Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield the remainder of my time to the gentleman from Georgia, Congressman Doug Collins, who is the sponsor of this resolution and a U.S. Air Force Reserve chaplain.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Smith, again, I appreciate your support of this, but it is important because, sadly, information has been provided that chaplains would be subject to trespassing charges. So this does, obviously, interfere with the ability of freedom of speech and religion and assembly. Mr. Speaker, I now yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Kansas, Mr. Tim Huelskamp, my friend and colleague.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. I yield 2 minutes to the Congresswoman from Tennessee, Marsha Blackburn, my friend and colleague.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I want to, again, commend Mr. Smith. He, indeed, has reached across to try to work together. By referencing the shutdown in 1995, there is a difference, and it begins at the top. Sadly, the President of the United States 2 weeks ago last night called to announce he was not going to negotiate. In the 1995 shutdown there was communication between the President and the Speaker prior to a shutdown and during the entire shutdown. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana, Dr. John Fleming, my friend and colleague.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of the concurrent resolution offered by my colleague, Representative Doug Collins of Georgia, a dedicated chaplain and Iraq veteran of the United States Air Force Reserve. His resolution goes to the heart of our constitutionally guaranteed ability to worship without interference. I thank him for bringing it to the floor. The resolution expresses the sense of Congress regarding the need for the continued availability of religious services to members of the Armed Forces and their families during a lapse of appropriations. As a grateful dad, with my wife, Roxanne, of four sons currently serving in the military, I know firsthand the importance of chaplains, such as Steve Shugart and Brian Bohlman. Specifically, it addresses the issue this House became aware of yesterday--that religious services for military personnel are being curtailed, or not offered at all, because Federal civilian employees serving as chaplains, or personnel contracted to perform the duties of military chaplains, have been furloughed. This is an extremely important issue for all of us to work together. There is no doubt that the furloughing of personnel hired or contracted to perform the duties of military chaplains is having an effect. Just in this region, church services, baptisms, weddings have been curtailed. For example, the Active Duty priest at the Navy Yard canceled mass there. He is needed at Joint Base Anacostia Bolling. It is a larger church and they don't have a priest there this weekend. At Fort Belvoir, half of the masses have been canceled. The impact is even more severe overseas, where options for worship are far more limited than in the United States. What is more disturbing is that General Schedule Federal civilian and contractor chaplains are being told that if they do come to their jobs they will be trespassing. This is just not right. The performance of religious services and the provision of ministry are protected activities under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution. If the Department of the Interior can permit World War II veterans in performance of First Amendment activities to visit the memorial constructed to honor their service, then certainly the Secretary of Defense can permit similar First Amendment activities. The Secretary can and must allow military chaplains and other personnel, including contract personnel, hired to perform duties of a military chaplain to perform religious services and ministry in the same manner and to the same extent as such chaplains and other personnel are otherwise permitted to perform religious services and ministry when there is an appropriation. It is that simple. So, Mr. Speaker, I urge the Secretary of Defense to do the simple thing, the right thing: allow all chaplains of the Armed Forces, be they military, Federal civilian employees or contractors, to minister unhindered to the men and women of the Armed Forces of the United States. I congratulate my colleague, Representative Doug Collins of Georgia, chaplain of the U.S. Air Force Reserve, for bringing this resolution to the floor and urge all Members to support it. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous material on the concurrent resolution under consideration.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 58) expressing the sense of Congress regarding the need for the continued availability of religious services to members of the Armed Forces and their families during a lapse in appropriations.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Smith, I agree, on the Armed Services Committee--and I want to commend you--we work together in an extraordinary fashion. In fact, the National Defense Authorization Act has passed the House as an indication of your goodwill and good faith. I believe the reason this has come up so quickly, of course, is because this was only learned late yesterday. The consequence of the thought of chaplains to be declared trespassing is inconceivable and it needs to be addressed.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, a bipartisan group of the House passed two commonsense pieces of legislation: first, to provide resources for our Nation's veterans; and, second, to ensure that our men and women in uniform serving in the National Guard and Reserve are able to be compensated for their efforts. We should all agree that legislation designed to protect our national security should be above partisan politics. Unfortunately, Senate Democrats have rejected the legislation. Additionally, the President has already threatened to veto these bills. As a 31-year veteran of the National Guard, I hope, for the sake of our brave men and women in uniform and military families, that obstructionism will cease. It is now up to Washington Democrats to put politics aside, do the right thing, and protect our national security by promoting these bills. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Congratulations to our chaplain today, Senate Chaplain Barry Black, for recently being awarded a doctorate from his alma mater, the University of South Carolina.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the President's failure to negotiate is unprecedented. Yesterday, he finally invited congressional leaders to meet at the White House, but no progress was made. The President, instead, issued an ultimatum, telling Congress that he is not willing to negotiate. Our Nation is quickly approaching a deadline where we will no longer be able to pay our bills. This morning, I received a six-page memo from the Treasury Department outlining the disastrous impacts of defaulting. Every American family knows the consequences of exceeding the maximum on our credit cards. Responsible Americans do not send white papers warning of a crisis; we find ways to reduce spending so we can spend within our means. It's time for the President to take his responsibilities seriously. The only way to make progress is to sit down with congressional Republicans and find a commonsense solution. 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, President John F. Kennedy once said, ``Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate.'' House Republicans are willing to negotiate. House Republicans have been proactive in preventing a shutdown by passing four different pieces of legislation that keep the government functioning. Unfortunately, the President and Senate Democrats have slammed the door and have refused to come to the table and negotiate until--just announced--tonight. This sentiment is shared outside of Washington. Yesterday, I received a letter from a constituent saying: Refusing to come to the table, Obama and Reid are counting on the media lapdogs to blame Republicans. I understand that. Washington is putting incredible pressure on the House to cave, but the American people feel differently. We are now on Day 2 of a government shutdown. It's past time for Washington Democrats to join House Republicans and work together to find a solution. 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, because of the lack of leadership from the President and Senate Democrats, our government is experiencing a shutdown. American families are faced with smaller paychecks, and the most vulnerable are being denied access to necessary government services. The American people should look at the actions of officials, not words. The President never planned negotiations, and Senate Democrats left town during the crucial weekend of votes. Meanwhile, House Republicans have passed four different bills to keep the government functioning. Our country deserves better than this kind of behavior from some elected officials. It is revealing that Washington Democrats have refused to sit down at the table, engage in dialogue, and negotiate a solution. It is my hope that the Senate changes course and begins negotiating with a bipartisan group in the House who wants to put the well-being of American families over party politics. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Happy sixth birthday, Emily Ruth Wilson of Naples, Italy.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, every day, I appreciate concerned constituents reaching out to me and expressing their very real experiences with the health care takeover. Jennifer from Chapin says: ObamaCare will put us out of business and make health insurance unaffordable for our family. Charlotte from Batesburg writes: I do not feel our economy can afford ObamaCare. I am retired, with a history of lung cancer, and my followup care would be denied under this plan. Terry from Aiken pleads: Do whatever you can to stop this. It will be an oppression of the people of this country both in terms of health care and jobs. Sarah from North Augusta has valid concerns for the Nation's future: Our company has already spent time and money to be compliant with the plan, but there are many ``what ifs.'' This cannot be a funded plan. Melissa of nearby Greenwood is correct: Free ticket, no show, putting people in need at risk. I am grateful the House is making every effort to protect the American people from the unsustainable, unaffordable health care takeover 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 current administration has dictated that the Environmental Protection Agency is to unilaterally institute regulations without seeking congressional approval. South Carolina energy producers have been forced to expedite the closing of 12 coal facilities, which has driven up energy costs for consumers, has destroyed jobs, and has made our workers less competitive. Earlier this month, the EPA acted alone again by proposing new regulations. This week, I spearheaded a letter to the President and EPA Administrator, which was signed by other members of the South Carolina delegation, that supported legislative review. The American people deserve to have a voice in these new policies to promote jobs and lower energy costs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. My sympathy to Sarah Clarkson and her family of Columbia, South Carolina, on the death yesterday of her husband, A. Crawford Clarkson, Jr.--a true southern gentleman of Scottish heritage, a naval officer awarded the Order of the Palmetto by Governor Carroll Campbell.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday South Carolina lost one of its most beloved citizens, A. Crawford Clarkson, Jr., who exemplifies a true Southern Gentleman. The following obituary is from Shives Funeral Home of Columbia, South Carolina. As Campaign Manager six times for Congressman Floyd Spence with Crawford as Campaign Treasurer I appreciated firsthand his profound Scottish frugality. Andrew Crawford Clarkson, Jr. of Columbia, SC died on September 27, 2013. He was the son of Andrew Crawford Clarkson, Sr. of Columbia, SC and Jennie Louise Taber of Fort Motte, SC. Born in Columbia December 17, 1919, he was educated in the Columbia city schools graduating in 1937 from Columbia High School. In 1941 he was graduated in absentia from the University of South Carolina having received a commission as Ensign USNR. In 1949 he married Sarah Fairbanks Bull of Georgetown, SC. Crawford Clarkson's life was animated by an abiding love for country, his native state, and his family. He was a lively conversationalist, a tireless encourager of his children, lover of travel, and treasured his Scottish heritage. An accomplished businessman, his steady wisdom and consummate professionalism made him a behind the scenes trusted advisor to politicians, governors, university presidents, church leaders, business colleagues, clients, and his own children. A passion for sailing, developed as a Sea Scout on Lake Murray, was reflected in Mr. Clarkson's service as a naval officer during World War II and the Korean conflict. He served aboard the high speed destroyer minesweeper USS Stansbury (DMS 8) July 1941 to July 1943, and then aboard the USS Howard (DMS 7) as executive officer and navigator. Tasked with keeping supply lanes open despite threats from German U- boats, Mr. Clarkson's convoy duty ranged the North Atlantic, the Caribbean and later the Pacific. He also saw action during the landings at the Naval Battle at Casablanca, French Morocco in November 1942. During the Howard's Leyte Gulf operations in the Philippines, Mr. Clarkson saw his first kamikazes. After World War II ended, Mr. Clarkson returned to Columbia and joined his father, holder of CPA SC certificate #1, at A.C. Clarkson and Company, CPAs. He was awarded C.P.A. certification in 1948. In 1952 Mr. Clarkson was recalled by the Navy during the Korean Emergency and ordered as Executive Officer of the USS Cony (DDE 508). Upon returning to Columbia, Mr. Clarkson entered USC School of Law--attending class and working as an accountant by day while studying law at night. He was graduated in 1955 and admitted to the S.C. Bar and the Federal Bar including ultimately the United States Supreme Court. In 1979 Mr. Clarkson retired from the Navy as Captain

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, ObamaCare is unaffordable, unsustainable, and unreliable. An overwhelming majority of the American people agree that this disastrous $1.2 trillion law must be replaced with a system that protects the doctor-patient relationship, as has been repeatedly introduced by Congressman Tom Price of Georgia. The South Carolina Department of Insurance has estimated that health insurance rates in the Federal exchanges will increase up to 70 percent for South Carolinians. A majority of other States will have premium increases that will skyrocket, destroying jobs. House Republicans have the best interests of Americans at heart. We know that hardworking families should not be forced to pay higher health care costs in addition to the financial burdens of everyday life. The Senate should act and adopt bipartisan legislation as the House did last week. We join with the American people to keep the government's doors open, defund ObamaCare, and control government spending. 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, in less than 1 week, funding for the Federal Government is set to expire, which would result in a devastating government shutdown. On Friday, House Republicans passed a bipartisan continuing resolution to keep the government's doors open so that services are not interrupted, our national security will remain intact, and American families will be protected from the unsustainable, unaffordable health care law which destroys jobs. It is obvious by the President's threat to veto the legislation that we cannot rely on our Commander in Chief to negotiate. Sadly, last week, he ordered his administration to prepare for a government shutdown, proving that he is unwilling to help solve this crisis. Now is the time for the Senate to act. House Republicans remain optimistic that Senate leadership will find a solution to prevent the President's government shutdown. I appreciate the courage of Senator Ted Cruz to educate the American people on the consequences of Big Government, reducing freedom. 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 grateful to congratulate the BMW Manufacturing Company in Greer, South Carolina, upon their recent achievement. Yesterday, hardworking team members completed a tremendous goal by producing the 2,500,000th car since it's opening nearly twenty years ago. The mineral white metallic BMW X5 is destined for a BMW dealership in San Antonio, Texas, where it will be sold to a very fortunate customer. Over the years, the BMW facility has proven to be a great success for South Carolina. During my tenure in the South Carolina State Senate, I joined my Upstate colleagues to encourage BMW to build the four million square foot manufacturing facility, employing over 7,000 people in the region and investing billions into the Palmetto State's economy. I was honored to join my colleagues and community leaders from the upstate at the groundbreaking in September 1992. Dozens of parts suppliers are co- located across the Upstate creating thousands of more jobs. The facility launched sales of BMW Z3s, Z4s, X5s, and X6s while adding X3s for worldwide export. South Carolina now is the leading exporter of cars in the United States. It fulfills the vision of Roger Milliken of Spartanburg who promoted the Jetport of Greenville-Spartanburg, and of Governor Carroll Campbell who worked with legislative leaders Senator Verne Smith of Greenville and Senator John Russell of Spartenburg coordinating with Ports Authority Chairman Bob Royall. All of South Carolina has benefited especially promoting the Port of Charleston.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this morning South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson testified before a joint committee on Capitol Hill warning that the health care takeover legislation is a threat to the security and safety of citizens. The attorney general cited: Despite the President saying last month, ``We're well on our way to fully implementing the Affordable Care Act,'' important deadlines are being routinely missed. In order for the ACA to adequately determine the eligibility . . . it must create a data hub that connects databases from seven different agencies. However, the hub has not been beta tested, independently verified, or properly audited. When it goes live on October 1, it will be a con-man's all-you-can- eat buffet overflowing with a gold mine of sensitive information from the agency databases. Attorney General Wilson summarized as follows: Until HHS rectifies safeguarding Americans' personal information, Congress must suspend implementation of ACA. 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, 12 years ago, our Nation was attacked by jihadists who sought to destroy our freedoms. Today, we remember the nearly 3,000 innocent Americans who lost their lives in New York, Washington, and Shanksville. We also pay tribute to those who have successfully fought in Afghanistan and Iraq to keep us safe by defeating terrorists overseas. Last year, terrorists murdered Ambassador Chris Stevens along with three additional brave Americans at our consulate at Benghazi, Libya. Their efforts to promote democracy will never be forgotten. We should recognize the war on terrorism is far from over. Conflict continues across the world. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th, 2001, and September the 11th, 2012, at Benghazi in the global war on terrorism. Todd Beamer was correct: ``Let's roll.''