Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the President has broken multiple promises to the American people. Constituents living in South Carolina's Second Congressional District have lost their coverage and access to doctors because of the President's health care takeover, which destroys jobs. And now citizens are seeing massive premium increases. James from Lexington says: My son got a letter from his employer informing him that his health insurance would increase $179 per month, 52 percent more than he is presently paying. He is a plumber and his wife works as a home health aide. Now their dream of home ownership is highly unlikely. Mary Cothran of Williston was tireless promoting limited government and advocating alternatives to ObamaCare. Congress should work together to replace it with reforms such as those introduced by Congressman Dr. Tom Price which have been ignored by the media, which is failing to fulfill its First Amendment opportunities. 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, constituents across South Carolina's Second Congressional District are hurting because of the President's failing government health care takeover. As millions of Americans continue to receive policy cancelations, it is increasingly clear that ObamaCare is destroying jobs. Angela from Lexington writes: ObamaCare has caused my son to lose his insurance that was provided through his employer. They said they could not afford the new requirements. My son finally got a job that provided medical insurance, and then the President takes it away. There's definitely something wrong here. The President has broken multiple promises to the American people. As premiums increase, insurance is lost, and patients lose access to their doctors, we must work together to continue to replace ObamaCare with positive plans, as long introduced by Congressman Dr. Tom Price. Small businessowners such as the late J.W. Hendrix warned of Big Government abuses' denying young people opportunity to fulfill the American Dream. 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, small business is the backbone of our economy. America's greatness is heavily dependent on small businesses' success in creating jobs. In South Carolina, small businesses make up half of our economy. Sadly, these hardworking business owners have been suffering devastating setbacks due to the President's job-destroying policies. More recently, the failed implementation of ObamaCare has forced higher taxes and extensive regulations on these employers. This unfriendly business climate has prevented small business owners from expanding and creating jobs. When traveling around South Carolina's Second Congressional District, I continuously hear from small businesses, local chambers of commerce, the National Federation of Independent Business, and employees who are plagued with uncertainty. Smaller paychecks, inability to meet insurance requirements, and reduced hours are some of the concerns. Congress must work together to replace ObamaCare with commonsense solutions, as long proposed by Congressman Tom Price of Georgia. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Congratulations Connor Shaw, Jadeveon Clowney, Coach Steve Spurrier, and President Harris Pastides for the Gamecock victory Saturday.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, over 25 years ago, Congress legislated Yucca Mountain as our national repository for nuclear waste. Sadly, the President discontinued the project in 2009 solely for political reasons. On Monday, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission ordered the Department of Energy to proceed with the review process. This administration has failed to produce a clear plan for storing spent nuclear fuel, putting the environment at risk. South Carolinians have paid $2 billion into the program for the fees to address spent nuclear waste. Yet because of the President's party politics, a facility does not exist. Thankfully, the judicial system sided with the American people this week and demanded the Energy Department to stop collecting these fees until a path forward is created. Yucca Mountain is clearly environmentally safe and secure and should be completed. This is great news for the Aiken-Barnwell community and other commercial reactor sites across the country. The President should abide by the law. America is a strong Nation because we are a Nation of laws. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. I appreciate the community service of Bill and Anne West.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the President has broken his promises to the American people. Because of the administration's strained interpretation of health care plans under ObamaCare, millions of families continue to receive policy cancelation notifications, destroying jobs. Last week, the President made another unrealistic promise when he offered to provide a quick fix to this problem. At the same time, he threatened to veto the Keep Your Health Plan Act, bipartisan legislation that passed the House last week that allows him to legislatively follow through with his pledge. Common sense tells us the President is putting politics over policy when it comes to implementing his signature health care takeover. His administration is out of touch with the struggles American families are experiencing as a result of this destruction and intrusion of our health care system. The best way for American families to experience relief from this law is for the President to work with House Republicans to repeal and replace it with sensible solutions. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. I appreciate the dedicated personnel of the U.S. Naval Hospital of Naples, Italy.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, ObamaCare is a disaster. The President knows it; Congress knows it; and most importantly, the American people now know it. The President claims to be working with Congress to stop the train wreck the ACA is waging on American families. Actions speak louder than words. It is time for him to engage with House Republicans to find a solution. We must help Mary in Lexington, South Carolina, whose health care policy premium has already increased 275 percent since the beginning of this year; and Rebecca from Aiken, who will be forced to pay $600 more a month for the same coverage in January; and Alvin, an uninsured veteran also living in Aiken, who has tried to purchase insurance on the government health care Web site but can't afford it because the premium will be higher than his mortgage, utilities, and Internet combined. This is absurd. For the sake of the middle class, we must replace ObamaCare with commonsense solutions that protect families, provide a safety net, and 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, millions of Americans have received cancellation notices for their insurance policies as a result of ObamaCare's failed legislation. The Wall Street Journal anticipates this number to reach 10 million by January 1. Citizens living in the Second District of South Carolina are experiencing the brunt of the administration's deception. Becky from West Columbia is shocked that her world-class cancer care is at risk. Frank from Lexington will be forced to buy new health insurance with higher premiums of 33 percent. Joe from Aiken has been notified that his wife will be removed from their current health care plan January 1. He writes: The only problem is that now we have two premiums to pay, two deductibles to meet, and an additional thing to worry about while we are trying to raise kids and be responsible adults. These real-life problems are affecting all American families. We must stop the damage by passing the Keep Your Health Plan Act to assist families and promote jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Our prayers are for the people in the Philippines for typhoon recovery.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, in 2009, as the President traveled across the country campaigning for his signature health care takeover, he promised every American family that: If you like your doctor, you will be able to keep your doctor, period. If you like your health care plan, you will be able to keep your health care plan, period. No one will take it away, no matter what. He repeatedly made this clear promise over 20 times. As the failed rollout of ObamaCare continues, millions of Americans have received policy cancelations. It is sad that the President broke his promise to the American people. Last week, he was forced to say he was sorry for families who have lost their coverage. This week, House Republicans will pass a bill that protects hardworking Americans from receiving coverage cancelations, losing access to doctors, or paying higher premiums because of ObamaCare's disastrous impacts. The American people don't need sorrow and pity. They deserve solutions promoting 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, constituents living across South Carolina's Second Congressional District have communicated very sincere concerns about the implementation of ObamaCare. Sarah from North Augusta writes: People should not be punished because they grow old. One day, we will all be in their shoes . . . It is preposterous that the government will be the one to tell doctors what to charge for their services and what services can be provided. Justin from Columbia writes: The full implementation of ObamaCare will be a disaster for America and the American people. Not only is it a direct assault on our freedom, but it also puts the government in the middle of our health care decisions; it increases costs, and it will inevitably lead to a single-payer system. As the rollout of ObamaCare continues to fail, Congress must act to address this problem now before it is too late and before every American family falls victim to this unworkable law 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, The Augusta Chronicle lead editorial on Saturday hit the nail on the head, pointing out the real truths about the ObamaCare train wreck. Americans remember a ``soothing assurance from President Obama in 2009 when he was hawking his Affordable Care Act to the masses--if you like your health care plan, you can keep your health care plan. Now tell that to the hundreds of thousands of Americans who already have received letters from health plans essentially telling them, You're on your own.'' As the failed rollout of ObamaCare continues, American families are beginning to see its disastrous impacts--and this is just the beginning. In the coming weeks, more reports will reveal their President's signature health care law will increase premium rates; force employers to cut back on workers' hours, destroying jobs; and terminate existing policies for needy families. Congress must address this issue. The House has acted. The Senate must do the same to protect every American family from an unsustainable disaster. 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 submit the following remarks regarding my absence from votes which occurred on October 22, 2013. Due to a death in the family being Rita Miskewicz of Summerville, South Carolina, I was unable to make it to Washington. Listed below is how I would have voted if I had been present. Roll No. 551--H.R.185, Paul Brown United States Courthouse, ``aye''; Roll No. 552--H.R. 3205, Promoting Adoption and Legal Guardianship for Children in Foster Care Act, ``aye''; Roll No. 553--On approving the journal, ``aye.''

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, last night I hosted a teletown hall with constituents across South Carolina's Second Congressional District. Apart from the vast majority calling for the President and Democrats in the Senate to negotiate with House Republicans to end the shutdown, an overwhelming number of constituents expressed concern about the administration's disastrous ObamaCare roll- out. During its first week, 9.47 million Americans visited the government Web site, but only 36,000 were able to complete the enrollment due to glitches. Former White House press secretary Robert Gibbs has stated this is ``excruciatingly embarrassing for the White House,'' and he hopes ``they fire some people that were in charge of making sure this thing was supposed to work.'' Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has failed, spending hundreds of millions of dollars. House Republicans have warned that the unaffordable, unsustainable health care law is not ready. The President, himself, has admitted this by delaying key components. Congress must continue to work to replace it with a plan to preserve the doctor-patient relationship. 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 Federal Government has been shut down for 15 days. For 15 days, the President and Senate Democrats have made very few attempts to work with the House to reopen the government's doors. Washington Democrats have not been willing to meaningfully negotiate with House Republicans who voted four times to avoid the fiscal crisis. Time is ticking. The people of South Carolina's Second Congressional District are hurting due to Washington Democrats' inability to engage in the legislative process. On behalf of the Savannah River Site employee in Aiken who is at risk of additional cuts to his hardworking paycheck, and the young family in Columbia who has been denied access to a medical trial that could potentially save their daughter's life, we should reopen the government, which promotes jobs. House Republicans understand the risk at stake. That is why we support commonsense proposals that will avoid national default and reopen the government's doors. 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, on January 14 of this year, the President spoke at a press conference, saying: I think, if you look at the history, getting votes for the debt ceiling is always difficult, and budgets in this town are always difficult. The Federal Government has been shut down for 2 weeks. The President of the United States has a job, and it is to govern. Because of his lack of leadership, American families are experiencing smaller paychecks, limited or no access to government services, and tremendous uncertainty surrounding their futures. Although I am glad the President did finally engage in partial negotiations with House Republicans, I find it very disappointing that it took 10 days to do so, especially seeing as he believed our current challenges to be so ``difficult.'' Our country is headed down a path of insolvency, destroying jobs. Over the coming days, it is my hope the President will take his responsibilities of negotiation seriously and work with House Republicans to reduce spending and reopen the government's doors. 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. Thank you, Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, for yielding. I am very grateful for your leadership on this issue. Mr. Speaker, funding our national security interests within the Department of Energy must be a priority in order to protect every American family. Today, the House will pass an important measure that will fund the National Nuclear Security Administration. The NNSA will provide necessary resources that are critical and allow our country to continue operations for dozens of vital national security missions. I am fortunate to represent the Department of Energy Savannah River Site in Aiken and Barnwell Counties, South Carolina. I especially appreciate its personnel, as the only Member of Congress who has actually worked at the site. The passage of this bill is essential, as it will provide our dedicated workers who are handling these operations the security they need to complete their vital missions. Our Nation is a much safer place because of ongoing tritium operations and the mixed oxide fuel fabrication facility currently under construction at SRS. These missions are essential to our Nation's national security, as they allow us to service our nuclear stockpile and honor international nuclear obligations of nonproliferation. Additionally, the Savannah River Site, which established victory in the Cold War, has thousands of committed employees working on Department of Energy environmental management projects. These professionals also provide crucial services to our country through their nuclear nonproliferation and environmental cleanup efforts. Although I am encouraged by today's legislation, I remain hopeful that Congress can work together to provide necessary funding for these projects as well. I appreciate Chairman Hal Rogers for bringing this bill to the floor today and urge all of my colleagues of both parties to vote in support of this legislation.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, two Army Rangers, a nurse, and an Army criminal investigator were killed in action while defending our freedoms on Sunday. Because of a devastating decision made by the administration, the grieving families of American heroes Sergeant Patrick Hawkins, PFC Cody Patterson, 1st Lieutenant Jennifer Moreno, and Special Agent Joseph Peters are not receiving their loved ones' death gratuities. Over a dozen more military families are also suffering due to the administration's actions and failure to negotiate. When Congress passed the Pay Our Troops Act last week, it was our intent to pay the pay and benefits our brave men and women have earned and deserve without question. On Friday, I sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Hagel, demanding answers. Our brave men and women serving in uniform risk their lives to keep American families safe. I appreciate today, as a grateful military dad, that Congress will pass a bill restating benefits to our military families who have earned everlasting respect. 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. Thank you, Congressman Frelinghuysen. I am very grateful that my oldest son's in-laws are ably served in New Jersey by Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to express my shock at the administration's absolutely disgusting failure to keep faith with those who paid the ultimate price in the service of our country. Today, four of our fallen have arrived at Dover Air Force Base, and the families in attendance will have had to pay their own way to be there for the arrival of their loved ones. This is a disgrace and an intentional policy to cause pain by this administration, whose actions are disrespectful of those who have made our freedoms possible. Soon, we will vote to restate the critical death gratuities that we owe in no uncertain terms to the families of our fallen servicemembers to correct the injustice that has been thrust upon them. I am particularly disappointed in the administration, as the son of a veteran, as a 31-year veteran myself, and as a grateful father of four sons currently serving in the military. This Congress, in a bipartisan way, passed the Pay Our Military Act. It was signed into law for the express purpose of making sure that those who served in our Armed Forces in the defense of our freedom are paid all that they are owed. The administration already has the authority to pay this gratuity. Every effort should be made to respect our servicemembers and military families. The administration is playing politics on the backs of the families of our fallen. This is unconscionable. Today's vote will give us an opportunity to do our duty to take care of the families of our fallen servicemembers. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote in favor of this bill.

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, it has been 1 week since the government shutdown. For 1 week, the President and Senate Democrats have refused to negotiate to reopen the government's doors. House Republicans know the hardships American families are facing due to Washington Democrats' failure to negotiate. We have worked over the past week, passing bills to have the government functioning. House Republicans have voted to fund pediatric cancer research, reopen national parks, memorials and monuments, give veterans the benefits they have earned and deserve. On Saturday, House Republicans voted to pay 800,000 furloughed employees who are at risk of losing a paycheck due to the President's government shutdown. With the debt ceiling limit looming, the American people are waiting for the President and Senate Democrats to negotiate a solution for fiscal responsibility. 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, 2 weeks ago Friday, the President called Speaker Boehner out of the blue to announce he would not negotiate to avoid a shutdown. Since then, the President has made no plans to negotiate and has hosted one White House meeting to restate his position to not negotiate. Clearly, this confirms the American people should look at the actions of all officials, not just words. Sadly, the President says he ``has bent over backwards to work with the Republicans,'' but this is not accurate. This continues his actions different from his words. In February 2009, the President announced the deficit was unsustainable, but then he tripled it. House Republicans voted four times to avoid a shutdown. House Republicans were sincere in their actions and now vote repeatedly to save jobs and help families. It is my hope there will be good-faith negotiations and we can come together to avoid the upcoming unsustainable fiscal crisis by ending the shutdown and addressing the debt limit. 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, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. I yield back the balance of my time.