Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor today, one of the greatest honors I have had in Congress, to welcome Pastor Charles Jackson, Sr., of Brookland Baptist Church, West Columbia, Lexington County, South Carolina. Pastor Jackson is a longtime family friend of our whole family. He actually began preaching at age 9. He was licensed at age 10. He was ordained at age 12. He became pastor of the church at age 18. And now, he is the longest serving pastor in the Midlands of South Carolina, 40 years of service. He has built a church from nearly 60 members to 7,819 members. And we are so grateful for his success. In fact, two of his members are active members and serve in the district office of the Second District of South Carolina: Earl Brown, a former deacon of the church, is our deputy director, and special assistant is Beverly Carter. So we truly identify. There are now 65 ministries in this church; the sanctuary, 2,300 seating. He provides a credit union, a banquet facility, a foundation. It really serves the people of the Midlands of South Carolina. I am grateful to be here with my colleague, Congressman Jim Clyburn, who also knows what an extraordinary person Pastor Jackson is. He is also a successful family man. His wife, Robin, is here. As first lady of the church, she is a beloved person in our community. Additionally, their son Charles is pastor of the New Laurel Street Baptist Church, and we are very grateful. His daughter Candace is a graduate of Duke Law School and is a member of one of the most prominent law firms of South Carolina, Nelson, Mullins, Riley & Scarborough. Also, four grandchildren: Kayla, Charles III, Caleb, and Carter. It is my honor to be here with Pastor Charles Jackson and thank him for giving our prayer today.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, all Americans have provided sympathy for the people of Japan due to the massive earthquake and tsunami, but I was grateful to learn last week at the Lexington Rotary Club, led by President Nick Pizzuti, that The Rotary Foundation is taking direct action. Special Assistant Bill Walker of the Second District Office is a dedicated Lexington Rotarian. The Rotary Japan and Pacific Islands Disaster Fund has been established for donations online worldwide. Rotary International President Ray Klinginsmith of Kirksville, Missouri, is promoting the people-to-people assistance in the best tradition of Rotary with his creed: Building Communities, Bridging Continents. Japan is a leading Rotary nation, and it is fitting the incoming RI president-nominee to continue the relief assistance is Sakuji Tanaka of the Rotary Club of Yashio, Saitama, Japan. As a Rotarian, I appreciate Rotarians worldwide, with hundreds of new clubs in formerly Communist countries from Bulgaria to Slovakia to Russia making a difference with Service Above Self. As with Polio Plus, Rotarians can achieve humanitarian assistance which creates worldwide records for effectiveness. 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 my good friend Thomas Gordy and his wife Theresa on the birth of their son Trenton Talmadge Gordy. Trenton was born on Tuesday, February 15, 2011, in Manassas, Virginia. He is welcomed home by his sister Sarah Gordy. Trenton Talmadge Gordy is seven pounds and one ounce of pride and joy to his loving grandparents, Timmy and Kay Gordy of Monroe, Louisiana, Toni and Michael LeBlanc of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Canoy and Lynn Mayo of West Monroe, Louisiana. I am so excited for this new blessing to the Gordy family and wish them all the best.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, citizens who cherish fairness in the media are rejoicing that Jerry Bellune, editor emeritus of the Lexington County Chronicle, has been named Journalist of the Year. The coveted honor was announced March 5 at the South Carolina Press Association's annual awards luncheon held in Columbia. Bellune was recognized for his more than half-century involvement in the industry. Bellune and his wife and business partner, MacLeod Bellune, have built the Chronicle into one of the best local newspapers in America, with more than 300 national and State awards. Their son, Mark Bellune, is continuing the tradition of professionalism with its creed: A Conservative Choice, Not a Liberal Echo. Bellune has been a tireless champion for taxpayers' dollars not being the government's money but clearly the people's money. His longtime crusade opposing excessive spending was endorsed last week by the Student Congressional Advisory Board of the University of South Carolina Student Government, which issued a thoughtful report to promote debt reduction as the student body's greatest concern. 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 to commend the work of the U.S.-India Business Council. Founded in 1975, the primary mission of the USIBC is to strengthen bilateral investments and trade between our two great nations. America and India now share $50 billion in annual trade that mutually benefits both countries. Our two democracies--the world's largest and the world's oldest--have held joint military exercises, increased two-way tourism, and have engaged in bilateral cooperation on many fronts, including the global war on terrorism. Thanks to the leadership of President Ron Somers, the USIBC, hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, has grown to 400 member companies creating jobs in America. Indian businesses have invested billions across the Nation, including Mittal Steel in Georgetown, South Carolina. For 36 years, USIBC has opened the doors of American businesses in India, creating jobs in both countries as strategic partners. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. I cherish the memory of Addison Morton Graves, who passed away 50 years ago on March 8.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the efforts of Representative Jeb Hensarling for introducing H.R. 836, the Emergency Homeowner Relief Program Termination Act. This bill prevents $1 billion from being spent on this failed program. In the current administration's budget, it is estimated that the program has a 98 percent subsidy rate. That means for every dollar spent, taxpayers lose 98 cents. This is bad for taxpayers and bad for American families. Making this reform possible is the South Carolina Federation of Republican Women, which has inspired the Republican revolution in South Carolina since 1961. This is the 50th anniversary of the election of the first Republican legislator in the 20th century, the late Charlie Borineau of Richland County. In 2010, the transformation was completed of all statewide elected officials being Republicans for the first time since 1876. Under the guidance of leaders such as our Governor, Nikki Haley of Lexington, with Jocelyn Staigar, Susan Dickson, Nikki Trawick, Carla Hardee, Kim Wellman, Betty Poe, Lisa Manini Sox, Grace Rentiers, Irby Shultz, Katrina Shealy, and Eaddy Roe Willard, this organization will continue to make a difference promoting limited government and expanded freedom. 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 Washington Post is correct today by headlining ``Obama allows indefinite detention,'' citing ``Guantanamo Bay Order Marks Shift'' as the ``U.S. also plans to resume trials by military commissions.'' I would like to commend the President for stating the administration will resume trials by military commissions for detainees that pose a threat to national security. Civilian courts were never the proper venue to try these enemy combatants. In the future, I hope the President will work with Congress in creating a comprehensive plan for the detention and prosecution of the detainees at Guantanamo Bay as we face the global war on terrorism. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I know firsthand of the professionalism of our dedicated military personnel at Guantanamo. I recently visited the facilities in January, led by Chairman Buck McKeon; and in July 2005 with former Chairman Duncan Hunter. Guantanamo Bay is a world-class detention facility to protect 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, Damian Paletta of the Wall Street Journal reported on the study by the Government Accountability Office revealing bloated budgets in government programs. The study examined a number of Federal agencies and found duplicative overlaps leading to wasteful spending of the taxpayers' money. The GAO found inefficiencies with 82 Federal programs to improve teacher quality, 56 programs to help people gain a working knowledge of finances, and 47 Federal programs for job training and employment. The study concluded that the effectiveness of many of these programs has not been assessed. At a time when the President proposes trillion-dollar deficits, the Federal Government cannot afford to be throwing away the people's money on wasteful programs. Efficiency should be at the forefront of all Federal spending to promote small-business job creation. I commend the efforts of Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma for being a driving force behind the study to uncover the overlapping of these programs. 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, January's tragedy of the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords highlighted the military medical education and training of three extraordinary physicians. I would like to recognize these doctors not only for their extraordinary abilities and service during the events in Tucson, but also for the fact they are all alumni of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences at Bethesda, Maryland. Retired Navy Captain Peter Rhee, serves as chief of trauma at the University Medical Center in Tucson. Dr. Rhee was trained by the USUHS to manage complex wounds under strenuous conditions. Dr. Rhee relied on more than 20 years of military medical experience to perform life- saving procedures in the hours following the tragedy in Tucson. Dr. Rhee's unique abilities helped to save the life of the Congresswoman. Dr. Rhee was assisted by interim chief of Neurology, Army Colonel Geoffrey Ling. Following the incident in Tuscon, Dr. Ling traveled to Afghanistan as part of a brain injury assessment team convened by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Dr. Ling was accompanied by Dr. Jim Ecklund. Dr. Ecklund is a highly regarded neurosurgeon who has had much experience caring for bullet injuries to the brain and a classmate of Dr. Rhee's at USUHS. The training provided by the military medical education allowed for these doctors to save the life of Congresswoman Giffords. I am grateful for their service to this country. I know first-hand of the world-class professionalism of USUHS because my second son is a proud graduate after attending the Naval Academy. In conclusion, God Bless our Troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week, I participated in a congressional delegation to visit troops and fact-find in Kuwait, Iraq, Bahrain, and Afghanistan. Immediately upon arrival, we were given an optimistic assessment of the region by Ambassador Deborah Jones in Kuwait. America's team in Baghdad, ably led by General Lloyd Austin and Ambassador James Jeffrey, confirmed the transition to an Iraqi lead is working with the professionalism of the Iraqi Army and police. A highlight for me was to meet with the 151st Expeditionary Signal Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Richard Wholey of the South Carolina Army National Guard to thank them and their families for their service. In Bahrain, we met top officials who assured us the reformist Crown Prince is leading negotiations to reduce conflict in this dynamic Persian Gulf ally where we visited the U.S.S. Lake Champlain's capable sailors. In Afghanistan, we saw firsthand in Kandahar the success of President Obama's surge where a surge of 30,000 U.S. troops last year motivated a surge of an additional 70,000 Afghans to fight terrorism. The Kabul team of General David Petraeus and Ambassador Karl Eikenberry are successfully denying terrorists a safe haven to attack American families. Godspeed to Danielle Simonetti Mauer, a Washington and Lee graduate, as she departs from House service for a new career. 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 Sean Dalton and his wife Kathryn Howell Dalton on the birth of their new baby girl, Genevieve Frances Dalton, who was born on Friday, February 4, 2011, at 7:59 p.m. in Alexandria, Virginia. Genevieve was 7 pounds, 10 ounces, and 19 inches long. I am so excited for this new blessing to the Dalton family and wish them all the best. I want to also congratulate Genevieve's grandparents Brenda and Larry Dalton of Cary, North Carolina, and Dorothy and Stan Howell of Charlotte, North Carolina, on this wonderful new addition to their family.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to congratulate my good friend, Thomas Gordy and his wife, Theresa on the birth of their daughter, Trenton Talmadge Gordy. Trenton was born on Tuesday, February 15, 2011, in Manassas, Virginia. She is welcomed home by her sister, Sarah Gordy. Trenton Talmadge Gordy is seven pounds and one ounce of pride and joy to her loving grandparents, Timmy and Kay Gordy of Monroe, Louisiana, Toni and Michael LeBlanc of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Canoy and Lynn Mayo of West Monroe, Louisiana. I am so excited for this new blessing to the Gordy family and wish them all the best.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the Republican House Leadership for following through on the Pledge to America. While the Democratic legislators in Wisconsin are fleeing from their responsibility, Republicans in Washington are working virtually around the clock into the weekend to create jobs by reducing excessive spending. In these first few weeks of the 112th Congress, Leadership has navigated the House through a flurry of activity. House Republicans have made good on several campaign promises such as: reducing government spending by cutting Congressional office budgets, stopping unnecessary printing, and repealing Obamacare which the NFIB reports will kill 1.6 million jobs. As Molly K. Hooper wrote in The Hill on Friday, ``Democrats like the openness in the GOP House.'' Leadership has done an extraordinary job in accomplishing much in such a short amount of time to live up to promises and reduce government borrowing to promote private sector 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, yesterday marked the gruesome second anniversary of the administration's misnamed stimulus plan. When this irresponsible plan of massive spending was introduced, liberals promised unemployment would not exceed 8 percent. At that time, House Republicans, led by John Boehner, explained that our Nation cannot borrow and spend our way to prosperity, and the failure of this stimulus plan is a sad reminder of this. Now, 2 years later, taxpayers have more than $817 billion added to the national debt. Unemployment is still above 9 percent and has been above 9 percent for 21 straight months. That means 14 million Americans are without jobs. Our debt is over $14 trillion. I have introduced legislation for an audit of the stimulus to show the American people where their tax dollars were spent. Where is the money? Where are the 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, on Monday, the proposed budget for next year was released by the current administration. This budget fails to address the issue of Washington's 4-year spending excess. The proposed budget freezes will not work. They will not provide a path to fundamental reform. The proposed budget destroys jobs by adding $1.3 trillion to the national debt. Bill Miller of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce reports that the budget leads to $175 billion in new tax increases. It cripples job creation by spending too much, taxing too much, and borrowing too much. Excessive borrowing by the government competes unfairly with small businesses. I support fundamental cuts that will promote private sector job creation. We cannot expect to borrow the way to prosperity. House Republicans are committed to combining sound policy with practical solutions to create jobs. We need to cut spending, reduce borrowing, keep taxes low, and provide the necessary tools to jump-start 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, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke of Dillon, South Carolina, is the latest leading economist to admit that out-of-control deficits could hurt our national economy. Last week, Mr. Bernanke warned, ``Sustained high rates of government borrowing would both drain funds away from private investment and increase our debt to foreigners.'' This borrowing would lead to higher lending costs for small businesses and consumers. This threatens small businesses across America trying to create jobs. At the same time, House Republicans are proposing billions in spending cuts. House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan called this is a ``down- payment'' in attacking Washington's spending spree. This is just the beginning. As Speaker John Boehner has stated, ``There's no limit to the amount of spending we're willing to cut.'' Republicans made a pledge to America, and we're now making good on it. 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, yesterday, Byron York, in the Washington Examiner, correctly recognized the memory of Ronald Reagan on the 100th anniversary of the President's birth. Without question, President Reagan stood for policies like lower taxes, less regulation, and a strong national defense. Having served President Reagan's Energy Secretary, Jim Edwards, as deputy general counsel from 1981 to 1982, I saw firsthand his success in reducing regulations; I witnessed the success of a strong national defense by being an International Republican Institute election observer in Bulgaria, witnessing captive nations achieve freedom and democracy, with victory in the Cold War causing the defeat of communism across Europe and Asia. Ed Meese was quoted for his contrasting the liberating policies of Reagan as opposed to the Big Government agenda of the current President. The resources for conservatives are highlighted in California at the Reagan Library at Simi Valley and the Reagan Ranch Center of the Young America's Foundation at Santa Barbara. 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 over 40 years Rhett Bickley has dedicated his time and effort to ensuring the preservation of South Carolina's ecosystem. From 1966 to 2000, Rhett worked for the South Carolina Forestry Commission where he served in numerous capacities ranging from Urban and District Forester to Director of Training and Safety. From 2000 to 2010, Rhett served as the Lexington County Landscape Administrator. In addition to his roles with the South Carolina Forestry Commission and as the Lexington County Landscape Administrator, Rhett served as Chairman of the Lexington County Soil and Water Conservation District and as Vice-chairman of the Greater Columbia Landscapee Association. He has encouraged community leaders such as attorney Jake Moore of IRMO to promote Labor Day tree plantings. Rhett also served as Commissioner of the Lexington County Soil and Water Conservation District from 2000-2010 and as Treasurer of the South Carolina Association of Conservation Districts from 2003-2008. Throughout his esteemed career Rhett has been the recipient of many distinguished awards. He was a Clemson University Outstanding Forestry Alumnus in 1982 and the South Carolina Wildlife Federation Forest Conservationist of the Year in 1985. Moreover, Rhett received the prestigious honor of being named a Certified Forester by the Society of American Foresters in 1999. Recently, Rhett retired from a 44 year career dedicated to ensuring the well-being of South Carolina's ecosystem. I appreciate Rhett's steadfast dedication to the Palmetto State and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, as Americans recognize Black History Month, I am honored that this month in the midlands of South Carolina that history is being made by the Reverend Dr. Charles B. Jackson, Sr. Dr. Jackson is being hailed on February 27 for serving a historic and extraordinary 40 years of dynamic leadership at Brookland Baptist Church in West Columbia. He began preaching at age 9, and at age 18 was installed as pastor, energizing one of the fastest-growing congregations in the Southeast. With great humility, he encouraged the church's 65 ministries. Dr. Jackson promoted a new sanctuary that seats 2,300, followed by a 68,000-square foot community resource center. In 2008, Brookland acquired a 94,000-square foot educational facility, with 11 acres downtown, while employing over 160 dedicated personnel. A second location was launched in Richland Northeast, pastored by Dr. Christopher Leevy Johnson. Dr. Jackson is married to the former Robin Hoefer, and he is the father of two children, Rev. Charles B. Jackson, Jr., pastor of the New Laurel Street Baptist Church, and Candace Jackson, an associate attorney with Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough; along with his daughter-in-law, the former Iva Gaymon; and four grandchildren, Kayla, Charles, III, Caleb, and Carter. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this week the House will consider House Resolution 38, which promotes a reduction of current spending to the 2008 levels or less for the remainder of the fiscal year. This legislation seeks to cure the illness in Washington known as runaway spending. For the past 4 years, liberals in Washington have been on a spending spree that has not only resulted in a loss of jobs, but also historic deficits. This job-destroying agenda is not sound policy for Americans today, and it burdens future generations of Americans with crushing debt. Last week the House took steps to repeal and replace the job-killing government takeover of health care. The NFIB, the National Federation of Independent Business, the largest organization in the United States of small businesses, reports that that will put 1.6 million jobs at risk. Now we must focus our attention on limiting spending levels. Currently, our national deficit stands at $14 trillion. Saddling future generations with today's debt is not the solution. The time has come to implement spending reforms to ensure we cut spending. The American people in November spoke clearly for fiscal responsibility. The tea party has made a difference--taxed enough already.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, this week I was startled to read in Free Times a brief by Corey Hutchins that the National Labor Relations Board announced plans to sue South Carolina and three other States because voters approved ballot amendments in November. In South Carolina, more than 85 percent of voters chose ``yes'' on an amendment to give employees the constitutional vote by secret ballot on union representation. This threat is an insult to the voters of the Palmetto State, and it is an insult to the sacred right of secret ballot. Sadly, this is an underhanded admission by the administration that union bosses want to evade voters and deny Congress its right to stop Card Check, which has forced unionization of workers. It's an admission workers know that today union leaders are more focused on their own personal enrichment with union dues than the rights of workers. Fortunately, South Carolina is a right-to-work State where workers are protected, new jobs are created, and we respect the votes of all citizens. I commend the efforts of South Carolina Representative Eric Bedingfield and Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler for sponsoring the amendment. 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, yesterday the House passed a bill that repealed the liberal unconstitutional health care takeover. I would like to congratulate my colleagues who voted in favor of the repeal of the job-killing health law act. The winning margin was new conservative Members elected in November to truly promote limited government and expanded freedom. Our work is not yet complete. Today, the House will be voting on true, real health care reform authored by Chairman David Dreier--reform that can make health care accessible, reform that will make health care affordable, reform that will not eliminate small businesses. I hope all Members will work together for this kind of health care reform. The measure we are voting on today will not deprive seniors of care. It will not create long waiting lines for the sick. It will not burden future generations of Americans with massive debt. Madam Speaker, this is the kind of health care reform Americans want to see. It's a solution for our families who need to preserve the doctor-patient relationship. 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 voice of the American people will be heard. The current administration's unconstitutional health care takeover is not the will of the people. Tea party participants have made a difference. The current law would cost taxpayers over $2.6 trillion. It adds to the rising health care cost. The health care takeover is not workable. The National Federation of Independent Business, NFIB, America's largest organization of small businesses, estimates it will eliminate 1.6 million jobs. Today's vote on Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act promotes a commonsense approach to the health care issues facing our country. Instead of forcing Americans to comply with a Big Government takeover of health care, repeal will open the discussion of providing affordable care to families, preserving the doctor-patient relationship and protecting jobs. This is what the American people want the new Congress to achieve. Now is the time to repeal the takeover and to forward a plan that provides for access and affordability. 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. Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your leadership. Mr. Speaker, one of the many threats of this unconstitutional health care takeover is the unfunded State mandates. In my home State of South Carolina, newly inaugurated Governor Nikki Haley has correctly warned that the Palmetto State cannot afford the health care mandate. Governor Haley even went so far as to ask the President to opt out of this unfunded mandate. The reason is because the health care takeover calls for an additional $1 billion in new State spending. The takeover will cripple small businesses. A recent study by the National Federation of Independent Business, NFIB, America's largest organization of small businesses, has indicated that the mandate will lead to the elimination of 1.6 million jobs. This law imposes burdens on all Americans. It's a threat to senior citizens in that it will lead to waiting lists, deferral services, and rationing. It's a threat to our Nation's youth in that it burdens them with excessive debt. Mr. Speaker, the liberal health care takeover destroys jobs, limits freedoms, and expands Big Government.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to congratulate my good friend Richard Perry, a Washington and Lee University graduate, and his wife Kristin Perry on the birth of their daughter Liza May Perry. Liza was born on Saturday, January 1, 2011, in Washington, DC. Liza May Perry is six pounds and two ounces of pride and joy to her loving grandparents, Anne and Robert ``Skipper'' Perry, Jr. of Aiken, South Carolina, and Winifred Joan Off of West Chester, Pennsylvania. I am so excited for this new blessing to the Perry family and wish them all the best.