Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week, South Carolinians mourned the passing of Johnnie Sowell Neese of Springdale who was recognized as one of the state's leading businesswomen. She was the state's first female Republican candidate for office with the 1964 Goldwater Republican effort. At that time only one Republican had been elected as a legislator in the Twentieth Century being Charlie Boineau in 1961. Mrs. Neese courageously spearheaded the promotion of the two- party system in South Carolina where Republicans are now super majorities in the legislature holding all statewide offices. They are led by Governor Nikki Haley, from her home county of Lexington, who is the state's first female Governor in 340 years. She and her late husband Harry carefully organized their professions as they successfully raised five talented daughters who have now inspired the success of six grandsons. I especially appreciate her ``gift of administration'' in that for seventeen years she was treasurer of my campaign as I served in the State Senate. She upheld flawlessly the standard set by my predecessor and her friend Congressman Floyd Spence that ``It must not only be right, it must look right,'' as we successfully replaced an incumbent in the Republican primary. The following obituary was in The State newspaper of Columbia, S.C., on Saturday, January 30th: Funeral service for Johnnie Sowell Neese, 89, of West Columbia, will be held at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, January 31, 2016, at Holland Avenue Baptist Church, 801 12th Street, Cayce, SC. Pastor Dow Welsh and Pastor Charles Wilson will officiate. Interment will follow in Southland Memorial Gardens. The family will greet friends from 6:00 8:00 p.m. Saturday, January 30, 2016, at Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington, 4720 Augusta Road, Lexington, SC. Mrs. Neese passed away Thursday, January 28, 2016. Born in Kershaw, she was a daughter of the late John Wesley and Evelyn Blease Johnson Sowell, Sr. She was a graduate of Kershaw High School and attended Coker College. Johnnie was a charter member of Holland Avenue Baptist Church and served as trustee and Sunday School teacher for more than 50 years. She was the chairman of the Nominating, Finance, and Personnel Committees, and a member of the Benevolent, Building, Library, and Stewardship Committees. Johnnie was continuously employed by the House of Perfection, Inc., manufacturer and wholesaler of children's apparel from November 1956 until July 2005, when she retired as executive vice president and chief financial officer. She was the former president of the West Columbia Cayce Junior Woman's Club, former Division chairman of the S.C. Federation of Women's Clubs, the former president of the Riverlyn Women's Club, a former member of the Lexington County Higher Education Commission, Congaree Area Girl Scout Council and served as the West Columbia Cayce residential chairman for the United Way. Johnnie was a former member of the Body of Trustees, United Community Services and was nominated for the ``Woman of Achievement'' award for the State of South Carolina in 1992. She was awarded the ``Woman of Distinction'' honor in 1996, from the Congaree Area Girl Scout Council. From 1964 through 1967, Johnnie was active in the Lexington County and the South Carolina Republican Parties, having served as secretary-treasurer, County Finance chairman, County Organization chairman, president of Lexington County Republican Women, precinct officer, and Convention Credentials chairman. A candidate for the House of Representatives in 1964, she was the first woman in South Carolina to run for public office on the Republican ticket. She served for 17 years as treasurer for Senator Addison G. (Joe) Wilson and assumed active roles in State and Congressional campaigns for Republican candidates Albert Watson, Floyd Spence, and Strom Thurmond. Johnnie is survived by her daughters, Lynda Neese (Gary Miller), Carol Neese, Deborah Neese, Sandra Neese Cooke, Tracey Neese Edenfield; six grandsons, Ira Brent Driggers, Jonathan Michael Cooke, Jordan Patrick Cooke, Zachary Tanner Edenfield, Nicholas Yates Edenfield, Jacob Andrew Edenfield; three great-grandsons. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of more than 50 years, Harry Yates Neese; twin sister, Connie Sowell, and brother, John W. Sowell, Jr.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this evening the President will address Congress and the American people and will defend his legacy of failure in jobs, national defense, and more gun control. The President's legacy has destroyed jobs and has increased regulations that cripple small business. He should change course to support creating jobs and reducing unnecessary regulations, and he should repeal ObamaCare. The President's legacy overseas--abandoning Iraq, not upholding the red line in Syria, and opposing a NATO training force in Libya--allowed ISIS to grow, with children fleeing, drowning at sea. The President should change course to actually destroy ISIS. American families need a positive plan for victory in the global war on terrorism. The President's legacy of more gun control would not have stopped any of the mass attacks. The President should change course to reform mental health and to stop terrorists from attacking American families. I join the rest of America in hoping the President offers a positive agenda for the American people tonight, not more Big Government failure. 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 the very evening the President held a town hall calling for increased gun control, Philadelphia Police Officer Jesse Hartnett was shot at 11 times. None of the President's proposals would have prevented the attack. More gun control will not stop criminals. The attack was carried out with a stolen police pistol. It will not stop the mentally ill. The shooter complained of hearing voices. More gun control will not stop terrorists. The attacker shouted his support for ISIS. To reduce shootings, we must enforce current laws, reform mental health laws, and defeat Islamic terrorists overseas. They should update the age-old bumper sticker from, ``If guns are outlawed, only outlaws will have guns'' to, ``If guns are outlawed, only outlaws and terrorists will have guns.'' The only positive outcome of the Philadelphia attack is to identify a new American hero, Jesse Hartnett, who demonstrated the extraordinary professionalism of America's law enforcement as recognized last Saturday during National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President, by his actions, never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Releasing terrorists from Guantanamo will allow mass murderers to secure guns to kill American families.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today, I am grateful to recognize Carson Buzhardt as the female statewide winner of the South Carolina Farm Bureau Youth Ambassador Contest. A resident of Lexington County, Carson graduated from Wyman King Academy and now attends Clemson University where she majors in Agribusiness and aspires to become a leader in the food industry. Carson was selected as the winner after her essay and presentation on farm life in South Carolina impressed the panel of judges. Her parents, Daryl and Pamela Buzhardt of Lexington, join me in recognizing her achievement, and I am confident in her future success. The South Carolina Farm Bureau, under the leadership of President Harry Ott, selects two Youth Ambassadors each year to highlight youth involvement and interest in agriculture. I am grateful to the South Carolina Farm Bureau for their critical work celebrating and supporting family farmers in the Second Congressional District and across the State. In conclusion, God Bless Our Troops and may the President by his actions never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism. Congratulations Carson Buzhardt.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week The Wall Street Journal reported that the National Security Agency, the NSA, is actively spying on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, one of our Nation's closest allies. This revelation comes just 2 years after the President's announcement that the United States would cease spying on our allies. The Journal wrote: ``Officials said Obama insisted that keeping tabs on Netanyahu served a `compelling national security purpose.' '' Specifically, the President sought to learn about President Netanyahu's opposition to the dangerous Iranian nuclear deal. In so doing, the NSA also intercepted personal, direct communication between Members of Congress, the Prime Minister, and his staff. An editorial by The Post and Courier--republished in The Hill this week--raised important questions about the legality of the NSA's sharing private conversations with the White House and not discarding or getting judicial permission. Regrettably, this is another example of the President's disregard for our Constitution by spying on Congress, corrupting the NSA. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President, by his actions, never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Our sympathy to the family of Staff Sergeant Matthew McClintock, an American hero.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on December 23, the Augusta Chronicle published an editorial with significant insight: ``President Obama finally has a counterterrorism strategy: Photo-ops and speeches. After dawdling for several years in the fight against ISIS, his advisers must realize that Mr. Obama is losing not only the war on terror, but the domestic audience as well. ``This administration is a story of one failure after another. The President calls ISIS the JV team of terror. He says ISIS is contained, the day before the Paris attacks. The morning of the San Bernardino terror attack, he says: `Our homeland has never been more protected by more effective intelligence and law enforcement professionals at every level than they are now.' '' The editorial continues: ``American lives are on the line, and this President won't identify the enemy or secure our borders and communities. And his plan of attack? Photo-ops and speeches and unvetted refugees.'' In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President by his actions never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Thank you, Peggy Sampson, for your dedicated service.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I traveled across the Second Congressional District of South Carolina, visiting communities in Columbia, West Columbia, Aiken, North Augusta, Barnwell, Orangeburg, and Lexington to present my 2016 legislative agenda. At each stop, I was grateful to share my priorities with constituents and answer questions from the media. In this new legislative year, I will advance legislation to create jobs for American families and reduce harmful regulations that destroy jobs. We also must protect the economic future for our children and grandchildren by passing balanced budgets and reining in Washington's out-of-control spending, which is a crushing debt on future generations. As chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, I am also focusing on promoting peace through strength to support our troops and keep our families safe from Islamic extremists in the global war on terrorism. I will also strive to strengthen our Nation's cyber capabilities and protect our citizens against cyber attacks by enemies. 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 Christmas Day, South Carolina lost one of its most dynamic citizens with the death of Marilyn Coy. Marilyn was symbolic of a political revolution of people moving as transplants from the Midwest and Northeast to the South, developing a two party system with Republicans growing from nonexistence to achieving a super-majority. The following tribute was published in The State newspaper of Columbia on December 27, 2015: Marilyn Sue Coy, wife of Calvin Coy, left this earth for Heaven while at home on Friday, December 25, 2015, on the day we celebrate our Lord's birthday, Christmas. She was 83. Viewing and family visitation will be on Tuesday, December 29, 2015, from 6 to 8 pm at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home-- Chapin Chapel, 123 Columbia Ave, Chapin, SC 29036. Services will be held on Wednesday, December 30, 2015, at 11 am at Chapin United Methodist Church, 415 Lexington Ave, Chapin, SC 29036. Interment to follow at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Rd, Columbia, SC 29229. Born in Lake Cicott, Indiana, on May 11, 1932, to the late Horace and Suzie Julian, Marilyn Coy was preceded by her son Mark, her sister Norma Franzen, and her grandson Gabriel Coy. After 62 years of marriage, Marilyn leaves behind her husband Cal Coy, her daughter Laura Pike of Montauroux, France, and her son Bruce and wife Pamela Coy of Summerville, SC. She also leaves behind five grandchildren Jamie Pike, Alexia Pike and Caroline Pike of France, and Julian Coy and Carra and her husband Jesse Beam of South Carolina, and one great grandson, ``baby Jack,'' son of Alexia Pike and Fabien Scrivo of France. Marilyn was an active member of every community where she lived. Her outspoken personality and drive has had a positive impact on every life she touched from immediate family, to friends, organizations and even the state of South Carolina which she loved so dearly. Marilyn and her husband Cal moved to Irmo, South Carolina in 1969 and then to the Chapin community, living on Lake Murray since 1972. Long after moving to South Carolina, Marilyn learned that she was a direct descendant of the St. Julian's--French Huguenot settlers who came to the coast of South Carolina in the 1690's, first cousins to the Ravenels. A branch of the St. Julian family moved to Indiana, and dropped the prefix ``St.'' from which Marilyn is directly descendant, her maiden name being ``Julian.'' Although this fact was learned by Marilyn late in her life, it validated her immense love and connection to the state of South Carolina. Among the many organizations that she freely gave her time and passions to, the following were some of her most cherished activities, in no particular chronology or preference. Marilyn absolutely loved being a Docent at the South Carolina Governor's mansion. She began doing this during the administration of the late Governor Carroll and Iris Campbell and continued this activity under many governors of both parties. Although inactive for several years, Marilyn remained on the Docent rolls until her passing. Marilyn was a member of Clemson University Extension's Town & Country Homemakers. She was a member and former president of the Evergreen Garden Club. She was a life member of the Eastern Star of Ohio, and a very proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. To say Marilyn was an avid reader is an understatement, devouring and collecting books of all sorts. She feasted on knowledge, always fresh with the news and sharp on history. From her early South Carolina years as a member of the Dutch Fork Republican Women's Club, many in the community knew Marilyn as a staunch political operative, with a passion and drive that helped many candidates reach their elected goals. As a testimony to this passion, Marilyn was a founding member of the Joe Wilson for State Senate Committee and a delegate to the State Republican convention for nearly 20 years. Marilyn and her sharp wit thoroughly enjoyed an active social life as a member of the Chapin Hat Ladies, and as a charter member of the Carolinian Society where she cherished attending the annual ball. As a founding organizational member of the Chapin Community Theatre group, Marilyn also enjoyed nurturing and sharing her artistic talents with her paintings and by helping organize the Chapin Arts & Crafts Club. She loved to cook and to entertain, serving as host to many parties and events, including having her Bridge club at her home on many occasions. Whether for fun, or as a political forum for the candidates that she supported, Marilyn helped organize the first Chapin Labor Day Festival and Parade. Her family believes both reasons to be true. Marilyn was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary at Chapin Post 193, and she loved being a member of the Chapin United Methodist Church and was so thankful for all the ministerial support the Church had extended during her lengthy illness. Marilyn loved and supported her husband, family and friends fiercely and selflessly, as an encouraging force behind others, never taking the spotlight for herself. Her compassion for others and charitable sacrifices will never be forgotten, and her faith in Jesus Christ places her in the Glory of Heaven with those that went before her, and with those who will follow. For all of those who knew Marilyn, the birthday party for our Lord Jesus in Heaven must have been a little livelier with Marilyn arriving on the day that we celebrate His birth, Christmas. A gift for Heaven for eternity, and a remembrance of the gift that she was to all of us who knew her here on this earth. In lieu of flowers, the family requests for donations to made in her honor to the Chapin United Methodist Church building fund, or the American Legion post 193 building fund, or the charity of their choice.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last Monday, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office confirmed what we have seen for the last 5 years: ObamaCare destroys jobs. Over the next 10 years, ObamaCare is expected to significantly reduce American work hours, destroying nearly 2 million jobs. The impact will also reduce America's workforce by nearly 1 percent. The cause is clear. Workers cannot afford the excessive mandates and changes in tax rates. ObamaCare not only hurts wallets by increasing premiums, but it also hurts workers by destroying jobs. Last month, we learned that major insurance companies, like UnitedHealthcare, may not remain in the exchanges because of high costs. Obamacare is unsustainable. We have seen time and time again how ObamaCare has harmed jobs and families. Its architect, Jonathan Gruber, admitted that it was built on ``the stupidity of the American voter.'' We must repeal it and replace this broken law with patient-centered solutions. 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, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

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

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week, Aiken was named a Main Street Community--one of only two communities to receive this honor from Main Street South Carolina. The Main Street Community designation provides Aiken with a comprehensive training and assistance to revitalize their downtown through a three year boot-camp program. Aiken joins Orangeburg as the second community in South Carolina's Second Congressional District to receive the Main Street Community designation. After a competitive application process, the city of Aiken was recognized for their work in promoting historic and economic development downtown. In the next few years, they will work with Main Street South Carolina to identify the goals of its community and to provide residents, business owners, and local leaders with key resources to enhance the local economic development. I am grateful to Mayor Rick Osbon, former Mayor Fred Cavanaugh, City Manager John Klimm, and the entire Aiken City Council for receiving this great honor. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this will bring to Aiken. 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, I appreciate Governor Nikki Haley of South Carolina for her decision to enforce the law and fine the Department of Energy for failing to process weapons-grade plutonium, which the Department was statutorily mandated by 50 U.S. Code, Section 2566. While the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility is about 70 percent completed, it will not be able to meet the January 1, 2016, deadline establishing a $1 million a day fine up to $100 million annually. This was documented today in the Aiken Standard by SRS beat reporter Derrek Asberry. While other options have been examined using flawed, biased studies, they are not real alternatives because the MOX process is the only viable, legal option under our nuclear nonproliferation agreement with the Russian Federation. Additionally, it converts weapons-grade plutonium into green fuel, promotes nuclear nonproliferation, and eliminates the need for a repository. The Department of Energy should commit to complete the MOX project in its entirety, as it promised the people of South Carolina, especially when considering the economic and environmental impact of storing the material. 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, in May 2014, the President shocked the world by announcing that he had negotiated with terrorists to secure the disgraced Sergeant Bergdahl's release from the Taliban. Yesterday the House Armed Services Committee, led by Chairman Mac Thornberry, issued an in-depth report dealing with the President's secret negotiations. The report verified that the transfer violated several laws. The American public was misled about the efforts to arrange the terrorists' pardon before it took place. Senior officials within the Department of Defense that were best equipped to evaluate the national security risk with this specific transfer were excluded from the process. The President failed to take significant precautions to eliminate the risks posed by the Taliban Five, putting all American families as targets of more murderous attacks. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President, by his actions, never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. We should all appreciate the six American heroes from the 4th Brigade Combat Team (Airborne), 25th Infantry Division, who were killed in action while searching for Bergdahl to leave no one behind.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, it is sad to me that it took the President 5 days to identify the attack in San Bernardino as terrorism. After I heard the tragic news last Wednesday, I knew in 5 seconds it was a terrorist attack. The President needs to revisit the 9/11 Memorial in New York City, which clearly establishes the timeline of the global war on terrorism. He can see copies of fatwas by Islamic extremists declaring war on modern civilization dated in 1996. The war has never stopped. The Second Amendment's right to bear arms has never been more important for citizens to protect their families. The thought that gun control can stop terrorism is a diversion from the real threats. This was revealed by the mass murders in Paris, despite French strict gun control. In the past weeks, the terrorists' mass murders have been horrifying, of Lebanese, Russians, and French, along with Americans in Iraq, Israel, Paris, and San Bernardino, of Muslims, Christians, and Jews. The President should change course to actually destroy ISIL, not just give pathetic political lectures. We are facing an enemy that requires us to set aside partisanship to protect American families. 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, today I am grateful to express my appreciation for Major Jacob Barton. He has been serving in the office of South Carolina's Second Congressional District on loan from the Army for the past year as a defense fellow. Major Barton enlisted in the United States Army in 1996 and quickly distinguished himself, being commissioned as an intelligence officer in 2005. He served as a member of the 75th Ranger Regiment from 2006 to 2013, with 3 years' service in Iraq. He is also an esteemed scholar, earning two bachelor's degrees, a master of arts in national security, a master of professional studies in legislative affairs, and a doctor of philosophy in public policy administration. Jacob's extensive experience has been successful for the American people. Beginning in January, Mr. Speaker, Major Barton will serve as a legislative liaison within the program's division of the Office of Chief Legislative Liaison, specifically working on the intelligence portfolio. I wish him and his wife, Darlene, and their four children, Douglas, Nya, Alyssa, and Jene, all the best in the future. Godspeed. 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 happy to congratulate Deputy Chief of Staff for Floor and Member Services John Stipicevic and his wife, Kristin Stipicevic, Executive Assistant in the Office of the Majority Leader, on the birth of their new baby girl. Lucy Grace Stipicevic was born at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, November 28, 2015. Born at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C., Lucy weighed seven pounds and two ounces and measured 19 and \3/4\ inches long. She is the first child for the happy couple and I have no doubt her talented parents will be dedicated to her well-being and bright future. I would also like to congratulate Lucy's grandparents, James and Katherine Stipicevic of Yonkers, New York, and Tim and Jan Thomson of Buttonwillow, California. Congratulations to the entire Stipicevic and Thomson families as they welcome their newest addition of pure pride and joy.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on November 20, Austin Kiplinger, an extraordinary visionary as longtime editor of the legendary The Kiplinger Letter, died at age 97. For decades he came to the office every day up to the end to provide thoughtful forecasts for executives and investors. I knew firsthand of his influence as my late father was a loyal subscriber who knew Mr. Kiplinger's judgement was fully trustworthy. The following obituary was published November 21, 2015, in the Wall Street Journal: Washington.--Austin Kiplinger, the longtime chairman and editor in chief of a financial publishing company that bore his name, has died, his son said. He was 97. Mr. Kiplinger died Friday at a hospice in Rockville, Md., where he was treated briefly after receiving hospice care at home, said his son, Knight Kiplinger. The cause of death was brain cancer, most likely a melanoma that had spread to his brain, his son said. A prominent figure in Washington journalism and civic life, Mr. Kiplinger led the publishing company founded by his father for nearly 35 years. Before taking over Kiplinger Washington Editors Inc., he worked as a newspaper, radio and television reporter. The company publishes newsletters and magazines on personal finance and business. The company was founded in 1920 by his father, W.M. Kiplinger. Austin Kiplinger took it over upon his father's death in 1967. Even after circumstances forced him to become a businessman, he remained a journalist at heart, his son said. ``He wrote, he edited, he conducted the weekly lead meetings for the Kiplinger Letter,'' Knight Kiplinger, who took over for his father in the 1990s, said Saturday. ``That's our tradition going back to our founding.'' Mr. Kiplinger's professional journalism career began at age 18 while a student at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y. He worked as the campus stringer for the Ithaca Journal, and some of his articles were picked up by The Associated Press. He served in the Navy during World War II, piloting torpedo bombers off aircraft carriers in the South Pacific. In 1947, he and his father founded what is now called Kiplinger's Personal Finance, the first publication dedicated to personal-finance advice for American families. In the 1950s, he worked for several television stations in Chicago and for ABC News there. But he turned down an offer to join NBC News in New York to return to the family business. Mr. Kiplinger was a trustee and board chairman of the National Symphony Orchestra, and he presided over a family foundation that has made millions of dollars in grants to nonprofits education, performing arts, history and journalism training. He lived for decades on a family farm in Seneca, Md. ``He was best known for his exuberance, his positive attitude, his interest in people from every walk of life,'' his son said. ``He talked as easily with a carpenter or the janitor in the building as he did with presidents and senators.'' His wife of 63 years, Mary Louise Cobb Kiplinger, died in 2007, and his older son, Todd, died the following year.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last Saturday marked the fifth annual Small Business Saturday, a day when we recognize the importance of local businesses by shopping at these community businesses. Saturday's event was particularly meaningful to small businesses in South Carolina, many of which were recovering from the tragic thousand- year flood in October. In South Carolina, over half of our State's workforce is employed by a small business. Congress must do more to protect these vital job creators from excessive taxes and regulations. I am grateful to the National Federation of Independent Business, NFIB, along with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, encouraged by the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, led by Ted Pitts, as well as local Chambers of Blythewood, Chapin, Greater Columbia, Greater Irmo, Cayce- West Columbia, Lake Murray, Lexington, Batesburg-Leesville, Greater Aiken, Barnwell, Orangeburg, Midland Valley, and North Augusta, for their support of small business across the Second District of 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, millions of Americans across the country know the benefits of evidence-driven mental health care; yet, our national mental health system has been harmed after years of bad policy. Yesterday The Wall Street Journal stated, ``As it happens, this month a House subcommittee passed one of the more consequential bills of this Republican majority--the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act. Recent mass killers have nearly all had some kind of mental illness; yet, few receive proper treatment. Representative Tim Murphy spent more than a year investigating dysfunction and writing an overhaul.'' I am grateful to be a cosponsor of the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act developed by a dedicated professional, Tim Murphy. This legislation helps States to modernize involuntary commitment laws and encourages assisted outpatient treatment for patients to remain active in their communities. This legislation determines funding based on evidence-based care, putting critical resources into programs we know work, not into vague or untested theories. As the former president of the Mid-Carolina Mental Health Association myself, I appreciate this reform. In conclusion, God bless our troops. 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 President's legacy of tragic failure is more revealing every day as refugees flee conflict, with children drowning at sea. He should change course to build peace and avoid murderous attacks on American families. I appreciate The Washington Post's editorial page, Editor Fred Hiatt, who clarified last week: ``He withdrew all U.S. troops from Iraq when experts advised that a residual force of 15,000 would help to keep a fragile peace. He bombed Libya to overthrow its dictator but opposed a small NATO training force that might have stabilized the new government.'' The President's failure to enforce a declared red line in Syria, the President's abandonment of the people of Iraq, the President's capitulation to the autocrats of Iran allowing nuclear development, and the President's betrayal of Israel have been catastrophic and created chaos. It is not too late for the President to change course to promote peace in the Middle East. To allow safe havens for Islamist radicals abroad is a threat to American families at home. Senator Lindsey Graham tells the truth. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President by his actions never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.