Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Thank you, Chairman McKeon, for your commitment to military servicemembers, family members, and veterans. Before I begin, I want to commend Vice Chairman Mac Thornberry for his clarification of the detainee issue, which is that the issue does not apply to U.S. citizens. This is directed at al Qaeda--illegal enemy combatants--not at U.S. citizens. The military personnel provisions of H.R. 1540 provide new and important authorities to support the men and women in uniform and their families. Some of the more important personnel provisions contained in the conference agreement are: a 1.6 percent increase in military basic pay; a revised policy for measuring and reporting unit operations tempo and personnel tempo, especially when we must continue our resolve for victory in the current mission requirements. Another initiative important to my constituents is the reform of the military recruiting system to include graduates of home schooling and virtual schools. I see military service as opportunity and fulfilling, and these are extraordinary patriots who deserve the opportunity to serve. The conference agreement would make the chief of the National Guard Bureau a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Furthermore, the agreement clarifies the legal authority for the oversight of Arlington National Cemetery, a national shrine for veterans. I believe this bill is also strong in the multiple provisions dealing with sexual assault; and it provides new authority, such as temporary early retirement, to ease the impact of future military personnel reductions. I urge all of my colleagues to support the conference report.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last Friday the National Labor Relations Board announced that they had approved the requests by the International Association of Machinists to withdraw its complaint against Boeing. For the past year, the President's National Labor Relations Board has played the role of a Big Labor bully by threatening the jobs of hardworking South Carolinians by stalling the second line of the 787 Dreamliner production in Charleston. Boeing chose to locate in South Carolina due to its welcoming business climate due in large part to its right-to-work laws. Instead of rewarding unions for their political investments, I urge the current administration to enact policies protecting the rights of workers and allowing for growth of small businesses creating jobs. The lesson of this NLRB intrusion is clear: do not locate your facilities in union States because if you enter, like a roach motel, you cannot leave. 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, Remember Pearl ``A Date Which Will Live in Infamy'' in solemn remembrance of Pearl Harbor on the 70th anniversary, December 7, 1941. The following poem was authored by Albert Carey Caswell, who is a Capitol Building tourguide noted for his thoughtful and heartfelt tours for Wounded Warriors and his devotion to servicemembers, military families, and veterans. Remember Pearl (By Albert Carey Caswell) In every country's history . . . There are but those defining moments that which so indeed! That which define there very destinies! As out into a future but plant such seeds! To so define her and give her all that she so needs! Remember Pearl . . . That day that will live in Infamy! As . . . For as a Nation, we must all so remember . . . That dark and dreary, very cold and bleak December . . . When . . . When there, on one beautiful Sunday morning . . . As America so lie all in harms way and in ruin, so all without warning . . . As it was seventy years ago this day . . . All in a cowards way! When, so very unexpectedly! As ``A Date Which Will Live In Infamy'' . . . Was but a calm before the storm, as they . . . As they so tried to take America's very heart away . . . As lies now so all etched in Infamy . . . War! Pearl Harbor! The Devil's Creed! Feeding Evil's needs! When, so many heroes died indeed! Bless them all, God Speed! All in one of our Nation's darkest of all days . . . As a Nation so slept, had they . . . And so wept upon that day . . . As out across the world, such an Evil so unfurled . . . As this darkness all towards them so crept, towards our little boys and girls . . . Goodness . . . Evil . . . Darkness . . . Light . . . Those brave hearts who evil must fight! Who but bring their light! Who Evil must fight! Would this Evil stand? As it was nearly eight on that morning, when each woman, child, and man! All without such warning, when a sleeping giant so awoke! As from out of all of this heartache and such hell, and scenes of horror . . . as all in their fine hearts what would dwell! Such a story to our children tell! One of Such Faith and Courage . . . As America's heart grew stronger, all in what their fine souls so nourished! While, against all odds . . . such darkness, could not discourage . . . As somehow America so found the hope and courage! All in how they so heroically behaved, and so fought and died on that day . . . As out across a Nation, The Mothers Cried . . . As over one thousand were so wounded, and twenty-five hundred heroes on that day so died! And, still America would not so lose hope . . . for we all somehow survived! All because of what, all within their most magnificent hearts so lie! As from out of all of those ashes, death and fury . . . as was invoked such a story! Came a Pearl, a gem so formed of which to all the world so spoke! A story, all about America's Courage and Glory . . . and yes so hope! For rising from out of such hell, all of their fine hearts so chose to swell! As 18 ships were lost or crippled on that day, names like USS Arizona come to mind who were so sent to their watery graves . . . As the waters now above gently caress their souls, as deep below in these ships their sacred bodies hold! As upon our knees, with tears in eyes for all of them we now so pray! As the bombs rained down upon Pearl on that day! As almost two hundred planes were shot down or on run ways lie ruin to decay! But, they say our Lord has his hand in it on that day . . . Because, our carriers were far out to sea . . . far out of harms way! Giving our Country Tis of Thee, that chance to come back from such Infamy! And suddenly now as a Nation, we were all on the march . . . all ahead full . . . as our hearts they could not so parch! As we collectively so sent the word, ``Over There . . . Send The Word To Beware!'' As this was the defining moment, when America So Set Out To Save The World! So teach your children well, that out of Such Infamy and Such Hell . . . Can come such light, Wherever Faith In Hearts So Dwells . . . And that America's Heart, will always find a way to swell! That in our darkest of all hours, our Faith will all so shower! With The Strength To Over Evil, To So Tower! So on this day upon your knees, remember all of these . . . And, ``That Day Which Will Live In Infamy''! But, not forget what over Evil, Hearts of Faith and Courage Can So Achieve! For something's time can not erase . . . And for such things, Heaven so holds a place! On This Day That Will Live . . . In Infamy! Remember Pearl, Bless them all God Speed!

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, last Friday the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced November's unemployment rate remained above 8 percent. Over 13 million American families are now without jobs. Nearly 25 million people are looking for full-time employment. The number of unemployed Americans has not consistently remained at such a high percentage since 1948. For the past 34 months, the American people have been depending upon Congress and the President to cut Washington's wasteful spending and enact policies targeting job creation and economic growth. Since the Republicans regained the majority of the House in January, legislation has passed that allows small businesses to grow and create jobs. It is past time for the President and liberal-controlled Senate to change course to put our hardworking 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, as on December the 7th we honor the heroes of World War II.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today the House will begin consideration of the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2011, also referred to as the REINS Act. This bill will require Congress to approve any Federal regulation that will impact our economy by $100 million or more. The Small Business Administration estimates that regulations are costing our Nation's citizens $1.75 trillion per year. The current administration's report on Federal regulations listed over 4,200 under development since last December and over 200 additional regulations proposed this year, costing consumers billions of dollars, destroying jobs. This fact is another example of how out of touch the President is with the hardworking and deserving American families. It is time for Congress to take action and stop the imposition of these job-killing policies that discourage small businesses from growing and expanding. 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 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released its November jobs report citing the gruesome unemployment rate of 8.6 percent. This revelation marks the 34th straight month where the Nation's unemployment rate has remained at or above 8 percent. This is a tragedy for American families who do not have jobs or have given up looking for jobs. House Republicans continue to remain focused on job creation, making the issue our number one priority. Since January, the House has submitted numerous bills, many with bipartisan support, to the Senate in hopes of passage, which will help put American families back to work. Just last week, the House passed three more commonsense bills, bringing the total number of job-creating bills awaiting action by the liberal Senate to 25. I urge the Senate majority leader to bring any of the House jobs bills up for a vote and begin focusing on ways to promote job growth. 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 the past 2\1/2\ years, our Nation's unemployment rate has risen over 8 percent. The President continually develops policies that discourage and prohibit small businesses from creating jobs. Just last month, the administration announced the delay of the Keystone XL pipeline, a project estimated to create over 300,000 jobs without costing taxpayers a dime. I was fortunate enough to visit Alberta, Canada in October and witnessed firsthand the Canadian oil sands and the positive impact that exploration has for new American jobs. At the end of this legislative week, House Republicans will have passed 25 job-creation bills. Sadly, they are stalled in the Senate. With a growing debt of over $15 trillion, it is absolutely necessary for Congress and the President to work together to promote job creation and ways to remove barriers to allow for small businesses to create jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to congratulate Lawrence Schwartz and his wife Allison on the birth of their new baby boy, Angelo Zoltan Schwartz, who was born on Monday, November 28, 2011, in Falls Church, Virginia. I am so excited for this new blessing to the Schwartz family and wish them all the best. I want to also congratulate Angelo's grandparents Debra and Barry Shulman of Fayetteville, New York, and Joanne and Lawrence Schwartz, III of Anaheim Hills, California, on this wonderful new addition to their family.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chair, I would like to thank our Chairman and I am thankful for his leadership on this very important issue. Once again, the President's National Labor Relations Board is trampling on the rights of American workers and employers by denying them the opportunity to participate in a free election. Current policies have been in place for decades to ensure each worker is given a fair amount of time to make a decision about joining a union. With the proposal set forth in June, the NLRB will decrease the amount of time given for a worker to consider joining a union from an average of thirty days to as little as ten days. This radical policy of rush elections will limit the amount of knowledge and information available to each union worker. Moreover, this new proposal will give unions the capability to branch out and form smaller collective bargaining groups, creating a bigger burden on employers as costs will rise to manage multiple unions. Our Nation does not need more government involvement that negatively impacts the way employers operate their businesses. The job killing influence of the NLRB such as the attack on Boeing workers in South Carolina must be stopped before it tramples the rights of American workers. Congress has a responsibility to ensure every American is given the right to a free election, an opportunity granted by the laws of our country. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this commonsense legislation and encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of The Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act which protects our employers and union workers from the Big Labor policies of the President's National Labor Relations Board and promotes more freedom for job creation.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, in June the National Labor Relations Board, NLRB, proposed a new rule that accelerates the election process for unionization. Union workers would be forced into memberships without having a reasonable time for managers to fully explain the advantages and disadvantages of membership. This afternoon, under the leadership of Education and Workforce Chairman John Kline, Congress will vote on the Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act, legislation that limits the NLRB's ability to deny employers and workers the right to a free election, a right granted to every American by the laws of our country. It is time for the President's National Labor Relations Board to stop focusing on policies that trample over the rights of American workers. I encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of the bill today and reaffirm the protections workers and job creators have received 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. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to congratulate Lawrence Schwartz and his wife Allison on the birth of their new baby girl, Cecilia Anne Schwartz, who was born on Monday, November 28, 2011, at 11:26 a.m. in Falls Church, Virginia. Cecilia Anne was 5 pounds, 6 ounces. I am so excited for this new blessing to the Schwartz family and wish them all the best. I want to also congratulate Cecilia Anne's grandparents Debra and Barry Shulman of Fayetteville, New York, and Joanne and Lawrence Schwartz, III, of Anaheim Hills, California, on this wonderful new addition to their family.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last Monday, the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction announced that the bipartisan group had failed to reach an agreement. In an op-ed to The Wall Street Journal, Congressman Jeb Hensarling, cochair of the supercommittee, stated that the group ``missed a historic opportunity to lift the burden of debt and help spur economic growth and job creation.'' Last week, I attended a town hall meeting in Forest Acres, South Carolina, hosted by Mayor Frank Brunson, where we discussed ways to promote small businesses and encourage job growth within the private sector. The message from the constituents is very clear: Congress must reduce Washington's out-of-control spending before it's too late. As Congress returns from the Thanksgiving Day recess, I encourage our colleagues in the Senate to begin focusing on job creation by considering any of the 20 jobs bills the House has passed with bipartisan support this year. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I submit the following remarks regarding my absence from a vote which occurred on November 16, 2011. Listed below is how I would have voted if I had been present. Roll Number 851--H.R. 822--Motion to Recommit, National Right to Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011--``nay.''

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, history was made last week in off-year elections with Republicans gaining a majority in the Mississippi House for the first time in years and Republicans gaining a majority in the Virginia Senate, along with the State House and the Governorship for the first time in 130 years. With these gains, Republicans are now state legislative majorities in both houses in all states from Texas to Florida to Virginia and all states in between except narrowly in Arkansas. I am grateful my home state of South Carolina is symbolic of change. Fifty years ago this August, Charlie Boineau of Richland was elected the first Republican legislator of the Twentieth Century and the next year, State Rep. Floyd Spence was the first party switch ever leading in 1994 to David Wilkins elected the first Republican Speaker in the South. In 2010 all nine Republican statewide candidates were elected with the Governor being the first female in 341 years and only the second Indian American in national history. Seven out of eight federal officials are now Republicans. Encouraging the extraordinary change are transplants from the Northeast and Midwest who have relocated for a milder climate and lower taxes. 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 Speaker, according to the Department of the Treasury, as of November 14, 2011, the national debt had reached $14.973 trillion, and will reach $15 trillion in the coming days. This is an economic threat to American families. Since the President took office in 2009, the deficit has increased by a record $4.3 trillion. In order to protect America's future, we must be serious about cutting runaway spending, and we must act now to promote small businesses to create jobs. House Republicans have sent to the Senate for consideration nearly 90 bills to encourage jobs. This legislation dealt directly with limiting spending, terminating failing housing programs, and encouraging job growth and job creation. It's time for the liberals in the Senate and the President to do the same. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Our sympathy to the family of Steve Kodman, assistant solicitor of Aiken, Barnwell, and Bamberg.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, on Friday, Congress will have the opportunity to vote on the balanced budget amendment. This legislation will limit Congress from spending more than it receives in revenues unless both the House and Senate agree with a three-fifths vote. Under the current President, the national debt has increased at 34 percent and grown to almost $15 trillion. With the Federal Government borrowing 42 cents for every dollar it spends, it is past time to take action fulfilling the first bill, introduced by my predecessor, the late Chairman Floyd Spence, for a balanced budget amendment. The passage of the balanced budget amendment will help grow the economy and create jobs. I hope both parties will come together and pass the balanced budget amendment, which will put America back to work and promote small business job creation. 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 I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Neal Patel, a committed staff member in the office of the Second Congressional District of South Carolina. After little more than a year, Neal is departing the office to join Congressman Charles Boustany's staff and serve as his communications director to further the Republican plans to create jobs. A native of Nichols, South Carolina, Neal is a graduate of the University of North Carolina and Charleston School of Law. I have worked with his parents, Ashvin and Suwarna Patel in the motel industry for over 30 years, and I know they are proud of their son's achievements. Neal has been a tremendous asset for the people of the Second Congressional District. From his early days as an intern to now communications director, Neal has represented our office with enthusiasm and professionalism. It is with sincere gratitude that I would like to thank Neal for his dedication. 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, November is Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month 2011 in the Second Congressional District of South Carolina. Pulmonary Hypertension, PH, is the condition of continuous high blood pressure in the arteries or veins of the lungs which can result in an enlarged heart, causing it to lose its ability to pump. PH symptoms are similar to common respiratory and cardiac ailments and is therefore difficult to properly diagnose. It often leads to life-threatening delays in treatment. Although there is no cure for the disease, there is hope. Unfortunately, the medications can be expensive and invasive, with some patients requiring continuous infusion pumps and oxygen. The Pulmonary Hypertension Association, PHA, a patient support charity group, raises funds for research, promotes awareness, and proves educational and emotional support to the estimated 30,000 diagnosed patients in the United States. It has helped to establish 235 patient support groups throughout the nation, including four groups in South Carolina that serve over 150 patients, caregivers and family members across the state. On behalf of the Pulmonary Hypertension patients in the Second Congressional District of South Carolina, I would like to bring awareness to their cause by citing November 2011 as Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to congratulate President-Elect Rosen Plevneliev who was declared the winner of Bulgaria's presidential election on Monday in an outcome that now gives his party control over all major government posts and will bolster its push for painful economic reforms, according to The Washington Examiner. President-Elect Plevneliev won Sunday's contest with 52.56 percent of the vote, according to the Central Election Commission in its final tally. It said the turnout was 48 percent. Most of the power in the Balkan country of 7.4 million people rests with Prime Minister Boiko Borisov and Parliament, but the president leads the armed forces and can veto legislation and sign international treaties. He also names ambassadors and the heads of the intelligence and security services. The governing GERB party now controls Bulgaria's top two executive positions and Parliament. President-Elect Plevneliev, 47, is a former entrepreneur who has been lauded for pushing through several large-scale infrastructure projects as regional development minister. He has been a member of the board of directors of the American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham). He has pledged to reduce the budget deficit and pursue business-friendly policies. He also said he would do his best to unite Bulgarians in pursuit of reforms in the judicial and health care systems, while diversifying energy supplies and improving trade. President-Elect Plevneliev will take office on January 23. He will replace President Georgi Parvanov, who was barred by law from seeking re-election because he had served two five-year terms. The center-right GERB party also scored victories in the run-off elections for local mayors in most of Bulgaria's big cities, including in the capital, Sofia. Congratulations President-Elect Plevneliev and best wishes for success in serving the people of Bulgaria which is a valued partner of America.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Two weeks ago, I traveled to Fort McMurray in the province of Alberta, in Canada, with subcommittee chairman John Shimkus of Illinois and Congressman Bob Latta of Ohio of the Energy and Commerce Committee. We were accompanied by the Honorable Cal Dallas, the Minister of Intergovernmental, International and Aboriginal Relations for Alberta. We were welcomed to Edmonton by the Honorable Alison Redford, the newly inaugurated Premier of Alberta. The purpose of this visit was to see firsthand the development of Canadian oil sands and to fully understand the positive impact this exploration has for the American people. We were briefed on the Keystone pipeline and how this project creates jobs. We saw the environmental stewardship where development is subject to environmental standards that are among the most stringent in the world. The Government of Alberta requires that companies remediate and reclaim 100 percent of the land after the oil has been extracted. This project will connect a growing supply of Canadian oil with the largest refining markets in the United States and will significantly reduce America's reliance on oil from overseas as new jobs are created in Canada and America. As oil sands production grows in the next 4 years, the industry is expected to generate 340,000 new jobs. This is in addition to the 110,000 jobs currently provided. There are more than 900 American businesses that supply goods and services for the Canadian oil sands development. In my home State of South Carolina, oil sands development will add up to $128 million per year to the State's economy, and it will support nearly 2,000 jobs per year. Companies in South Carolina supply equipment, parts and services used in the oil sands projects and pipelines. In this picture, we are standing in front of a 12-foot-high tire made by Michelin in Lexington County, South Carolina. Each tire is valued at $60,000. The Michelin plants in Lexington currently employ over 500 people in the Earth-mover division. The tire manufacturer also has facilities in the upcountry of our State, with their North American headquarters in Greenville. There are also over 100 large mine haul trucks operating in the oil sands, powered by MTU engines. The engines are produced in Aiken County, South Carolina. By next year, the plant in Graniteville will be producing MTU's largest engine for the haul truck market. When MTU announced last year that Aiken County was to be its home for its new manufacturing facility, the company pledged to invest $45 million and to create 250 new jobs over 4 years. However, last month, plant officials said MTU is already employing 250 people and will achieve its investment goal by the end of this year. It's very simple. If Canadian families do well, American families do well. For every dollar the U.S. spends on imports from Canada, 90 cents is returned to the American economy, paying for equipment and services. Developing the oil sands is clearly more jobs for Canada and more jobs for America. We all know our country needs to be less dependent on oil from overseas. Canada's oil sands are clearly mutually beneficial to Canada and America and the security of North America. Very significantly, Canada's enormous deposits of 175.2 billion barrels of proven reserves of oil place it third in the world, and 170 billion of these barrels are in the oil sands. These deposits place Canada as one of the central sources of production growth in the coming decades. It represents about 60 percent of the world's accessible oil, which is right here in our neighborhood. I am grateful that Canada is our largest trading partner and the largest supplier of oil to America. Canada contributes 22 percent of the total oil imports for America's daily use of 19.1 million barrels. Congress has indicated its support for oil sands. In July, we passed the North American-Made Energy Security Act. This bill urges the President to approve the pipeline. I appreciate jobs for Alberta which produce jobs for America.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta recently warned Congress that if the deficit reduction process does not succeed, the Department of Defense could be cut by $1 trillion. These cuts will threaten the effectiveness of the world's greatest Armed Forces which provide peace through strength. According to Secretary Panetta, these cuts would increase America's unemployment rate by 1 percent, nearly 1.5 million workers. Drastic cuts will limit advanced equipment that is essential to protect our servicemembers who are defeating terrorists overseas. For the United States to successfully continue to protect its families, Congress should not further cut the defense budget, which destroys jobs and undermines our manufacturing base. Yesterday in Roll Call, Army Secretary John McHugh, our former colleague, advised, ``We can't break faith with the men and women who fought for us during the past decade.'' In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of South Carolina's heroic sons, U.S. Army Specialist Joseph B. DeLoach, from Ruffin, South Carolina. In 2010, Specialist DeLoach was injured by an RPG while in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. He was serving as a cavalry scout with the 1-32 Cavalry Squadron, 101st Airborne (Air Assault), out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. The following poem, composed by Mr. Bert Caswell, an appreciated Capitol tour guide, is a testament to this true American hero. Out in Front All in times for war! There, are but all of those who so insure! With Scouts Out in front, you must believe! For way out up ahead, there are all of those fine soul who have died and bled! As all out there on the very edge of death, they so live . . . All for Country Tis of Thee, so much they give! Scouts Out, Heroes who no doubt . . . may not be coming home! Gathering Intel, melding into the battle zone . . . knowing so very well, death lies close! As they may be gone for days and days, for only our Lord God so knows where are they! All to help win all those wars! Airborne! As to new heights Blake, your fine heart has soared! For when they sign you up on that line, You know for sure that you so live on all borrowed time! Realizing, on each new day . . . you but live on, someone else's prayers! All for love of Country Tis of Thee, they cheat death we see! Out of RECON, all by themselves as they must be! As their magnificient souls go so far beyond! Oh Yea Blake, Rambo aint got nothing on you . . . as into that darkness disappearing, your gone! The ones who so lead the way, and for all of them and their fine families we now so pray! Way out up ahead, as into that darkness all by themselves as they've so led! Give Blake some C4 and DEC CORD, and he will blow up anything all for . . . All for that old red, white and blue! For he's a true Son of the South . . . through and through! Scouts out! Bad to the bone, as Blake that's you . . . the title that you now so own! As an American Hero so tried and true, but The Best That South Carolina Can So Do! In Seven months in Iraq, you were involved in six exploded IED's attacks! And then on that fateful day, after recovering from his injuries re upping so bravely! In Afghanistan, with your name on it . . . you met an RPG that your sight so ripped! Right on the very edge of death, four times . . . As your Brothers in Arms rushing in . . . your so blessed! As an Angel on the Battlefield, named SPC Resmondo . . . so brought you back from death! As you magnificient warrior, so lost your sight . . . And yet you see far much more clearer than any of us tonight! As you'd do it all again, All Out in Front . . . As so magnficiently, bringing to all your light! Scouts Out, are some of our nation finest men . . . who are Devout! As it's only upon themselves, they they must so count! As this strong South Carolina son, was raised by his fine mom and dad . . . To be such the one! But, there's even more greatness still to come . . . all in Blake's three young sons! Ethan, Bryson, and Joey Jr., are but Blake's greatest of all loves! Now, Blake is ``Out in Front'' all in his recovery, as he's on the hunt! Because, Scouts fight, and they don't run! A quiet calmness all in his heart has so begun! And if ever I have a son, I wish he could be like this one! Whose, life speaks volumes . . . all because of what he's so said and done! As one day up in Heaven, one again, Blake you will be Out in Front! For all you've done, and you will see our Lord my son!

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, sadly more than 14 million Americans are still without a job. The unemployment rate has been above 8 percent for the last 2\1/2\ years. As the Vice President recently acknowledged, this administration is responsible for the current economic conditions of our country. House Republicans have sought to introduce legislation that will create jobs and put American families back to work by empowering small business owners, simplifying the tax code, encouraging entrepreneurship and growth, and maximizing domestic energy production. House Republicans have focused on job creation. By passing over 15 job bills since January, House Republicans have provided realistic solutions to America's economic woes. Now is the time for liberals in the Senate and this administration to change course from the failed policies of borrow, tax, and spend. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to congratulate the 2011 U.N. International Volunteer Award recipient, Dr. Animesh Sinha, who is a native of Irmo, South Carolina. Dr. Sinha is a general practitioner in Fiji, where he is the founder and medical director of the PRISM Health Initiative. PRISM provides medical care and access to the most underserved populations of Fiji. By providing its own tables, chairs, water gallons, medical equipment, and free medication, PRISM makes a difference. Due to Dr. Sinha's leadership, 200 to 400 patients per week are being treated in the most remote communities of Fiji. Congratulations also to my lifelong friends, his parents, Dr. Kausal Sinha and his wife, Arunima, who are revered community leaders of the Midstate of South Carolina. Indian Americans are making a difference around the globe, encouraged by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the President of Liberia, Ellen Sirleaf Johnson, for recently being awarded the Noble Peace Prize for 2011. She was given the award in conjunction with peace activist Leymah Gbowee and pro-democracy campaigner Tawakkol Karman. The trio was recognized for their nonviolent role in promoting peace, democracy, and gender equality. In typical fashion, President Sirleaf gave credit to the Liberian people, ``For we are now going into our ninth year of peace and every Liberian has contributed to it. We particularly give this credit to Liberian women, who have consistently led the struggle for peace, even under conditions of neglect.'' South Carolina has a special relationship with Liberia many founders of the Republic of Liberia having a South Carolina heritage. I know firsthand the mutual affection of the people of our two countries in that I was present for the re-opening of the AME University in Monrovia where my constituent African Methodist Episcopal Bishop David Daniels of West Columbia, presided with Pastor Ronnie Brailsford of Bethel AlVIE, Columbia, SC. Appropriately Bishop Daniels is the Bishop of the Diocese of South Carolina and Liberia. Her leadership has proven instrumental in restoring democracy and lasting peace in Liberia which had been devastated by Civil War. President George W. Bush was effective in demanding abdication by the murderous dictator Charles Taylor.