Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, the military personnel provisions of H.R. 1960 are the product of an open, bipartisan process. H.R. 1960 provides our warfighters, veterans, and military families the care and support they need, deserve, and have earned. Specifically, this year's proposal reforms the way the Department of Defense must address sexual assault in the Uniform Code of Military Justice and provides significant additional support, especially in the form of dedicated legal assistance and whistleblower protection to victims of this terrible crime. In addition, the mark would support the services' requested end strength while ensuring the Army and the Marine Corps adhere to the limitation on reductions mandated in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013. It reaffirms the committee's commitment to the operational reserves by requiring minimum notification before deployment or cancellation of deployment and provides authority to improve the personnel readiness of the National Guard. It also requires the Secretary of Defense to review and make improvements to the Integrated Disability Evaluation System for members of the Reserve components. Further, it authorizes transitional compensation and other benefits for dependents of a servicemember who is separated from the Armed Forces because of a court-martial and forfeits all pay and benefits. This bill does not include the request for military retirees to pay more for health care. In conclusion, I want to thank Mrs. Davis and her staff for their contributions and support in this process. I particularly appreciate the active, informed, and dedicated subcommittee members, supported by the professional staff. Their recommendations and priorities are clearly reflected in the Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2014. I urge all my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to file a supplemental report on the bill, H.R. 1960.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, when Dogwood Stable's Palace Malice of Aiken, South Carolina, won the 145th running of the Belmont Stakes Saturday, he fulfilled all the promise that Dogwood's president, Cot Campbell, foresaw in the colt. As Palace Malice crossed the finish line with a defining first place victory, the people of Aiken County, identified by The New York Times as one of the world's greatest equestrian centers of excellence, were overjoyed by the horse's accomplishment. Congratulations to W. Cothran ``Cot'' Campbell, president of the Dogwood Stable, and his wife, Anne; his partners, Paul Oreffice, Mike Schneider, Margaret Smith, Carl Myers, and Charlie Pigg; Todd Pletcher, who trained the award-winning horse for the race after he departed Aiken; jockey Mike Smith, who rode Palace Malice to victory; and Brad Stauffer, the individual responsible for training the horse over the Aiken Training Track. Palace Malice continues a winning tradition to be trained over the Aiken Training Track and win the third jewel of Thoroughbred Racing's Triple Crown as Danzig Connection won the Belmont Stakes in 1986. The Aiken Standard today correctly identified this as ``a win for every single Aiken resident.'' 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, during the Memorial Day work period, I was grateful to participate on a congressional delegation visiting with servicemembers and our allies. We went to thank them, but the reality is our new greatest generation has inspired us. We began at Pristina, Kosovo, where NATO personnel are nurturing a 5- year-old nation with a Muslim majority while respecting the rights of a Christian minority. In Germany, we thanked the dedicated personnel of Landstuhl Regional Medical Center for lifesaving care of courageous warriors for freedom. At Kaiserslautern, the American City of Germany, we were reassured of Germany's appreciation of America's promoting peace through strength. Across Afghanistan, we witnessed a developing civil society from the rubble of a Soviet occupation. Our heroic personnel have trained 352,000 Afghans into an effective force to protect the civilian population from cowardly terrorists. To protect American families at home, we must deny safe havens from terrorists overseas. 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 would like to congratulate James G. Rebholz, Chairman of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, ESGR. James is serving his second and final term with the ESGR and I am very grateful for his service. Chairman James Rebholz has demonstrated great leadership throughout his tenure with the ESGR by helping the Department of Defense agency fulfill its mission developing and promoting a culture of employer support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve and their families. Throughout his 31 years of service in the United States Air Force Reserve, his long history of community service, and his success as a small business owner, James has proven his dedication to our great nation. His programs have been extremely beneficial in working with John Green, Chairman of the South Carolina ESGR, and Major General Bob Livingston, the South Carolina Adjutant General. As Chairman James Rebholz's service with the ESGR comes to an end, I would like to wish him and his wife Jean Boser best wishes in the future.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, for over 1,700 days, the administration has delayed the Keystone XL pipeline application. According to a recent Pew Research poll, two-thirds of the American people from both political parties support the project. Last night, there was a bipartisan vote to promote the pipeline from Canada, America's best energy partner. The completion of the Keystone XL pipeline will create 120,000 jobs and produce 830,000 barrels of oil each day, helping to grow our economy. Two years ago, I had the opportunity to visit Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, and I witnessed firsthand the Canadian oil sands and positive impact that exploration has for American families. In South Carolina's Second Congressional District, companies like Michelin Tire Corporation of Lexington and MTU Detroit Diesel of Aiken County will create jobs due to Keystone's production. As the American people and a bipartisan Congress support it, let's create jobs and build the Keystone pipeline. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Our sympathy goes to our British allies in this war who were cowardly attacked at the Royal Artillery Barracks in London yesterday.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, time and time again, the President and the liberal-controlled Senate have disregarded initiatives to create jobs. This week, the House will vote on an all-of-the-above energy policy that will create 20,000 shovel-ready jobs, 100,000 additional jobs, and invest $20 billion into our struggling economy, working with Canada, America's best energy partner. For over a year and a half, the current administration has blocked efforts to build the Keystone pipeline. On numerous occasions, the President has claimed to support an all-of-the-above energy plan; however, his actions do not match his words. This project directly affects families across our great Nation. In South Carolina's Second Congressional District, Michelin Tire Corporation in Lexington produces earthmover tires at $60,000 each, 12 feet high, used in Alberta, Canada, and MTU Diesel of Tognum America in Graniteville manufactures engines for oil sand recovery. It is my hope that my colleagues will join in voting for this legislation, which will help 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, yesterday, the House passed the 37th piece of legislation that replaces, repeals, or defunds the government health care takeover bill. House Republicans warned the American people that the legislation's effect would be devastating to patients, to health care providers, and to small businesses--destroying jobs. In recent weeks, there has been bipartisan recognition of the failure of the government's health care takeover. Senator Max Baucus has warned that ObamaCare's implementation will be a train wreck. Sadly, thousands of new IRS agents who deny free speech will now control health care. The good news is that there is still time for repeal. The House has acted in the best interests of American families. It is my hope that the Senate will consider our efforts and pass legislation before it's too late. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Congratulations, Candice Glover of St. Helena Island, South Carolina, for being the newest queen of ``American Idol.''

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Thank you, Dr. Roe, for yielding. Today, House Republicans will vote for the 37th time to repeal or defund ObamaCare. Prior to its deal-making passage in 2010, the National Federation of Independent Business, America's largest organization of small businesses, warned that the implementation of the government health care takeover would destroy 1.6 million jobs due to mandates and tax increases, crippling small businesses. To make matters worse, at a time when our Nation is experiencing record unemployment, President Obama has called on the IRS, an agency currently in the midst of scandal, to hire thousands of new agents to enforce ObamaCare. Based on the recent reports, it is clear that the IRS should not be expanded to include the authorization of controlling health care for the American people. Today's vote will give us an opportunity to repeal a crucial job- destroying bill that, in turn, will provide small businesses the certainty they need to begin hiring again and to put American families back to work. As a proud cosponsor, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote in favor of the bill.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. I yield to Congressman Mark Sanford of the First District of South Carolina.

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

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, South Carolina is very fortunate. Due to the quality of life in South Carolina, tens of thousands are moving to the Palmetto State from the Midwest and Northeast, and from around the world. South Carolina has gained a new seat in Congress to include the communities of Myrtle Beach and Florence, now held by Tom Rice. This new Seventh District rotated all districts, creating a unique district of the First. The First District of South Carolina is virtually 10 miles wide along the Atlantic Coast from McClellanville in Charleston County to Defauskie Island in Beaufort County. It's a special district to Tom and myself in that we were both born in Charleston, America's most historic city. The district is a composite of America. In the district's first election, Tim Scott was elected as only the second African American from South Carolina elected to Congress in 100 years. We are grateful Governor Nikki Haley appointed Congressman Tim Scott to serve in the U.S. Senate. This created a replacement primary with 16 participants, the largest number ever in a congressional primary. We are here today to recognize the survivor of the primary, run-off, and general election--Congressman Mark Sanford. I yield to Congressman David Price of North Carolina.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the expansion of Big Government is a threat to the American people. According to Politico, the administration: had obtained records that listed incoming and outgoing calls and the duration of these calls for work and personal phone numbers of AP reporters and phone lines for AP offices in New York; Hartford, Connecticut; and Washington, as well as the main number for AP reporters in the House of Representatives press gallery. The government seized records--which listed incoming and outgoing calls and the call's length--for more than 20 separate lines assigned to the AP and its reporters. The American people are losing their trust in the White House. The recent admissions reveal that the President and his administration will do whatever it takes to extend power, including violating First Amendment rights. Even the media is at risk of Big Government intrusion. Over the coming weeks, it's my hope that this is thoroughly investigated and those responsible will be held accountable. 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 week was very revealing about misstatements of truth from the White House. On Wednesday, the administration was heavily criticized as the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held a hearing, led by Chairman Darrell Issa, to investigate the Benghazi terrorist attack. Additionally, on Friday, the IRS secret operation to target conservative groups was admitted after 3 years of denial. Thomas Jefferson once said, ``The whole art of government consists in the art of being honest.'' As a congressional body, the Members of the United States House and Congress have an obligation to carry out oversight responsibilities. When situations arise where there is administration misconduct, we must pursue investigations to protect the American people. I look forward to working with my colleagues by demanding answers to the countless questions of intentional misrepresentations. 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 Friday, I was grateful to conduct a town hall in Aiken, South Carolina, where I listened to hundreds of constituents who are very concerned about the reprogramming request at the Savannah River site. Fortunately, over the weekend, the President's Office of Management and Budget sent the request to both Houses of Congress for approval. This is a crucial step to end the 20 percent pay cut for 2,600 employees of Savannah River Nuclear Solutions. I appreciate the town hall participants: President Terra Carroll of the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce; Chairman Ronnie Young of the Aiken County Council; Aiken City Council members, Philip Merry and Dick Dewar; State Senator Tom Young, Jr.; President David Jameson of the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce; Vice Chancellor Joe Sobieralski of USC-Aiken; DHEC facilities liaison, Shelly Wilson; USC-Aiken student, Hannah McClure. And dedicated congressional staff Ted Felder, Sara Beaulieu, and Baker Elmore were instrumental for success. 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 Sunday, the Federal Aviation Administration began furloughing air traffic controllers due to the President's sequestration. As a result, American families are set to experience longer security lines, flight delays, and more hardships while traveling. Yesterday, the White House Press Secretary placed politics over leadership by blaming Congress. Last year, to address the issue, the House acted responsibly by passing two pieces of legislation to replace sequestration. Sadly, the Senate refused to consider our efforts, and the President vowed to veto them. Once again, the President and his administration chose to act selfishly for political gain by cutting the resources for American passengers rather than reducing costs elsewhere and minimizing sequestration's impact. American families deserve real leadership. The President must start prioritizing the well-being of the American people over petty partisan politics. 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 is tax day. This year, millions of Americans spent more time than ever before preparing their taxes as a result of ObamaCare's 21 new tax increases, which added up to more than $1 trillion, destroying jobs. The Tax Code is extremely complex, with over 4 million words, and is comprised of over 74,000 pages. House Republicans understand that we need to reform the Tax Code to make it more fair and simple. Our budget proposal, the Path to Prosperity, not only repeals ObamaCare and the job-destroying taxes associated with it, it also reforms our Tax Code to encourage new jobs by small businesses. By simplifying our Tax Code, closing loopholes, and lowering rates, small businesses will be able to begin hiring again and increase wages for American workers. The Presidential and Senate budget plans keep ObamaCare taxes in place and advocate for billions in new taxes. Raising taxes takes money from small businesses and destroys jobs. I encourage the Senate and the President to begin working with House Republicans to clean up the Tax Code, rather than increasing regulations and taxes that will destroy 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, yesterday, the world lost a true heroine for freedom. Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher will forever be remembered for her great resolve to achieve victory during the Cold War. From her humble beginnings as a grocer's daughter to her successful tenure in Parliament, Baroness Thatcher possessed great leadership qualities we can all learn from that contributed to her success. Her determination to promote and protect democracy led to the successful dissolution of the Soviet Union and the liberation of dozens of former Soviet-occupied nations from Communism to free-market democracy. Prime Minister Thatcher's loyal friendships with President Ronald Reagan, Pope John Paul II, and Polish Solidarity union leader Lech Walesa changed history, standing up for freedom against the threat of Communism. Thank you, Baroness Margaret Thatcher, for your commitment to democracy. Millions around the world were touched by your unwavering strength in preserving freedom. You will be missed. 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, this week, House Republicans will pass a balanced, responsible budget. Our proposal achieves balance over the next 10 years and will help small businesses create jobs. Unfortunately, the concept of ``balanced budget'' is not appreciated by the President and Senate leadership. The President has called for reducing our nearly $17 trillion national debt, but actually it is increased taxes now with unlikely budget reductions in the future. Likewise, the Senate's budget proposal does not achieve balance but instead increases taxes to accelerate more government borrowing. House Republicans understand the need for a balanced budget. By balancing our budget, America's small businesses will receive the economic certainty they need to create jobs. It is my hope that Senate leadership and the President begin to focus on balancing our budget, rather than continue to spend beyond our means and placing an undue burden on the backs of children and grandchildren. 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 budget week in Washington. Today, House Republicans, under the leadership of Chairman Paul Ryan, unveiled the new budget. Our Nation has racked up nearly $17 trillion in debt due to out-of- control government spending. In order to prevent our children and grandchildren from paying higher taxes with no results, House Republicans have found a way to balance our budget over the next 10 years by cutting wasteful spending, reforming our Tax Code to create jobs, preserving entitlement programs, and expanding opportunities for all Americans. House Republicans understand the severity of the issue and are willing to work with the Senate and the President to balance our budget. I am very pleased that due to the passage of the No Budget, No Pay Act, the Senate will return to regular order and pass a budget for the first time in 4 years. I look forward to working with the Senate and the President to cut spending and make substantial job-creating reforms that will encourage small businesses to create 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, last Friday, our national security was placed at risk when the President's sequester began implementation. Sadly, this nearly $600 billion budget cut was the third attack on our Nation's military. In 2010, the Defense Department experienced a $100 billion budget cut. And again in January 2012, President Obama removed $487 billion from our military in the annual budget. Maintaining a strong national defense is a primary function of the Federal Government. Removing these resources so drastically places American families and our allies, such as Israel, at risk of future attacks. In fact, nearly half of all of the reductions in spending are on the defense budget, which is only 18 percent of the entire Federal budget. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I appreciate Chairman Buck McKeon's efforts that our national security not be sacrificed to fight our Nation's debt crisis. It is my hope that the President and Senate leadership will work with House Republicans to address our spending problem by reducing wasteful spending and not by holding our national security hostage. 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, at midnight tonight, the Department of Defense and other government agencies will fall victim to the President's sequester. Every American family will be affected by the shifting of funds. In South Carolina's Second Congressional District, which I am grateful to represent, the Army's base at Fort Jackson in Columbia is expected to lose $75 million. Additionally, the Savannah River Site in Aiken and Barnwell will be forced to furlough thousands of hardworking employees and stall critical national missions due to a possible $200 million budget cut. Both of these shifts will endanger our national security. The President and the Senate have refused to negotiate with House Republicans on a possible solution until today. House Republicans have voted twice to avoid sequestration. Our Nation has a spending problem we must address before it is too late and our debt spirals out of control. The President should change course and begin working with both Houses of Congress to tackle the national debt which threatens American 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, in four short days, thousands of jobs will fall victim to the President's sequester. It is no secret that the very proposal for sequestration originated in the White House. And what has the President done to help Congress solve the mess he created by reaching a solution? He has traveled across the country and made speeches from the White House campaigning for tax increases. In Friday's Washington Post, Bob Woodward described the President's approach to raise taxes as a substitute for the sequester as ``he is moving the goalposts.'' The best way that our country can avert this devastating policy, which will destroy jobs and place our national security at risk, is for the President to put the interests of the American people before party politics. House Republicans have voted twice to replace the sequester with commonsense reforms. Time is running out. With just days to go, the President should begin working with House Republicans by engaging in the legislative process. 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, during Tuesday night's State of the Union address, the President spoke to the American people, and Michael Gerson in yesterday's Washington Post has judged ``it was a pervasive lack of substance and seriousness.'' Four years ago this month, the President explained that the deficit was unsustainable, but then proceeded to triple the deficit, putting American families at risk. Sadly, his words do not reflect his actions. House Republicans recognize the urgency in putting our fiscal house back in order. Over $16 trillion in national debt is irresponsible. Not only does it threaten senior citizens with the value of the dollar, it places an undue burden on future generations at risk for higher taxes, and it destroys job creation due to economic uncertainty. The path to prosperity is still achievable. Now is the time for the President to change course and work with Congress to secure solutions enabling small businesses to create 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 would like to take this opportunity to recognize Mr. Michael R. ``Mike'' Higgins, a member of professional staff with the House Committee on Armed Services, for his retirement from his dedicated service in the House of Representatives, for safeguarding America families by promoting a strong national defense. Mike has been an exemplary public servant who has demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism on a daily basis. His career in public service has been a testament to the importance of unselfish devotion. I have had the pleasure of working with him throughout my 12-year tenure in Congress and I know firsthand of his professionalism. He has brought a variety of skills to his role with the committee, including a bright intellect, a strong work ethic, and a deeply felt commitment to serve the United States and the service men and women of our United States military. He is truly an asset to the committee and will be sorely missed when he retires in February 2013. Mike is a military personnel policy expert and it is no accident that people have been at the center of his professional life. His empathy for the needs of the people he serves and commitment to respond to those needs is evident in all that he does. As part of the committee staff, Mike has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of military members and their families. His record and reputation will remain vibrant long after his departure. As Mike embarks on a new chapter in life, it is my hope that he may recall with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment the outstanding contributions he has made to the United States House or Representatives and the people of the United States of America. I would like to send him my best wishes for continued success in his future endeavors, and may his life be filled with health and happiness.