Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, April 21, 2014, a Service of Devine Worship was conducted for in thanksgiving for the Life of Lt. Col. William C. ``Pete'' Hall at the Beaufort National Cemetery at Beaufort, South Carolina. The following is the deserved tribute from the program of the service: Lt. Col. William C. ``Pete'' Hall, 83, U.S. Air Force, husband of Lucy Ann Preacher Hall, of Beaufort, SC, died Wednesday, April 16, 2014 in Beaufort Memorial Hospital. Graveside funeral services will be held on Monday, April 21, 2014, at 11:00 am in Beaufort National Cemetery with full military honors. Pete was born January 15, 1931, in Abbeville, SC, but grew up in Ridgeland, SC. He is the son of the late Samuel Blake Hall and Pearl Potter Hall. After graduating from Clemson University, Pete served his country in the United States Air Force for over 21 years, and was a fighter pilot with over 3,000 hours in various aircraft, including the T-33, B-57, and F-4D. He flew many bombing missions during the Vietnam War and earned numerous decorations including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Medal with five Oak Leaf Clusters. After retiring from the Air Force, Pete served his community in several capacities, including President of the Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce, President of the Low Country Chapter of Retired Officers Association and as a member of the Beaufort County Aviation Commission, Beaufort County Tax Equalization Board, the Beaufort-Jasper Economic Opportunity Commission and the Beaufort-Jasper Water Authority. He served as vice-chairman of the Beaufort County Republican Party and represented them as a delegate at several state level conventions. Pete enjoyed attending Clemson University football games, boating, fishing, and shrimping in Beaufort's waterways, as well as spending time with his family. Mr. Hall is survived by his wife, Lucy P. Hill (married 59 years), his two sons, Williams C. Hall Jr. and Robert B. Hall, and his five grandchildren. He will be missed by his family, as well as the many friends he has made over his years of service and living in Beaufort. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that donations be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following remarks regarding my absence from a vote which occurred on April 29, 2014 due to a medical appointment. Listed below is how I would have voted if I had been present. Roll Number 180--H. Res. 555, On Ordering the Previous Question, Providing for consideration of H.R. 4414, Expatriate Health Coverage Clarification Act of 2014--``aye.''

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, in February, the President, sadly, announced his plan to terminate the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility, also known as MOX, at the Savannah River Site. The administration blamed the cost estimate as the reason to halt construction. Shutting down this project halts environmental cleanup, which is converting weapons-grade plutonium into green fuel. South Carolina and Georgia are at risk of being a nuclear waste dump site, breaking a nonproliferation agreement with Russia. This highly exaggerated cost was assessed in a report that is closed to the public. Constituents living in Aiken and Barnwell Counties, adjacent to Georgia, deserve to know the truth. I am grateful that the Aiken Standard has filed a Freedom of Information Act request in pursuit of the cost analysis. We should be working together for environmental cleanup, for nonproliferation compliance, and for national security to support the Savannah River Site in its vital mission with dedicated employees. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, today, I appreciate the opportunity to recognize Beverly Colley, the administrative assistant for the Second District of South Carolina. She will be departing the Midlands office on Friday to serve as the town clerk of Blythewood, South Carolina, led by Mayor Mike Ross and a dynamic council. Since joining the office in October 2004, Beverly has served the people of South Carolina's Second District with respect and diligence. Her genuine bright smile and desire to help those in need has significantly impacted the lives of those across the district, being the first person to welcome citizens to the office. Beverly's dedicated staff work has made a difference, and I look forward to hearing of her success as she embarks on a new professional career. I wish Beverly; her son, Garin Carter; daughter, Malika Carter; and granddaughter, Rhylie, all the best in the future. I know that the people of Blythewood will continue to benefit from Beverly's extraordinary constituent service as she serves her hometown community. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Godspeed, Beverly.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, tomorrow, the House Education and the Workforce Committee will mark up two bills to protect all American workers by limiting the National Labor Relations Board's expansion into the workforce. The Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act restricts the Big Business, Big Government NLRB and reaffirms the protections that workers and job creators have received by promoting a fully informed union election process. The Employee Privacy Protection Act gives workers greater control over the disclosure of personal information and helps modernize an outdated election process by replacing current rules that leave workers at risk of intimidation and coercion. For years, the President's Big Labor bully has threatened to destroy jobs, such as at Boeing in north Charleston, and to invade American workers' privacy and encroach upon their rights. I am grateful to the Education and the Workforce chairman, John Kline, and to the subcommittee chairman, Dr. Phil Roe, for their dedication in promoting the rights of every American worker and in protecting American job creators. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, when Mary West purchased insurance through the government health care Web site, she didn't expect to lose access to her doctor. Ms. West struggles with diabetes and high blood pressure. Because of these health concerns, she has developed a relationship with the doctors she trusted at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System. She was devastated when she realized that her policy was not accepted by her local hospital. Trying to obtain an alternative policy that would be taken at Spartanburg Regional has been even more difficult due to the lack of communication between the provider and the hospital. This story, highlighted over the weekend in the Spartanburg Herald Journal, reveals the nightmares South Carolinians and millions of Americans are experiencing as a direct result of ObamaCare's failures. This unworkable law is tragically flawed. It is not fair that the President's broken promises have created barriers when making a trip to the doctor. ObamaCare will continue to hammer down on our families if it is not repealed and replaced with a commonsense solution that maintains the doctor-patient relationship, instead of Big Government's dictates destroying jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. I thank the gentleman for yielding. As an original cosponsor, I am very grateful to Congressman Dr. Tom Price for his insight and leadership on this very important issue. It is no secret that Washington's budget process is broken. The over $17 trillion debt jeopardizes our national fiscal security and threatens future opportunities for our children and grandchildren. I appreciate House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan's work to produce a path forward that restores prosperity and makes substantial reductions to our debt over the next 10 years. For far too long, Congress has passed bills without a full understanding of how policies will affect jobs and our economy. The Congressional Budget Office, the body we as lawmakers depend upon to provide fiscal and economic impacts of all legislation, has a bad track record of providing accurate information due to a significant loophole. House Republicans have made meaningful strides in restoring fiscal accountability and responsibility back to Washington. We recognize, as the Lexington County Chronicle promotes, it is the taxpayers' money, not money the government allows citizens to hold temporarily. Providing the CBO with the necessary toolkit to determine a bill's potential fiscal impacts on every aspect of our economy is a step in the right direction. Take ObamaCare, for example. Seeing its failed implementation, which has destroyed jobs, proves we must see how a law will impact American job creators and the way families spend hard-earned paychecks. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this legislation and give CBO the likely consequences that may occur.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, according to a Hoover Institute study, 2.6 million Americans are at risk of receiving smaller paychecks because of reduced hours as a result of ObamaCare's harsh regulations on small businesses. It is obvious that the President's broken health care promises have made lives more difficult. What do we tell single mothers who have been forced to pick up an additional job because their hours have been reduced? And what about the college students who are paying their way through school but are struggling to achieve an education because their paychecks will not cover expenses? At a time with record unemployment and a record number of people not seeking work, the government should not make it more difficult for employers to hire workers. Later today, the House will vote on a bill, which I have gratefully cosponsored, that provides relief for millions of Americans who have received smaller paychecks because of the President's health care takeover which destroys jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Welcome, Mead Hall Episcopal School of Aiken, South Carolina.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Thank you, Congressman Young, for yielding. As an original cosponsor, I am very grateful for Chairman John Kline and Congressman Todd Young for their thoughtful leadership on this very important issue with the Save American Workers Act. ObamaCare is the saddest example of Big Government failure. The American people have lost their health care plans, access to their most trusted doctors, and been forced to pay significant premium increases for poorer coverage and higher deductibles. On top of all of these broken promises, it is tragic for American families that the President's signature health care law will also destroy jobs. Every day, real constituents living in South Carolina's Second Congressional District reach out to me expressing frustration with this broken law. Jennifer, a true small business owner from Lexington, writes: Keep trying to repeal ObamaCare at all costs. The employer mandate will cause my business to move full-time employees to part-time. Dozens of actual people express these same sentiments and plead with Congress to provide relief. The National Federation of Independent Business, NFIB, was correct that ObamaCare will destroy 1.6 million jobs. ObamaCare's 30-hour workweek rule is lowering wages for a significant portion of hardworking Americans, the very ones the President claims to champion. On behalf of the millions of Americans who are receiving smaller paychecks and having to work multiple jobs, I urge my colleagues to support this bill and provide greater economic security and opportunity for those who need it the most.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan unveiled his vision of a budget, which will reduce Washington's out-of-control spending and will put our country back on a path to prosperity. For years, the President has targeted our military in order to support his Big Government agenda. Last month, the administration announced plans to reduce the size of our Armed Forces to levels of those prior to World War II, putting American families at risk. Chairman Ryan recognizes that our brave men and women in uniform, military families, and veterans are the ones who dedicate their lives to keeping us safe. His budget proposes to strengthen national security. The primary function of the national government is to maintain a strong national defense. I appreciate Chairman Paul Ryan for committing to ensuring the safety of every American at home and abroad. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will 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 appropriate to recognize the Manigault-Hurley Family for their dedicated service to the Midlands community. After 90 years of dedicated service to generations of South Carolinians, the oldest family-owned funeral home in the Columbia area, closed its doors earlier last month. Founded in 1923, by William Manigault, the Manigault-Hurley Funeral Home was a family business in every sense of the word. After William's passing his wife, Annie Rivers Manigault continued to operate the funeral home until 1954. Anna May Manigault-Hurley, daughter of William and Annie, took over the business becoming the first female licensed embalmer in the state. She managed the successful business for 50 years. Anna's son and current owner Anthony ( Tony) M. Hurley grew up helping with the family business which he operated with the help of his wife, Alice Wyche Hurley, and their three children, Brian, Kelly, and Michelle. According to The State Newspaper's March 15th article `Nothing is Forever,' ``Manigault's was one of four black undertaking establishments operating in Columbia during the late 1920's according to the Roberts photo book, `A True Likeness.' His shot of the storefront, in the 700 block of Main, shows a street lined with black Cadillacs. Manigault expanded into caskets. During the Depression, his Congaree Casket Co. reportedly employed more black people than any other black- owned business in South Carolina.'' Nate Abraham, Jr., in Carolina Panorama on March 20 reported ``We have served four generations of the Columbia community,'' said Mrs. [Alice] Hurley. ``And we are happy with that. We will certainly miss being a part of the business community, but like everything else, life goes in stages. We are just now moving into another stage.'' With its closing, the Manigault-Hurley Funeral Home leaves behind a legacy of a family business dedicated to professionalism and compassionate service. The Wilson and Johnson families know firsthand of the Hurley Family's thoughtfulness in times of grief. They were instrumental in providing world-class arrangements. South Carolinians will offer the Manigault-Hurley family best wishes for success in future endeavors. May their lives be filled with health and happiness knowing they have made a lasting difference for so many families.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, as the flawed enrollment period for ObamaCare ended, a CBS poll revealed that a majority of Americans disapprove of the President's health care takeover law, which destroys jobs. Constituents living in South Carolina's Second Congressional District agree--ObamaCare will not work. Cindy from Lexington writes: I am so distressed about the extremely high cost of insurance now that the so-called Affordable Care Act is in place . . . Our insurance has increased $600. This is ridiculous. It is really hurting our family and is causing a huge strain on our budget. I am so disappointed in this law and the fact it was able to pass. Is there anything you are doing or can do to help families like ours? Everyone else I know is suffering because of it. These real-life experiences convey why Americans are fed up with ObamaCare. We must repeal and replace this train wreck of a law so that these burdens no longer hammer down on middle class families. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will 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, according to an institute at the University of New Hampshire, the number of long-term unemployed Americans has more than doubled since 2007, to a gruesome 39.3 percent. The President has had more than enough time to get our weak economy back on track. Instead of working with Congress on pro-growth reforms to our tax system and encouraging businesses to hire more workers, he has focused his attention on implementing his disastrous health care takeover, destroying jobs. American families have felt the duplicity of the ``Unaffordable Care Act.'' They have lost health care plans. They have been forced to pay higher insurance premiums and receive smaller paychecks due to reduction in work hours. A key to economic recovery starts with repealing and replacing the takeover with a commonsense, patient-centered solution. Our workforce should not lose 2.5 million more jobs because of government mandates. We must work together to promote jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, for the last 4 years, American families have watched as ObamaCare has destroyed jobs, increased insurance premiums, and denied access to trusted medical professionals. You can't keep your doctor. From day one, the administration has not been honest with the law's effectiveness or its implementation. This unworkable, irresponsible law continues to plague families. We must work together to repeal and replace ObamaCare. House Republicans know that commonsense solutions exist which will provide relief to those who have fallen victims to the President's countless broken promises. Unfortunately, the administration and Senate Democrats have refused to work with us to make changes and restore health care decisions back to the American people, not to Big Government. As the open enrollment period deadline approaches leading to more hardship for families, medical professionals, and small businesses, it is our duty to work together to change ObamaCare, which destroys jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will 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 Emily and William Brunson DePass, III, on the birth of their new baby girl. Mary Parker DePass was born at 2:46 p.m. on March 8, 2014 weighing 7 pounds, 6 ounces and measuring 20 and 1/2 inches long. Mary joins a wonderful family who is devoted to her well-being and bright future. Grandparents Mrs. and Mrs. William B. (Rusty) DePass, Jr., Mrs. Jane Arnold Barnhill, and Mr. Edward D. Barnhill, Jr., are thrilled with the new addition. I would also like to congratulate Mary's three great-grandmothers, Mrs. Marshall J. Parker, Mrs. Ira Lee Arnold, and Mrs. Edward D. Barnhill, along with the late Mrs. Kathryn Macaulay DePass, who are all extraordinary role models for their dear great-granddaughter.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, recently, I received a heartbreaking email from Connie in Irmo, South Carolina. Because of ObamaCare, Connie's health care policy premiums have increased $100 a month, and her deductible has grown to over $2,500 a year. She explains the truth, despite Senate smears. These unexpected costs have created significant financial burdens for her family. Connie is the mother of a child who suffers with mental health issues. It is shameful that government regulations are making her choose between seeking medical assistance and feeding her family. Connie writes: It is heart wrenching that as a mother I now have to second-guess myself any time I think about taking my children to the doctors. I may have coverage, but after I pay my premiums, I don't have enough left to pay for the doctor visit itself. ObamaCare is threatening the middle class and destroying American families and jobs. On behalf of mothers and fathers across this Nation who are suffering at ObamaCare's expense, it is time for the President to work with Congress to repeal this unworkable law and replace it with commonsense solutions. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, The American Dream is attainable with hard work and dedication. South Carolina is very fortunate to have devoted teachers who dedicated to helping every child succeed. This week, a group of teachers and students from Red Bank Elementary School in Lexington, South Carolina, are visiting Washington to see the government at work. I am very proud of this group of young people, as they are dedicated to achieving a bright future by participating in their school's Business Mentor Program. The Red Bank Elementary School Business Mentor Program engages children in learning by connecting them with local mentors affiliated with businesses in the Midlands community. Leaders from Michelin Tire Corporation, Lexington Medical Center, Prysmian Group, Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden, and he South Carolina State Museum have impacted close to 150 students over the past three years. By connecting the skills each student learns in the classroom to a professional environment, these bright children are given the opportunity to chase their dreams. As a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, I am encouraged by the opportunities these young students are able to enjoy and appreciate the business mentors for contributing to their future.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the President unveiled his budget and used the military as a punching bag to push his Big Government programs. According to a recent Charleston Post and Courier editorial: Congress should proceed with extreme caution before going along with the latest recommendations for ``savings'' through deep defense cuts. If America rapidly retreats from world power status, our enemies will jump into the void. We can't unilaterally end the Islamic radical terrorists' war on us, and we shouldn't ignore history lessons about what happens when the United States tries to isolate itself from the menaces that threaten the international community. At a time when threats are increasing and countries on nearly every continent are in turmoil, it is naive for the President to downgrade our military strength. Maintaining our national defense is the primary function of the national government. I find it dangerous that the President has suggested this proposal which places American families at risk of further attacks. We should follow the advice of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Our Nation is still at war. Peace through strength. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging for our veterans. The skill sets learned while serving in the Armed Forces are highly valued, and competence is extraordinary of veterans, who have a proven work ethic. With record unemployment, we need to work together for jobs. Yesterday, the office of the Second Congressional District conducted a veterans job fair, thoughtfully hosted by the Aiken Shrine Club, to support our brave men and women who have faithfully served our country. The event was to better connect our veterans with the resources available to them. I am very thankful for the local businesses, schools, government agencies, and veterans organizations that were on hand to offer assistance. As the son of a veteran, as a retired member of the South Carolina National Guard, and being the very grateful father of four sons currently serving in the military, I appreciate our veterans' dedication to protect our freedoms. It is my hope this veterans job fair will prove beneficial and recognize the service of our heroes. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Our hopes and prayers are for the people of Ukraine.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the American people have lost faith in the President and his administration's ability to serve in an unbiased manner. Sadly, last year's scandal revealed the IRS is targeting organizations who disagree with the President's Big Government agenda. We should never have to worry that our First Amendment rights are in jeopardy because the government opposes our beliefs. Based on last year's revelations, it is clear that these actions were deliberate. The Founding Fathers treasured the rights of freedom of speech and to petition the government, which is why they were protected first in the Constitution. On Wednesday, the House acted in a bipartisan vote to prevent future abuse by passing legislation that bans the Treasury Department and the IRS from implementing new requirements targeting political groups. I hope the Senate will take action on this bill so we can ensure that every citizen's First Amendment rights stand protected. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel outlined a proposal yesterday calling for a troop reduction that will shrink our Army to its smallest size since World War II began in 1939. This decision is sad proof that the President's priorities will threaten the strength of our military at a time of worldwide instability as al Qaeda and its affiliates develop safe havens across North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia with an intent to destroy America. This past week, I participated in a delegation led by Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce to Asia. In Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines, we met national leaders who are building their militaries to face the rising threats and promoting peace through strength. Efficiencies must be made to maintain our end strength. The President has misplaced priorities and chosen to place our brave men and women in uniform on the chopping block in order to spend more money promoting Big Government dependency. National defense is the first duty of the national government, as promoted by the Military Officers Association of America. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will 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 very grateful for the opportunity to recognize Lora Hobbs, a committed staff member for the Second Congressional District of South Carolina. After serving the great state of South Carolina for more than two and a half years, Lora is leaving the office to join the office of Congressman Bradley Brynee of Alabama's First Congressional District as a legislative assistant. Lora, is a native of Laurens, South Carolina, and joined the office in August of 2011 as a staff assistant after recently graduating from the University of South Carolina. Her tremendous leadership skills allowed her to transition quickly and become the legislative correspondent. It is with sincere gratitude that I would like to thank Lora for her dedicated staff work. I have no doubt that the people of lower Alabama will benefit significantly from her expertise. I wish Lora all the best in future endeavors and look forward to hearing of her continued success. In conclusion, God Bless our Troops and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, a weekend editorial by The Washington Times stated: The unemployment rate fell in January, which ought to be good news. But it isn't. Over the past decade, we have fallen into a strange and puzzling wonderland of opposites, where ``economic recovery'' comes with no growth, and unemployment rates drop when people aren't working. The President's misleading message conveys that fewer jobs and government dependency is the new status quo, which destroys fulfilling lives. Last week, a Congressional Budget Office report confirmed what the NFIB and House Republicans have been saying for years: ObamaCare is destroying and will destroy 2.5 million jobs. 2.5 million fewer Americans will be out of work due to the President's health care takeover. Our economy cannot truly recover unless ObamaCare is repealed. The President's Big Government policies are destroying jobs. House Republicans have solutions that will put Americans back to work. We understand the status quo should be job growth to help our middle class families achieve opportunity. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.