Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Richard Rainwater sadly passed away on Sunday, September 27, 2015, at his home in Fort Worth, Texas. The following obituary by Miguel Bustillo, Gregory Zuckerman and Rob Copeland was published in The Wall Street Journal on September 27, 2015. The citizens of South Carolina especially appreciate the Rainwater and Moore families for their phenomenal generosity promoting business education at the University of South Carolina. Long before Wall Street was littered with swaggering hedge- fund billionaires, Richard Rainwater earned a Texas-size reputation as an investor with an eye on the big score. He helped install Michael Eisner as Walt Disney Co. chief executive, steered George W. Bush to buy a stake in Major League Baseball's Texas Rangers and helped multiply the Bass family fortune one-hundred-fold before building a billion- dollar one of his own. ``My brother said, `Don't be mediocre at anything; be remarkable at something,' '' Mr. Rainwater recalled in 2010 in a speech at Stanford University. Mr. Rainwater died on Sunday morning at his home in Fort Worth, Texas, according to the Rainwater Charitable Foundation and his family. He had been suffering from complications of a rare brain disease. He was 71 years old. Born to a middle-class family, Mr. Rainwater parlayed a gift for mathematics and a gregarious personality into a more than $2 billion fortune as a financial adviser and wheeler- dealer whose underlings went on to become chief executives, governors and hedge-fund tycoons. ``He was a laid back guy who liked to invest but he was not a fan of fancy dinners or some of the other things that went with it,'' his son, Todd, said on Sunday. ``What he was best at is being a talent scout. He would find a troubled business, find the best person to run it, the Michael Jordan of that industry, and inevitably that person would turn the business around''. A native of Fort Worth, Mr. Rainwater attended the Stanford Graduate School of Business on scholarship, where he met Sid Bass, who hired him to serve as chief investment adviser for the Bass brothers, who were also from Fort Worth. He began working in 1970 for the Bass family, which had inherited an oil fortune from Texas wildcatter Sid Williams Richardson, and helped them to dramatically increase their wealth over the next decade and a half through a dizzying succession of deals. Perhaps the most famous deal was the Bass family's rescue of then-struggling Disney in 1984 with a nearly $500 million investment to ward off a potential hostile takeover bid by financier Saul Steinberg. Mr. Rainwater helped handpick a new management team for Disney led by Mr. Eisner that brought the studio back to prominence--and made the Bass brothers billions. ``Richard was one of best deal guys who ever lived,'' said David Bonderman, who met Mr. Rainwater while working for Robert Bass and later founded private-equity giant TPG. ``He was always confident and idiosyncratic, and generally was right.'' Mr. Rainwater struck out on his own in the late 1980s, continuing his penchant for spotting distressed assets and market quirks that made for bold investment opportunities through his private-equity firm, Rainwater Inc. His winning moves included buying more than 15 million square feet of downtown Houston real estate during a slump in the mid-1990s; many of the properties later sold for two or three times his purchase price. In addition to mastering the art of the deal, Mr. Rainwater became known for his extraordinary ability to spot and cultivate young talent during the 1980s and early 1990s. His Fort Worth offices became a salon of sorts for ambitious young financiers. Among those he encouraged was Edward S. Lampert, who began his ESL Investments Inc. hedge fund in the office. Down the hall at the time was Rick Scott, who became the CEO of the Columbia/HCA hospital chain and is now governor of Florida. ``He believed in [young people] and made them believe in themselves,'' said Mr. Lampert, who later made a fortune for investors buying the debt of Kmart and steering the troubled retailer out of bankruptcy. Mr. Rainwater's unorthodox personal style--he would often stand on his desk to hammer home a point--made an impression on his proteges, as did his lack of pretense. Mr. Bonderman recalled how Mr. Rainwater once traveled to a city to cut a deal without packing a suitcase; the billionaire brought a change of clothes in a paper bag. ``He couldn't be bothered, he was a total character,'' Mr. Bonderman said. ``It was all about making lot of money and having fun doing it.'' Mr. Rainwater, who had three children with his first wife, Karen, married Darla Moore, a prominent bankruptcy banker, in 1991. Ms. Moore became CEO of Rainwater Inc. in 1994 and brought a harder edge to some of the firm's dealings that generated controversy, notably when it forced oilman T. Boone Pickens to leave the company he founded, Mesa Petroleum, in 1996. Mr. Rainwater had slowed his investment activity, playing golf and traveling with his wife, when he began experiencing falls and mood changes. He slowly withdrew from public life as the symptoms of progressive supranuclear palsy, a rare brain disease with no known cure, became more pronounced and he lost his ability to speak clearly. Doctors warned his friends and family that he would almost certainly die from the disease. Undeterred, Mr. Rainwater's family tackled the problem through an investment, creating the Tau Consortium, a group of international scientists, which is trying to understand and ultimately treat degenerative brain diseases such as the one that struck Mr. Rainwater. The Tau Consortium has spent a total of more than $50 million trying to find a solution to the disease, a cure that may also assist people with a more common illness: Alzheimer's disease, Todd Rainwater said Sunday. ``Just like my father invested in business, we went about assembling the top team possible to work on this,'' he said. ``I do have faith that ultimately, we will be able to make a difference.''

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, in 1987, I was grateful to be present in Columbia, South Carolina, when Pope John Paul II, as the Polish-born Pope, promoted liberation from communism in Europe. Yesterday, I was grateful to be present with Pope Francis. Prior to arriving in the United States, the Pope visited Cuba. An Associated Press article, as reprinted in The Post and Courier this week, said Pope Francis gave a message that Cubans should ``overcome ideological preconceptions and be willing to change.'' In the communist totalitarian dictatorship of Cuba, only the communist ideology is allowed to be changed. Hopefully, change will lead to freedom, as proven by Pope John Paul II. Change must come to the economy which was stolen from its owners and is now held by the Cuban military, which controls over 70 percent of all businesses. This corrupt regime impoverishing its citizens has been propped up by the Soviet Union and then Chavez of Venezuela. Both have now failed, as Russians and Venezuelans see the failure of Big Government. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President by his actions never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism, and God bless a liberated Cuba.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, last week, the House of Representatives thoughtfully voted three times to oppose the Iranian nuclear deal. This bipartisan effort represented the will of the American people, where the majority oppose this deal. The first vote was a sense of Congress that the President failed to comply with the law to submit all agreements to Congress. The second vote was to defeat the deal, and the third vote was to prevent the President from lifting sanctions on Iran until 2017. I am grateful to Chairman Ed Royce for his leadership in holding hearings and advancing legislation to fight this dangerous deal. Sadly, they are blocked in the Senate by Democrats who fail to see the threats of ``death to America,'' ``death to Israel.'' This is a historic mistake. The President is flooding billions of dollars to the Iranian regime to fund terrorist attacks and has paved the way for Iran to develop nuclear weapons. The President's legacy in the Middle East, failing to enforce the red line in Syria, has led to the refugee crisis and chaos, with children drowned at sea. American families deserve peace through strength. 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 my daughter-in-law and son, Joy and Julian Wilson of Lexington, South Carolina, on the birth of their new baby girl. Katherine Lee Wilson who was born at 8:09 a.m., on Monday, September 14, 2015, weighing 8 pounds and measuring 20 and 5 inches long at Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia, South Carolina. Katherine joins an older brother, Jack Wilson, and older sister, Sally Wilson. She has been born into a loving home where she will be raised by parents who are devoted to her well- being and bright future. I would also like to congratulate Sally's grandparents Gary Strickland and Sherry Strickland of Nichols, South Carolina, and my wife, Roxanne Wilson of Springdale, South Carolina. Additionally, are proud great-grandmothers, Martha Dusenbury, Lilly Strickland, and Sally Willoughby. I am so grateful for this new addition to the Wilson family.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to congratulate Isaiah Casintahan on his essay, ``The Day that Launched a Better Future,'' published in the 70th Anniversary of the End of World War II program for recognition of the Japanese surrender documents signing on the deck of the USS Missouri, I was honored to be a member of the Bipartisan Congressional Delegation led by Congressman Randy Forbes and Congressman Joe Courtney of Connecticut to Pearl Harbor. September 2, 2015, commemorates the 70th Anniversary to the end of hostilities between the United States and Japan. Over the past decades, Japan and America have built a strong relationship of trust and continue to work together to ensure a more peaceful world. Congratulations to Isaiah for discussing the history of this important relationship between our two nations. Battleship Missouri Memorial's September 2nd Essay Contest Winner: Isaiah Casintahan, James Campbell High School ``The Day That Launched A Better Future'' On December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was taken by surprise as hundreds of Japanese planes attacked the area. ``A date which will live in infamy,'' as said by President Franklin Roosevelt in the wake of the attack. Following the tragedies of Pearl Harbor, the war continued where in August, 1945, the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki; the first and last instances of nuclear weapons in war. About a month later, the war was brought to an official end when ``Japanese officials (had) signed the act of unconditional surrender,'' aboard the USS Missouri, anchored at Tokyo Bay. The ship now sits moored in Pearl Harbor, facing the USS Arizona, as one of the bookends of that war. This year commemorates the 70th Anniversary to the end of hostilities, and though 70 years have passed, it is still of great relevance today. As peace was made on September 2, 1945, it is indeed ``the day that launched a better future'' between our nations. But what exactly does an `better future' entail for us? What has it meant for our nations? In past times, friction and distrust were present as our countries were at war, or dealing with the traumas thereafter. Both of our nations suffered from a great deal of losses as we endured the consequences of war. The attack on Pearl Harbor took the lives of over 2,500 people and wounded as many as 1,000 others. The bombing of Hiroshima ``wiped out 90 percent of the city and immediately killed 80,000 people,'' thousands later dying of radiation exposure. The n `better future' that we live in today is a world no longer at war, but one enduring the peace between us. Since the end of World War II, the United States and Japan have relied on each other as allies to recover from the repercussions of war. Over the past decades, we have worked together in order to mend the once frayed relationship between our nations and have built a stronger foundation for peace. For example, after Japan's defeat the United States ``led the Allies in the occupation and rehabilitation of the Japanese state. Between 1945 and 1952, the U.S. occupying forces, led by General Douglas A. MacArthur, enacted widespread military, political, economic, and social reforms.'' These reforms improved economy by setting democratic standards to help those in poverty and implemented a new constitution that would improve the social and political systems by the same standards. Though some changes were reverted back after the Americans left, most are still in effect and support the peace between our nations today. In addition our nations trust has been heavily reinforced since peace was rooted between us 70 years ago. Our trust for one another continues to evidently grow, as in recent news, the United States and Japan have proposed a new military agreement, in which Japan's military will have a more active role in global defense, bringing our nations closer. The proposal would allow Japan, ``To defend regional allies that come under attack, a change that means Japanese missile defense systems could be used to intercept any weapons launched toward the United States.'' In other words, Japan could be taking part in aiding our defense. This is a big jump in Japan's military relations, as their military powers were limited under the new constitution implemented after World War II. It is found in Article 9 of their constitution that, ``renounces war and prohibits Japan from maintaining the war potential.'' Though changes were already made so that Japan could maintain their defense, the new proposal demonstrates the ample amount of trust that our nations now share and how our nations are moving forward through mutual respect. In conclusion, since the end of World War II, our nations today have secured a strong relationship that has brought us into better days. The day that has launched us into our future, September 2, 1945, has allowed our nations to endure peace, no longer a World at War. The site of Pearl Harbor where we faced sorrowful losses, and the site of the USS Missouri, where we established peace, remind us why we must safeguard our peace, free from the tragedies of war.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am in strong opposition to House Resolution 3461, the to Approve the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed at Vienna on July 14, 2015, relating to the nuclear program of Iran. The President's failed legacy to execute a strategy of peace through strength has resulted in mass murders throughout the Middle East. We have seen his failure to take action after Syria violated the President's declared ``red line'' and used chemical weapons against its citizens. We have seen it in his failure to recognize ISIL/DAESH as a significant threat to Americans, not as the ``JV'' team. When it comes to Middle East policy, the President has been dangerously inaccurate, putting American families at risk. In South Carolina's Second District, I hosted three town hall meetings on the deal, and the response from my constituents was overwhelming--the American people know this deal is dangerous in the tradition of Neville Chamberlain. This week's vote on the Iranian nuclear deal is of historic proportions. If allowed, this deal would economically and militarily reenergize a regime bent on the destruction of democracy all over the world. It will put the young people of Iran who seek change at risk. We must act immediately to stop this deal and vote against the Resolution of Approval. Iran Nuclear Deal

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, there is a clear fact that these are dangerous times and that the regime in Iran is a dangerous threat to world peace. The President's legacy of failed policies of weakness has led to the Middle East in chaos, with refugee families fleeing for their lives and many drowning at sea. It is not too late to stop a bad situation from getting even worse. A nuclear-armed Iran is a threat to every country everywhere. We need a deal that is verifiable, enforceable, and accountable. Is it verifiable? No. Because of secret deals, it will be the Iranians who get to certify whether or not they are complying. Is it enforceable? No, because the sanctions that have been effective in forcing them to the bargaining table will be lifted. Iran will then have the money it needs to complete its nuclear programs, missile development, and expand their funding of terror. With future terrorist attacks, media should trace the funding to determine if the source is from this deal. Is it accountable? No, because the deal permits Iran to keep thousands of nuclear centrifuges to enrich uranium. 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 President's failure to lead our Nation for a strategy of peace through strength has resulted in mass murders in the Middle East. We have seen his failure to take action after Syria violated his declared ``red line'' and used chemical weapons against its citizens. We have seen his failure in recognizing ISIL-Daesh as a deadly threat to American families as the ``JV'' team. The President has been inaccurate in describing his dangerous nuclear deal. Sadly, we read tragic stories of men, women, and children fleeing their homes in Syria. They are escaping a murderous government, the same government propped up by the Iranian regime. The President is establishing a failed dangerous legacy that has left the Middle East in wars and mayhem with refugees and migrants drowning at sea. Ambassador John Bolton said it best when he remarked: Obama's mistakes make it impossible to travel in time back to a theoretical world where sanctions might have derailed Iran's nuclear weapons program. I believe the President has abandoned the young people of Iran seeking regime change. 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. Madam Speaker, this August, the H. Canyon facility at the U.S. Department of Energy's Savannah River Site near Aiken, South Carolina, celebrated 60 years of service. H. Canyon is America's only hardened nuclear chemical separations plant still operating, and its dedicated staff play a vital role in our Nation's history and in the future. During the cold war, H. Canyon was vital for victory, promoting national defense by peace through strength. Today it continues to process nuclear materials safely and securely and delivers fuels to the Tennessee Valley Authority. H. Canyon is also a pioneer for the future, developing plutonium- powered batteries for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for deep space exploration. We saw the results of this incredible technology this summer with the historic, close-range photographs of the most remote planet, Pluto. I am grateful to the Savannah River Nuclear Solutions and the 800 employees for operating this remarkable facility. I am also grateful for SRNS President and CEO Carol Johnson, site manager Jack Craig, and the support of the partnering contractors: Fluor, Newport News Nuclear, and Honeywell. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President, by his actions, never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to congratulate the Army Chaplain Corps on their 240th birthday. Since their founding this day on July 29, 1775, by the Continental Congress, at the request of General George Washington, military chaplains have served with courage, honor, and selflessness. I am grateful that Fort Jackson, located in the Midlands of South Carolina, serves as a training facility for this distinct group of individuals who do so much to fulfill the religious needs of our men and women in uniform. It is home to the Chaplain Regimental Museum Association. This museum highlights those who have a shared desire to minister to soldiers and their families. I appreciate the president of the association, Chaplain Brigadier General Don Rutherford, and the board of directors for their dedicated service to our men and women in uniform. I know firsthand of chaplains' extraordinary service to my and my son's National Guard duty. I appreciate Army Colonel Steve Shugart, who was my son Alan's roommate in Iraq. I am grateful to work with Air National Guard Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Brian Bohlman, for his military family nonprofit foundation, Operation Thank You. Congratulations to the Army Chaplain Corps on their 240th birthday. Chaplains make a difference helping servicemembers and military families have a more fulfilling life.

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, I am grateful to cosponsor the Employee Rights Act, introduced by Chairman Tom Price, which establishes protections for American workers--to not join a union; to have a secret ballot; and, if they choose to join a union, to know how their dues are being spent. This legislation is critical to empowering American workers and shielding them from unfair treatment in the workplace. South Carolina is a staunch defender of right-to-work protections, even when threatened by the National Labor Relations Board. For years, the NLRB has threatened to destroy jobs, particularly in the Charleston community. It has invaded employee privacy and encroached upon their rights. I am grateful for Senator Lindsey Graham, Senator Tim Scott, Governor Nikki Haley, and South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson for their leadership in protecting our State's right-to-work laws. Right-to-work States like South Carolina have seen firsthand that job creation and economic growth come from expanded freedoms. We need to expand commonsense reforms like those in the Employee Rights Act to protect American workers and create jobs. 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 I am grateful to welcome Alyssa Evelyn Barton on her visit to the U.S. Capitol. Alyssa will attend Lemon Road Elementary School in Falls Church, Virginia this fall. A model student, Alyssa is frequently named to the Honor Roll. She is active in martial arts and dance, interested in politics, and her future career aspirations include being an attorney. I congratulate her parents, Darlene and Jacob Barton, on raising an impressive young lady, and I am confident in her future success.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today I am grateful to welcome Nya Sole Barton on her visit to the Capitol. Nya will attend Lemon Road Elementary School in Falls Church, Virginia this fall. Often named to the Honor Roll, Nya has demonstrated superior academic achievement, and is active in martial arts and dance. I congratulate her parents, Darlene and Jacob Barton, on raising an impressive young lady, and I am confident in her future success.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize a constituent, Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Brian Bohlman, as our guest chaplain today. Chaplain Bohlman, a native of Bel Air, Maryland, now resides in West Columbia, South Carolina. Lieutenant Colonel Bohlman is a dedicated member of the South Carolina Air National Guard. After enlisting in the Air Force in 1992, he faithfully served in the Air Force and Air Force Reserves before joining the South Carolina Air National Guard. On Active Duty, Chaplain Bohlman provided ministry at home and abroad during Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. He is the author of ``So Help Me God,'' which is a historical review of the oath of the military office, and ``For God and Country,'' which discusses the call for military chaplaincy. In recognition of his service and pastoral care, Chaplain Bohlman was awarded the Samuel Stone Award as the Air National Guard Chaplain of the Year in 2013, a well-deserved honor. Chaplain Bohlman is also the founder and director of Operation Thank You, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring our servicemembers and military families. As a 28-year veteran of the National Guard and grateful parent of three members currently serving in the Guard, I know firsthand of Chaplain Bohlman's dedicated service. I am grateful to welcome Chaplain Brian Bohlman, his wife, Shelley, and his daughter, Mary Ellen, to the Capitol today. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and the 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, President Obama struck another blow destroying American jobs with his new proposal to raise the salary threshold for overtime. This top-down, burdensome regulation will inhibit job creation, burden small businesses, and penalize hard-working Americans. By increasing the wage threshold, businesses in South Carolina and across America will be faced with difficult choices: reducing hours for workers and cutting jobs. This change will hurt hard-working employees, who will face a lack of flexibility, limited opportunity for advancement within their jobs, and lower base salaries. The new mandate joins other harmful administration regulations, including mandatory wages and fixed work schedules, destroying jobs. The failed liberal welfare state policies of the last 50 years have produced increased poverty, and we should change policies to promote a limited government of expanded freedoms, creating jobs. 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. Madam Speaker, yesterday, Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairman Ed Royce, with Ranking Member Eliot Engel, conducted an informative hearing on the implications of the nuclear agreement with Iran. The witnesses who provided enlightening testimony were the Honorable Stephen Rademaker, Dr. Michael Doran, Dr. Michael Makovsky, and Dr. Kenneth Pollack. Their varying opinions confirm my concerns, as expressed in a July 6 editorial from The Washington Post: ``If it is reached in the coming days, a nuclear deal with Iran will be, at best, an unsatisfying and risky compromise. Iran's emergence as a threshold nuclear power, with the ability to produce a weapon quickly, will not be prevented; it will be postponed by 10 to 15 years. In exchange, Tehran will reap hundreds of billions of dollars in sanctions relief it can use to revive its economy and fund the wars it is waging around the Middle East.'' The President needs to change course and recognize that moral relativism is dangerous with opponents who promote ``Death to America, Death to Israel.'' The President can avoid a legacy of fanatics with nuclear warheads on ICBMs targeting American families. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and the President, by his actions, must never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, President Obama's nuclear negotiations with Iran pose significant threats to American families. Already, the President has conceded too much. An agreement that does not clearly prohibit the development of nuclear weapons threatens American families and our closest allies, such as Israel. Now, as the negotiation deadline has been further extended, it is clear that President Obama is willing to grant more concessions to this murderous regime whose program of developing intercontinental ballistic missiles puts America as a target. I am grateful that Congress passed the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, giving Congress a voice in the final deal. I urge the President to change course with this oppressive regime that promotes death to America, death to Israel. It is not too late to prevent a legacy of appeasement and avoid being remembered as a new Neville Chamberlain, establishing nuclear weapons across the Middle East. 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, during the 54th Annual Roll Call Congressional Baseball Game for Charity on June 11th, there was recognition of Skip Maraney as this year's Hall of Fame Inductee. Skip was properly recognized as a living legend institution of Capitol Hill. The following tribute was published in the game program. Roll Call's The Man Who Pioneered Roll Call's Sports Coverage (By David Meyers) If Roll Call founder Sid Yudain was the Abner Doubleday of congressional baseball, Skip Maraney was his Shirley Povich. Maraney spent most of the 1960's writing about congressional sports--baseball, obviously, but also basketball, softball, bowling, and bridge--for Roll Call. In fact, he was Roll Call's first, and seemingly only, sports columnist. For his dedication to the paper, the community and the game, Maraney is the 2015 inductee into the Roll Call Congressional Baseball Hall of Fame. Maraney was working for the Clerk of the House in 1963, when he suggested to Yudain that someone should write about all the sports teams featuring congressional staff (baseball was just getting going then). ``He said, `Ok, write it,' '' Maraney recalls about the birth of Skip-along, which eventually expanded into an ``around the Hill'' beat and laid the groundwork for Roll Call's current coverage of life in and around the Capitol. From his perch, Maraney watched the game rise from the ashes after Speaker Sam Rayburn, D-Texas, shut it down in 1958. In 1961, members of Congress took part in a home-run contest and the next year the event became an actual game, played prior to a Washington Senators home contest. ``Sid had the idea of turning it into a party. The game had hot dogs, cheerleaders,'' Maraney says. ``Buses took everyone to the Stadium.'' Not only was Maraney providing pre- and post-game coverage, he was also calling the game. During those years, he got to see some of the greats of congressional baseball history: Indiana Democratic Sen. Birch Bayh (``He was sensational!''); former major league pitcher Wilmer ``Vinegar Bend'' Mizell, R-N.C.; Massachusetts GOP Rep. Silvio Conte (``He batted with a cigar and came out on crutches one year. And hit a double.''). As the 1970s began, Maraney left the Clerk's office and gave up the sports beat for a job with the National Star Route Mail Contractors Association, where he remains as executive director. While he obviously enjoys his job, there are some things he had to leave behind. As Roll Call's sports and community columnist, ``I got invited to everything.''

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize the Flying Tigers, a courageous group of volunteer pilots of World War II who carried out strategic air support missions to protect the citizens of the Republic of China. This elite group became the 14th Air Force and included my father, First Lieutenant Hugh de Veaux Wilson. Through the leadership of General Claire Chennault, the Flying Tigers achieved impressive victories, destroying 296 enemy aircraft, stopping the invaders, and saving millions of Chinese lives. America is always appreciative to the Republic of China military who rescued most of the crews after 15 U.S. planes crashed into China following the Doolittle Raid in 1942. This raid was formed in my hometown of Springdale at Columbia Army Air Base in South Carolina. I have visited President Jiang Zemin at the Presidential compound in Beijing on a delegation led by Congressman Curt Weldon. Upon hearing of my father's Flying Tiger service, President Jiang Zemin interrupted the meeting to announce his view that, because of the Flying Tigers, ``the American military is revered in China.'' 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 week, nine extraordinary men and women were killed at the Wednesday night Bible study at historic Mother Emanuel AME Church in my birthplace of Charleston. I am grateful for their memories. Reverend Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, Cynthia Hurd, Tywanza Sanders, Susie Jackson, Myra Thompson, Ethel Lee Lance, Reverend Daniel Simmons, Reverend Depayne Middleton-Doctor, along with Pastor Clementa Pinckney were all leaders of our community and in their church. One served the youth as a high school track coach, one a lifelong librarian, one a recent college graduate with a bright future ahead of him. Many served their church. Each had a clear love of God and love for their fellow man as followers of Jesus Christ. The loss of Reverend Senator Clementa Pinckney has been personal, as he was a fellow State legislator. I was honored to host the senator, his wife, Jennifer, and their daughters, Eliana and Malana, when they visited the Capitol a few years ago. He grew up in Ridgeland as a lifelong friend of my former chief of staff Eric Dell. A hate-filled, drug-crazed murderer tried to divide our citizens, but he failed, and South Carolinians have unified in love, prayer, and respect.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week, nine extraordinary men and women were killed at the Wednesday night Bible study at historic Mother Emanuel AME Church in my birthplace of Charleston. I am grateful for their memories. Reverend Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, Cynthia Hurd, Tywanza Sanders, Susie Jackson, Myra Thompson, Ethel Lee Lance, Reverend Daniel Simmons, Reverend Depayne Middleton-Doctor, along with Pastor Clementa Pinckney were all leaders of our community and in their church. One served the youth as a high school track coach, one a lifelong librarian, one a recent college graduate with a bright future ahead of him. Many served their church. Each had a clear love of God and love for their fellow man as followers of Jesus Christ. The loss of Reverend Senator Clementa Pinckney has been personal, as he was a fellow State legislator. I was honored to host the senator, his wife, and daughters when they visited the Capitol a few years ago. He grew up in Richland as a lifelong friend of my former chief of staff Eric Dell. A hate-filled, drug-crazed murderer tried to divide our citizens, but he failed, and South Carolinians have unified in love, prayer, and respect.