Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week, I was grateful to be part of a Congressional delegation, led by Chairman David Dreier, that established a partnership with the parliament of Kyrgyzstan, the Jogorku Kenesh. We traveled as members of the House Democracy Partnership, which works with parliaments in new democracies to build stronger legislatures. Following parliamentary elections in 2010, the Kyrgyz Republic last year completed the first peaceful democratic transition of Presidential power in Central Asia after an open and competitive election. New President Almazbek Atambayev is committed to parliamentary democracy. Under the leadership of Speaker Asylbek Jeenbekov, the parliament and HDP will work together to strengthen committee operations, budget analyses, constituent relations, and other institutional reforms. Kyrgyzstan is a bright star in Central Asia, with a growing economy, dedicated President, the prestigious American University of central Asia, and dynamic parliamentarians working with an engaged population to establish a democracy. 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, a Gallup poll was released which sadly stated that 85 percent of small business owners surveyed were not looking for new employees; 66 percent cite the economic recession, 48 percent blame rising health care costs due to the government health care takeover bill, and 46 percent are worried about new government regulations. These statistics show that the President's policies are failing America's small business owners. The President continues to support policies that are destroying jobs. According to the National Federation of Independent Business, ObamaCare, alone, will destroy 1.6 million jobs. Over the past year, House Republicans have passed dozens of pieces of legislation that promote job creation and allow small business owners to gain the confidence to begin hiring again. I urge my colleagues in the liberal-controlled Senate and the President to support these initiatives 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, for 3 years, Americans have watched the President as he has tried to borrow and spend his way out of an economic recession. His failed policies have failed this Nation with unemployment still over 8 percent. The Washington Examiner stated: What this country needs is an honest leader who will tell the truth about our entitlement spending crisis and identify real reforms. But Obama's latest budget does none of that. Instead, he offers double doses of deficits, tax hikes, and crony capitalism. America deserves better. Over the past year, House Republicans have passed dozens of pieces of legislation that decrease spending, provide tax cuts, and encourage job creation through private sector job growth. I urge the President and the liberal Senate to work with House Republicans to support legislation that promotes 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, National Review Editor Rich Lowry stated that the President's budget ``is built on gimmicks and cheery assumptions that support a massive superstructure of new taxes and new debt. It is a blueprint for national decline.'' The President's budget request called for the biggest tax increases and accumulates the largest debt in our Nation's history. Over the past 3 years, this administration has spent more money than ever before and increased our national debt by almost $5 trillion. Our unemployment rate has consistently remained above 8 percent for 36 months. It is clear that borrowing and spending more money will not create jobs. It is past time for the President and the liberal-controlled Senate to come together and support House Republicans' efforts to put American families back to work. Dozens of job-promoting bills that have passed the House are sadly held up 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. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the President released his budget for 2013, which calls for a cut in defense spending, for the first time since 1998, by almost $500 billion. It is clear the President is simply taking resources away from our military capabilities and using the funds to grow the size of government to promote more unsustainable domestic programs, putting senior citizens at risk of a devalued dollar and burdening young people and college students with crushing debt. Instead of focusing on stopping defense cut sequestration, the President is putting our national security at risk and our allies in jeopardy during a time of international instability. Cutting our defense budget with record-breaking tax increases destroying jobs will not reduce the national deficit, but only represents a diversion of funds. I urge the President to recognize the primary function of the national government is national defense, to provide 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, this Nation currently faces a clear and present danger to our national security that this body has the ability to defeat: Defense Sequestration. This is an issue that we must address sooner rather than later. Senator John McCain recently stated, ``I believe the cuts that would be required by sequestration aimed at the Department of Defense are a threat to our Nation's security. We still live in a very dangerous world and everyone agrees that this kind of sequestration cannot take place.'' House and Senate Republicans are determined to prevent sequestration from occurring. Slashing the Army by 80,000 troops, cutting 20,000 Marines, and reducing 10,000 Air Force personnel is risky. The United States does not have the luxury of choosing our enemies or deciding if we will be attacked. Our military must be properly funded, equipped and prepared to protect our families from extremists who carry signs calling for ``Death to America.'' 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. Madam Chair, yesterday I voted in support of H.R. 3581, the ``Budget and Accounting Transparency Act of 2011,'' which passed through the House of Representatives by a vote of 245-180 and now awaits further consideration in the Senate. H.R. 3581 is a quality piece of legislation which requires the Federal Government to revise its policy of accounting for direct loans and loan guarantees by scoring these loans utilizing the market-based fair value method. As further consideration is given to this bill, I urge my fellow colleagues to ensure that programs, such as the United States Department of Agriculture's Rural Utility Service loans, are not adversely affected by the legislation.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, last Wednesday, the House passed the Fiscal Responsibility and Retirement Security Act of 2011, a bill which repeals a new program in the government health care takeover bill. During the health care debate, the President and congressional liberals said that this program would save taxpayers $80 billion. However, now internal evidence reveals that the administration was aware that the program was a ``recipe for disaster.'' The 2,700-page ObamaCare bill was rammed through Congress, just like Cash for Clunkers. The President and his liberal colleagues included unworkable programs into an unpopular bill to gain enough votes for passage. The CLASS program is yet another example of how this administration supports programs that are political gimmicks, identified by Bill Walker as being a free ticket but no show. 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 January 4, the President abused executive authority and appointed three new members to the National Labor Relations Board claiming a recess appointment, but the Senate was not in recess. By making this decision, the President ignored the Senate's confirmation and vetting practice which is outlined in article I, section 5 of the United States Constitution. Earlier today, the House Education and Workforce Committee, ably led by Chairman John Kline, held a hearing on this unconstitutional conduct. The President has used the National Labor Relations Board as a big labor bully to advance his political agenda and threaten the jobs of America's small businesses. Due to the legal uncertainty of the President's appointments, each decision reached by the board could allow for legal challenges, costing job creators and taxpayers more money. House Republicans will work to protect hardworking taxpayers from the administration's failed policies which are destroying jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget the four chaplains and September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last Friday, the National Bureau of Labor Statistics released its jobs report for the month of January and revealed that our Nation's unemployment rate continues to be above 8 percent, marking the 36th consecutive month of record high unemployment. Dr. Peter Morici, a business school professor at the University of Maryland, recently stated on Fox News that, if you factor in part-time workers who would prefer full-time positions, that unemployment rate becomes 15.6 percent. Factoring in college graduates in low skill positions, like counter work at Starbucks, the unemployment rate is, sadly, closer to 20 percent. These statistics provide further evidence that the President's policies are failing to provide job creation. I hope the President and the liberal-controlled Senate will work with the House Republicans on the 30 bills that we've already passed for job creation through private sector growth which are currently held in the Senate. 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, throughout his campaign for the White House, the President made an empty promise to cut our deficit in half by the end of his first term. Earlier this week, the Congressional Budget Office announced its projection that the President's failed policies, sadly, have more than doubled the annual debt. Our debt has increased by almost $5 trillion over the last 3 years. This statistic shows that throughout the Presidency of the current President, the President has recklessly spent the tax dollars of hardworking American families. The Wall Street Journal stated: ``To sum it all up, the CBO's facts plainly show that Mr. Obama has the worst fiscal record of any President in modern times. No one else even comes close.'' At a time when Americans are searching for jobs, the President must follow through with this promise to the American people and work with both Houses of Congress to stop Washington's out-of-control borrowing and spending. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the President's Blue Ribbon Commission, which was tasked with making recommendations for dealing with our country's nuclear waste, recently issued their findings. After conducting a 2-year study, the commission discovered that measures must be taken to deal with nuclear waste currently and interim storage at 121 sites across the country. The editorial response by the Aiken Standard to this anemic obvious conclusion is summarized by one word: ``Duh.'' We have known for decades that this waste must be properly dealt with and discarded in the proper setting. The scientific community has determined that Yucca Mountain is the ideal location for a safe national repository. The President and the liberal-controlled Senate must quit playing political games and allow the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to finish analyzing the license permit. It's time to let science dictate policy, not 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, Baker Spring of the prestigious Heritage Foundation recently warned: ``It is clear that the fiscal year 2013 defense budget will not provide the U.S. military with the resources it needs. Even more problematic is that all reductions to the defense budget are front- loaded, and, therefore will have significant and immediate implication for readiness, modernization programs, and research and development.'' Our servicemembers, their families, and veterans have dedicated their lives to this country. House Republicans understand that in order to keep American families safe, we must fight to stop these reductions. I look forward to working with House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon to find ways to promote the proven path of peace through strength. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Welcome Episcopal Father Carroll McGee of West Columbia to Washington for the National Prayer Breakfast.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last Thursday, the President's plans were revealed to cut almost 80,000 army troops and 20,000 marines. This action will weaken our military's ability to protect us from increasing global threats. This decision is another prime example of how the President and his administration continue to put American families at risk. Throughout our history, we have learned the consequences of downsizing our military, leading to surprise attacks. I look forward to working with House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon to stop the execution of these drastic cuts which will decimate our military capabilities and threaten the security of America's servicemembers. I would also like to offer my sympathy to the family of Aiken Public Safety Master Corporal Sandra Rogers, who sacrificed her life while on duty Saturday. 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 Constitution gives Congress the responsibility of providing for a common defense. The defense cuts that occur in 2013 as a result of sequestration undermines this constitutional duty. General Ray Odierno, the Army Chief of Staff, has stated, ``Cuts of this magnitude would be catastrophic for the military.'' Defense Secretary Leon Panetta has said that under sequestration, ``We would have to reduce the size of the military sharply. Rough estimates indicate after 10 years of these cuts, we would have the smallest ground forces since 1940, the smallest number of ships since 1915, and the smallest Air Force in our history.'' With growing worldwide threats, the President last night praised our troops but actually is slashing the Army by 80,000 troops and cuts to Marines by 20,000. I urge my colleagues to support Chairman Bud McKeon and vote in favor of the Down Payment on National Security Act. This bill provides certainty for the military 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 retired Army Master Sergeant John F. Baker, Jr., a recipient of the Medal of Honor, died at the age of 66. Master Sergeant Baker was a native of Davenport, Iowa, before relocating to South Carolina. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Donnell, and the Baker family. Master Sergeant Baker served in Vietnam and received the Medal of Honor after braving intense Communist fire to safe the lives of eight American soldiers on November 5, 1966. Master Sergeant Baker was one of 239 servicemembers to receive our Nation's highest honor for conspicuous gallantry and courage during their service in the Vietnam War. He was also the last Army soldier to be awarded the Medal of Honor and have residency in South Carolina. Our country is very grateful for the service of Master Sergeant John Baker. He went well beyond the call of duty, sacrificing so much for this great Nation, and will be remembered as a true American hero, along with the late Colonel Chuck Murray of Columbia. 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. I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I appreciate the leadership of Congressman Tim Scott on this very important issue. As South Carolina votes in the Presidential primary on Saturday, our State is grateful for the leadership of Congressman Tim Scott, along with my other colleagues who are on the floor today, Jeff Duncan, Trey Gowdy, Mick Mulvaney. We know that in November of last year, our Nation's annual debt reached $15 trillion and it recently exceeded the value of the entire American economy. Washington's out-of-control borrowing and spending must stop. The President has ignored our Nation's spending problem and once again asked Congress to increase the debt ceiling by $1.2 trillion. This request is a chilling reminder of the out-of-control debt which threatens senior citizens' retirement security and saddles young people with a mountain of debt. The President in February of 2009 said the deficit is unsustainable, but then he proceeded to double the year's debt and has since. Our Nation's unemployment rate has consistently remained above 8 percent for 35 months. This is tragic for American families. Instead of offering solutions to reduce spending and decrease taxes to encourage economic growth, the President and the liberal controlled Senate continue to support legislation calling for massive tax increases and funding for programs that contribute to our growing national deficit, which destroys jobs and hurts American small businesses. Americans have made it clear they expect their elected officials to make meaningful fiscal reforms today so as not to burden future generations with crushing deficits and debts tomorrow. House Republicans have remained committed to our projects by fighting to create jobs and promote job growth in the private sector. Last year, House Republicans passed 35 job-creating bills, most with bipartisan support. Instead of acting on these bills to create jobs, the liberal controlled Senate refuses to consider most of these pieces of legislation. By passing today's resolution that disapproves of the President's authority to increase the debt limit, Congress can help restore the American people's faith in our Nation's government by protecting future generations and limiting Washington's out-of-control borrowing and spending. Instead of giving the President more power to spend more money we do not have, Congress should work together to find ways to reduce spending and put America back on the path to fiscal responsibility just as Congressman Scott has pointed out families do. I encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of this resolution.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, in early 2009, the President assured the Nation that with the passage of his stimulus bill, which has failed, the borrowing and spending would reduce unemployment and that it would not exceed 8 percent. January marks the 35th straight month that the Nation's unemployment rate has remained above 8 percent. Last year, House Republicans followed through with their commitment to the American people and passed 28 job-creating bills, most with bipartisan support. All of these pieces of legislation remain stalled in the liberal-controlled Senate, where bills are denied debate or a vote. Because of the gridlock in the Senate and the President's failed policies, the American people are losing faith in government officials. As we begin a new year, I hope the Senate will take immediate action for the American people by passing legislation that promotes 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, H-Canyon Chemical Separations Facility at the Savannah River Site near Aiken, South Carolina, which is valued at nearly $1 billion, is the only shielded nuclear chemical separations plant still in operation in the United States. During its operating life, H-Canyon facility routinely recovered uranium-235 and neptunium-237 spent fuel and has aided America in honoring its international agreement by returning these fuels for the purposes of nuclear nonproliferation and safeguarding. Today, H-Canyon and its HB-Line operations are supporting the DOE Highly Enriched Uranium Blend-Down program and Plutonium Disposition program. By blending down highly enriched uranium and isolating plutonium from surrounding corrosive elements, H-Canyon ensures our country's national security, while simultaneously providing fuel which is currently being purchased by the Tennessee Valley Authority to empower commercial nuclear reactors. As difficult funding decisions are made in this Congress, I urge my colleagues to support the mission of H-Canyon. It is a vital national asset that has served our country since victory in the Cold War and will continue to protect and serve Americans both home and abroad for decades. 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. I thank the chairman for yielding. I want to thank him for his leadership of the Republican Policy Committee and his work on this legislation. Last week the House passed a 1-year payroll extension which included a provision to override the administration's decision against the Keystone pipeline, a real shovel-ready project. The President's decision will delay the Keystone project until 2013, after the election, which clearly reveals this is a political not scientific decision. On August 26, the Department of State deemed the project to be environmentally sound after 3 years of analysis. In late October, I was fortunate to visit Alberta, Canada, which is America's largest trading partner, and witnessed firsthand the Canadian oil sands development and the extraordinary environmental safeguards to produce oil in North America. The construction of this environmentally advanced project will create 120,000 new jobs in America. With record unemployment, Americans need jobs now. And I know firsthand that the workers in the Michelin Tire Corporation of Lexington, South Carolina, are ready to produce huge earth mover tires, and MTU will produce engines.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, Peter Isberg, president of the National Payroll Reporting Consortium, Inc., expressed concern over the Senate-proposed payroll tax plan which offers only a 2-month extension instead of the yearlong extension passed last week by the House. In a letter written to several Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, Isberg stated that, ``insufficient lead time could create substantial problems, confusion, and costs affecting a significant percentage of U.S. employers and employees.'' House Republicans are willing to work for a yearlong extension now instead of passing a 2-month fix that will confuse American taxpayers, medical providers, and small business owners. It is necessary for both Houses of Congress to work together to extend the payroll tax cut for a full year. At a time of continued record unemployment, we should be working to help small businesses create jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. We are grateful for our servicemembers, military families, and veterans who were successful in Iraq.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last Tuesday House Republicans successfully passed a bill that protects every American taxpayer and promotes job creation by extending the payroll tax cut, reforming unemployment insurance, and providing Medicare payments to physicians for a year. Over the weekend, liberals in the Senate amended this legislation to provide for only a 2-month fix. In an attempt to tie House Republicans' hands and force the 2-month extension, Senate liberals led adjournment for recess. The American people deserve much better than this childish behavior when our unemployment rate has consistently remained above 8 percent for 34 months and over 25 million Americans are searching for work. Our sympathy to the people of the Czech Republic upon the death of former President Vaclav Havel, who was a brave patriot helping liberate Central and Eastern Europe from communism, leading to the establishment of the neighboring Slovak Republic. 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 2003 the United States military and its allies began operations to remove Saddam Hussein from power, who was a ruthless dictator and a threat to stability in the Middle East, undermining world peace. Yesterday, the United States military successfully concluded its military involvement in Iraq. We have victory in Iraq for the people of Iraq to build upon. As a proud father of two sons who served in Iraq, I want to offer a heartfelt thank-you to every American servicemember who served in the country and their families. I want to thank and assure the family members of the servicemembers who lost their lives--exemplified by Major Trane McCloud--and those who are wounded warriors, fighting for freedom, that their sacrifice and their military families will always be cherished. Secretary Leon Panetta in Baghdad said: ``Iraq has made remarkable progress over the last 9 years.'' Army General Lloyd J. Austin, III, Commander of U.S. Forces in Iraq, praised servicemembers and families for meeting our national objectives and giving Iraq hope for a prosperous 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, yesterday the House passed legislation that supports and provides for servicemembers and their military families who have chosen to dedicate their lives to service in our Armed Forces to protect American families. After victoriously fighting the global war on terrorism for over a decade, our military families deserve recognition for their service. This bill gives to our military families a 1.6 percent increase in basic pay and protects against the rising cost of health care fees. Additionally, the National Guard Chief, General Craig R. McKinley, will be provided a seat on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, giving the Guard a voice in military discussions. As a Guard veteran and proud dad of three Guard members under the command of Adjutant General Bob Livingston, I am grateful for the recognition of Guard capabilities. 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 President announced he will veto the payroll tax extension bill passed by House Republicans due to the inclusion of the Keystone pipeline construction. The President campaigns for jobs, but will sadly veto a jobs bill. This fall, I was fortunate to visit Alberta, Canada, and witnessed firsthand the environmental safeguards to develop Canadian oil sands. The construction of this environmentally advanced pipeline will create at least 120,000 new American jobs without costing taxpayers a dime and will stimulate our economy. Walter C. Jones in The Augusta Chronicle reports that refined oil products with no pipeline will be denied to South Carolinians at a north Augusta terminal. With a record unemployment rate of over 8 percent for 34 months and over 13 million Americans looking for jobs, it is very sad the President would veto legislation creating jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.