Joe Wilson

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. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the National Defense Authorization Act and also to thank Chairman Mac Thornberry for his leadership and hard work to bring this important bill to the floor. Committee support was bipartisan--60-2--and politics should not be raised to obstruct. I am honored to serve as the chairman of the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities, which oversees some of the most forward-looking and critical aspects of the Department of Defense, including defense-wide science and technology efforts; Special Operations Forces; Cyber Command and the cyber forces of the Department of Defense; and many other programs and activities that deal with evolving and emerging threats, from weapons of mass destruction, to Putin's aggression against Ukraine, to the rise of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, ISIL or Daesh. The Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee has been active in conducting oversight in all of these important areas. It is also worth noting that much of the oversight conducted by the subcommittee is classified and takes place behind closed doors where we review and remain current on sensitive activities and programs involved in Department of Defense intelligence capabilities, Special Operations Forces, and cyber forces. The subcommittee takes this sensitive oversight role very seriously as we consider Department of Defense authorities and programs that enable these sensitive activities. Overall, our portion of the bill provides for stronger cyber operations capabilities, safeguards our technological superiority, and enables our Special Operations Forces with the resources and authorities to counter terrorism, unconventional warfare threats, and to defeat weapons of mass destruction. I thank Chairman Thornberry, and I would like to thank my friend and subcommittee ranking member, Mr. Jim Langevin of Rhode Island.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this morning, I was especially grateful to meet the Honor Flight members from South Carolina during their trip to Washington. These World War II and Korean war veterans are heroes for their honorable service in defense of American families. I appreciate the Honor Flight network, coordinated by Bill Dukes, for enabling these veterans the opportunity to visit the memorials built to honor their service and sacrifices. I was privileged to visit with Medal of Honor recipient Corporal Kyle Carpenter, a constituent and resident of Lexington, whose service and heroic actions in the United States Marine Corps during Operation Enduring Freedom saved the lives of countless Americans. I have no doubt that, because of Corporal Carpenter's service, American families are more secure. Thank you, Kyle. And I thank all of the Honor Flight veterans who are visiting today, and thank all the veterans and military families in South Carolina and across our Nation for your dedication to America. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and the President by his actions should never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Our sympathy to the family of Lowell Ensel.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week, I was grateful to participate in a congressional delegation with congressional colleagues Madeleine Bordallo and Reid Ribble, coordinated ably by Army Majors Bobby Cox and Jimmy Crook, to visit dynamic Eastern European allies. In the Czech Republic, it was heartwarming to see the affection for America at Pilsen upon the 70th anniversary of their liberation by the U.S. Army. M.K. Air Base in Romania is a symbol of growing Romanian-U.S. defense cooperation. The heroic and courageous leaders at Kiev, Ukraine, were unified in facing Putin's aggression where 7,000 civilians have been killed. Georgia's proven partnership with NATO is confirmed with extraordinary service by their military for freedom and democracy. The Novo Selo training base in Bulgaria is world class, with young Bulgarians and Americans working side by side to promote peace through strength. In each country, we were welcomed by dedicated U.S. Ambassadors, with talented Embassy personnel, promoting warm relationships with the new emerging democracies for the mutual benefit of all citizens. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and the President by his actions should never forget September the 11th in the global war on terror.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today I am grateful to extend my sincere appreciation to Chapin High School's senior Government class. As part of their study on the legislative branch, these bright young men and women sent informed questions to my office about timely and important topics such as redistricting and immigration. I appreciate Lucas Barnes, Kenly Derrick, Heather Dominick, Shelby Green, Trent Hodges, Abby Malcom, Katherine Meyers, Stephen Page, and Keely Wilson for their interest in and study of the federal government. I support Mr. Jody Haltiwanger, the Advanced American Government teacher at Chapin High School, who inspired his students to fully engage in the legislative process by contacting their elected officials. I am honored to represent these young Americans in the Second Congressional District of South Carolina, and am confident of their future success.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the following obituary was published April 5, 2015, in The Charlotte Observer. John Pierce Calhoun Charlotte.--John Pierce Calhoun (Jack) of Charlotte, North Carolina, died peacefully surrounded by his children on Wednesday, April 1, 2015. He was born in Ninety-Six, South Carolina, on November 18, 1926, the son of Alleyne Griffin Calhoun and John Nathaniel Calhoun. Mr. Calhoun spent his childhood years in Greenwood and Batesburg, South Carolina, before moving to Sumter, South Carolina, where he graduated from Edmonds High School in 1944. After a year at Clemson University, he served in the US Army for 26 months, during which time he attended Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in the US Army specialized training program. He was discharged from the Army in June 1946, returning to Clemson University where he received a BS degree in Civil Engineering in 1948. During his business career, he graduated from the Advanced Management Program at Harvard University. Mr. Calhoun married Paula Frederick Whitaker of Kinston, North Carolina, on June 26, 1954. Employed by Rexnord Inc. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he held company positions in various locations throughout the United States. He moved to Milwaukee in 1974, serving in management, and became Chairman and CEO of Rexnord Inc. After 35 years with the company, he retired in 1990. Over his career, Mr. Calhoun served on church, bank, and civic boards and industry associations. Upon moving to Charlotte after retirement, Mr. Calhoun became a member of Myers Park United Methodist Church and an associate member of Blowing Rock Methodist Church in Blowing Rock, North Carolina. He was a member of Charlotte Country Club, Piedmont Club of Charlotte, The Alotian Club, and Blowing Rock Country Club. Mr. Calhoun enjoyed golf, fishing, travel, and was an avid reader. Mr. Calhoun cherished every opportunity to be with his family and eight grandchildren who adored their ``Poppy.'' He was a devoted and loving husband, father, father-in-law, and grandfather. His strong work ethic, integrity and faith in God were his guiding principles. He had a wonderful ability to connect with people through his contagious sense of humor, wit, and kindness. He was a consummate gentleman with a perpetual twinkle in his eye. Mr. Calhoun brought happiness to all who knew and loved him, and he will remain an example in living for his family. His greatest legacy is the love and bond his family shares with one another. He is survived by daughter Paula Calhoun Ruffin and husband Dalton Dillard Ruffin, Jr. of Charlotte; Harriet Calhoun Stephens and husband Warren Amerine Stephens of Little Rock, Arkansas; and son John Nathaniel Calhoun II and wife Ansley Bost Calhoun of Charlotte. His grandchildren are Sarah Dickson Bourgeois and husband John Rion Bourgeois, Rebecca Stuart Dickson, Lydia Dillard Ruffin, Warren Miles Amerine Stephens, John Calhoun Stephens, Laura Whitaker Stephens, William Coulter Calhoun, and John Pierce Calhoun II. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. Mr. Calhoun was predeceased by his parents, his wife and the love of his life for fifty-nine years, Paula Whitaker Calhoun, sister Miriam Cook McCrae of Rock Hill, South Carolina, and brother Charles Cooper Calhoun of Seabrook Island, South Carolina. A memorial service will be held at Myers Park United Methodist Church at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 8, 2015. Interment will be private. A visitation will also be held at the home of John and Ansley Calhoun, 531 Colville Road, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, April 7, 2015. The family would like to thank Steffeny Harris for her care of and devotion to Mr. Calhoun and his family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Myers Park United Methodist Church, designated for The St. Luke's Fund, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, North Carolina 28207; Blowing Rock Methodist Church, P.O. Box 352, Blowing Rock, North Carolina 28605; The Salvation Army Center of Hope, 534 Spratt Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28206; and Crises Assistance Ministries, 500 Spratt Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28206. Robertson Funeral & Cremation Service is serving the family.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, over 1.5 million rural South Carolinians receive their power through local electric cooperatives, who work to keep costs low and maintain high energy standards. Unfortunately, President Obama established new regulations for electric water heaters 5 years ago, destroying jobs. These regulations went into effect last week and have negatively impacted the cooperatives by limiting their ability to manage water heaters during peak time, making consumers pay for an inefficient use of resources. I am grateful to support the Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2015. This legislation reduces new regulations for grid-enabled water heaters, which benefit consumers by keeping costs low. Local businesses like the electric cooperatives are the backbone of America's economy, the forefront of new innovations, and are leaders in providing affordable, reliable energy, creating jobs for 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, today, men and women will come together and take a stand against sexual assault at the sixth annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes march in Columbia, South Carolina. Men from across the State will don high-heeled shoes and join women and other community leaders to raise awareness and funds to support survivors of sexual assault and sexual violence. Just one victim is too many, and we must stand with survivors to prevent sexual assault. I am grateful for the Sexual Trauma Services of the Midlands, the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, the Cumbee Center, and countless other organizations for their advocacy, for their continued efforts to prevent sexual assault, and for their support to survivors. Chaired by Ginny Walker, I am grateful my oldest son, State Attorney General Alan Wilson, will be one of the leaders of the Walk a Mile today. They are making a difference with efforts to end sexual assault and sexual violence. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President, by his actions, never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. My sympathy to the family of the late John Duncan of Laurens County, South Carolina, the father of our colleague Congressman Jeff Duncan.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Thank you for your leadership.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Thank you for yielding; and, Congressman Dold, thank you for your leadership on this issue. I am very grateful. I represent the Savannah River Site in Aiken and Barnwell Counties of South Carolina. I had the privilege of working with Congressman Jim Clyburn, very bipartisan. A portion of this site is located in Allendale County, South Carolina. We have worked together on the issues relative to the Savannah River Site, which should be noted is where the defense waste is currently being placed. It is a consequence of the cold war, but it also is a consequence of victory in the cold war. I know that the persons who worked in the Savannah River Site are very, very grateful for the opportunities that they have had to provide for the protection of the American people, and it has been successful. It is particularly meaningful to me because I am the only Member of Congress that actually worked at the Savannah River Site, so I know firsthand that it is really very professional, and it is also very environmentally sound. We were talking about why are we here. For me, it is due to the environment and jobs. The environment we know is in danger if we have different sites around the country that could be addressed. In the Department of Energy, I have another distinction. I was very grateful to be the deputy general counsel of the Department of Energy in 1981 and 1982. The defense waste bill came up through that time. It was determined that there should be a geologic formation to place the waste of our country, whether it be defense waste or whether it be commercial. It was determined--and I know that you will be going through this to explain--that, indeed, Yucca Mountain is ideal. None of us would ever want to put any community, any State at risk, but we know well that Yucca would not be of risk to the people of the West, but it would be very sound, and it would be very environmentally secure, and it would also, indeed, help create jobs. Our State has been so fortunate to have the Savannah River Site, but we also have another distinction. We are one of the most nuclear- intensive States in the country. Nearly 60 percent of all the power that is produced in the State of South Carolina for almost 30 years has been nuclear. We know what the consequence of this is, and that is that we have reliable energy, we have green, clean energy, and we have a level of inexpensive energy, which has a consequence of promoting jobs. The jobs that have been created are quite self-evident in our State. We have a circumstance with the providing of low-cost energy. South Carolina now--particularly with the development of the BMW facility at Greer, South Carolina, of all things--is the leading exporter of cars in the United States, creating jobs in our State, our region, but then providing for extraordinary export around the world. Additionally, South Carolina is the leading manufacturer of tires. Right next to the Savannah River Site is the Bridgestone facility, and this is a Japanese investment, over $1 billion. Then right down I-20, not far in the district I represent, is the Michelin facility. There are two plants adjacent to each other. I was there recently with Ambassador Gerard Araud of France because we appreciate the French investment. In fact, the Michelin facility is the largest Michelin facility in the world, nearly 2 million square feet with nearly 2,000 employees. Again, this is because of the success that we have with nuclear power. Then further down I-20, we are very grateful of a German investment. Continental Tires has just announced that they just completed a half- billion-dollar facility in South Carolina. Then we also welcome from Singapore the Giti Tire company, which has announced a quarter-of-a- billion-dollar facility to be located in the upper part of South Carolina. Over and over again, it is because we have safe, secure, clean energy. In fact, I want to commend the Obama administration. They actually have provided for the licensing of three new nuclear reactors in our country. Two are located at the V.C. Summer facility at Jenkinsville, South Carolina, which is, again, adjacent to the district I represent in Fairfield County; and then directly across the Savannah River from the district that I represent is the Vogtle plant at Waynesboro, Georgia. We are very supportive of these. All of them will be so helpful to achieve the environmentally very important determination of a geologic formation. Then there is an economic side. Just as the people of Illinois, the people of South Carolina, and also the people of Pennsylvania have, through their rates, paid over $1 billion into the fund to build Yucca, so our people are invested. We have done it in good faith, and we need to follow the law. The law is that, indeed, this be the geologic formation, which is safe for the American people and creating the opportunity for jobs. A final point. South Carolina has taken this so seriously. I want to commend our Governor, Nikki Haley. I also want to commend our Attorney General, Alan Wilson. They have actually filed a suit--and it was inspired largely by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham and U.S. Senator Tim Scott--to enforce the law. The law needs to be enforced. It would be beneficial to the people of our State, and it would be beneficial to our region of South Carolina and Georgia, but it would also be beneficial to the American people. I want to thank you for your leadership on this issue so the American people understand how environmentally sound this is, how positive it is, the energy that is being produced because of this, and then the potential for jobs, not just in our region but across the United States.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the President has put at risk the safety of American families and of America's allies, especially Israel and Arab nations, by entering into a meaningless framework with an untruthful regime. Senator Joe Lieberman, in a recent op-ed in The Wall Street Journal, reminds President Obama that the sanctions he is conceding were put in place by a bipartisan coalition in Congress. The article by the former Democrat Senator explains to us of a powerful time in history when leaders of both parties worked together to ratify arms control agreements in Congress during the cold war. We did not neglect our constitutional principles then in the face of World War III, nor should we now for an agreement that will allow Iran to have nuclear weapons in the future. Our Founding Fathers were purposefully unclear on the powers of foreign policy in order to prevent one person from ruling without restraint. President Obama should submit his agreement with Iran for congressional approval. I appreciate the bipartisan efforts of Senator Bob Corker and Senator Bob Menendez. 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 remarks regarding my absence from votes which occurred on March 23, 2015. I was delayed in arriving in Washington because I was in attendance at a funeral for a beloved family within our community. The Columbia community and the University of South Carolina worshipped in thankful memory for the life of Charles ``Charlie'' Leverett Adams Terreni, Jr. H.R. 360--Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Reauthorization Act--NAY H. Res. 162--Calling on the President to provide Ukraine with military assistance to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity--AYE

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to celebrate the strong relationship between Taiwan and the United States. With the 70th anniversary of the ending of World War II this year and the 36th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act on April 10, we can reflect how this relationship has been beneficial for both countries. Prior to World War II, America recognized the importance of protecting the Chinese people from invaders. In 1940, the U.S. operated a clandestine air support mission to protect the citizens of the Republic of China, carried out by a courageous volunteer group of pilots. Known as the Flying Tigers, this group became the 14th Air Force and included my father, the late First Lieutenant Hugh Wilson. America is eternally grateful that the Chinese military in 1942 rescued most of the crews after 15 U.S. planes crashed in China following the Doolittle Raid, which had been formed at Columbia Army Air Base, South Carolina. Today, I am encouraging everyone to recognize the critical importance of the U.S.-Taiwan relationship and its continuation. 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. Thank you, Chairman Price, for your extraordinary leadership. Mr. Chairman, I am grateful today to join with my House Armed Services Committee colleagues and speak in support of Chairman Price's defense alternative budget, Price 2. As the chairman of the Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee on the House Armed Services Committee, my top priority is to provide adequate funding for our Special Operations Forces who are currently deployed in more than 80 countries worldwide defeating the terrorists overseas. I support our cyber forces who play a critical role in the defense of our national security from state and nonstate aggressors alike. And I appreciate our scientists and engineers who develop the cutting-edge technologies provided for our warfighters to protect American families. In an environment where our Air Force is the smallest since its creation, the Army is on the path to being the smallest since 1939, and the Navy will soon be the smallest since 1915, we cannot risk reducing our national defense. We can best provide for peace through strength. Mr. Chairman, I would like to point out that tomorrow we will be taking a vote on two seemingly similar budgets, Price 1 and Price 2, but there are two major differences between the budgets. Price 2 represents the product of fruitful negotiations between the leadership, the House Budget Committee, and the House Armed Services Committee. In Director of National Intelligence James Clapper's recent Worldwide Threat Assessment before the Senate Armed Services Committee, he said: In 2013, just over 11,500 terrorist attacks worldwide killed approximately 22,000 people. Preliminary data just for the first 9 months of 2014 indicate nearly 13,000 attacks, which killed 31,000 people. When the accounting is done, 2014 will have been the most lethal year for global terrorism in the 45 years such data has been compiled. The world is becoming more dangerous, and it is time Congress came together and funded our troops appropriately. Terrorists have declared war on American families. I would like to thank our leadership team, Chairman Price and Chairman Mac Thornberry, for their work in negotiating Chairman Price's defense alternative, Price 2, and it is my hope that tomorrow we can come together and pass Price 2. 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. Thank you, Chairman Kline, for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the chairman's leadership on this important issue, and I am grateful to be a cosponsor of this legislation. As a member of the House Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions, I am concerned with the National Labor Relations Board's latest rule, which is referred to as the ambush election rule, and I stand in strong support of S.J. Res. 8. The ambush election rule is a tool to force union elections, not to protect workers. Revisions of the list requirements under the rule will compel employers to provide very personal information about their employees, such as names, address, telephone numbers, and email addresses. This will violate the privacy of workers while reducing the informed decision period. To add insult to injury, the rule does not limit or dictate what unions can do with this sensitive information. I am pleased that South Carolina is a right-to-work State. Union membership is not a requirement of employment in our State. It is based on freedom of choice. I am grateful we have fought as a State to give our employees and job creators the flexibility to choose what is best for them. South Carolina has successfully opposed the rogue NLRB when the NLRB tried to block 1,000 jobs at the Boeing facility in Charleston. With the leadership of Governor Nikki Haley, Attorney General Alan Wilson, and Senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott, we stopped the NLRB, and now over 7,000 jobs have been created. S.J. Res. 8 will express our strong disapproval of the National Labor Relations Board rule and ensure a fair elections process.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, as cochairman of the French Caucus, I had the opportunity to escort French Ambassador Gerard Araud across South Carolina, where he met enthusiastic citizens of French heritage along with business leaders who appreciate our valued alliance. South Carolina's association with France was highlighted by the arrival of the Marquis de Lafayette at Georgetown to support the American Revolution. His portrait is one of only two here in the House Chamber. Today, French investments are extraordinary with the joint Michelin plants in Lexington, providing over 2,000 jobs at a nearly 2-million- square-foot facility. At the Savannah River site in Aiken, the Ambassador toured the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication facility using AREVA advanced technology to convert weapons-grade plutonium into green fuel. These investments produce jobs for Americans and profits for France. In between tours, the Ambassador was honored to speak to the Columbia Rotary Club, South Carolina's largest civic organization, led by President John Johnston, with introduction by French Huguenot, Rusty DePass. 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 was hosting French Ambassador Gerard Araud in South Carolina where we visited French business investments across the Second Congressional District creating thousands of jobs. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on H.R. 648--Trauma Systems and Regionalization of Emergency Care Reauthorization Act.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I was hosting French Ambassador Gerard Araud in South Carolina where we visited French business investments across the Second Congressional District creating thousands of jobs. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on H.R. 647--Access to Life-Saving Trauma Care for All Americans Act.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I was hosting French Ambassador Gerard Araud in South Carolina where we visited French business investments across the Second Congressional District creating thousands of jobs. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on H.R. 876--Notice of Observation Treatment and Implication for Care Eligibility Act, as amended. Personal Explanation

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, it was an honor to have Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu speak to a joint session of Congress yesterday. Israel is one of our country's closest allies, an essential partner in restraining Iran's nuclear threat and combating the growing threat of terrorist groups like ISIL Daesh. Hearing Prime Minister Netanyahu speak out against radical Islam and warn the world about the threat of a nuclear Iran, I was reminded of another great leader who addressed Congress nearly 75 years ago. Winston Churchill and Binyamin Netanyahu are the only two foreign leaders to address a joint session of Congress three times. Like many, I believe Prime Minister Netanyahu is the Churchill of our time. Both men had to fight against global threats of unmatched and barbaric proportions but also stood firm to other world leaders advancing a strategy of appeasement over strength. I only hope that we heed Netanyahu's words now before it is too late to stop the spread of nuclear weapons. 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, during the Presidents' Day break, I served on a delegation meeting with the leaders of Afghanistan, Jordan, and Iraq. Each was grateful for the support given in their fight against terrorists who seek mass murder of innocent civilians. Daesh, the Arab translation of ISIL, has spread as a cancer across the region and threatens to attack the American people. President Obama's failing policies are weakening defense, and he needs to change course, as he did with the 2009 Afghan surge. In Syria, the President's strategy has set the stage for Daesh to expand. In Iraq, his failure to achieve a status of forces agreement has led to instability. The attack on Libya has led to a failed state. The pitiful negotiations with Iran puts America at risk. His claimed success in Yemen has proven inaccurate. Radical Islamists have declared war on the West, intend to exterminate Jews, and seek to destroy modern democratic civilizations. The first mass slaughters have been of fellow Muslims at mosques, at soft targets, but safe havens anywhere are a threat to 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, during the Presidents' Day break, I was grateful to chair a delegation to visit with President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and President Fuad Masum of Iraq, along with Defense Minister Khaled al-Obaidi of Iraq. Each leader clearly wants to protect their citizens from terrorism. I was joined by the dynamic Elise Stefanik of New York, four-tour Iraq veteran Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, and hardworking Brad Ashford of Nebraska. It is more clear than ever that Daesh, the Arab interpretation of ISIL, is a growing threat to the American people, and we must forcefully defeat the barbarian murderers with our courageous allies abroad. Radical Islam has declared war on Americans and targets fellow Muslims, as evidenced during our visit. We have seen in the last 10 days the slaughter of 40 worshippers at a mosque in Pakistan, the burning of over 30 innocent civilians in Iraq, the beheadings of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians in Libya, and Jews murdered in Copenhagen. 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, during the President's Day break, I was grateful to chair a House Armed Services Committee delegation to the United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Jordan, and Iraq. With Congressmen Brad Ashford, Seth Moulton, and Elise Stefanik, we met world leaders in the midst of forcefully protecting their citizens in the Global War on Terrorism. Coordinating the itinerary were House professional staffers Pete Villano and Lindsay Kavanaugh, with military input by Major Brad Grane, U.S. Army, Colonel Dan Greenwood, U.S. Marine Corps, and Major Tony Garofano, U.S. Marine Corps. At each step we were greeted and briefed by experienced, dedicated, and enthusiastic U.S. Ambassadors, including Barbara Leaf at Abu Dhabi in the UAE, Michael McKinley in Afghanistan, Alice Wells in Jordan, Douglas Silliman in Kuwait, and Stuart Jones in Iraq. Each has recruited talented foreign-service officers to promote warm relations with our allies in the Middle East and Central Asia. A key way to protect American citizens at home from terrorists is to promote stable, prosperous, and unified allies abroad. Radical Islamists have declared war on Americans and plan to exterminate Jews. Moreover, in the last ten days, they have slaughtered their fellow Muslims from Peshawar, Pakistan, in a mosque, to burning alive over 30 innocent civilians in al-Baghdadi, Iraq, while beheading 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians in Libya, and murdering Jews in Copenhagen. 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, a Service of Worship was conducted on Sunday, February 22, 2015, at the First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, South Carolina, in Remembrance of and Thanksgiving for the Life of John Gregg McMaster, Jr. Participating in the service were The Rev. Dr. Derek W. H. Thomas, Senior Minister, The Rev. Dr. John R. deWitt, Mr. Ronald E. Miller, Organist, and Mr. Christian Markle, Bagpiper. Honorary Pallbearers were The Elders and Deacons of the First Presbyterian Church. The following obituary was published in the Service program: John Gregg McMaster, Jr., 100, passed away in Columbia early Friday morning, February 20, 2015. Born March 16, 1914, in Florence, the son of Dr. and Mrs. John Gregg McMaster, he received a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of South Carolina in 1936, an L.L.B. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1938, and a J.D. degree in 1970. In 1944 he married Ida Bacot Dargan of Florence, whose nickname was ``Pet.'' They had six children, all boys, four of whom became lawyers. Mr. McMaster was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1944, serving two terms. From 1953-1954, he served as Code Commissioner for South Carolina, and from 1952-1967 he served on the SC Aeronautics Commission, the last eleven years as chairman. He was elected president of the Richland County Bar Association in 1976. From 1982-1988, he served on the board of the Richland County Public Defender Corporation, the last two years as chairman. He was elected to the American College of Trial Lawyers in 1968; awarded membership in the Cum Laude Club by Fellows of the Foundation, the USC Education Foundation, in 1969; elected a Fellow in the International Academy of Trial Lawyers in 1981; awarded the John W. Williams Distinguished Service Award by Richland County Bar Association in 1991; and awarded the Order of the Palmetto by Governor Carroll Campbell in 1991. He was honored in 1991 by the Resolution of the South Carolina House of Representatives for distinguished service to the South Carolina Association Trial Lawyers Association in 2004; awarded membership in the American Board of Trial Associates in 2004; received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Richland County Bar Association in 2012; and received a Resolution of congratulations from the South Carolina House of Representatives on his ninety-ninth birthday in 2013. Admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in SC, Mr. McMaster was a member of the Richland County Bar Association, the South Carolina Bar, the National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel, the South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association and the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference. For years he was the senior practicing attorney in South Carolina, having been at the bar over seventy-five years upon his retirement in 2013. He tried his last case at age 93. Mr. McMaster was a member of the Saint Andrews Society of Columbia, The Torch Club, Forest Lake Club, The Forum Club, The Centurion Society and The Columbia Ball. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Columbia from his college days and served as Sunday school teacher, Deacon, Elder, and Elder Emeritus. Mr. McMaster was predeceased by his wife, Ida Dargan; his sister, Eleanor ``Sis'' McMaster Bradham (Riley, Jr.) of Sumter; and his brother Hugh Buchanan McMaster (Jean Kelly) of Columbia. He is survived by his six sons, John Gregg McMaster, III (Judy Cook), Lieutenant Governor and former Attorney General Henry Dargan McMaster (Peggy McAbee), George McMaster, William Gourdin McMaster (Elizabeth Laffitte), Frank Barnwell McMaster, all of Columbia, and Joseph Dargan McMaster of Charlotte; grandchildren, John Gregg McMaster, IV (Laurel Briggs) of Columbia, Henry Dargan McMaster, Jr. of Columbia, Mary Rogers McMaster of New York, William Gourdin McMaster, Jr. MD, of Nashville, Dargan McMaster Rain (Rob) of Spartanburg, George Hunter McMaster, II of New York, Joseph Dargan McMaster, Jr. of Columbia, Eleanor Gourdin McMaster of Columbia; and great grandson, Shawn McMaster of Columbia; and great granddaughter, Elizabeth Laffitte Rain of Spartanburg.