Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, over the past month, I have traveled by bus and car across all five counties I represent in the Second District of South Carolina, where I found my constituents agree with Charles Krauthammer in his column yesterday in The State newspaper of Columbia, South Carolina. Mr. Krauthammer is recognized for his extraordinary insight and has identified the President's policy as ``stunning zigzag, following months of hesitation, ambivalence, contradiction, and studied delay''; the President ``having yet done nothing but hesitate, threaten, retract, and wander . . . claiming . . . not his own red line but the world's . . . a transparent attempt at offloading responsibility.'' ``There's no strategy, no purpose here other than helping Obama escape self-inflicted humiliation. ``This is deeply unserious.'' The White House announced April 25 that Syria had chemical weapons, but only after 4 months of serious scandals, ObamaCare destroying jobs, and the upcoming debt debate vote, did it seek action. On my tour, I was inspired at the North Augusta Rotary Club by the four-way test: Is it the truth? 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.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, overreaching regulations are stifling economic growth and destroying jobs. Last year, the administration enacted 1,172 new regulations, which is 16 percent more than 2011. At the current rate the administration operates, increasing regulations have become the new normal. House Republicans have a plan to stop the record-breaking volume of red tape on small businesses. This week, House Republicans passed legislation to address this government abuse. America's job creators should be more concerned about creating jobs than worrying about complying with confusing mandates. American taxpayers should be able to keep their hard-earned money, provide for their families rather than facing the burden of higher taxes. It's time to put our economy back on track to job creation. It's my hope that the President and Senate will join with us to make full-time job creation the new normal. 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, ObamaCare is a train wreck quickly approaching the station near you. This unworkable, unaffordable law will destroy hundreds of thousands of jobs, disrupt the doctor- patient relationship and offer a ``Free Ticket, No Show'' health care system. According to a recent CBS News poll, 54 percent of Americans disapprove of the health care law, while only 36 percent approve. It is clear the American people have lost faith in the President's government health care takeover bill. The Federal Government, especially the IRS, has betrayed the trust of the American people. Every day, more groups come forward and reveal unfair targeting by the IRS. House Republicans are acting to protect every American family from the abuse, targeting, and harassment by the IRS. This week, we will vote on the Keep the IRS Off Your Health Care Act, legislation that bars the IRS from implementing ObamaCare. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill and help restore the American people's faith in limiting government. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. I am grateful to welcome the Sunny and Jay Philips family to the Capitol.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow the President will venture back on the campaign trail to explain his failed economic policies. For months, we have heard the President talk about infringing upon our Second Amendment rights, defending his administration from scandals, and promoting his unworkable, unaffordable care act. A crucial issue has not been addressed: creating jobs. As more dismal reports expose the sad reality of our weak economy, it is clear he is attempting damage control. House Republicans have been focused on growing our economy for years. Last Congress we passed over 40 job-creating pieces of legislation. This year we voted to repeal ObamaCare and approve the Keystone pipeline, which would create jobs and give small businesses the certainty to begin hiring. I appreciate TeaParty.net promoting the truth. Actions speak louder than words. It's time for the President to work with House Republicans to put American families back to work. 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 rise today to honor Vice Admiral Scott Van Buskirk of the Department of the Navy, who is retiring after more than 34 years of faithful service to our Nation. Vice Admiral Van Buskirk is a career Submariner, Mariner, and Warfighter, leading to his position as the Chief of Naval Personnel and Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education. A native of Petaluma, California, Vice Admiral Van Buskirk graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1979 and received his master's degree at the Naval Postgraduate School. Throughout his tenure in the United States Navy, he has served ashore in the Navy Office of Legislation Affairs, the Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet, the Bureau of Naval Personnel, and the Submarine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Posts at sea have included service aboard the USS Seawolf (SSN 575), USS Salt Lake City (SSN 716), USS Tunny (SSN 682), and USS Georgia (SSBN 729) GOLD, and commander of the USS Pasadena (SSN 752) and Submarine Development Squadron 12. As a flag officer he has served throughout the world, including in Iraq and Japan. I am grateful to know Vice Admiral Van Buskirk personally while he served as the Navy's 56th Chief of Naval Personnel where he has been responsible for the planning and programming of all manpower, personnel, training, and education resources for the U.S. Navy. He astutely managed an annual operating budget of $29 billion and has passionately led over 20,000 employees engaged in the recruiting, personnel management, training, and development of Navy personnel. It is through the commitment and sacrifice of Americans like Vice Admiral Scott Van Buskirk that our nation is able to continue upon the path of democracy and strive for the betterment of mankind. I am proud, Mr. Speaker, as an appreciative fellow Naval Academy family, to thank him and his family for his honorable service to our Nation with the United States Navy. In the tradition of the sea services, of which my own family proudly plays a part, I wish him fair winds and following seas as he concludes a distinguished career of service to our Nation and Navy.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, our education system needs reform for America's children. For far too long, we have watched as government red tape and regulations have robbed our youth from learning the skills necessary to succeed. Children deserve better than ineffective, status quo education practices. We must empower those who know what's best for our children rather than continue the tradition of Big Government mandates. House Republicans, led by Education Chairman John Kline, have a plan to reform our education system with commonsense solutions. By removing the power of government bureaucracy and by empowering locally elected school boards, our teachers, parents, and local leaders, we will have the opportunity to develop a working educational plan to help our children succeed. As the House votes on the Student Success Act today, it is my hope that Members from both sides of the aisle will join together and support this legislation for the sake of our children's future. 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, 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. I would like to thank the chairman for yielding. I am very grateful to Chairman John Kline and Subcommittee Chairman Todd Rokita for their leadership on this very important issue for our children. Mr. Chairman, big government often creates big problems. Our education system needs limited government reform. Having access to the highest quality education paves the path for tremendous opportunity, success, and fulfillment. Locally elected school boards, hardworking teachers, school administrators, and active parents know what's best for our children's education needs, not Washington bureaucrats. The passage of today's bill, the Student Success Act, will promote our education system by limiting Washington's influence so that our leaders on the local level and classroom teachers have the power to make decisions to help America's children succeed. South Carolina's Second District has a wide range of diverse school districts. We have children from all backgrounds of life--wealthy, poor, rural, and urban communities. As an appreciative husband to a retired schoolteacher, I've seen firsthand what we need to do to help our children succeed. The best way to adequately prepare our children for the future is to empower our locally elected school boards, who are responsive to input from parents and teachers. What works in suburban Lexington communities may not work in rural Barnwell County. The President's pushing of government education neglects our young people and maintains ineffective, status quo education practices. We must change course. It is time for a different, commonsense approach. We must reform our education system in order to provide a brighter future for our children and grandchildren. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this piece of legislation. By putting faith in our educators, school board members, parents and administrators, we can give every child what he or she deserves--quality education to fulfill their dreams.

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. Madam Speaker, the President made inaccurate promises when he shoved a 2,000-page health care takeover bill through both Houses of a Democrat-controlled Congress. Now he is usurping power again by choosing to relieve employers from the higher taxes and increased government regulations mandated by the Unaffordable Care Act that still requires individuals to suffer. For a President who says he is for fairness, this decision protects Big Business and targets American families, taking more from their paychecks. House Republicans are acting to protect every American from the unworkable provisions by voting to repeal both the employer and individual mandates. ObamaCare is an unworkable, unaffordable law that destroys jobs, disrupts the doctor-patient relationship, and promotes uncertainty for future generations. As a proponent of limited government, I fully remain committed to defunding, dismantling, or repealing ObamaCare to provide the fairness necessary to allow every American family to make their own health care decisions. 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, according to Investor's Business Daily: From the media to Wall Street, June's jobs report is being spun as a major positive, a sign the economy is back on track. Maybe the pundits should look at the actual numbers, which are abysmal. At June's pace of 195,000 new jobs a month, it will take 11 months to get back to where we were in 2007. It's even worse when you consider all of the net addition to June jobs--repeat, all--were part time. The underemployment rate shot up from 13.8 to 14.3 percent. This isn't a solid jobs report. It's a crisis. House Republicans have passed legislation to promote jobs. Building the Keystone pipeline alone can create nearly 200,000 jobs. In the Midlands of South Carolina, the earthmover tires made by Michelin Corporation are shipped to Alberta, Canada, for oil sand recovery. At 12 feet high and $60,000 for each tire, there are over 300 jobs in Lexington, with another 300 persons building engines for Alberta at MTU in Graniteville of Aiken County. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Happy 40th birthday today, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, according to a recent editorial in the Washington Times: The promise of ObamaCare was that it would make health insurance both universal and affordable. It was obvious from the beginning that President Obama's scheme, a fantasy of politics and palaver, wouldn't work. The folly of the health care takeover becomes ever more clear with the appearance of the markers for implementation. Robust economic growth is crucial, and ObamaCare threatens to make a bad economy much worse. Congress must listen to the whistle of that speeding train bearing down on us and step on the brakes and avoid the wreck while there's still time to come. The wheeling and dealing of the dishonest ObamaCare campaign has finally caught up with the President. Delaying the employer mandate while still requiring individuals to comply with the government health care takeover bill is wrong and will place a burden on American families. We must repeal ObamaCare in its entirety and replace it with a plan to preserve the doctor-patient relationship before this unworkable law destroys more 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, 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, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the President is playing politics with the American people's health care. According to an editorial published in The Wall Street Journal: The White House seems to regard laws as mere suggestions, including the laws it helped to write. On the heels of last week's 1-year suspension of the Affordable Care Act's employer mandate to offer insurance to workers, the administration is now waiving a new batch of its own ObamaCare prescriptions. These disclosures arrived inside a 606-page catchall final rule that the Health and Human Services Department published on Friday, July 5--a classic Friday news dump, with extra credit for the holiday weekend. HHS now says it will no longer attempt to verify individual eligibility for insurance subsidies and instead will rely on self-reporting, with minimal efforts to verify if the information consumers provide is accurate. House Republicans have warned for years of the failure of ObamaCare-- that it is too unworkable, too overreaching, and too destructive for American families. House Republicans have voted 37 times to repeal or to defund ObamaCare. The American people deserve a health care system based on the doctor-patient relationship, not on one mandated by a government. 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, according to an editorial in this week's Wall Street Journal: President Obama's climate speech on Tuesday was grandiose even for him, but its surreal nature was its particular hallmark. Mr. Obama's ``climate action plan'' adds up to one of the most extensive reorganizations of the U.S. economy imposed through administrative fiat and raw executive power. But over his 6,500-word address, he articulated no such goal for the unemployment rate or GDP. An energy policy, including higher taxes, more out-of-control spending, and increased government control of our daily lives will not promote jobs. It is a war on jobs. American families need job creation, a clean environment, economic certainty, and hope for future generations. Today, House Republicans will vote on an all-of-the-above energy bill that will create jobs, increase access to our own energy resources, and stimulate our weak economy. It is time for the Senate and the President to support our efforts for American families to reach their full potential. 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, a week from today is the 50th anniversary of an historic event in Washington, which helped launch a successful political revolution resulting in the development of the two-party system in the South. On July 4, 1963, I participated with a busload of Republican activists and Teen Age Republicans, TARS, for the National Draft Goldwater Rally at the DC Armory addressed by Senator John Tower of Texas, Congressman John Ashbrook of Ohio, and Governor Paul Fannin of Arizona. The bus was organized by the visionary J. Drake Edens, a key founder of the modern Republican Party. This event galvanized a movement, which has transformed the South culminating in 2012 with Republican legislative majorities in all states from Virginia to Texas and Oklahoma. Under the current President, the Southern states evolved from 49 percent population with Republican majorities to 100 per cent, 51 per cent Democrat for a century to zero, completing a 50-year shift. In 1961, State Representative Charlie Boineau of Richland County was the first Republican elected to any State office in the 20th Century in the State of South Carolina. In 1962, State Representative Floyd Spence of Lexington County became the first elected official of the Century to courageously switch parties explaining he felt more comfortable with Northern Republican philosophy than Southern Democrats. In 1964, U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond of Aiken County switched parties to support Barry Goldwater for President and he hired Tom Moss of Orangeburg as the first African-American staff member of a deep south U.S. Senator. Aiken County was a pioneer promoting local Republican candidates because of a high percentage of transplants from the Northeast and Midwest who worked at the Savannah River Site. South Carolina led the way for the South's first Republican legislative Speaker electing David Wilkins in 1994. On the national level, this movement fulfilled the dream of Senator Barry Goldwater in his 1962 book Why Not Victory? with the defeat of the world-wide communist threat and the liberation of dozens of nations inspired by Ronald Reagan's peace through strength. On the state level, South Carolina is a symbol of Republican achievement with the first Republican Governor, James Edwards, recruiting Michelin Tire Corporation of France that has resulted in South Carolina being the nation's leading exporter of tires. Governor Carroll Campbell attracted BMW to build a German manufacturing facility in Greer, S.C., which led to South Carolina to becoming America's number one automobile exporter and Governor Nikki Haley promoted Boeing for South Carolina to be a major exporter of 787 jetliners worldwide. In 2010, for the first time in 130 years, all statewide elected officials shifted to the Republican Party. The success was diverse with Governor Nikki Haley being the first female governor of South Carolina in 340 years and only the second Indian-American governor in American history. Tim Scott was elected to Congress as the second African- American in 100 years, and with Alan Wilson, age 37, being elected the youngest Attorney General in America. The Republican Party today is a broad coalition inclusive for limited government and expanded freedom. I am grateful to have lived the Southern Republican Revolution, which has been so successful promoting a positive philosophy of limited government and expanded freedom abroad and at home. The future is bright for the principles of limited government as inspired by the Draft Goldwater Rally because it works. Equally we know that whenever big government is imposed, it fails and the freedoms of citizens are at risk.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to congratulate former Chief of Staff of the Second District of South Carolina Eric Dell and his wife Torry Lyons Dell, upon the birth of their son. Noah Isaac Dell was brought into the world at 7:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 23, 2013, at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Virginia, weighing 7 pounds 13 ounces and measuring 20\1/2\ inches long. Noah is the first child for the happy couple and I look forward to watching him grow as he is raised by two tremendous parents who will be dedicated to his well-being and bright future. I would also like to congratulate Noah's grandparents, Ouida Dell of Ridgeland, South Carolina, and Joseph and Mary Lyons, of Aiken, South Carolina. Congratulations to the entire Dell and Lyons families as they welcome their newest edition of pure pride and joy. I am grateful for Eric Dell's service in the Washington office and also with my service in the State Senate of South Carolina.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, House Republicans are focused on solutions that will give our economy the boost it needs to fully recover and help put Americans back to work. Our Nation has an abundance of energy resources that, if accessed, would create jobs, promote our energy independence and lower prices at the pump. Today, the President will once again abandon his claim to support an all-of-the-above energy stance and will unveil a new plan focused on waging a ``war on coal'' with Big Government regulations destroying jobs. In contrast, this week, House Republicans will have the best interests of American families at heart when we vote on two key pieces of legislation included in our all-of-the-above energy plan. Increasing our offshore energy production, introduced by Congressman Doc Hastings of Washington, and lifting moratoriums on exploration and development, introduced by Congressman Jeff Duncan of South Carolina, are necessary to provide American families with a more secure future. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Congratulations, former Chief of Staff Eric Dell and his wife, Torry, on the birth of their son, Noah Isaac Dell, on Sunday, June 23.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, sexual assault and misconduct within our military ranks occur far too often, and threaten the safety of both men and women serving in our Armed Forces. Our brave military personnel go well beyond the call of duty risking their lives to protect American families and the freedoms we hold dear. It is our obligation to crack down on these heinous crimes by strengthening the military justice system so that we can better protect those who protect us. I am very grateful that last week Members from both sides of the aisle joined together in a bipartisan fashion to address this problem by passing the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. Sexual Assault Prevention Caucus leaders Mike Turner and Niki Tsongas, with House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon, worked together to make a difference. Thankfully, we were successful in including 20 additional provisions that will address prevention, investigation, prosecution, and punishment of the crime of sexual assault. 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, last Monday, I attended a briefing by the American Enterprise Institute concerning foreign policy issues. I particularly appreciated a presentation by Dr. Fred Kagan, an internationally recognized authority on terrorist threats to American families. He provided a map, which I believe should be known by the American people, of the al Qaeda and associated movement areas of operation and safe havens. It is sad Somalia is ruled by warlords, Libya is controlled by militias, and in Mali, there are new reports of terrorists training with surface-to-air missiles. This war began with safe havens in Afghanistan on September 11, 2001. I believe we should be proactive in working with our allies to stop terrorists overseas. We cannot wish the threat away because, in fact, threats are growing. We should support peace through strength by stopping terrorism overseas or face more attacks on the streets of America. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.