve his country as Chairman of the House Committee on Armed Services. The work of Dr. Raju is possible because of his mentor, Dr. Hardy who welcomed him into his warm car for a 9,000-mile journey to UMMC where he worked as research fellow. Dr. Hardy would soon become his long-time benefactor, steering Dr. Raju into a successful career of his own. Both doctors have had an immense impact on the practice of medicine and have paved the road in the field of transplant surgery. The funds that the Rajus donated will support clinical transplant services, serve as a recruitment tool to attract world-class faculty, drive innovation, and more. The Hardy-Raju Chair of Transplant Surgery at UMMC will serve as a reminder of the dedicated work that both individuals have given to the community.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize the Airport High School baseball team from West Columbia, ``The Eagles,'' as they rallied to defeat Seneca High School in the 2025 4A South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) State Championship. This marks the first State Championship in team history. In the best of three-game final, the Eagles defeated Seneca 4-3 in the first game, and 10-0 in the second game--a strong close to their winning season record of 15-1. The Airport High team includes players Brayden Dinlap, Gabe Ingram, Charlie Jackson, Ayden McCauley, Isahia Clemons, Landon Jeffcoat, Hunter Epps, Saundiata Anderson, Harrison Shoffner, Cash Epps, Casen Hatfield, Brice Gillette, Braden Gross, Justin Sightler, Sean Feliciano, Rodrigo Rizo, Caleb Eubanks, Cooper Chavis, and Daniel Butts. Alongside the players are talented coaches Casey Bradwell, former Eagles player, and assistant coaches Kris Kirkland, Jermey Epperson, Cameron Zimmerman, Brandon Caughman, Nick Gooding, Ryan O'Hora, and Layne Turner. Three of my sons, Add, Julian, and Hunter are Airport graduates and former baseball Eagles. On behalf of all South Carolinas, I congratulate the Airport High Eagles on this impressive achievement and I wish them the best of luck as they defend their title in the upcoming season. This victory of the Airport High Eagles is well-deserved for the team, coaches, families, and community for all their hard work and support, making their dream come true.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the last 2 days have actually been remarkable. Led by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Brian Mast, we actually met for nearly 36 hours straight on an amendment for inclusion in the State Department Authorization Act. Indeed, I am very grateful that last night a very historic step was taken as the people of the United States showed their love and affection for the people of the Republic of Georgia. An amendment was passed that provides for no recognition of the illegitimate Georgian Dream government that has seized power in a rigged election in Georgia on October 26, 2024. We now have a resolution or amendment that calls for nonrecognition. I am so grateful to my colleagues who joined in supporting that resolution. Indeed, it is an indication that what has been done is positive. The Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, Shalva Papuashvili, has denounced this legislation. In an unintended consequence, he reveals that the people of Georgia want to live in fairness and freedom. Additionally, today the United Kingdom has passed legislation to block recognition. With this, we conclude that Charlie and Erika Kirk are making a difference for God, family, and country.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, it is revealing that the corrupt Georgian Dream party of the Republic of Georgia canceled a proposed Trump Tower project in Batumi, which Donald Trump had personally announced in 2012. Elections were rigged in Georgia last October. The illegitimate Georgian Dream party Putinist conspirator, Ivanishvili, has ridiculed Trump as a trickster. It is clear the illegitimate Georgian Dream party sabotaged President Donald Trump, while it has given its port on the Black Sea to the Chinese Communist Party. America supports the freedom-loving Georgian people and rejects the current Georgian Dream regime. The United States House of Representatives voted 349-42 for fair elections in Georgia. The tyrannical regime is ruthlessly arresting political opposition. President Salome Zourabichvili, who is the legitimate President, is courageous as a champion for the people of Georgia. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting and mocking Trump, as Putin invaded Poland last week with 19 drones and 100 miles, reminiscent of Stalin joining Hitler invading Poland on September 17, 1939, 86 years ago this week to kill 69,000 Poles in 5 weeks.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to recognize September 16, 2025, as Mexico's 215th Independence Day. Mexico has served as an invaluable diplomatic, trade, and cultural partner with the United States for two hundred years, reflecting the close relationship that make this alliance invaluable to both countries. In 2024, Mexico was the second-largest destination for U.S. exports and the top source of U.S. imports. Total U.S. goods and services trade with Mexico, in 2024, totaled over $935 billion. I am particularly grateful of the trade ties between South Carolina and Mexico. In 2024, the Palmetto State exported over three and a one- half billion dollars of rubber and plastic products, electrical equipment and components, iron and steel, and other items to our southern partner, while importing more than five and one half billion dollars in motor vehicle and aerospace parts, and other goods. This integration highlights the deeply connected partnership between Mexico and South Carolina. I applaud the deep commitment of President Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to cooperate and collaborate in stopping illegal aliens crossing our Southern Border, including the murderous threats posed by drug traffickers with human trafficking. This underscores the promise by President Trump to protect American lives. This day is also special to me because I have a dedicated member of my staff, Daniel Ramirez, who is first generation Mexican-American. I am appreciative that the United States and Mexico are partners--and neighbors--and wish the people of Mexico a Happy 215th Independence Day.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, with the abysmal assassination of American Patriot Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025, this tragedy inspired South Carolina Poet Tony Pichoff of Hopkins, South Carolina, with his heartfelt poem of Turning Point: Turning Point On this twenty-fourth eve of 9/11, One of Satan's minions Sent your faithful soul to Heaven. And in so doing, Sowed the seeds Of their undoing, On the road to reckoning and ruin. In this epic battle For the very soul of America, Never yielding To the terror of Those who seek to silence, you, The disarming bearer of God's good news. Wielding intellectual weapons Of well reasoned wisdom With calm confidence And articulate precision That did mortally threaten To undo the institution Insidiously dedicated To undermining our constitution. An unholy breeding ground Of hatred and division Infecting our very youth With lies disguised as truth. Administered via ``higher learning's'' Spiritual circumcision. In obedience to God, Upon these battle grounds You bravely trod, And did not do so in vain. For even in your very death, You delivered victory again! And just as the attack on 9/11 Our national resolve did anoint, Your MAGA martyrdom Marks THIS historic turning point. And when 45 became 47, Just as certainly as then we knew, The tide continues to turn in our favor Now confirmed by you. As challenging as it may be, While we mourn we must also see, That it is through those like you We shall remain the indomitable land of the Free.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I was grateful for the passage last week of the National Defense Authorization Act championed by Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers. The legislation supports over 45 executive orders from President Donald Trump and funds peace through strength. Authorizations provide a 3.8 percent pay increase and improvement of housing and education, funds to fight drug traffickers and deploy troops to the border, and funding to counteract the subversive activities of the Chinese Communist Party. I appreciate initiatives to support funding for the defense research projects at the University of South Carolina and missions at the Savannah River Site. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war continues. Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength; revealing war criminal Putin lies; insulting Trump and mocking Trump as Russian drones invade Poland, repeating history of September 17, 1939, 86 years ago tomorrow, when Stalin joined Hitler in invading Poland, murdering over 60,000 Poles. Remember Charlie Kirk, God, family, country.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, a consequence of liberal, hateful bias and bigotry in campus academia is deranged radicalization, leading to violence as ``the ends justify the means.'' In 2009, David Horowitz, in his book ``One-Party Classroom,'' warned of indoctrination. The solution is mutual respect to disagree, ending liberal discrimination. Sadly, I have endured liberal intolerance, with no philosophical diversity of faculty, where liberalism is dictated. Yelling ``fascism'' foolishly 3,000 times by liberals has resulted in the assassination of Charlie Kirk, as he courageously proclaimed God, family, country. He is a martyr for freedom. President Donald Trump and his supporters are the opposite of fascist, national-socialist. Conservatives implement limited government, expanded freedom, and peace through strength, devolving power from Washington to the people. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump, speaking lovely as Iranian- designed Russian drones invade Poland, also Romania Saturday, threatening American troops.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, President Donald Trump is cracking down on murderers who threaten American families. Trump has signed an executive order to eliminate cashless bail. This will prevent Democratic district attorneys from putting criminals back on the streets, murdering random citizens. This could have prevented the merciless murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on August 22 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Her killer had 14 previous arrests. Her merciless murder was concealed for 10 days by Charlotte Mayor Lyles, as she faced a primary election yesterday. The mayor should resign, as proposed by Charlotte- area Congressman Ralph Norman. Every other week, I am grateful to fly through Charlotte, with its professional staff, but as long as Lyles is mayor, I will avoid the Charlotte airport because every passenger in Charlotte is at risk of being stabbed to death. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin's lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump, while Putin is invading Poland with Iranian drones 100 miles into Poland yesterday from Belarus, as Putin tries to resurrect the failed Soviet Union.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, President Donald Trump is creating jobs, allowing families to keep more of the money they earn. Under President Trump, over half a million jobs have been created. Job-destroying regulations are being slashed, eliminating 10 regulations for every new regulation created, led by Administrator Lee Zeldin and with the appointment of Chairman David Wright to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The Trump America First trade policy has recruited $8 trillion in new manufacturing, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs. The Trump tax cuts will benefit families by over $10,000 a year. President Trump and Republicans in the House and Senate are committed to cutting taxes, increasing wages, and increasing jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. We know that President Trump is standing firm for families, revealing war criminal Putin's lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump, with increased mass murder of Ukrainian civilians while subverting Belarus, Georgia, and Moldova for a new U.S.S.R. South Carolina is grateful for the success of our shared community, Charlotte. Sadly, it is clear Mayor Lyles should resign for shamelessly concealing the murder of Iryna Zarutska.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chair, again, all of us are so grateful for the bipartisan leadership of Chairman Mike Rogers and Ranking Member Adam Smith in developing the National Defense Authorization Act. I support the bill, but failure to include urgent provisions for the national security agenda of President Donald Trump amounts to sabotage of the successful Trump policies for peace through strength. I regret that amendment 535 was not included to repeal the Caesar Act. Repeal promotes President Trump's historic announcement to give Syria a chance after 50 years of murderous, Baathist, socialist dictatorship. Ambassador Tom Barrack, the very talented envoy for President Trump, is making every effort to support stabilization in Syria to prevent the resurgence of ISIS threatening the region and American families. I regret that amendment 545, the MEGOBARI Act, was not included. Earlier this year, the House voted 348-42, 90 percent, for the MEGOBARI Act supporting fair elections in the Republic of Georgia. War criminal Putin has rigged elections in Georgia.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. The Georgian Government has given the port on the Black Sea to the Chinese Communist Party. Failure to include MEGOBARI only benefits the Chinese Communist Party, undermining President Donald Trump. It is critical that Congress support the Peace Through Strength agenda of President Donald Trump.

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

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of amendment No. 11. It modifies the Federal statutes 50 U.S.C. 797 and 18 U.S.C. 1382. This amendment will modify two Federal statutes to make it easier for the U.S. Department of War to prosecute violators of the national defense areas. Responding to the President's declaration of a national emergency on the southern border and executive order directing the military to seal the United States' southern border and maintain territorial integrity and security of the United States, the Department of War has established several national defense areas (NDAs) which have allowed it to better control large swathes of borders using military personnel and resources. These NDAs are now considered military installations. Unlawful entry or trespass onto these NDAs are also managed similarly to trespass on traditional military installations with prosecutions handled by United States Attorney's Offices. U.S. attorneys in New Mexico and Texas have processed thousands of cases since the national defense areas were first established with charges under the two statutes at issue. Although there are many successes, they also face some challenges in court, with one irresponsible judge foolishly tossing out 100 cases over concerns that illegal alien trespassers did not have sufficient knowledge that they were on a military installation based on the knowledge requirement of the current statutes. It is very bizarre for criminal illegal aliens, whether they actually knew they were on military installations or not. It is also bizarre whether they knew they were crossing the border. As they cross the border, they shouldn't have to check title as to who owns the property. The amendment would clarify that there are general intent crimes. For example, the defendant intended to do an act prohibited by law. These amendments would also clarify NDAs are considered Department of War real property for the purposes of the charges based on how they are administered. They also enhance the penalties for violations to help ensure illegal aliens prosecuted for these crimes are not immediately released, and any additional attempts at unlawful entry after removal will be punished accordingly. In addition to the positive deterrence aspects of the Department of War personnel at the border, effective prosecution of individuals apprehended will have a complementary impact for determining future crossings both for repeat and first-time offenders. Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this amendment, and I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Chair, indeed, it is so clear. One of the greatest achievements of President Donald Trump has been to secure our border. Five years ago, I went to the border. I was at Del Rio, and I asked the border security how many people on the terrorist watch list have crossed. They said: Congressman, we are not allowed by this administration to tell you that. You are not supposed to know. The American people are not supposed to know how many terrorists have come into the United States. The good news is that with the leadership of Chairman Mike Rogers and others, we had hearings and were able to identify several hundred terrorists who came across. Only one highly skilled terrorist could conduct mass murder in our country, so it is so important that we maintain our border. President Donald Trump is doing that. We need to reinforce this and send a message to people around the world that they just can't pick and choose coming into America to threaten American families. Madam Chair, I urge adoption of the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of American families, Republicans in the House, led by Mike Johnson, and Senate have delivered on the promises made by President Donald Trump to enact historic tax cuts. Among the accomplishments: Take-home pay for families will increase by over $10,000 per year, no tax on tips for millions of workers, no tax on overtime for over 80 million hourly workers, no tax on Social Security, providing tax relief for 88 percent of seniors. President Trump and Republicans in the House and Senate are committed to cutting taxes, increasing wages, and creating millions of jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin's lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump, talking lovely in the morning, killing babies later in the afternoon with Russian missiles. Our sympathy to the family of Iryna Zarutska of Charlotte, North Carolina, on her merciless murder.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am very grateful to welcome Dr. Neil Stewart, senior minister of the First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, South Carolina, as the guest chaplain today to the United States House of Representatives. First Presbyterian Church in Columbia is the largest Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in the world, founded in 1795. His ministry is so meaningful to me as our family has attended First Presbyterian Church for six generations, sitting on the same pew. It is also the churchyard of the graves of the parents of President Woodrow Wilson. This was the boyhood church of President Woodrow Wilson. Also in the churchyard is the grave of Ann Pamela Cunningham, who, in 1854, founded the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association to save Mount Vernon from destruction. Dr. Stewart grew up in Northern Ireland--obviously, you can tell from his not South Carolina accent--and has studied medicine at Queen's University Belfast and was awarded the Ulster Hospital Gold Medal for his studies in medicine, general and orthopedic surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, and gynecology. Dr. Stewart later moved to Jackson, Mississippi, after feeling a desire to grow in his faith. He graduated with a master of divinity from the Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson in 2002. I appreciate his wife, Catherine, who is here today. Additionally, with his six children, they now reside in the midlands of South Carolina, and we are blessed to have them choose South Carolina as their home.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, illegal alien crossings have fallen to a historic low, with the fewest arrests by the Border Patrol at the southern border in July, being a 24 percent drop from the previous record low in June. Compared to July 2024 under Biden, this achieves an amazing 92 percent decrease of illegal aliens and terrorists coming into America. Since President Donald Trump took office, the administration has arrested nearly 150,000 illegal aliens, with 50,000 arrests occurring in just the past 8 weeks, as coordinated by border czar Tom Homan and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. Republicans are sending a clear message to traffickers, cartels, and criminals that they will be held to the full extent of the law. In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength, revealing that war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump, defiantly embracing fellow dictators today in Beijing, as Trump correctly interpreted this threatens American families.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Anne Matthews, the first female Vice President of Rotary International, on being awarded South Carolina's highest civilian award, The Order of the Palmetto. Authorized by Governor Henry McMaster, The Order of the Palmetto is awarded to the State's most accomplished and esteemed individuals who make a significant contribution to a particular community. Anne represents all that this award entails as she has devoted her life to helping those in need. As a fellow Rotarian myself, I have witnessed Anne dedicate her life to serving the people of South Carolina and beyond in many capacities in business, Rotary International, and more. Having degrees from Coker College, Appalachian State University, and a doctorate from the University of South Carolina, Anne also excelled in education, including as President of the National Business Education Association. Additionally, she served as president, chair, and/or board member of numerous national and state boards, promoting and speaking across America and internationally on critical educational issues and the need to serve the less fortunate. Anne has worked in 73 countries, championing humanitarian efforts, and promoting South Carolina values. Notably, as chair of the Polio Eradication Advocacy Task Force for America, where we worked together with other members of Congress to raise over four billion dollars for the global fight against Polio. Anne embodies leadership, compassion, and service. She has achieved many accomplishments and has contributed greatly to the state. I send my warmest congratulations and best wishes. I am appreciative for all she has done for South Carolina.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the success by President Donald Trump for peace and prosperity in the Middle East is being implemented by American patriot Ambassador Tom Barrack as I witnessed firsthand last week in Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. Our bipartisan, bicameral delegation, led by Senator Jeanne Shaheen, visited with inspiring leaders like King Abdullah in Amman, President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, and President Joseph Aoun in Beirut. Jordan is appreciated as a prosperous, longtime American ally. Syria is advancing to include all communities and religions into a unified nation. With dictator Assad fleeing to Moscow, President Trump promotes ``give Syria a chance.'' Lebanon is fulfilling its pledge to disarm Hezbollah by year-end. Ambassador Barrack is successfully isolating Iran as Iran chants ``death to Israel, death to America.'' In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump, murdering Ukrainian civilians with rocket attacks as he conducts lovely conversations.