Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Senator Glenn McConnell (R-Charleston) presided over the historic inauguration in Columbia, South Carolina, on January 12, 2011, as President of the State Senate. With the Inauguration of Governor Nikki Randhawa Haley as the first female Governor in the 341-year history of the state and in the first all-Republican inauguration in over 130 years, Senator McConnell delivered a moving tribute to our Constitution: Welcome to the inauguration of the 117th Governor of South Carolina and for the Inauguration of the Lt. Governor of South Carolina and Constitutional Officers. As a wife and the mother of two, Nikki Haley understands the importance of what is at stake both for our state and for her family. With young children and a husband who wears the uniform of our state and Nation, she should know full well the importance of what is ahead in the coming years for our state and this country, and knowing that, she has offered herself for service in this difficult time. Her steadfast convictions have brought her here today ready to do what she believes is best for all South Carolinians. We have come again to celebrate the wonder of our system of government--a system of government that allows for the transition of power from one person to another without the need for guns or violence but with only words and ideas. We have all been called to serve for myriad reasons. We all have different ideas and varied goals. Despite our different issues and the different paths we take to get there, our legislative journey must all have the same starting point--our oath of office. No matter the political party or our philosophical bent we all have one thing in common: the bedrock of our political service is our sworn oath to uphold and follow the constitution. To paraphrase Hugo Black, our constitution was not written in sand but in the foundation of our state and Nation. It is our bedrock and is not to be altered by the shifting winds of current sentiment. Our constitution must always be followed strictly and faithfully by those who elect to serve. It is what our founders put in place to protect those at home from those of us in Columbia and Washington. It is a limit on what we can do. The constitution is both the means to an end as well as the beginning and end of what we do. We must never allow our desire to achieve some laudable goal tempt us to try and bypass the constitution. No great right will ever justify the wrong needed to get there. Let us depart from each issue we confront as we leave this celebration--united in a desire to provide for a better future for our children and grandchildren. With God's will, we will muster the strength, wisdom and patience to do what we must do. Our state's motto is ``Dum Spiro Spero'' or ``while I breathe, I hope.'' Let us leave here and have each breath we take and each word we speak give hope to those at home that our best days are not behind us but yet are still ahead.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, South Carolinians are still celebrating Wednesday's inauguration of Governor Nikki Randhawa Haley of Lexington as the first female governor in the 341-year history of our State. She is the second Indian-American governor in American history, in the tradition of Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, recognizing the growing significance of Indian Americans in American society. Our family is very grateful for the swearing in of my oldest son, Alan Wilson of Lexington, as America's youngest attorney general. His prosecution experience will serve the people of South Carolina well. The inauguration was also historic for being the first all-Republican inauguration in over 130 years with Lieutenant Governor Ken Ard; Secretary of State Mark Hammond; Treasurer Curtis Loftis; Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom; Superintendent of Education Mick Zais; Adjutant General Bob Livingston, Jr., America's only popularly elected adjutant general; and Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers. 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 welcome the four new members of the South Carolina delegation to the 112th Congress. This past election, the voters of South Carolina let their voices be heard. The message was loud and clear: limit spending, with the largest Republican South Carolina delegation in over 130 years. The voters can rest assured the message was heard in Washington. These four conservative, successful small business leaders were elected based on their principles. Promises to reduce spending, limit government, and attain fiscal responsibility will now be real priorities. The people of South Carolina will benefit the most from this dynamic young team. The enthusiasm they bring is energizing. Congressmen Tim Scott, Jeff Duncan, Trey Gowdy and Mick Mulvaney are welcome to Federal public service. We will work together in making this the most accessible and accountable delegation for the people of South Carolina. 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. ``Every bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate shall, before it become a law, be presented to the President of the United States. If he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it, with his objections to that House in which it shall have originated who shall enter the objections at large on their Journal, and proceed to reconsider it.''

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, South Carolina has lost a titan of industry and a visionary to establish the modern Republican Party with the loss of Roger Milliken of Spartanburg. On this historic day of swearing-in the largest number of Republican Congressmen from South Carolina is more than 130 years, it is fitting to recognize the benefactor of establishing the two-party system in our state with an editorial from The Spartanburg Herald-Journal published December 31, 2010. Roger Milliken Left His Imprint on Most Aspects of Life in the Upstate enduring legacy No one in the 20th century had the impact on Spartanburg that Roger Milliken did. The businessman, philanthropist, political mover and conservationist, who died Thursday, affected most aspects of life in the Upstate. Spartanburg has the business climate it enjoys today because of Milliken. He saw the potential in this area and brought his corporate headquarters and his research center here. Milliken's presence and leadership led to the tremendous investment that European textile equipment manufacturers made in Spartanburg, and that international presence helped bring BMW here. Milliken doggedly fought to protect the nation's textile industry and American jobs from foreign competition. At the same time, he rebalanced his own business to adjust to world markets, finding new areas in which to compete. His foresight included knowing when to step down from the leadership of his company and paving the way for it to continue without him. Milliken was a political leader, supporting candidates in local, state and national politics. Long before South Carolina enjoyed its early spot in the presidential primary season, national candidates came to Spartanburg, raising the community's profile, because of the need to secure Milliken's support. He invested in the educational life of this community. Wofford and Converse colleges would not be the institutions they are today without his generous support. He helped found Spartanburg Day School. Milliken recognized that this region would need first-class air transportation to compete with other areas and attract industry. He helped establish Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, and the airport commission, for the first time in its more than 50-year history, now has to look for a new chairman. It would be appropriate for the airport to be renamed in Milliken's honor. He also left his mark on Spartanburg in a very visible way. He was passionate about trees, creating arboretums at his research center and on the Wofford campus. His Noble Tree Foundation has helped to improve the environment in many cities. One of Spartanburg's most popular parks is not a public park at all. It is the grounds of the Milliken Research Center, a beautiful landscape planted with a multitude of diverse trees. It has been open to the public so that generations of Spartanburg families have been able to enjoy feeding ducks at the pond or walking the sunny grounds. Many wealthy businessmen focus on building their companies, their wealth and their power. Milliken was accomplished in these areas, but he also focused on building this community and region. His legacy includes the education and transportation systems we rely on today, an economic climate that enabled Spartanburg to weather the loss of the textile industry and even much of the beauty of this community. Milliken left instructions that his epitaph would read simply, ``Builder.'' It is accurate. More than anyone else in the previous century, Roger Milliken built Spartanburg.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, congratulations to our former Colleague from New Jersey, Mike Ferguson, and his wife Maureen Ferguson on the birth of their new daughter Lucy Therese Ferguson. Lucy was born on Wednesday, December 15, 2010, at Sibley Hospital in Washington, DC. Lucy Therese Ferguson is eight pounds and two ounces of pride and joy to her loving grandparents, Patrick and Esther Malloy of West Swanzey, New Hampshire, and Tom Ferguson of Wellington, Florida. I am so excited for this new blessing to the Ferguson family and wish them all the best.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise to express my concerns about the Senate Amendment to H.R. 6523, the Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011. The Senate amendment struck Title XVII of the underlying bill, once again, denying the people of Guam the promise of closure and justice on the matter of Guam War Claims. The text of Title XVII was a compromise that eliminated payments to descendents of survivors of the brutal occupation that were subjected to personal injury. I support that compromise; in fact, I am an original co-sponsor of H.R. 44, the Guam World War II Loyalty Recognition Act. It is important that we bring closure to this long standing injustice for the people of Guam. It is even more important given that the realignment of Marines from Okinawa to Guam will begin in earnest over the coming year. I have travelled to Guam on a number of occasions and have been so impressed by the patriotism of the people led by Governor Felix Camacho and First Lady Joann Camacho, and I recognize the importance of this legislation to the Chamorro people. I look forward to working with Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo and Incoming Chairman Congressman Buck McKeon, incoming Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, to address this matter in next year's defense authorization bill. It is time to finally bring closure to this long standing matter for the people of Guam which is so strategic for our nation's defense and where America's day begins. I appreciate the tireless efforts of Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo's service for the people of Guam.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I am grateful to welcome the addition of a new congressional seat to my home State of South Carolina, one of America's fastest growing States. The Census Bureau announced the State's population has grown enough to merit one more Representative in Congress. Our State has been enhanced by transplants from the Midwest and Northeast and from people across the world due to a mild climate and lower tax rates. After 80 years, it appears we will regain a seventh House Member. The people of South Carolina will now have another advocate on their behalf in Washington and another electoral vote for President. Growing our representation on Capitol Hill is a key factor in achieving goals for the people of South Carolina. Our State will have another voice fighting for conservative principles with the new district on the Grand Strand with Florence. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the global war on terrorism. Godspeed to Marine Captain Ky Hunter, who has successfully accomplished her service for the people of the Second District of South Carolina, and now will be in the liaison office of the Marine Corps.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, today I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to a dedicated staffer in the office of the Second Congressional District of South Carolina. Pepper Pennington will be leaving the office to become chief of staff for Congressman- elect Daniel Webster of Florida's Eighth Congressional District. Pepper has done a wonderful job serving the people of South Carolina's Second District since November 2009. As communications director, she has been the main contact between the office and members of the media. Pepper has been dedicated, hardworking, and is a valuable asset to the people of South Carolina. Pepper began her career on Capitol Hill in the Office of Congressman Tom Feeney of Florida and served as communications director for Congressman Paul Broun of Georgia. Pepper is the daughter of Cass and Cindy Pennington. She is a graduate of the University of Florida, and she is a diehard Gator fan. Pepper is engaged to marry Dave Natonski. She is a credit to the people of South Carolina and Florida. I wish her Godspeed. While I am sad to see her leave, I am even more proud to see her achieve such success. She will be truly missed in the office, and I wish her all the success in her new position. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I submit the following for the Record: What follows is an abridged transcript from The American Thinker by Alan Fraser of an extraordinary speech given by Lieutenant General John F. Kelly USMC on November 13, 2010. What renders it so is that General Kelly's son, First Lieutenant Robert Michael Kelly, was killed in action in Sangin, Afghanistan only four days before Lt. Gen. Kelly gave this speech. Lt. Gen. Kelly's eldest child is also a U.S. Marine. The American Thinker wrote earlier about this incident to which the general refers in his speech of Corporal Jonathan Yale and Lance Corporal Jordan Haerter. Recall that it occurred at a time when it appeared that our troop surge in Iraq had perhaps stabilized what had been for several years a horrific situation. Now think about how that troop surge--in fact, the entire war--would have been viewed had fifty of our Marines been massacred in their sleep on that April night in 2008. And finally, as we are in the season, it's good to remind ourselves that it is only because of men like Yale, Haerter, Gen. Kelly, and his brave sons that we are able to celebrate our holidays and not those of our enemies. [Semper Fi Society of St. Louis Speech] (By LTG Kelly on Nov. 13, 2010) Nine years ago two of the four commercial aircraft took off from Boston, Newark, and Washington. Took off fully loaded with men, women and children--all innocent, and all soon to die. These aircraft were targeted at the World Trade Towers in New York, the Pentagon, and likely the Capitol in Washington, D.C. . . . Three found their mark. No American alive old enough to remember will ever forget exactly where they were, exactly what they were doing, and exactly who they were with at the moment they watched the aircraft dive into the World Trade Towers on what was, until then, a beautiful morning in New York City. Within the hour 3,000 blameless human beings would be vaporized, incinerated, or crushed in the most agonizing ways imaginable. The most wretched among them--over 200--driven mad by heat, hopelessness, and utter desperation leapt to their deaths from 1,000 feet above Lower Manhattan. We soon learned hundreds more were murdered at the Pentagon, and in a Pennsylvania farmer's field. Once the buildings had collapsed and the immensity of the attack began to register most of us had no idea of what to do, or where to turn. As a nation, we were scared like we had not been scared for generations. Parents hugged their children to gain as much as to give comfort. Strangers embraced in the streets stunned and crying on one anther's shoulders seeking solace, as much as to give it. Instantaneously, American patriotism soared not ``as the last refuge'' as our national-cynical class would say, but in the darkest times Americans seek refuge in family, and in country, remembering that strong men and women have always stepped forward to protect the nation when the need was dire--and it was so God awful dire that day--and remains so today. There was, however, a small segment of America that made very different choices that day . . . actions the rest of America stood in awe of on 9/11 and every day since. The first were our firefighters and police, their ranks decimated that day as they ran towards--not away from--danger and certain death. They were doing what they'd sworn to do-- ``protect and serve''--and went to their graves having fulfilled their sacred oath. Then there was your Armed Forces, and I know I am a little biased in my opinion here, but the best of them are Marines. Most wearing the Eagle, Globe and Anchor today joined the unbroken ranks of American heroes after that fateful day not for money, or promises of bonuses or travel to exotic liberty ports, but for one reason and one reason alone; because of the terrible assault on our way of life by men they knew must be killed and an extremist ideology that must be destroyed. A plastic flag in their car window was not their response to the murderous assault on our country. No, their response was a commitment to protect the nation swearing an oath to their God to do so, to their deaths. When future generations ask why America is still free and the heyday of Al Qaeda and their terrorist allies was counted in days rather than in centuries as the extremists themselves predicted, our hometown heroes--soldiers, sailors, airmen, Coast Guardsmen, and Marines--can say, ``because of me and people like me who risked all to protect millions who will never know my name.'' As we sit here right now, we should not lose sight of the fact that America is at risk in a way it has never been before. Our enemy fights for an ideology based on an irrational hatred of who we are. Make no mistake about that no matter what certain elements of the ``chattering class'' relentlessly churn out. We did not start this fight, and it will not end until the extremists understand that we as a people will never lose our faith or our courage. If they persist, these terrorists and extremists and the nations that provide them sanctuary, they must know they will continue to be tracked down and captured or killed. America's civilian and military protectors both here at home and overseas have for nearly nine years fought this enemy to a standstill and have never for a second ``wondered why.'' They know, and are not afraid. Their struggle is your struggle. They hold in disdain those who claim to support them but not the cause that takes their innocence, their limbs, and even their lives. As a democracy--``We the People''--and that by definition is every one of us--sent them away from home and hearth to fight our enemies. We are all responsible. I know it doesn't apply to those of us here tonight but if anyone thinks you can somehow thank them for their service, and not support the cause for which they fight--America's survival-- then they are lying to themselves and rationalizing away something in their lives, but, more importantly, they are slighting our warriors and mocking their commitment to the nation. Since this generation's ``day of infamy'' the American military has handed our ruthless enemy defeat-after-defeat but it will go on for years, if not decades, before this curse has been eradicated. We have done this by unceasing pursuit day and night into whatever miserable lair Al Qaeda, the Taliban, and their allies, might slither into to lay in wait for future opportunities to strike a blow at freedom. America's warriors have never lost faith in their mission, or doubted the correctness of their cause. They face dangers every day that their countrymen safe and comfortable this night cannot imagine. But this has always been the case in all the wars our military have been sent to fight. Not to build empires, or enslave peoples, but to free those held in the grip of tyrants while at the same time protecting our nation, its citizens, and our shared values. And, ladies and gentlemen, think about this, the only territory we as a people have ever asked for from any nation we have fought alongside, or against, since our founding, the entire extent of our overseas empire, as a few hundred acres of land for the 24 American cemeteries scattered around the globe. It is in these cemeteries where 220,000 of our sons and daughters rest in glory for eternity, or are memorialized forever because their earthly remains are lost forever in the deepest depths of the oceans, or never recovered from far flung and nameless battlefields. As a people, we can be proud because billions across the planet today live free, and billions yet unborn will also enjoy the same freedom and a chance at prosperity because America sent its sons and daughters out to fight and die for them, as much as for us. The comforting news for every American is that our men and women in uniform, and every Marine, is as good today as any in our history. As good as what their heroic, under- appreciated, and largely abandoned fathers and uncles were in Vietnam, and their grandfathers were in Korea and World War II. They have the same steel in their backs and have made their own mark etching forever places like Ramadi, Fallujah, and Baghdad, Iraq, and Helmand and Sagin, Afghanistan, that are now part of the legend and stand just as proudly alongside Belleau Wood, Iwo Jima, Inchon, Hue City, Khe Sanh, and Ashau Valley, Vietnam. None of them have ever asked what their country could do for them, but always and with their lives asked what they could do for America. While some might think we have produced yet another generation of materialistic, consumeristic and self-absorbed young people, those who serve today have broken the mold and stepped out as real men, and real women, who are already making their own way in life while protecting ours. They know the real strength of a platoon, a battalion, or a country that is not worshiping at the altar of diversity, but in a melting pot that stitches and strengthens by a sense of shared history, values, customs, hopes and dreams all of which unifies a people making them stronger, as opposed to an unruly gaggle of ``hyphenated'' or ``multi-cultural individuals.'' I will leave you with a story about the kind of people they are . . . about the quality of the steel in their backs . . . about the kind of dedication they bring to our country while they serve in uniform and forever after as veterans. Two years ago when I was the Commander of all U.S. and Iraqi forces, in fact, the 22nd of April 2008, two Marine infantry battalions, 1/9 ``The Walking Dead,'' and 2/8 were switching out in Ramadi. One battalion in the closing days of their deployment going home very soon, the other just starting its seven-month combat tour. Two Marines, Corporal Jonathan Yale and Lance Corporal Jordan Haerter, 22 and 20 years old respectively, one from each battalion, were assuming the watch together at the entrance gate of an outpost that contained a makeshift barracks housing 50 Marines. The same broken down ramshackle building was also home to 100 Iraqi police, also my men and our allies in the fight against the terrorists in Ramadi, a city until recently the most dangerous city on earth and owned by Al Qaeda. Yale was a dirt poor mixed-race kid from Virginia with a wife and daughter, and a mother and sister who lived with him and he supported as well. He did this on a yearly salary of less than $23,000. Haerter, on the other hand, was a middle class white kid from Long Island. They were from two completely different worlds. Had they not joined the Marines they would never have met each other, or understood that multiple America's exist simultaneously depending on one's race, education level, economic status, and where you might have been born. But they were Marines, combat Marines, forged in the same crucible of Marine training, and because of this bond they were brothers as close, or closer, than if they were born of the same woman. The mission orders they received from the sergeant squad leader I am sure went something like: ``Okay you two clowns, stand this post and let no unauthorized personnel or vehicles pass.'' ``You clear?'' I am also sure Yale and Haerter then rolled their eyes and said in unison something like: ``Yes Sergeant,'' with just enough attitude that made the point without saying the words, ``No kidding sweetheart, we know what we're doing.'' They then relieved two other Marines on watch and took up their post at the entry control point of Joint Security Station Nasser, in the Sophia section of Ramadi, al Anbar, Iraq. A few minutes later a large blue truck turned down the alley way-perhaps 60-70 yards in length--and sped its way through the serpentine of concrete jersey walls. The truck stopped just short of where the two were posted and detonated, killing them both catastrophically. Twenty-four brick masonry houses were damaged or destroyed. A mosque 100 yards away collapsed. The truck's engine came to rest two hundred yards away knocking most of a house down before it stopped. Our explosive experts reckoned the blast was made of 2,000 pounds of explosives. Two died, and because these two young infantrymen didn't have it in their DNA to run from danger, they saved 150 of their Iraqi and American brothers- in-arms. When I read the situation report about the incident a few hours after it happened I called the regimental commander for details as something about this struck me as different. Marines dying or being seriously wounded is commonplace in combat. We expect Marines regardless of rank or MOS to stand their ground and do their duty, and even die in the process, if that is what the mission takes. But this just seemed different. The regimental commander had just returned from the site and he agreed, but reported that there were no American witnesses to the event--just Iraqi police. I figured if there was any chance of finding out what actually happened and then to decorate the two Marines to acknowledge their bravery, I'd have to do it as a combat award that requires two eye-witnesses and we figured the bureaucrats back in Washington would never buy Iraqi statements. If it had any chance at all, it had to come under the signature of a general officer. I traveled to Ramadi the next day and spoke individually to a half-dozen Iraqi police all of whom told the same story. The blue truck turned down into the alley and immediately sped up as it made its way through the serpentine. They all said, ``We knew immediately what was going on as soon as the two Marines began firing.'' The Iraqi police then related that some of them also fired, and then to a man, ran for safety just prior to the explosion. All survived. Many were injured . . . some seriously. One of the Iraqis elaborated and with tears welling up said, ``They'd run like any normal man would to save his life.'' ``What he didn't know until then,'' he said, ``and what he learned that very instant, was that Marines are not normal.'' Choking past the emotion he said, ``Sir, in the name of God no sane man would have stood there and done what they did.'' ``No sane man.'' ``They saved us all.'' What we didn't know at the time, and only learned a couple of days later after I wrote a summary and submitted both Yale and Haerter for posthumous Navy Crosses, was that one of our security cameras, damaged initially in the blast, recorded some of the suicide attack. It happened exactly as the Iraqis had described it. It took exactly six seconds from when the truck entered the alley until it detonated. You can watch the last six seconds of their young lives. Putting myself in their heads I supposed it took about a second for the two Marines to separately come to the same conclusion about what was going on once the truck came into their view at the far end of the alley. Exactly no time to talk it over, or call the sergeant to ask what they should do. Only enough time to take half an instant and think about what the sergeant told them to do only a few minutes before: ``. . .let no unauthorized personnel or vehicles pass.'' The two Marines had about five seconds left to live. It took maybe another two seconds for them to present their weapons, take aim, and open up. By this time the truck was half-way through the barriers and gaining speed the whole time. Here, the recording shows a number of Iraqi police, some of whom had fired their AKs, now scattering like the normal and rational men they were-some running right past the Marines. They had three seconds left to live. For about two seconds more, the recording shows the Marines' weapons firing nonstop . . . the truck's windshield exploding into shards of glass as their rounds take it apart and tore in to the body of the son-of-a-bitch who is trying to get past them to kill their brothers--American and Iraqi-- bedded down in the barracks totally unaware of the fact that their lives at that moment depended entirely on two Marines standing their ground. If they had been aware, they would have know they were safe . . . because two Marines stood between them and a crazed suicide bomber. The recording shows the truck careening to a stop immediately in front of the two Marines. In all of the instantaneous violence Yale and Haerter never hesitated. By all reports and by the recording, they never stepped back. They never even started to step aside. They never even shifted their weight. With their feet spread should width apart, they leaned into the danger, firing as fast as they could work their weapons. They had only one second left to live. The truck explodes. The camera goes blank. Two young men go to their God. Six seconds. Not enough time to think about their families, their country, their flag, or about their lives or their deaths, but more than enough time for two very brave young men to do their duty . . . into eternity. That is the kind of people who are on watch all over the world tonight--for you. We Marines believe that God gave America the greatest gift he could bestow to man while he lived on this earth--freedom. We also believe he gave us another gift nearly as precious-- our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Coast Guardsmen, and Marines-- to safeguard that gift and guarantee no force on this earth can every steal it away. It has been my distinct honor to have been with you here today. Rest assured our America, this experiment in democracy started over two centuries ago, will forever remain the ``land of the free and home of the brave'' so long as we never run out of tough young Americans who are willing to look beyond their own self-interest and comfortable lives, and go into the darkest and most dangerous places on earth to hunt down, and kill, those who would do us harm. God Bless America, and . . . SEMPER FIDELIS!

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I am very honored to join in with my colleague Congressman Cuellar in support of this legislation which was introduced by Senator Saxby Chambliss. I know that it has been championed by Congressman Lynn Westmoreland. I particularly have an interest in recognizing Lieutenant Collins. I am very grateful, myself, to be the son of a Flying Tiger. I am very grateful to have served for 31 years in the Army Guard and Reserve. In fact, I was stationed many summers at Fort Stewart, Georgia, so I identify with the 3rd Infantry Division. I am particularly grateful that I have four sons currently serving in the military. Two of my sons have served in Iraq. And so I know the great efforts of our troops and the sacrifices of military families. His obituary truly indicates an extraordinary young person: ``First Lieutenant Robert Wilson Collins of Tyrone, Georgia, was killed in action on April 7, 2010, in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. First Lieutenant Collins was born in 1985 in Red Bank, New Jersey, and graduated from Sandy Creek High School, class of 2004. After high school, he graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, class of 2008. First Lieutenant Collins was the first member of the United States Military Academy class of 2008 to die in combat. He was serving as a platoon leader in B Company, 1-64 Armor Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. ``He is survived by his parents, Lieutenant Colonel Retired Burkitt Deacon Collins and Lieutenant Colonel Retired Sharon L.G. Collins of Tyrone, Georgia; paternal grandmother, Susan R. Collins of Laurel, Mississippi; aunts, Susan D. Groff of Lancaster, Pennsylvania; Mary Margaret Anderson and her husband Robert Earl of Ellisville, Mississippi; and Susan G. Stringfellow of Purvis, Mississippi; childhood sweetheart and girlfriend of 8 years, Nicolle Williams of Tyrone, Georgia; best friend, Andrew Gardner of Miami, Florida; his band of brothers: First Lieutenant Andrew Collins, First Lieutenant Sean Flachs, First Lieutenant Tim Konze, First Lieutenant Dan McLeod, Greg Maduro, First Lieutenant Phil Raquepau, and First Lieutenant Clifford Walker; battle buddy, First Lieutenant John F. Parsons; and numerous friends, extended family members, and comrades in arms.'' Funeral services were held April 17 at New Hope Baptist Church at 10 o'clock, and it was conducted by Rev. Scott Pickering, Dr. Rick Long, and Chaplain Lieutenant Colonel Mark Fairbrother officiating. Interment followed at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Newnan, Georgia. And in lieu of flowers, there was a request for donations to the First Lieutenant Robert Wilson Collins Patriot Spirit Scholarship, care of Bank of Georgia, 100 Westpark Drive, Peachtree City, Georgia 30269. Again, certainly the obituary, knowing that this was such an extraordinary young person, protecting our country by defeating the terrorists overseas, I am honored to join in urging support of the legislation. [From the Times-Herald.com, April 15, 2010] 1LT Robert Wilson Collins 1LT Robert Wilson Collins of Tyrone, GA, was killed in action on April 7, 2010, in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. 1LT Collins was born in 1985 in Red Bank, NJ, and graduated from Sandy Creek High School, Class of 2004. After high school he graduated from The United States Military Academy at West Point, NY, Class of 2008. 1LT Collins was the first member of the USMA Class of 2008 to die in combat. He was serving as a Platoon Leader in B Company, 1-64 Armor Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division. He is survived by his parents, LTC (RET) Burkitt (Deacon) Collins and LTC (RET) Sharon L.G. Collins of Tyrone, GA; paternal grandmother, Susan R. Collins of Laurel, MS; aunts, Susan D. Groff of Lancaster, PA; Mary Margaret Anderson and her husband Robert Earl of Ellisville, MS; and Susan G. Stringfellow of Purvis, MS; childhood sweetheart and girlfriend of 8 years, Nicolle Williams of Tyrone, GA; best friend, Andrew Gardner of Miami, FL; his Band of Brothers: 1LT Andrew Collins, 1LT Sean Flachs, 1LT Tim Konze, 1LT Dan McLeod, Greg Maduro, 1LT Phil Raquepau and 1LT Clifford Walker; Battle Buddy, 1LT John F. Parsons; and numerous friends, extended family members, and Comrades in Arms. Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 17 at New Hope Baptist Church (North Campus) at 10 o'clock with Rev. Scott Pickering, Dr. Rick Long, and Chaplain LTC Mark E. Fairbrother officiating. Interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Newnan. In lieu of flowers those desiring may make donations to the 1LT Robert Wilson Collins Patriot Spirit Scholarship, c/o Bank of Georgia, l00 Westpark Drive, Peachtree City, GA 30269. Those wishing can make an online condolence at www.parrott funeralhome.com. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5 until 8 p.m. at Parrott Funeral Home and Crematory in Fairburn, GA.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, at a time when Americans are worried about the state of the economy, the Senate tried to push a reckless $1.1 trillion spending bill. The omnibus bill contained over 6,000 earmarks costing taxpayers close to $8 billion. The 2,000-page bill took over 2 days to print. I agree with Speaker-elect John Boehner's statement: ``This bill represents exactly what the American people have rejected: more spending, more earmarks, and more big government.'' Senate liberals tried to bulldoze this legislation with pork-filled spending. For example, $1.8 million to study swine odor and manure management in Ames, Iowa; $2.19 million for the Center for Grape Genetics in New York; $1.76 million for a honey bee lab in Texas. Withdrawing the bill shows the people can make a difference thanks to the Tea Party activists and radio talk show hosts such as Mark Levin. 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, we stand here today 7 months after the House passed its version of the 2011 defense authorization bill because the leadership of the other body dithered instead of doing the right thing for all members of our armed services. As a result, the Senate has not passed its version of the defense authorization. Then in a last minute rush to get a defense bill, any defense bill, we stand on the floor today to debate for 40 minutes under suspension of the rules a 900-page bill, a $600 billion measure that is a stripped down, weakened version of what the House enacted in May. We may hear some good things about the bill, but let me remind Members that this rush to have a bill has cost the men and women in uniform. This bill is stripping out key House provisions in the name of expediency. It falls short in many ways. This bill is named in honor of Chairman Ike Skelton who has devoted years of dedicated service to the men and women of the Armed Forces. I want to say thank you to Chairman Skelton for his unwavering commitment to the House of Representatives, to the Committee on Armed Services, and to every man and woman who is serving in uniform now and for the past 35 years. Regretfully, this bill which he heavily influenced through passage in the House does not fully reflect his lifelong commitment and dedication. Despite the omissions in the bill, I will reluctantly urge Members to support the bill.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, American Enterprise Institute fellows Peter Wallison and Edward Pinto have warned, ``It is hard to believe, but it looks like the government will soon use the taxpayers' checkbook again to create a vast market for mortgages with low or no down payments and for overstretched borrowers with blemished credit. As in the period leading to the 2008 financial crisis, these loans will again contribute to a housing bubble.'' They go on to state, ``The goal of Congress and regulators should be to foster the residential mortgage market's return to the standards that used to prevail in 1990, before the affordable housing requirements were imposed on Fannie and Freddie.'' We should fix the current problem. For starters, the Dodd-Frank Act needs to be amended so that quality standards are applied to FHA and other government agencies. This should not impair credit availability for the important home-building and real estate industries. As a former real estate attorney, I know the government should not overwhelm homeowners with mortgages they cannot afford. This destroys neighborhoods and families. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, first off, in the final days of the lame duck Congress, I'm grateful to join with Ranking Member Buck McKeon of California to be concerned that this outgoing majority has placed a higher priority on repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell than actually passing the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2011. The Defense authorization bill is crucial for our national security concerns and the welfare of our troops and their families and our veterans, and has passed for 48 consecutive years in some form. Secondly, as the son of a World War II veteran and as a 31-year veteran of the Army myself, and as the proud father of four sons currently serving in the military, I oppose attempts to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell in the waning days of this lame duck Congress. The service chiefs have urged caution because of the strenuous demands placed on our forces by the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. In fact, the Army Chief of Staff General George Casey, who I trained with at Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, said the following: I would not recommend going forward at this time given everything that the Army has on its plate. I believe that it would increase the risk to our soldiers, particularly on our soldiers that are deployed in combat. Commandant of the Marine Corps General James Amos had this to say: If the law is changed, it has strong potential for disruption at the small unit level. My recommendation is that we should not implement repeal at this time. Air Force Chief of Staff General Norman Schwartz: I do not think it prudent to seek full implementation in the near term. I think that is too risky. Mr. Speaker, the committees of jurisdiction must have time to examine the 370-page Pentagon report on the impact a repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell has on military readiness, recruitment, and morale. This attempt to hastily repeal in the final days of the defeated 111th Congress undermines that process, and I urge my colleagues to oppose this legislation in favor of hearings next year on this important issue.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, last week, my home State of South Carolina, along with Washington State and the National Association of Utility Regulators, headed by Commissioner David Wright, scored a victory in the battle for the Yucca Mountain project. A Federal court ruled in favor of a plan to continue the nuclear repository. The President's decision to abandon this project was editorially condemned as ``breathtakingly irresponsible'' as billions of dollars have already been spent to fund it. Utility customers of South Carolina have invested over $1.2 billion. The action also poses a security risk at dozens of nuclear waste disposal sites across the country. It means that vast amounts of nuclear waste will sit idle at the Savannah River site. This is unacceptable. Nuclear energy is clean energy. It has provided my home State over 50 percent of our electrical power for over 30 years, and it is an important part of our Nation's energy resources. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th. My sympathies to the family of George Campsen of the Isle of Palms, South Carolina.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke and his diplomatic career which lasted the better part of five decades. Ambassador Holbrooke's decorated career spanned the globe from Asia to Europe with stops at the U.S. State Department, United Nations, and most recently, as Presidential envoy on Afghanistan-Pakistan policy. His service shaped American foreign policy in such troubled areas as the Balkans and most recently in leading the U.S. in Afghanistan. I concur with the sentiments of many of my colleagues in that his stellar service is deeply appreciated and held in the highest esteem. As co-chair of the Afghanistan Caucus, I especially appreciate his promotion of a civil, democratic society for the people of Afghanistan. Ambassador Holbrooke will be deeply missed. I would like to express my condolences to his wife, Kati, his two sons, and two stepchildren along with the rest of the Holbrooke family. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson of Virginia struck down the individual mandate within the health care takeover as unconstitutional. This job-killing mandate infringes upon an individual's right to choose whether to participate in the government takeover. The ruling affirms that this legislation goes beyond the government's power to regulate interstate commerce. Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has taken the lead protecting citizens' rights and has been joined by South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster. Americans should not be forced to purchase health insurance by the Federal Government. Many small businesses cannot afford it. It is time that Congress repeal the government takeover of health care and replace it with a patient-centered program. This is the solution that provides a viable answer to America's health care issues. 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, Lexington County, South Carolina, received great news this week as Amazon.com announced plans to open a distribution center in Cayce. This will bring 1,200 jobs to the Midlands, and I truly thank Amazon.com for their economic commitment to our State. The Lexington County Council, with the Central Carolina Alliance, put together a positive incentives package, promoted by Economic Development Manager Chuck Whipple. Joe Taylor, Secretary of the South Carolina Department of Commerce, has proven his success of creating long-term private sector jobs. Under Secretary Taylor's leadership, the Department of Commerce has recruited 82,695 jobs and $16.7 billion in capital investment. As a result of local leaders like Secretary Taylor, the future is looking bright for South Carolina. His proven successor is BMW executive Bobby Hitt, named by Governor-Elect Nikki Haley. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the global war on terrorism. Welcome back to Washington Adjutant General-elect Bob Livingston, America's only elected adjutant general.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, a tax cuts resolution has finally been made to protect all Americans from the largest tax increase in American history. I am happy the President recognizes tax increases kill jobs, as documented by the National Federation of Independent Business, NFIB. This resolution protects South Carolina from losing 9,000 jobs a year and $3,000 per family of disposable income, as highlighted by the Heritage Foundation. I have two corrections. First, the death tax must be permanently repealed, as this double taxation destroys family-owned businesses. Secondly, I am concerned about extending unemployment benefits without paying for them. I understand that hardworking Americans find themselves needing assistance. A commonsense solution is to pay for an extension of unemployment benefits with unused stimulus funds. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Congratulations Lexington County Council for recruiting 1,200 new jobs with Amazon.com to the City of Cayce.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, Beaufort, South Carolina, is home to the Marine Corps Air Station, professionally commanded by Colonel John Snider. The Marine Corps Air Station plays a critical role in our national security operations and is home to six Marine squadrons and one Navy squadron, with an economic impact of $615 million annually. I hope the future is about to grow even brighter for Beaufort this week as we are optimistic that the final environmental impact study promotes F-35B squadrons in this great and historic community. It has been a pleasure to work with Senator Lindsey Graham to highlight Beaufort's pro-military community, mild climate, and existing facilities which provides for year-round training to military leaders including Marine Corps Commandant James Conway. If Alternative I is chosen to support the F-35s, Beaufort can expect to see over 1,500 new jobs and hundreds of private sector high-tech jobs, as promoted by the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce led by President Carlotta Ungaro and the Military Enhancement Committee chaired by General Garry Parks. I look forward to expanding the Sound of Freedom in the Lowcountry. 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, there is a great debate over the January 1 tax increases of over $2,000 annually per family. I strongly believe we need to extend tax relief for all Americans to create jobs, and I hope that the bipartisan issue of the adoption tax credit is also quickly extended. While extremely rewarding, the adoption process may be expensive, often pricing out hardworking individuals and couples. To help keep the dream of parenting alive, Congress originally passed, and President Clinton signed, a $5,000 tax credit per adoptive family. A great success, this credit was later increased to $10,000. Today, however, we are facing a looming deadline that threatens this financial incentive and compromises the ability of average American families to adopt. I urge Speaker Pelosi to immediately schedule a vote on H.R. 213, the Adoption Tax Relief Guarantee Act of 2009, before the adjournment of the 111th Congress. When it comes to the adoption process, lawmakers should work to advance the dream of a family. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the re-designation of the Defense Academy of Credibility Assessment, DACA, as the National Center for Credibility Assessment, NCCA. Part of the Defense Intelligence Agency, DIA, and located at Fort Jackson in the Second Congressional District of South Carolina, NCCA serves as the government's premier educational center for polygraph and other credibility assessment technologies and techniques. Its central mission is to assist federal agencies in the protection of U.S. citizens, interests, infrastructure, and security by providing the best education and tools for credibility assessment. For more than 50 years NCCA and its predecessor organizations have served as a core agency for the discipline of credibility assessment within the federal government, promoting standardization of credibility procedures, techniques, and applications across the federal government. By designating NCCA as a national center, the Department of Defense and Defense Intelligence Agency are taking an important step in helping to harness the rapid technological advances in the field of credibility assessment. As a national center, NCCA will be able to better focus efforts addressing the urgent needs of national and international partners combating terrorism, narcotics trafficking, and other criminal activity. As the national focal point for credibility assessment, NCCA will coordinate the development and fielding of new credibility technologies to address a broad range of defense, homeland security, intelligence, and law enforcement requirements, ensuring that the federal government's technologies, techniques and procedures are reliable and scientifically supportable. Madam Speaker, I am honored to have this important national asset in my district and I congratulate the leadership of DIA and the military and civilian employees at NCCA on this important recognition.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, the Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future is set to visit South Carolina and the Central Savannah River Area, CSRA, on January 6 and 7. Back in July, I invited the cochairmen of the commission to request that they hold their September meeting in the CSRA. I'm grateful that the commission is planning a visit. This is a perfect location for the President's nuclear commission to review policies related to the storage of nuclear waste. Waste material found in South Carolina is from the weapons production program of the Cold War resulting in victory over communism and also now from commercial nuclear reactors that produce energy. The Savannah River site should not indefinitely host nuclear waste. We should keep Yucca Mountain open. The closing has been criticized as breathtakingly irresponsible by The Post and Courier. The Greenville News editorialized last week that the Yucca closing is politically expedient but practically foolish. Nuclear energy is a clean, safe, and cost-effective energy source that has provided over half of the electricity in South Carolina for 30 years. But in order to keep it safe, we must have a permanent site for disposal. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.