Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, thank you for your leadership on behalf of the military families, servicemembers, and veterans of our country. The Military Personnel titles of the Fiscal Year 2013 National Defense Authorization Act are a product of an open, bipartisan process. These personnel titles provide our warfighters, veterans, and military families the care and support they deserve, additionally ensuring that proposed drawdown plans do not cut to the heart of the Army and Marine Corps. Specifically, this year's proposal will first authorize a troop pay increase of 1.7 percent, and extend bonuses and special pay; additionally, limit the end strength reduction for the active Army and Marine Corps; also provide significant new regulations for combating sexual assault within the military, and extend access to family housing and commissary and exchange benefits for troops who are involuntarily separated. Additionally, we will extend some TRICARE benefits to members of the Selected Reserve who are involuntarily separated. And finally, make clear that the nonmilitary contributions to health care benefits through a career of service represent prepayment of health care premiums in retirement. In conclusion, I want to thank Ranking Member Congresswoman Susan Davis and her staff for her contributions in this process. We are joined, of course, by dedicated members of the subcommittee. Their recommendations are clearly reflected in this mark. Finally, I want to appreciate the service and dedication of the subcommittee majority staff, John Chapla, Debra Wada, Jeanette James, Mike Higgins, Craig Greene and Jim Weiss, along with my military legislative assistant, Chad Sydnor, and Military Fellow, Marine Master Gunnery Sergeant Michelle King. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4310.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today the House will debate the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2013. The House Armed Services Committee approved this bipartisan bill last week by a vote of 56 5. Earlier this year, the administration announced an increase in the TRICARE enrollment fees by up to 345 percent. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Military Personnel, I am pleased the committee refused to authorize a provision to forward the administration's unfair proposal, which would destroy jobs. Our brave men and women in uniform and their families have devoted their lives to defend our country. Their service to our Nation should be considered a prepayment of health care benefits and retirement. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and give our military families the fairness they deserve so they can work for peace through strength. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Welcome to Washington, Realtors and CPAs.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last Wednesday, the House Armed Services Committee met to mark up the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2013. Over the past year, the administration has targeted defense spending to shift to other programs, which destroys jobs. Chairman Buck McKeon has successfully developed a bipartisan bill that will limit shifts. The Department of Defense budget accounts for less than 20 percent of our discretionary spending and does not contribute to our growing national debt. The legislation provides the support our brave servicemembers, military families, and veterans deserve as they dedicate their lives to defend our freedoms and protect our families from foreign threats. This week, the House will vote on the National Defense Authorization Act. I urge my colleagues to support this bill and give military families the resources they deserve as they fight to promote peace through strength. 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, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the latest jobs report. Sadly, for the past 39 months, our Nation's unemployment rate has remained at or above 8 percent. It is gruesomely clear that the President's failed policies are not working for young Americans but, instead, are destroying jobs, with 54 percent of college graduates under 25 unemployed or underemployed. The most recent report confirmed that more than 500,000 of discouraged Americans have given up searching for a job in the last 2 months. If the labor force remained the same size as 2009, when the President was sworn into office, our Nation's unemployment rate would be at 11 percent. The President's policies are failing young Americans with shrinking jobs and growing deficits with devastating interest payments. It is past time for the liberal-controlled Senate to take up the House Republicans' more than 30 bills which will help 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, in 2002, Yucca Mountain was approved as the location for our Nation's nuclear repository, which was previously authorized by Congress in 1987. In 2010, sadly, the President placed party politics over the interests of the American people and began the wasteful process of stopping the project. Consumers in South Carolina have paid over $1.3 billion for the establishment of a national nuclear repository at Yucca Mountain. In order to establish accountability and to protect the people living in the Second Congressional District of South Carolina, I have introduced the Yucca Utilization to Control Contamination Act. This bill gives the administration two options: first, certify the Yucca Mountain project or, second, face fines to reimburse consumers across the Nation who have paid for its opening. The President constantly talks about fairness. It is only fair that the people of South Carolina receive the services they have already paid for with hardworking taxpayer dollars promoting jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, our Nation's Social Security system is sadly approaching bankruptcy. The Secretary of the Treasury spoke on Monday, revealing that Social Security benefits are expected to become insolvent in only 21 years--3 years sooner than was projected just last year. In a recent article in the Washington Post, Emily Miller wrote: Thanks in large part to Mr. Obama's insistence, the program's 2011 deficit of $148 billion was the second largest single-year deterioration since 1983. If Washington doesn't do anything to address the program's imbalance, the trustees say it will take raising the payroll tax to 16.7 percent to cover the gap. This administration continues to take money out of the Social Security fund, shifting it for programs we cannot afford. It is past the time for Congress to act and stop Washington's out-of-control spending, which will ultimately result in higher taxes and more debt, destroying jobs and putting senior citizens at risk. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Welcome, South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, to Washington for Supreme Court oral arguments.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, based upon their rigorous curriculum, retention and graduation rates, honors housing, study abroad programs, and enrichment opportunities for students, the University of South Carolina Honors College was recently named the number one honors program by the Public University Honors organization. This achievement will be published in ``A Review of 50 Public University Honors Programs'' later this month. The University of South Carolina Honors College was established in 1978 and has more than 8,000 alumni spread across the world. Since its founding, USC Honors College students have won over 363 national awards, including the Rhodes, Marshall, Goldwater, and others. The 2011 incoming Honors College class had an average SAT score of 1427 and an average weighted GPA of 4.61. Congratulations, Dr. Steve Lynn, dean of the Honors College, and university president, Harris Pastides, on their leadership and accomplishments. 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, the House is expected to vote on the Small Business Tax Cut Act, legislation allowing for job creation promoting economic growth by cutting taxes for small business owners. In an opinion piece published Tuesday in Politico, Steve Forbes writes ``Real economic growth has been pathetic during the Obama Presidency. Last year, the economy grew 1.7 percent. By comparison, the Reagan recovery was spectacular, growing at 4.5 percent in 1983, with nearly 3.5 million jobs. In just one month, September 1983, the Reagan economy added more than a million jobs, nearly as many as the economy grew for all of 2011.'' In order for our nation to recover from the economic recession, small businesses must be given the opportunity to grow and create jobs. The President and the liberal-controlled Senate continue to stall dozens of bills which would promote jobs. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill and help American families create jobs. 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, Captain Kyleanne Hunter served in the office of the Second District of South Carolina as a Military Fellow from January December 2010. After leaving our office, she served in the Marine Corps Liaison office on Capitol Hill. In the coming months, Captain Hunter plans to serve in a Reserve unit with the U.S. Marine Corps while attending graduate school at the University of Denver. She has been accepted into the very competitive Sie Fellows Program which will further her education in international studies. Throughout her service, she consistently demonstrated her expertise and knowledge by providing timely and accurate information to the Congressional Members and their respective staffs. Captain Hunter was a vital asset for all matters relating to the Marine Corps in the House of Representatives. Members and staffers alike respected and trusted Captain Hunter's straightforward and dependable assistance. Her forthrightness and knowledge were key attributes in maintaining the Marine Corps' superb relationships with the many Members of the House of Representatives. Throughout her tour, Captain Hunter personally responded to, or supervised hundreds of congressional inquiries, some of which gained national level attention. Through her exceptional inter-personal skills and broad knowledge in a wide range of military affairs, she assisted the Director, Marine Corps Liaison Office, in gaining the Members' support and trust on critical issues. Captain Hunter successfully planned, coordinated, and escorted an extensive number of international and domestic trips for Congressional and Staff Delegations. I had the pleasure of attending one such CODEL which Captain Hunter helped organize for the House Democracy Partnership to the Kyrgyz Republic. Her attention to detail and anticipation of requirements allowed our CODEL to focus on fact-finding and learning new information, which helped to guide critical decisions to support the people of the United States. Through her exceptional personal efforts, Captain Hunter has contributed immeasurably as a member of my staff and also in the Marine Liaison Office here on Capitol Hill. I wish her well in all of her future endeavors. I look forward to hearing of her many future successes.

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, last week, the President announced plans to divert $500 million to the IRS for the purpose of hiring new IRS agents to promote the President's health care government takeover bill. This fact reveals that ObamaCare is not a bill designed to improve the quality of health care but instead raises taxes and creates more burdens for individuals and small businesses, destroying jobs. House Republicans remain committed to fighting for the total repeal of ObamaCare, then to promote commonsense free market health reforms preserving the doctor-patient relationship. Additionally, I am grateful for the efforts of Tom Von Kaenel, who is in Washington today. Tom is the founder of the Sea2Sea, an organization providing assistance to our military personnel, veterans, and their families by helping them transition back to civilian life. In order to raise awareness for the cause, Tom will spend the next several weeks biking across the United States, duplicating his biking this spring across the United Kingdom. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the President's proposal of the Buffett rule tax increase is just another political gimmick, rejected by the Senate, which is targeted at small business owners. With our Nation's record unemployment rate of over 8 percent throughout the last 3 years, it is clear the President's policies are destroying jobs and chilling economic growth. In last week's Washington Post, Charles Krauthammer wrote: The Buffett Rule is nothing but a form of redistributionism that has vanishingly little to do with debt reduction and everything to do with reelection. The President is using the Buffett rule tax increase as a way to distract Americans from focusing on his failure to implement policies that will create jobs. House Republicans remain focused on reducing barriers that are discouraging job creation. I urge my colleagues in the Senate and the President to put party politics aside and work with House Republicans to enact policies that will help create jobs for 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, as I traveled across the Second Congressional District of South Carolina over the last constituent workweek, I became increasingly aware of a growing relationship between the Savannah River National Laboratory and one of their regional research universities, the University of South Carolina. These two entities are working together to address key national energy needs in nuclear, hydrogen, fuel cells, environmental science, advanced sensors, modular nuclear reactors, and alternative energy, in addition to other areas of great national interest. The two institutions anticipate the future formation of a joint technology commercialization initiative involving the Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina to build new technology- based businesses and create jobs. I look forward to these joint collaborations with the Savannah River National Laboratory, and I am confident their success will be of great benefit to South Carolina and our Nation. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Rest in peace, Medal of Honor recipient Army Master Sergeant John F. Baker, Jr., of Columbia, South Carolina, and Rock Island, Illinois, for his heroic service in Vietnam, who was buried at Arlington National Cemetery today.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, according to a recent CBS News article, when the President in 2008 was on the campaign trail, he blasted his primary opponent, Hillary Clinton, for supporting an individual mandate. Less than two years later, however, when the President lobbied the liberal-controlled Congress to pass the government healthcare takeover bill, he told legislators the individual mandate ``was an essential part'' of the takeover. Almost every poll conducted across this country reveals the same result: an overwhelming number of Americans believe the individual mandate found in ObamaCare is unconstitutional and a chipping away of individual liberty. The Gadsden Flag of South Carolina is correct: Don't Tread on Me. The United States government should not require all of its citizens to buy insurance or push any other mandates that will limit freedoms. It is past the time for our nation to support legislation for real healthcare reform as developed by Congressman Tom Price that will guarantee these rights every American deserves. 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, in 1987, Congress declared March to serve as ``Women's History Month,'' in efforts to acknowledge the important role women have played in shaping America. In honor of this occasion, I would like to recognize the leadership of County Councilwoman Joyce Dickerson, my good friend, who has proudly been serving the constituents of the Second District in Richland County, South Carolina, since January 2005. Councilwoman Dickerson is committed to creating economic development opportunities and growing relationships between constituents and elected leaders in South Carolina. As President-elect of the National Foundation for Women Legislators and the incoming Chair, I commend Joyce Dickerson for her efforts to empower elected women in South Carolina and across this great Nation.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today marks an extremely important day in our Nation's history. The Supreme Court is scheduled to begin hearing oral arguments on the constitutionality of the President's government health care takeover legislation that was forced upon the American people by the President and his liberal allies, in a liberal-controlled Congress, by deals and kickbacks. Several weeks ago, the Congressional Budget Office released a report that ObamaCare will destroy almost 1 million jobs from our current workforce. According to a recent Gallup poll, 85 percent of small business owners are not hiring due to the government regulations and rising health care costs imposed by the Big Government mandate restricting freedom. America's largest association of small businesses, the National Federation of Independent Business, estimates 1.6 million jobs will be eliminated. House Republicans have voted to repeal ObamaCare 26 times. With a record unemployment rate of over 8 percent for the last 3 years, it is necessary for the President and Congress to enact laws providing for job creation through private sector growth rather than supporting legislation that destroys jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, every American should be given the freedom to make his or her own decisions regarding health care. When the government takeover health care bill was passed, the liberal control of Congress took away this right and instead created the Independent Payment Advisory Board, IPAB. This board is comprised of 15 unelected and unaccountable bureaucrats who will be responsible for making major cuts to Medicare which are likely to lead to waiting lists, deferral of service, and denial of care. Today, House Republicans will vote on a bill that will eliminate IPAB and help strengthen our Medicare system for a doctor-patient relationship. Our country cannot afford to spend $1.8 trillion on an unconstitutional government mandate which the NFIB reveals will destroy 1.6 million 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. Madam Speaker, during the President's effort to lobby for the government takeover of health care, he promised the American people his proposal would cost $940 billion and ``won't add a dime to the deficit and is paid for upfront.'' The Washington Examiner editorialized last week the President ``knew the funny numbers his administration was putting out,'' but delivered a speech with blunders anyway. Last week, the Congressional Budget Office released a report stating that ObamaCare will cost $1.76 trillion, a figure almost double the initial price tag that he promised. Based on these reports, it is clear that the false claims are being exposed. House Republicans have already voted to repeal the unconstitutional government takeover of health care, which the NFIB has said it will destroy 1.6 million jobs. The Senate now needs to vote. 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, over the past month, the price of gas per gallon has increased by 31 cents, with an average cost of $3.83 per gallon. This weekend the President said that his administration could not do much to provide relief at the pump, but, actually, earlier he promised to increase energy costs, which destroys jobs. The President also claims to support an all-of-the-above energy plan; however, due to his decision to reject the Keystone pipeline, it is clear these claims are not being fulfilled. The President's solution to help with rising energy costs is to delay smog regulations that will mandate that more sulfur be stripped from gasoline. The delay of this policy will not lower prices but simply keep them from increasing due to more government regulation. I urge the President to work with House Republicans and begin enacting policies which will help Americans feel relief at the pump. 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 month the Congressional Budget Office released a report which stated that our Nation's unemployment rate is not expected to dip below 8 percent until 2014, which reveals the President's policies have failed and destroyed jobs. America is experiencing the longest stretch of high unemployment since the Great Depression. The study also concluded that if every American searching for employment were counted, sadly our unemployment rate would be around 15 percent. When the President lobbied for his economic plan, he promised that our unemployment rate would not exceed 8 percent. Instead, February marks the 36th month where the unemployment rate has been above 8 percent. This is a tragedy for American families. House Republicans are focused on putting American families back to work. I urge the President and the liberal-controlled Senate to take immediate action of the dozens of job-creation bills that have passed the House with bipartisan support. 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, since the President was sworn into office in January of 2009, gas prices have risen drastically by 156 percent. This fact shows the President's energy policy is failing our country and destroying jobs. According to the National Federation of Independent Business, rising energy costs are a constant struggle for our small business owners. Our small business owners are already threatened with the rising cost of health care due to the mandates in the government takeover health care bill. Instead of supporting effective energy policies that will lower the price at the pump, this administration has decided to delay the Keystone pipeline, a project that will create over 100,000 jobs at no taxpayer expense. If completed, this project will dramatically decrease our dependence on foreign oil and provide relief with energy costs for every small business. 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, the Department of Energy announced its decision to bring small modular nuclear reactor technology to the Savannah River Site in Aiken and Barnwell, South Carolina. SRS plays a vital role not only in the Aiken- Barnwell community, but also on a national level, as it enables the United States to honor its international nuclear nonproliferation commitments. At a time when gas prices are at an all-time high and American families are increasingly facing tough choices, commonsense measures such as using existing government facilities and technical expertise for developing SMRs are welcome. I would like to congratulate Dwayne Wilson at the Savannah River Nuclear Solutions and Dr. Terry Michalske at the Savannah River National Laboratory. I'm also very proud of Dr. Dave Moody's efforts in creating such a fitting environment to host this technological advancement at no new cost to the taxpayer. Congratulations to Chief Engineer Gordon Simmons and Dr. Benjamin Cross for their article on Ameresco Biomass and small modular reactors in this month's The Military Engineer magazine. 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, earlier this week I was fortunate to chair a House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel where we had a hearing in regard to receiving information concerning the administration's military personnel budget overview for 2013. The administration constantly preaches about fairness. Over the next 10 years, the administration has proposed cutting our military personnel by 123,000 troops and cutting civilian employees by a mere 7,000 personnel, but destroying 130,000 jobs. It is absolutely unfair that the administration believes in drastically eliminating our troops with no substantial cuts to any other Department of our government even as we are at war with an enemy that is obsessed with death. Additionally, the administration's proposal allows an increase of TriCare health insurance enrollment fees by a possible 345 percent over the next 5 years. This kind of unfairness must stop. I urge the President and his administration to reconsider their budget request and treat our military personnel, military families, and veterans with the fairness they've earned and the respect they deserve. 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 his 2008 campaign, during an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, the President promised energy rates ``would necessarily skyrocket'' under his policies. Since February 2009, the price of gas has jumped from $1.92 per gallon to an outrageous $3.72 per gallon. Hardworking Americans continue to watch as a substantial amount of each paycheck is diverted by rising energy costs destroying jobs. Although the President claims to have changed his policies, his decision to terminate the Keystone pipeline project from Canada shows that he remains dedicated to his campaign promise. House Republicans are focused on helping Americans feel relief at the pump by supporting legislation that expands supply and allows for the continuation of the Keystone pipeline. I urge the President to put party politics aside and work with House Republicans to find ways to lower energy costs, which is necessary for American families. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.