Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. I thank Chairman Royce for his leadership, along with Ranking Member Eliot Engel. I am in opposition to H. Con. Res. 55, which would withdraw U.S. forces currently deployed to Iraq and Syria, which are providing regional stability to protect American families. Sadly, this resolution will undermine America's current campaign to fight terrorists overseas. It would end our air campaign in Iraq and Syria, stop our training and equipping of Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga and Sunni tribal forces, as well as moderate Syrian opposition forces, and abandon our commitment to our partners in the region. The resolution would promote ISIS/Daesh's momentum, create safe havens for terrorists to attack American families, and increase the Tehran regime's influence of a murderous ideology that declares: Death to America, death to Israel. It would allow Daesh to become an even bigger threat to American families, as we have seen with attacks from New York to Boston. Retreating will create safe havens to enable more attacks on American families. We must remember September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Unilateral withdrawal will not stop the war, as our enemies will continue their attacks. The resolution does not consider the situation on the ground in Iraq or Syria or the recommendations of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Indeed, this morning, Chairman Martin Dempsey said that withdrawing the troops would be a mistake and put America at greater risk. As the grateful dad of two sons who have served in Iraq, I would prefer a clear strategy of victory for our mission in Iraq and Syria. We should not abandon the efforts of peace through strength. I want to work with Members across the aisle to develop a better approach. It is my hope we will take steps to accomplish this. While Operation Inherent Resolve has shortcomings, it is the only course of action that takes steps toward stopping jihadist extremists overseas. I am opposed to House Concurrent Resolution 55 and urge my colleagues to vote against it as well.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following remarks regarding my absence from votes which occurred on June 15, 2015. I was delayed in arriving in Washington due to a flight cancelation from Columbia, South Carolina. (1) H.R. 891--To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 141 Paloma Drive in Floresville, Texas, as the ``Floresville Veterans Post Office Building''--``aye''. (2) H.R. 1326--To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2000 Mulford Road in Mulberry, Florida, as the ``Sergeant First Class Daniel M. Ferguson Post Office''--``aye''. (3) H.R. 1350--To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 442 East 167th Street in Bronx, New York, as the ``Herman Badillo Post Office Building''--``aye''. (4) H.R. 728--To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 7050 Highway BB in Cedar Hill, Missouri, as the ``Sergeant First Class William B. Woods, Jr. Post Office''--``aye''. (5) H.R. 2131--To designate the Federal building and United States courthouse located at 83 Meeting Street in Charleston, South Carolina, as the ``J. Waties Waring Judicial Center''--``aye''. (6) H.R. 2559--To designate the ``PFC Milton A. Lee Medal of Honor Memorial Highway'' in the State of Texas--``aye''. (7) H. Res. 233--Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that Iran should immediately release the three United States citizens that it holds, as well as provide all known information on any United States citizens that have disappeared within its borders--``aye''.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

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

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I am grateful for Chairman Nunes and the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence for their leadership on this important legislation. I am particularly grateful that I was here to hear the presentation by Congressman Joe Crowley relative to promoting a better relationship with the world's largest democracy, India, by the world's oldest democracy, the United States. He and I have served as the past co-chairs of the Caucus of India and Indian Americans, and I know of his commitment to promoting a better relationship between India and the United States. Last week, the Office of Personnel Management revealed they were the targets of an extended cyber attack on Federal employee personnel records. These attacks stole personal data, such as Social Security numbers, financial information, and security clearance documents, putting the personal and financial security of our citizens at risk. This cyber attack was not a novelty. Recently, we have seen a growing number of cyber attacks on government Web sites, national retailers, and small businesses. Indeed, according to Symantec, most businesses reported a completed or an attempted cyber attack in the last year, and 60 percent of those facing an attack were small- or medium-sized businesses. These cyber attacks are a sober reminder to Congress that all government agencies need to work together to better protect their public and private networks. After each of these attacks, we have had a number of questions: Who is behind it? Is it an agent of a foreign government or a nonstate actor? How many records were affected? What kind of information was accessed? As of now, we gather this information through various government agencies, and each uses a different measure to assess and quantify the damage of the attack, so we waste valuable time and resources when trying to piece together a response. We need a clear, unified system of measurement for cyber attacks that can be used across all government agencies and military branches. By putting government agencies and branches of the military on the same page, we can have an effective and rapid response. This amendment directs the Director of National Intelligence, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of the FBI, and the Secretary of Defense, to conduct a study to define a method of measuring a cyber incident so we can determine an appropriate response. As chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, it is apparent that cyber is a new domain of warfare. This amendment is a critical first step in building a more comprehensive cyber defense system. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Sunday marks the 240th birthday of the United States Army. Established on June 14, 1775, as the Continental Army, the U.S. Army faithfully protects American families. I am grateful to represent Fort Jackson, the largest initial-entry training facility in the U.S. Army. Last month, I attended Fort Jackson's change of command, where I was honored to recognize Major General Bradley Becker and Brigadier General Roger Cloutier for their leadership and dedicated service. As the son of an Army Air Corps Flying Tiger of the 14th Air Force and as the father of three sons currently serving in the South Carolina Army National Guard and myself as a veteran of the Army Reserve in the South Carolina Army National Guard, I am grateful to know firsthand of the competence and patriotism of our servicemembers. Twenty-five years ago today, I visited the Berlin Wall and was denied entry into East Germany at the Brandenburg Gate. Now, more countries than ever live in freedom and democracy than in the history of the world due to the success of the U.S. military. Today is the anniversary of President Ronald Reagan's proclamation, ``Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall'' in 1987, proving 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. God bless the U.S. Army.

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, earlier this week, President Obama admitted that he does not have a complete strategy to fight ISIL, which he belittled as junior varsity, putting American families at risk. The President should change course to prevent more failed foreign policies. Under his watch, the victory he cited in Iraq has evolved into the beheading of Americans and mass murder of Muslims by ISIL/Daesh. Safe havens exist to murder Americans worldwide. Under his watch, Syria crossed his red line when it used chemical weapons to kill opposition yet faced no consequences. Iran continues with nuclear weapons development, building intercontinental ballistic missiles to achieve their goal of death to Israel, death to America. Under his watch, Putin's regime invaded Ukraine, leaving over 7,000 dead, and extremists threaten American allies from the Baltics to central and southeastern Europe. Under his watch, murder and kidnappings have swept Libya, Nigeria, Yemen, and Kenya, which the President should address with 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, 25 years ago today was one of the most meaningful of my life as I served as an election observer for the post-Communist parliamentary elections in the Republic of Bulgaria with the International Republican Institute, nominated by RNC Chairman Lee Atwater. It was a dream come true to visit talented and enthusiastic people at polling locations in the Hissar, Plovdiv region and see a restoration of democracy amidst the amazing antiquities of ancient Thracian, Greek, and Roman cultures. I was welcomed by Professor Stefan Stoyanov, who was elected to the National Assembly and later reinstituted the Rotary Club of Sofia. In Congress, I have been grateful to co-chair the Bulgarian Caucus; work with dynamic Ambassador Elena Poptodorova; and, this year, led a delegation to Sofia to meet with Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, who is courageously promoting reforms for the people of Bulgaria. It has been uplifting to meet with dedicated Bulgarian troops, along with my son, serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, who now train with Americans at the Novo Selo training base. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President by his actions never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. God bless Bulgaria.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to congratulate the Riverview/Valleyview Christian and Missionary Alliance Church on the 100 year anniversary of their founding. The Church was chartered by the Christian and Mission Alliance Organization in the Spring of 1915, in the Village of Endicott, New York. A church was built on the north side of the Susquehanna River and named ``Riverview Christian and Missionary Alliance.'' In the mid 1980's a new larger church was built on a hill across the river in Vestal, New York, and the name changed to Valleyview Christian and Missionary Alliance. On June 13, 2015, the congregation will celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the founding of their Church, under the current leadership of its pastor, Rev. David M. Murphy. Valleyview Christian and Missionary Alliance has made a difference and is a valued institution for Christian stewardship.

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, recent cyber attacks targeting the personal data of Americans make it clear cyber is a new domain of warfare that threatens personal information, financial security, and the physical safety of our citizens. Last week, millions more were affected when the Office of Personnel Management's network was compromised. This complicated nature of cyber defense means we need a clear standard of measurement for assessing the damage of attacks on our citizens and to affected computer systems and devices. It is for this reason that I have introduced the Cyberattack Standards Study Act today to instruct the Director of National Intelligence, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of the FBI, and the Secretary of Defense, to define a method of quantifying cyber incidents for the purpose of determining a response. Recent cyber attacks are a sobering reminder that Congress, all government agencies, and private companies and citizens need to work together to better protect our public and private networks now. I appreciate the research of legislative director Taylor Andreae and military fellow Major Jacob Barton for their service in providing the ability to establish this legislation. 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, it is with sincere gratitude I have the opportunity to recognize Baker Elmore, legislative director of South Carolina's Second Congressional District. I will always appreciate Baker for his service on behalf of the people of South Carolina. A native of Cheraw, South Carolina, and formerly of the award-winning USC golf team, Baker has faithfully served on the staff for 6 years in various roles, including legislative director, legislative assistant, and special assistant. His expertise on nuclear energy, trade, and foreign affairs, combined with his ability to connect with constituents and eagerness to assist them, has made a difference, especially promoting the missions of the Savannah River site. It is with mixed feelings, but great happiness, that I bid Baker farewell. Baker is moving on next week to serve as director of Federal programs at the Nuclear Energy Institute, NEI. This is a tremendous vote of confidence in his capability, his competence, dedication, and integrity. Congratulations to his parents, Mike and Debbie Elmore, along with his grandparents, Sam and Gina McCuen and Harriet Elmore, for raising such a talented staff member. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President by his actions never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Godspeed, Baker Elmore.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

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, as American families continue to be under attack from radical Islam, it can be credited President Obama was correct on December 14, 2011, addressing troops at Fort Bragg: ``We are leaving behind a sovereign, stable, and self- reliant Iraq . . . a moment of success.'' Clearly, then-President George W. Bush's strategy of denying mass murderers safe havens to kill Americans anywhere was admitted successful. I am grateful my two oldest sons served in Iraq to protect American families. President Obama's failure to achieve a status of forces agreement in Iraq and his failure to uphold his declared red line in Syria led to murderous advances of ISIL/Daesh, which he publicly dismissed as junior varsity. I hope President Obama changes course for victory in the global war on terrorism, which began with the declarations of war in 1997 against America with a goal of death to America, death to Israel, and mass slaughter of Muslims who do not submit. President Obama's legacy should be peace through strength, not weakness, as future attacks threaten 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 submit the following regarding my absence from votes which occurred on June 1, 2015. My flight was delayed for three hours at Charlotte due to inclement weather at Reagan National Airport causing me to miss votes. Listed below is how I would have voted if I had been present. Dingell Amendment to H.R. 1335--No Lowenthal Amendment H.R. 1335--No Democrat Motion to Recommit H.R. 1335--No Passage of H.R. 1335--Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act--Aye

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on Memorial Day, Americans will remember and honor those who have served this Nation to protect and defend the freedoms we cherish. As we reflect on the heroism and devotion of the brave servicemembers who have given their lives in defense of our Nation, we must never forget to thank and pray for their families. Let us take time to show our appreciation for the service and sacrifice of America's heroes. I especially appreciate Memorial Day. My father served our country as part of the Flying Tigers in India and China during World War II, which inspired my military service, as well as the service of my four sons, who all currently are on military duty. This weekend, I am thankful for the opportunity to join County Council Chairman Ronnie Young in the Aiken Memorial Day parade. I am grateful to Councilwoman Gail Diggs for her role in the efforts to reinstate the parade ably begun by the Marine Corps League, as well as Wes Jerrell and Betsy Davis with the Aiken Jaycees for their work to honor and support our Armed Forces and their 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, this week, an internal report from the Department of Veterans Affairs revealed that the Department annually spends $6 billion on illegal contracts and out-of- control spending. This fraud is unacceptable, an insult to the men and women who have risked their lives in service to our country. Unfortunately, this lack of accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs is all too common under President Obama's failed leadership. Our veterans deserve the best care, and I will continue working to give our veterans the treatment they have earned as promoted by Veterans' Affairs Chairman Jeff Miller of Florida. Congress has worked to promote change at the VA. For example, this week, we passed the Ensuring VA Accountability Act, sponsored by Congressman Ryan Costello. This bipartisan effort clearly demonstrates meaningful reforms for our veterans and military families. I hope President Obama can live up to his commitment to end delays and denial of services to our veterans. 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 for the President's decision to target Abu Sayyaf where Special Operations Forces heroically carried out a successful mission. I hope this is a change of course where the President takes action to stop further attacks on American families for a strategy of victory. Sadly, the same day, ISIL murderers seized the Anbar capital of Ramadi, holding one-third of Iraq, revealing the President's failure to negotiate a Status of Forces Agreement. This follows the mass murder of Muslim pilgrims in Karachi, Pakistan, and Egyptian Christians in Libya. Radical Islamic attacks are increasing worldwide with the murder of Jews in Paris, the killing of troops at Fort Hood, and the stabbing in London. Incredibly, the President continues negotiations with the murderous ideology of Tehran while they continue development of intercontinental ballistic missiles to fulfill their goal of death to America, death to Israel. Hopefully, the President will divert policies to establish a legacy of peace through strength. The President can avoid a legacy of continued attacks by terrorists who have declared war on the American people. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President by his actions never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, 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.

Ms. WILSON of South Carolina

Ms. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, recently, South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley designated May as Teacher Appreciation Month. As the husband of a retired teacher, I know firsthand the time, resources, support, and guidance our dedicated educators give to their students. While I regularly take the opportunity to visit schools and honor educators throughout the year, I am grateful for the opportunity to give special recognition and thanks to our hard-working educators this month. I would especially like to honor my constituent, Daniel Oddo, from Dreher High School, who was a finalist for the South Carolina Teacher of the Year. Staff member Drew Kennedy is a Dreher graduate. I am grateful for the Palmetto State Teachers Association, led by executive director Kathy Maness, for their tireless work on behalf of teachers across the State. The success of our teachers is amplified by the leadership of State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman, who is dedicated to recruiting and retaining quality teachers in the Palmetto State. 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, the House of Representatives will consider the National Defense Authorization Act. Under the leadership of Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry, the committee voted favorably, 60-2, with almost unanimous bipartisan support. Our national security depends on it. While our Nation faces a complex and threatening environment at home and abroad, this year, the NDAA provides necessary resources to establish a strong national defense, protect American families, and support our brave servicemembers. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, working with Ranking Member Jim Langevin, I am especially pleased this bill addresses the growing threats posed by cyber attacks and our enemies' use of advanced technologies and unconventional warfare. This bill also preserves means to train and equip special operations and cyber forces to defend America now and in the future. The NDAA has always been widely supported. It should not be held hostage to other legislation. 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 Midshipman Justin Zemser.