Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, June 20, 2012, Captain Ryan Rawl, of Lexington, South Carolina, was killed in action while serving in the South Carolina Army National Guard in Afghanistan. Captain Rawl is a graduate of Lexington High School in 2000. After graduating from high school, Captain Rawl furthered his education and graduated from The Citadel in 2004 with a major in Criminal Justice before joining the South Carolina National Guard in 2006. While in college, Captain Rawl received an award for his outstanding service on the school's Honor Court and enjoyed leading underclassmen in Bible study. Captain Rawl joined the National Guard in 2006. Since his active duty deployment, Captain Rawl has received numerous decorations and honors including The Bronze Star, The Purple Heart, The Combat Action Badge, The South Carolina Medal of Valor, and The South Carolina Meritorious Service Medal. We are able to enjoy our freedoms due to the sacrifices of the brave men and women serving in our Armed Forces. Captain Rawl paid the ultimate sacrifice dedicating his life protecting American families and all of the freedoms we hold so dear. My thoughts and prayers are with wife, Katherine, and their two young children, Callie and Caleb, as well as his parents Stanley and Diane Rawl. As a Guard veteran myself with four sons currently serving in the military, I particularly appreciate your extraordinary military family. Freedom is not free.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, June 20, 2012, Sergeant First Class Matthew Bradford ``Brad'' Thomas, of Easley, South Carolina, was killed in action while serving in the South Carolina Army National Guard in Afghanistan. SFC Thomas attended Greenville Technical College after graduating from Travelers Rest High School. SFC Thomas paid the ultimate sacrifice and served our country in the most honorable way. Without the dedication of our brave men and women serving in our Armed Forces, we would not be able to enjoy the freedoms we hold so dear. SFC Thomas served to the highest standards of military service. My thoughts and prayers are with wife, Jana, and their son Cayden, as well as his parents Charles ``Bud'' and Marsha Thomas. As a Guard veteran myself with four sons currently serving in the military, I particularly appreciate your extraordinary military family. Freedom is not free.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today's decision by the Supreme Court is extremely disappointing, undermining limited government and expanded freedom. The decision reveals ObamaCare as a huge tax increase on middle class taxpayers, destroying jobs. We should have health care based on doctor-patient relationships rather than politician-patient relationships. I agree with the National Federation of Independent Business that 1.6 million jobs are now at risk and small businesses cannot make plans for the future, which destroys more jobs. House Republicans will continue to work to repeal the government health care takeover law. We will remain focused on enacting commonsense legislation that will preserve the doctor-patient relationship, provide every American the access they need to health care, and promote jobs in the private sector. 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, as a Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, I met Mir Ahmad BinQuasem of Bangladesh. Mir Ahmad informed me that his father, Mir Quasem Ali, was arrested on June 17, 2012, by the Bangladesh International, War, Crimes Tribunal for alleged crimes committed during the 1971 War of Liberation against then-West Pakistan, and for campaigning ``against the process of this [War Crimes] Tribunal in foreign countries.'' Mir Quasem Ali is the owner of Bangladesh's largest opposition-run media outlet, which has been openly critical of the Tribunal and of the ruling government at-large. As such, I am concerned that his arrest and ongoing detention may represent a thinly-veiled attempt by the ruling government of Bangladesh to silence its opponents and critics. In addition to my concerns about this arrest, it has come to my attention that the Tribunal itself is inherently flawed and lacks compliance with international standards. It appears that the Tribunal is international in name only, as it lacks international oversight or involvement, experienced foreign attorneys have been banned from participating, and the Tribunal violates at least two of Bangladesh's international treaty obligations. Tribunal defendants are not only denied access to international standards of justice, but several of the rights granted by domestic law. These include the right to an independent appeal, which is explicitly denied to defendants of the Tribunal. As a member of the Middle East and South Asia subcommittee, I am very concerned about the implications that Mir Quasem Ali's arrest has for the state of democracy within Bangladesh. I will continue to closely monitor this situation and I hope that Bangladesh will take assertive measures to ensure that its upcoming elections are conducted in a openly democratic matter. I am hopeful for a bright future for the people of Bangladesh with open and fair justice for all of its citizens.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Americans will find out what we've been anxiously awaiting for the past 2 years: whether or not the government health care takeover bill is constitutional. Tomorrow, at 10 a.m., people across the Nation will be closely watching and listening as the Supreme Court delivers its opinion. In efforts to rally her party for ObamaCare, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi outraged Americans at a press conference by stating, ``We have to pass the bill so we can find out what's in it.'' The American people now know this bill, and they overwhelmingly disapprove of this bill, which the National Federation of Independent Business reveals will destroy 1.6 million jobs. It is my hope that the Supreme Court will side with the best interests of the American people and overturn the job-destroying, out- of-control spending, and overreaching government health care takeover bill, which will hurt senior citizens with waiting lists, rationing, and denial of service. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Congratulations, Tom Rice of Myrtle Beach.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Supreme Court upheld section 2(b), or the ``Check Your Papers'' provision, of the Arizona immigration law. This requires the police to check the immigration status of persons whom they detain before releasing. Upholding this provision represents a victory for States that are protecting their citizens to retain jobs. Columbia business leader Chip Prezioso is correct: A country without borders is no longer a country. The Obama administration has actively prevented States like Arizona and South Carolina from promoting their citizens to keep jobs from competing illegal aliens. The Federal Government has good immigration laws, but Attorney General Eric Holder has refused to enforce them. As a former immigration attorney, I know we welcome legal immigration. Arizona and South Carolina took proactive steps to ensure that State law enforcement officials are empowered to keep jobs for Americans, instead of illegal aliens. 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 at the Patriotic Sunday service of Grace Baptist Church in West Columbia, South Carolina, Dr. Bill Egerdahl, the Church's Pastor quoted an extraordinary pamphlet which has real meaning today: ``In 1916, a minister and outspoken advocate for liberty, William J. H. Boetcker, published a pamphlet entitled ``The Ten Cannots'': You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift. You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong. You cannot help the poor man by destroying the rich. You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred. You cannot build character and courage by taking away man's initiative and independence. You cannot help small men by tearing down big men. You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer. You cannot keep out of trouble by spending more than your income. You cannot establish security on borrowed money. You cannot help men permanently by doing for them what they will not do for themselves. Simply put, the central government cannot give to anybody what it does not first take from somebody else.''

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced yesterday that the number of job openings is at its lowest point in 5 months. The number of available jobs dropped from 3.7 million in March to 3.4 million in April. This fact shows that the President's failed policies are destroying jobs across our Nation and undermining families. Unemployment has been above 8 percent for 40 months, not including the millions who are underemployed or who have lost hope and are no longer looking for a job. And yet the President still believes our private sector is doing fine. In fact, sadly, now the President is offering work permits to illegal aliens to take jobs from hardworking Americans. It is past the time for the President and his liberal colleagues in the other Chamber to pass the dozens of bipartisan job-creation bills which are stalled in the Senate graveyard. 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, I ask unanimous consent that my name be withdrawn as a cosponsor of H.R. 1380, the New Alternative Transportation to Give Americans Solutions Act of 2011.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last Friday, the President revealed a new policy that promotes illegal aliens who are in our country from deportation. This shifts jobs from lawful Americans to illegal aliens. As a former immigration attorney myself, we welcome legal immigrants. In 2009 and 2010, Congress refused to pass legislation giving amnesty to the same individuals included under the President's new policy. Not only is this decision a Presidential abuse of power, it also shows this administration is out of touch with American families who are suffering from lack of jobs. Instead of encouraging policies aimed to help our law-abiding citizens find jobs, the President believes that he should reward those who have broken laws by granting them work permits. At a time of record unemployment, I urge the President and the liberal-controlled Senate to take up the dozens of bipartisan bills that have passed the House to help American families find 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, in Wednesday's Washington Examiner, columnist John Stossel quoted Economist John B. Taylor of the Hoover Institution who stated: Unpredictable economic policy--massive fiscal stimulus and ballooning debt, the Federal Reserve's quantitative easing with multiyear near-zero interest rates, and regulatory uncertainty due to ObamaCare and the Dodd-Frank financial reforms--is the main cause of persistent high unemployment and our feeble recovery. Over the last 3 years, our economy has not improved, our unemployment rate has remained above 8 percent, our small business owners have been forced to pay higher taxes, and the government spending continues to spiral out of control. The President and his liberal allies in the Senate continue to support legislation that creates more barriers resulting in job loss. The President and the Senate should work with House Republicans and pass over 30 House bills that are aimed to create jobs through private sector growth. In conclusion, God bless our troops; and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Best wishes for a speedy recovery for Earl Brown of Columbia.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on July 3, 2012, Mr. and Mrs. Murdic and Beulah Bowen will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary. Murdic and Beulah were married on July 3, 1942, in Columbia, South Carolina, and are longtime residents of the Elgin community in Richland County, South Carolina. Together, the Bowens have contributed a great deal to their community, the State of South Carolina, and our Nation. On December 3, 1942, Murdic reported to the United States Army and served in the 94th Division during World War II throughout the European Theatre. After his tour of duty, he returned to Elgin where he began working in textiles and became the owner of a mercantile business and a used car business. Beulah worked with the Citizens and Southern National Bank in Elgin, South Carolina, and retired from the bank after 40 years of dedicated service. Murdic and Beulah have remained active and devoted members of the Highway Pentecostal Holiness Church in Elgin, South Carolina, and continue to remain a steadfast example of devotion, patience, and understanding to their three daughters, six grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren. I would like to congratulate Murdic and Beulah Bowen on this momentous occasion and offer my best wishes to them and their family in the future.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chair, I oppose the amendment shifting funds from the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility (MOX). On September 1, 2000, the United States and Russia signed the US- Russia Plutonium Disposition Agreement, with each nation agreeing to dispose of 34 metric tons of surplus weapons-grade plutonium. Since that time, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) has made the decision to disposition the weapons-grade plutonium by means of a Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility (MOX) which is currently under construction at DOE's Savannah River Site (SRS), near Aiken, South Carolina. In addition to providing a means to enable the United States to honor its international obligation to Russia, MOX will generate nearly $50 billion worth of nuclear fuel rods over its lifespan which will be sold by the federal government. The facility, which is more than halfway completed, currently employs 2,600 individuals at the site and is responsible for over 2,000 additional jobs across 42 states which are directly related to the project. Finally, the MOX facility plays a great role in the energy future of the United States. The nuclear fuel rods MOX will produce will provide power to the homes of millions of Americans. The MOX facility is a vital asset to our country and I stand committed to taking every measure necessary to ensure that this worthwhile program is fully funded.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, in Wednesday's Washington Examiner, columnist John Stossel quoted economist John B. Taylor of the Hoover Institution who stated ``Unpredictable economic policy--massive fiscal `stimulus' and ballooning debt, the Federal Reserve's quantitative easing with multiyear near-zero interest rates, and regulatory uncertainty due to Obamacare and the Dodd-Frank financial reforms--is the main cause of persistent high unemployment and our feeble recovery.'' Over the past three and a half years, our economy has not improved: our unemployment rate has remained above eight percent, our small business owners have been forced to pay higher taxes, and our government spending continues to spiral out of control, destroying jobs. The President and his liberal allies in the Senate continue to support legislation that creates more barriers resulting in economic uncertainty. This sense plays a tremendous role in our economy's inability to recover quickly. It is past time for the President and the Senate to work with House Republicans and pass legislation aimed to create jobs through private sector growth. In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last Thursday, the Pentagon confirmed House and Senate Republicans' concerns by finally acknowledging that the Overseas Contingency Operations, a fund used to support troops in combat, will be subject to the sequestration cuts. The Office of Management and Budget's senior adviser and associate director for Communications and Strategic Planning, Kenneth Baer, understands that if the sequester ``were to take effect, it would be disastrous for our national security.'' House Republicans have always been aware of the impacts sequestration will have on our brave men and women serving in uniform and the impacts it will have on their families. Last month, House Republicans passed the Sequester Replacement Reconciliation package, which is legislation that reduces the spending for unnecessary programs used to promote the President's liberal agenda, in order to use those funds to provide for a strong national defense. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take action immediately and pass this bill. 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 May 30 The Times and Democrat of Orangeburg, SC, published a thoughtful tribute to military families. As chairman of the Military Personnel subcommittee of the Armed Services Committee, but more importantly as the grateful dad of four sons currently serving in our military I appreciate the message. Needs of Military Families Must Not Be Overlooked With Monday's Memorial Day gathering at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, the United States officially begins its observance of the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, paying tribute to the 3 million men and women who served during one of the most challenging missions this country has ever faced. As we remember the military personnel who fell in Vietnam and those who lived to return home, we should also remember the families of our servicemen and women, the challenges they face and the courage they display. Stressors confronting military families were identified in the 2012 Blue Star Families Military Family Lifestyle Survey released earlier this month. ``The families of America's men and women in uniform are the backbone of the United States military,'' U.S. Senator Richard Burr, R N.C., said at a joint session of the Senate and House Military Family caucuses when the Survey results were presented. ``They provide the support that our servicemen and women rely upon as they serve in the finest armed forces in the world, and the more information we have about their unique situations, the better equipped we will be to accurately target assistance and support for them. This survey will help us identify and provide the kind of support they need and deserve.'' The survey, which details the challenges faced by military families after more than a decade of continuous war, and the way families and service members are coping, found that among the key concerns are: pay/benefits, with specific emphasis on changes to retirement benefits; the effects of deployment on children; military spouse employment; and issues surrounding post-traumatic stress, combat stress and traumatic brain injury. The survey found that 62 percent of respondents who felt their service member had exhibited signs of post-traumatic stress, regardless of any official diagnosis, said the person did not seek treatment, demonstrating there is still much to be done to help service members and their families ``cope with the invisible wounds of war.'' Frequent separation, the subsequent predeployment and reintegration processes and the issues surrounding frequent relocation place added pressures on military families--those of National Guard and Reserve service members as well as active duty--who also have to deal with the same issues as other families, including balancing work and family, parenting, education and maintaining healthy relationships According to the survey, since September 11, 2001, more than 2 million service members have been deployed, with a large percentage of those serving multiple deployments--some as many as five tours of duty. That is a huge period of time for families to have to be apart, representing many missed birthdays, holidays, graduations and other major milestones in the lives of families. The survey also noted that although service members themselves are surviving head trauma and other catastrophic injuries their predecessors did not because of the vast improvements in medical technology, ``those injuries, both physical and non-physical, have an impact on the family unit and are additional and substantial stressors upon a small segment of the population as well as the agencies and community organizations designed to support them.'' We must never forget the sacrifices our military families make--the worries, the fears, the loneliness they endure-- while their loved ones serve and protect this nation across the globe. ``Often, when discussing our nation's armed forces, we tend to focus primarily on our brave service members who put themselves in harm's way to protect the freedoms we cherish,'' U.S. Representative Sanford Bishop, D GA, said when the Blue Star Families survey results were presented. ``However, we cannot forget that the families they leave behind sacrifice just as much as our heroes who deploy on missions for our country. These families are impacted in countless ways--seen and unseen--and we have an obligation to do right by them. The Blue Star Families survey will serve as an informative guide on what we can do as a nation to ensure that our troops, veterans and their families have the support they need.'' The full survey report is available at http:// bluestarfam.org/2012survey.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the President's policies are failing our families and destroying jobs. Since the President was sworn into office in January 2009, our citizens have lost a net of 740,000 jobs, as was discovered on Friday. For the past 40 months, the unemployment rate has remained above 8 percent. Sadly, during the month of May, this rate increased from 8.1 percent in April to 8.2 percent. The biased liberal media can no longer conceal the truth of the President's failed policies. And to make matters worse, if the number of Americans who want to work but have stopped looking for a job and those who are forced to work part-time were factored into the equation, the real unemployment rate would rise to 14.8 percent. House Republicans have passed over 30 bipartisan bills which would promote job creation. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take immediate action on these pieces of legislation and 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, on June 6, 2012, F.A. ``Andy'' Lowrey will retire from his position as chief executive officer of AgFirst Farm Credit Bank in Columbia, South Carolina, a wholesale bank and operations center serving nineteen retail lenders in the AgFirst territory. AgFirst Bank holds assets of $29.5 billion dollars, making it the most well-capitalized bank headquartered in the Columbia area. Due to his outstanding leadership, I would like to recognize Andy for his hard work and dedication over the past fourteen years. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors of the Federal Farm Credit Banks Funding Corporation, Andy remains very active within the Columbia and Midlands communities. He serves on the Board of Trustees for the Business Partnership Foundation and resides as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Education Foundation at the University of South Carolina. Additionally, he is a member of the Board of Directors for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Columbia. Andy is also a recipient of the Honorary American FFA Degree and serves as chairman of the Finance Committee for the National 4 H Council. Andy Lowrey graduated in 1974 from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Business in Accounting and received a Master of Business Administration from the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina in 1990. He and his wife Jan Cromer have three daughters. I wish Andy and the rest of his family best wishes in the future.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow marks the official first day of hurricane season. Each year, South Carolinians remain alert from June through the summer, hoping another Hurricane Gracie, Hugo or Andrew does not reach our beaches, bringing massive destruction. During times of emergency, radio and television stations have proven themselves as the most reliable source by being the first to promote important life-saving and time-sensitive information. When disaster strikes, these broadcast networks are still available. I am grateful for each of these services and look forward to working with our National Guard led by Adjutant General Bob Livingston and Emergency Management Director George McKinney, II. In addition, I would like to welcome the group of foster young adults who are visiting today, including Jasmine Thompson of Washington. I appreciate each of you sharing your challenges with us, and we look forward to hearing of your success in the 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, in a Memorial Day recognition of the incredible heroism and sacrifice of Tokyo Raider William Farrow, The Lexington County Chronicle on May 24, 2012, published the following article by Ron Shelton on behalf of the South Carolina Historic Aviation Foundation. [From the Lexington Chronicle, May 24, 2012] Memorial Day Recalls Courage and Legacy of Gamecock and Tokyo Raider William Farrow (By Ron Shelton) Heeding philosopher Edmund Burke's oft-repeated quotation ``For evil to flourish, all that is needed is for good men to nothing'', Rich Lashley does plenty. The retired psychiatrist, who for 25 years served at the University of South Carolina's health center, believes the Ultimate Sacrifice made by Tokyo Raider William Farrow, pilot of Plane 16, can inspire others today as it has him for many years. He ``talks up'' Farrow to any who will listen. South Carolinian William Farrow, one of three Tokyo Raiders executed by the Japanese military, had been a USC Civil Engineering student only a few short years before his untimely death. Lashley views the psychological discipline and moral courage Farrow summoned in the face of his demise are models contemporaries can apply. ``His legacy is as fresh today as it was seven decades ago. Farrow left behind a personal creed that could be taken up by any one of us,'' said Lashley, who volunteers at The Cooperative Ministry's C.A.R. program. ``Over the years, as I have learned more and more about Farrow, I feel this Memorial Day, during the 70th anniversary of the Doolittle Raid, is an appropriate time to be taught by his lessons on life.'' Lashley, a lover of history, was well aware of Columbia's ties to the famed Tokyo Raiders who 70 years ago rained bombs on Japanese industrial sites in retaliation for that nation's Pearl Harbor attack December 7, 1941. ``At first I knew only vaguely that one of the Raiders studied at USC. The more I learned, the more fascinated I became--that a kid so young would have had Christian principles, and exemplified them so courageously. Memorial Day is an opportunity to reflect on how we might handle such a life threat. Surely, we all have wondered if we could survive what POWs endure, all the while praying to be spared,'' said Lashley, a member of First Presbyterian Church. Clipping articles, reading voraciously and making notes, drafting documents over many years, Lashley now is well aware Farrow wrote letter of comfort home to his family in Darlington, reminding them of his abiding faith, even when he knew he was to be executed. While a student at USC, Farrow developed a personal creed as manifestation of his spiritual searching and growth. In Fall 1939 he was selected by the Civil Aeronautics Authority for air training. He interrupted his studies the next year to enlist at Fort Jackson, completed flight training at Kelly Field, TX, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in July 1941. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, only months later, plunged America into a war the nation had been determined to sit out. Farrow's fate was not set yet. The sixteenth plane he piloted was not supposed to be included in the Raiders' surprise attack on Japanese industrial sites. According to Ron Shelton, vice president of South Carolina Historic Aviation Foundation (SCHAF), that plane was to be held in reserve. ``At the last minute, Doolittle made the decision to use every plane available. With inadequate fuel supply to land in friendly Chinese territory, because the Mitchell bombers had to launch from the deck of the USS Hornet prematurely--and from a greater distance from the target than planned--after being discovered by a Japanese picket boat, Farrow's aircraft went down,'' said Shelton, science curator emeritus, South Carolina State Museum. ``Farrow and two other airmen were ultimately executed by the Japanese.'' After his execution his mother found the creed, written while at USC, in a trunk the teen had brought home from college. Of the tenets, this one has been pulled out and repeated most often: Fear not for the future--build on each day as though the future for me is a certainty. If I die tomorrow, that is too bad, but I will have done today's work. Farrow's poignant words were leaked out into the public and swept the nation, through publication in various media. As a Blue Star Mother, Mrs. Farrow was asked to address the nation and read the creed on the Blue Network, and her message was called Mother Courageous. American president Franklin D. Roosevelt learned of it, and praised it as an example to the nation; calling it An American Creed for Victory Nationwide, newspapers as well as church bulletins published it. On January 27, 1943 USC President J. Rion McKissick used Farrow's creed instead of his own words in his farewell message to the winter graduating class. When McKissick requested that all members of the graduating class who were entering service to rise, nearly every man rose to his feet. Farrow's Creed--as applicable, purposeful today as it was 70 years ago. 1. Stay in glowing health--take a good, fast one-hour workout each day. 2. Search our current, past, and future topics on aviation. 3. Work hard on each day's lessons--shoot for an ``A''. 4. Stay close to God--do His will, obey His commandments. He is my friend and protector. Believe in Him--trust in His ways--not in my own confused understanding of the universe. 5. Do not waste energy or time in fruitless pursuits--learn to act from honest fundamental motives--simplicity in life leads to the fullest living. Order my life--in order, there is achievement, in aimlessness, there is retrogression. 6. Fear nothing--be it insanity, sickness, failure--always be upright--look the world in the eye. 7. Keep my mind always clean--allow no evil thoughts to destroy me. My mind is my very own, to think and use just as I do my arms. It was given me by the Creator to use as I see fit, but to think wrong is to do wrong. 8. Concentrate! Choose the task to be done, and do it to the best of my ability 9. Fear not for the future--build on each day as though the future for me is a certainty. If I die tomorrow, that is too bad, but I will have done today's work. 10. Never be discouraged over anything. Turn failure into success.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, South Carolinans are grateful to pay tribute to Judge Mary Thomasine Grayson Mason who is an inspiration for achieving the distinction of being the Southern Lady who makes a difference. Her extraordinary talents were recognized by her dear friend, U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond, who recommended her appointment in 1971 by President Richard M. Nixon as Federal Administrative Law Judge. Over the years during her residency in West Columbia she became a beloved friend of the Wilson family. Upon her death this month the following obituary was published in the Post and Courier of Charleston, South Carolina. Judge Thomasine Mason Summerton, SC.--Judge Mary Thomasine Grayson Mason, widow of Edgar Fleming Mason, died Friday, May 4, 2012, at her homeplace in Summerton, South Carolina. Born November 7, 1917, in the St. Paul community near Summerton, she was the daughter of James Fulton Grayson and Anne Gentry Grayson. She graduated Summerton High School and attended the University of South Carolina. She completed her undergraduate degree in three years, graduating with honors from the University of South Carolina in 1938. Because her father did not consider the study of law a proper career for a young lady, Judge Mason taught school in West Columbia for one year. In 1940, she enrolled in law school at the University of South Carolina, one of the first two women to attend. With war having broken out in Europe and fearing she may not get to finish law school, Judge Mason sat for and passed the bar exam during her junior year of law school. She was admitted to the South Carolina Bar on June 12, 1941, and graduated from law school June 1, 1942. During World War II, she worked as a Civil Service Representative assigned in Atlanta, Athens, and Charleston. After the war and with her father's health failing, she returned to Summerton and worked with her brother operating the family farm, cotton gin, seed processing, and grain elevator. She continued her studies at North Carolina State College earning a degree in Cotton Classing and leading to her work as a cotton merchant. She later practiced law in Manning and served as a trial attorney with the Civil Division of the United States Department of Justice in Washington, DC. Judge Mason was elected to the South Carolina Senate in 1966 representing Clarendon and Sumter Counties. She was the second woman to serve in the South Carolina Senate, and on February 22, 1967, she was called to preside over a session of the Senate becoming the first woman to preside in that body. In 1960, she served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles and attended the Democratic National Convention in Atlantic City in 1968. She served the Clarendon County Democratic Party as a party precinct secretary for more than a decade. In 1971, she was appointed as a Federal Administrative Law Judge for the Social Security Administration's Office of Disability Adjudication and Review. During her tenure, she was the first Administrative Law Judge to sit on the Appeals Council as an Acting Member of the Council, and she served as Hearing Office Chief Administrative Law Judge for 17 years. A proud South Carolinian she has served her state and community in numerous volunteer positions, including the Board of Trustees of Clarendon Memorial Hospital for 16 years, the South Carolina State Mother of the Year Search Committee, the Alumni Council of the University of South Carolina Alumni Association, and the American Red Cross as an Area Director for Clarendon County. She was a member of Summerton Baptist Church, the Daughters of the American Revolution, several garden clubs, and Alpha Delta Pi sorority. A member of the American Legion Auxiliary for over 60 years, she worked with Palmetto Girls State, serving as director for more than ten years and as a counselor, committee member, or legislative leader for more than 40 years. In her professional life, Judge Mason was a member of the South Carolina Bar Association, the Richland County Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the Federal Executive Council. In 2008 in recognition of her distinguished career as a public servant and community leader, Judge Mason was awarded the Order of the Palmetto by Governor Mark Sanford. Active in sports and recreational activities throughout her life, Judge Mason loved the outdoors and enjoyed spending time on Lake Marion. At the age of 79, she decided she could no longer continue to water ski, so she learned to drive a jet ski. She is survived by loving and devoted nieces, MaryAnne Grayson Moore and her husband Nebraska Edward Moore, II, of Summerton and Cora Gene ``Cookie'' Grayson Culbertson of Lawrenceville, Georgia; great nephews, Nebraska Edward Moore III and his wife Stephanie Faltus Moore of Summerville, Mason Palmer Bethea Moore and his wife Jodi Woods Moore of Belgrade, Montana, and James Fulton Grayson, IV and his wife Susan Walton Grayson of Grayson, Georgia; a great niece, Elisabeth Grayson Mills and her husband Alan Mills of Gainesville, Georgia; and several great, great nieces and nephews. Judge Mason was preceded in death by her brother, James Fulton Grayson, Jr.; and her nephew, James Fulton Grayson, III. The family extends grateful appreciation and acknowledgment to caregivers Roberta, Tee, Willene and Maggie and to Southern Care of Florence, SC. Graveside services will be held on Sunday, May 6, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. at the Summerton Evergreen Cemetery with the Rev. Brent Hutsell and Rev. Bob Ashba officiating. Pallbearers are Thomas H. Gentry, Alton Truesdale, Nebraska Edward Moore III, James Fulton Grayson, IV, Eugene A. Failmezger and R.P. Felder, Jr. Following the services, the family will receive visitors at the home located at 1664 Jack Touchberry Road, Summerton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Summerton Evergreen Cemetery, c/o Ellen Ardis, PO Box 366, Summerton, SC 29148. Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435 2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/charleston.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, in Wednesday's Politico, Karen Agness, the director of academic programs at the American Enterprise Institute, wrote a column regarding recent college graduates and their search to find a job. Agness writes, ``Government data last year found that 53.6 percent of people under age twenty-five with a bachelor's degree--about 1.5 million people--were unemployed or underemployed. It is the highest percentage in more than a decade, reflecting just how far the economy is from recovery.'' Although last month's jobs report claims our unemployment rate has declined, people still do not have jobs. College graduates across the Nation are disappointed by the lack of job availability and frustrated with the Administration's failed policies. House Republicans have passed dozens of job creating bills and have a plan for America's Job Creators. I encourage the Senate to pass take up these pieces of legislation and help every college graduate find what they are looking for: a job. In conclusion, God Bless our troops and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. I rise in opposition to the amendment offered by the gentleman from Indiana. I oppose the amendment because it intrudes on the inherent responsibility of commanders to assess the fitness for promotion of servicemembers under their command. As a former president myself of the Mid-Carolina Mental Health Association, I appreciate mental health issues. Our commanders strive to be fair, and the service policies prevent prejudicial consideration of mental health treatment that carries no implications for performance and promotion qualification. This amendment would require our commanders to withhold evidence of behavior that is clearly inconsistent with promotion. I am concerned whether it is even ethical to demand our commanders to ignore such information that they see as a risk to force readiness. A commander must make a recommendation on every individual regarding promotion eligibility. Once aware of facts that would clearly cause a commander to question a servicemember's fitness for promotion, it would seem impossible for a commander to render a recommendation that supports the member's promotion. It is unfair to ask our commanders to be so disingenuous. The risk is that this amendment would routinely eliminate important factors from the promotion process that will result in the promotion of unqualified members over more deserving members. This provision attempts to replace the commander's judgment with that of an artificial standard that cannot account for the complexity of cases. The role of commanders is pivotal in the promotion systems operated by the Armed Forces. The Nation invests immense trust in our military commanders in the most challenging of circumstances, and we must not betray that trust by limiting their responsibility to choose future leaders. Don't tie the hands of our commanders as they assess their subordinates' fitness for promotion. Continue to put our trust in commanders and defeat this amendment. I urge defeat of the amendment.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment offered by the gentleman from Georgia. As a 31-year veteran of the Army Reserves and National Guard, I fully appreciate the need for an age limitation. What we ask our young men and women to do is nothing short of incredible. The physical and mental toughness that is instilled in them as they enlist is something that becomes more challenging over time. I appreciate the efforts of the gentleman from Georgia, that there are always exceptions, and I applaud those who maintain a high level of physical fitness and desire to serve their country, but that is only one requirement that the military provides. I know firsthand that age limitation will expand opportunities for younger servicemembers to serve in command positions. I urge defeat of this amendment.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, for the past 39 months, our Nation's unemployment rate has remained above 8 percent due to the administration's failed policies. Sadly, the average unemployment rate for our veterans is even higher. Congress has developed a pilot program to help veterans find jobs. Veterans should be prepared to simultaneously meet the same standards and perform the same tasks in the military and industry as in the workplace. In order to address this issue, Congressman Joe Walsh of Illinois has proposed an amendment for today's National Defense Authorization Act, providing for the Department of Defense to reform the pilot program, helping servicemembers apply the skills learned during their military service to the civilian workplace. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this amendment for servicemembers, military families, and veterans. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.