Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I come to the floor today to honor our friend and ally Turkey. On October 29, 1923, the Turkish constitution was amended and Turkey officially became a Republic. During the Presidency of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the nation embarked upon a program of political, economic, and cultural reforms. The nation of Turkey now stands as a modern, secular nation-state which has been a long time friend to the United States. Turkey's economy has grown at a record pace and literacy and education rates continue to climb. Turkey stands as an inspiration to reformers in the greater Middle East and throughout the world. Over the past 87 years, Turkey's relationship with the United States has grown. Turkey has been a partner to the United States in NATO, the United Nations, as well as on the War on Terror. Beginning in the bloody Korean War of 1950, Turkish and American troops have fought side by side for victory over communism in The Cold War. Moreover, Turkey's work on human rights and energy security for Europe should be commended. Turkey has provided critical humanitarian and medical assistance in Afghanistan and in Iraq. We should congratulate the people and the Government of Turkey for their efforts over the past 87 years and we look forward to building on the current relationship in the future.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, on November 2nd, the American people amplified their voices to command a new way forward. They were tired of lawmakers strangling them with Big Government regulations instead of creating much-needed jobs, and they were tired of excessive borrowing and spending. Yesterday, the Republican Conference listened to the concerns of Americans and selected leaders who will transform the way business is done in Washington. I believe our team, led by John Boehner and Eric Cantor, will curb spending, create jobs, and promote opportunities to keep money in the pockets of hardworking taxpayers. I was particularly thrilled with the election of South Carolina's Tim Scott--from my birthplace of Charleston--to the leadership team. Congressman-elect Scott's business background and proven record of bringing jobs to South Carolina is a great addition to the new Republican leadership. I look forward to working with him to promote limited government and expanded freedom. 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, the top priority of Congress for this lame duck session should be extending the tax cuts for all Americans in order to create jobs and get people back to work. Once this important matter is completed, I strongly encourage Congress to consider ways to protect the privacy of airline passengers while keeping air travel safe and secure. Air travelers across America have come to expect a certain level of discomfort and anxiety when they fly; and for the most part, these American travelers are good sports and team players in the name of tight security. Recently, though, the patience and privacy of these travelers has been tested at a whole new level with full body scans. These intrusive scans are one such screening method that Congress should examine this year. I support the Aircraft Passenger Whole-Body Imaging Limitations Act, authored by Congressman Jason Chaffetz of Utah, to make sure the images lifted from scanners are not stored, transferred, or shared. 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, sadly Melissa Jane Dell of Ridgeland, South Carolina succumbed to Huntington's disease at age 40 on November 9, 2010. She was the daughter of Ouida and Wayne Dell and the mother of Bethany Dell. Her brother Eric Dell, Chief of Staff of the Second Congressional District, presented the following family witness on November 11, 2010, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. Melissa Dell--A Life of Love and Hugs I would like to begin by thanking God for my sister, Melissa. She was an inspiration to me and so many others. I also would like to thank everyone here today, as everyone has touched Melissa and our family in a special way. I especially thank family members who have been so faithful to Melissa over the past few years and especially the past month. Especially, Aunts Charlene, Linda, Karen, Pearnease, and Barbara and cousins Allison, Michael, Cynthia, David and Theresa. I also want to thank my mom for her tireless devotion and dedication to Melissa and Gayle and TaWanda who would come to care for Melissa whenever called. The last group I would like to thank is the caretakers and the staff and friends of Melissa at the adult day care and physical therapy in Ridgeland. She loved the day care and physical therapy and its people so much. She was never happier than when she was at the day care and physical therapy. God made a special person when he made Melissa. We are all created by God to serve a purpose here on earth. Her purpose was so special, and she fulfilled her purpose beautifully in 40 short years. Melissa suffered physically more than most of us in this church will ever suffer. But, she always had a smile on her face and hug in her hands. I want to talk a little about Melissa's younger years, but focus mainly on the last fifteen years of her life, as I think that is when Melissa truly shined here on her earthly journey. When we were growing up, Melissa was always the ``good'' child. I was the one that was always getting into trouble and she would never tell on me to mom and dad. Melissa and I enjoyed many fun times together playing in lakeview terrace with friends who are some of her pall bearers today. I remember the fun times of swimming in our pool, playing kickball, always being outside and eating ice cream from Mr. Bunton's ice cream truck. She ate so much ice cream that she gained the name ``Popsicle''. She enjoyed ice cream for as long as I can remember. She was an avid basketball and softball player in high school and always enjoyed being around people. She also attended Georgia Southern for three years and I remember visiting her there while in high school. She always made me feel older than I was, which I enjoyed at the time. I thought it was cool to have an older sister who was in college. She was a role model for me in that sense. She was always good at math and enjoyed working in restaurants because she enjoyed ``taking care of people.'' Melissa also had a strong love for her daughter Bethany. When Melissa could no longer drive, she would push Bethany all over town in a stroller to spend as much quality time with her as she could. I will always remember Melissa and Bethany playing silly games together and Melissa just having a ball. She was a great mother. As most of you know, Melissa fought Huntington's disease for the past 15 years or so. This is a horrible disease that my family has dealt with for many years. I firmly believe that God allowed her, instead of me, to have Huntington's disease because she was a much stronger person than me when it comes to handling pain and she had a better ability to show her love to others through this earthly pain. To those of you who have known Melissa, you have known a special person and have received a gift from God by knowing her. There is no doubt in my mind God used Melissa's suffering to show us His love and to further His kingdom. The more Melissa suffered and the closer she got to heaven the more I could see the Cross in her and the more she shared the Christian principles of Unconditional Love and Prayer. Just this week, I e-mailed my office staff about Melissa's passing and I received an e-mail back from one staffer that read: ``Sorry to hear this Eric. I will always remember Melissa reaching out to give me a hug as soon as I introduced myself--it was obvious she had a wonderful spirit--that has not changed!'' It's interesting that I received this e-mail after I had already begun writing this eulogy from the premise that was spelled out in this e-mail. I'm sure everyone here has received that wonderful unconditional hug from Melissa. She is now hugging everyone she sees in heaven. Melissa was a strong woman who promoted Love and Prayer throughout her earthly struggle with Huntington's and used her body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor. 6:19-20 states: ``Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?'' She couldn't speak as we do, but she furthered the Kingdom of God more than I could ever do. When preparing for this eulogy, I found a verse that is very appropriate and fitting to Melissa. 1 John 3:18: ``Let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.'' This is a perfect description of Melissa. As Huntington's began to overtake her body, she was not able to communicate with her tongue, so she communicated with her hands. To those of you who know her, you know, the first thing that she would do when you saw her was to raise her hands and hug you. It didn't matter if she was at home in her chair, in the hospital or out on the town, she would always want a hug from whomever she saw. She would even do this if I came in the house and she was half asleep. The more Melissa suffered, the stronger God showed us Jesus in her actions. God was using her body as a temple of the Holy Spirit to show us how Jesus wants us to love. Melissa didn't ask if someone was poor, rich, old, homeless, handicapped, young, black, brown, or white, she wanted to hug them and love them. If only we could be this loving in our daily lives. Can you imagine walking down the street and hugging everyone you see and showering them with love? Wouldn't that make for a wonderful, beautiful world? This was Melissa. This is what I remember about Melissa more than anything. She could not speak with her mouth, but she spoke way more with her actions than she could have ever done with her mouth. She was showing the love of Jesus to everyone she met regardless of infirmity, class status, race, or wealth. What a model for us to live by. Secondly, Melissa reminded us to pray. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 states that we should ``Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.'' God has placed people like Melissa in our midst to further His kingdom. Think about it for a minute, if we didn't have people like Melissa, we wouldn't lean on God and pray so much. God wants us to pray continually, not just occasionally, but continually. Melissa gave us reason to pray continually and draw us closer to Christ. I want you to remember this. When you see someone who is suffering from earthly challenges, think of Melissa and pray. What a great legacy to leave. Melissa taught us to love, unconditionally and to pray continually. There is no better gift. Through her suffering, she allowed Jesus to shine upon us and show us His way of love and prayer. She allowed Christ to use her suffering to expand His kingdom. In closing, I say to Melissa, the words of Matthew 11:28: ``Come to me, all who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. You are at rest now. You have served your God and are now at rest.'' Thank you for letting Jesus use your illness to shine on everyone you met. You are truly an angel sent from God and inspiration to all of us.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, after a year of having their requests for job creation policies fall on deaf ears, the American people have not only spoken; they've been finally heard. When it came to job creation, the American people made it perfectly clear they are no longer willing to play the waiting game. For 15 straight months over 14 million citizens have been without jobs. Despite these dismal numbers, liberal leaders in Congress continue to push for more strangling regulations and more government spending. I believe this is a new day, with a new way forward, including extending tax cuts and passing tax relief for all Americans, while providing the incentives to business to create jobs. It is now time to get the economy rolling, get people back to work, and get rid of Washington's runaway spending. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the global war on terrorism. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Specialist Joseph Deloach and Specialist Jeremiah Ashley, wounded warriors and American heroes whom I visited today receiving world-class care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I am happy to congratulate Stephen Gilchrist and his wife Tammie on the birth of their new son Daniel Bolden Gilchrist. Daniel was born on October 22, 2010, at 10:26 in the evening. I am so excited for this new blessing to the Gilchrist family and wish them all the best.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I am happy to congratulate Jason Rossbach and his wife Laurie on the birth of their new daughter Matilda Ann Graham Rossbach. Matilda was born on November 2, 2010, and is named after her two grandmothers. She is 7 pounds and 20 inches of pride and joy to her parents, who I wish all the best with this new blessing.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, after months of disastrous job losses and free-for-all spending sprees, it is quite obvious that a new way forward is very much needed. Through town hall meetings, district tours, and interactive forums, House Republicans heard the pleas from hardworking Americans wanting to correct Washington's misplaced priorities. Last week, we answered their call and provided concrete solutions for immediate action to create jobs, stop frivolous spending, enhance national security, improve health care, and reform a broken Washington. Not only will we extend tax cuts for all Americans, we will, additionally, allow small business owners to take a tax deduction equal to 20 percent. This is crucial that we move quickly on this NFIB goal, as it will allow entrepreneurs to keep their own earnings for investments for new jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Congratulations to Joy and Julian Wilson on the birth Friday, September 24, 2010, of Julian Dusenbury Wilson, Jr., at Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia, South Carolina.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, sadly, unemployment in South Carolina has increased to 11 percent. Citizens rightfully want to know where are the jobs? Republicans have made positive proposals to help small businesses create jobs, but they are falling on deaf ears. Americans across the country are hurting and cannot wait another day, let alone another few months, to know whether or not Congress is going to offer job creation incentives and tax relief. During these tough economic times, the last thing families need are more tax increases. The Heritage Foundation has some staggering numbers about how the incoming tax increases would kill jobs in South Carolina. The Heritage Foundation has found that the State of South Carolina would lose over 9,000 jobs a year, and South Carolina's families would loss $3,000 each in disposable income. If these statistics become a reality on our families, the impact would be catastrophic. We need immediate tax relief, not job-killing tax increases. 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, at the end of August the goal was achieved of a transition of security in Iraq from an active combat role of Americans to the security forces of the people of Iraq. All Americans should express gratitude for the courage and resolve of our military and military families. Newsweek's cover page of March 8 declared: ``Victory at Last,'' with the emergence of a democratic Iraq. The Wall Street Journal editorialized ``Victory in Iraq'' on August 30, citing ``the courage of the Americans who will fight in our defense.'' On September 6 the Washington Times proclaimed ``Mission Accomplished'' in Iraq. As the grateful father of two sons who served in Iraq and as cochairman of the Victory in Iraq Caucus established with our former colleague, Mark Green of Wisconsin, I know firsthand of the achievements of the American military personnel. I am confident with the leadership of General David Petraeus, based on the Bush success of Iraq, that the Obama surge in Afghanistan will promote liberty and peace. 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, tomorrow, September 17, is Constitution Day, a commemoration of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787. The role of the Federal Government, first debated by our Founding Fathers at the beginning of our new Nation, is still a topic of conversation over 200 years later. Recently, we have seen an explosive expansion of the Federal Government, with a government takeover of health care, national interference in our schools, and government control of our auto industry. Power is being shifted from the people and the States to the Federal Government. The Founders anticipated this dangerous growth of big government, so they drafted the 10th Amendment to the Constitution to ensure the Federal Government would only use powers granted specifically to them. As we take a moment today to remember the ratification, I hope we all remember that personal responsibility and less government intervention is a better way to promote liberty. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, in 108 days, liberals will impose the largest tax increase in U.S. history. This $3.9 trillion increase will impact every taxpayer, hurting small businesses and hardworking families by killing jobs, and a death tax devastating to family businesses such as auto dealers and farmers. I am offering an amendment to tomorrow's legislation that will prevent this job-killing tax increase by making the tax cuts permanent. I urge support for the amendment for an immediate up-or-down vote on tax cuts that are crucial to promoting jobs. Freezing tax rates for 2 years is the first part of the two-part plan that Republicans have to create jobs in America. The second step is cutting spending by 20 percent to stop Washington's reckless spending. The time is now to act, and I urge the Rules Committee to allow an up- or-down vote on the amendment to offer tax relief to all hardworking Americans. 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, over the past month, I have visited dozens of small businesses across South Carolina, and I have met with concerned citizens, all of whom expressed the need for more tax relief, not tax increases. For 16 straight months, America's unemployment rate has been above 9 percent with nearly 20 million people without jobs. This is clearly a time of urgency, and the last thing hardworking families and small business owners need are more crippling tax hikes. The nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation confirms that the upcoming tax hike will raise taxes on 50 percent of small business income in America. The math is simple: More taxes equal fewer jobs. Congress must act to prevent the job-killing taxes that are headed for American families and provide policies that give American families incentives to invest and create jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forgot September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, instead of calling Congress back into session to protect special-interest unions and add more tax increases, we should be focusing on policies that give American families incentives to invest and create jobs. Americans should be concerned now about the job-killing bill and the tax increase we are likely to see before the end of the year. Also, after the election in November, Washington liberals will try to ram through a national energy tax, remove the right to a secret workers' ballot, and continue to skyrocket America's deficits with reckless spending. In an effort to prevent this job-killing, lame-duck tactic, I support Congressman Tom Price's resolution that eliminates a lame-duck session. This promise is critical in order to represent the will of the American majority, who have serious concerns about reckless spending and more taxes, as over 20 million citizens are out of work or have given up looking for work. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, during the Cold War, Iceland served as a listening station with four radar sites that were manned by America's brave men and women in uniform to deter a Soviet bomber nuclear attack on America. An organization in Chapin, South Carolina, called the Iceland Reunion at www.usradarsitesiceland.com, is dedicated to the memory of all of the men and women who served on these U.S. radar sites. The mission of this organization, chaired by Retired Air Force Master Sergeant William A. Chick, is to preserve and document the history of the air defense of Iceland and the North Atlantic passage to the United States and the Free World. Mr. Chick encourages those interested in preserving Cold War history to visit their informational website and also read, ``The History of the radar sites of Iceland'' by Gerald H. Tonnell which is the unofficial history of fifty years of the strategic radar sites which successfully preserved peace and promoted freedom in the struggle between democracy and communism with the ultimate victory over communism. I thank Mr. Chick and other members who are working hard to preserve the memory and the mission of those military surveillance operators who served our great nation. America will always cherish the service of these patriots and the hosting by the people of our longtime NATO ally Iceland.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, Lt. Col. Albert Barry, USMC, Retired (1936-2007) served his country honorably for almost a half-century before battling Glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. Al Barry's wish to make patients receiving medical treatment more comfortable during illness recovery is now being carried out by his wife, Liz Taylor-Barry, through the Al Barry Foundation. The Al Barry Foundation created Barry Basics, a modular medical apparel line, to provide patients with a product that emphasizes convenience, range of motion, and comfort. The medical apparel offers upper and lower body garments that encourage movement with their flexible snap closures and various removable pieces. Barry Basics carries a women's line, men's line, children's line, and a breast cancer line. They also produce almost all apparel in the USA and work with Clemson Apparel Research, CAR. I know firsthand of her extraordinary compassion because on Wednesday at Bethesda National Naval Medical Center, she visited with Marine Lance Corporal Bradley Christian Fite. Brad is a Wounded Warrior Hero of America and a former Washington staff member of the south congressional district of South Carolina. Liz Taylor-Barry sends the proceeds from Barry Basics to Wounded Warriors, veterans, and cancer patients. I want to thank the Barry family and all those involved in the Al Barry Foundation for their selfless contributions in South Carolina and across the globe.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday I highlighted the significant tax increases that are heading toward hardworking Americans at the beginning of next year. Families, married couples, and parents are going to be paying more taxes. Washington liberals are planning to reinstate the marriage penalties and cut the child tax credit in half. Cutting the child tax credit in half from $1,000 to $500 per child will cost the average American family around $1,033 in higher taxes in 2011. Reinstating the marriage penalty will cost an average of $595 for each family in 2011. In these tough economic times, raising taxes will eliminate jobs. It is time for Washington liberals to stop passing policies that penalize families and start passing incentives that promote 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, it's time to give hardworking Americans incentives to invest in order to create jobs and grow the economy. We must also protect middle class Americans from significant tax hikes that are headed their way. Contrary to liberal claims, these are not tax hikes only on the wealthy. The picture isn't pretty if these tax hikes go into effect. If you're a family of four and your income is $50,000 a year, you could pay $2,100 in additional taxes; if you're married as a senior citizen earning $40,000 a year, you could pay $1,400 in higher taxes; a single mom making $36,000 a year could end up paying $1,100 in new taxes. Hardworking middle class Americans across the country cannot afford an attack on creating jobs. The Federal Government cannot pay off America's debt by higher taxes. 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 am happy to congratulate Brian Donahue and his wife Julie on the birth of their new daughter Cameron Rose Donahue. Cameron was born on Monday, July 26, 2010, at 3:34 in the afternoon at Arlington, Virginia, with a full head of gorgeous red hair. Cameron Rose Donahue is 6 pounds of pride and joy to her grandparents, R. Scott and Claudia Horner of New Jersey and Marilyn and Francis Donahue of Florida and New Jersey. I am so excited for this new blessing to the Donahue family and wish them all the best.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, it's particularly fitting that I would be with you today in that my late father-in-law, State Representative Julian Dusenbury, who was a hero of the Battle of Okinawa, was shot by a sniper, but he continued his service from a wheelchair in the Statehouse of South Carolina. So I have always appreciated your courage, and I want to join with Congressman Kennedy to recognize your courage and your courage to serve. Thank you, and God bless you. The Friday front page headlines of The Island Packet of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, highlight the legitimate concerns of the American people. ``Are we in for a tax hike?'' and is the U.S. facing a threat of a flat economy? Since the stimulus bill became law, 2.4 million Americans have lost their jobs. The promise of unemployment not to exceed 8 percent was broken, as unemployment soared to 8 percent. The failed borrow, spend, and tax policies of this administration cry out for ``Where are the jobs?'' We need both parties to work together to promote small business job creation. President Kennedy cut taxes and jobs grew. President Reagan cut taxes and more jobs were created. Republicans have offered positive alternatives using the proven policies from both parties which actually promote jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank Senator Patty Murray of Washington State for bringing attention to the need to reinstate funding for Yucca Mountain. This critical issue involves a $10 billion investment and a 23 year bipartisan agreement. I applaud Senator Murray for introducing an amendment to protect taxpayers' investment by reinstating funding for Yucca Mountain. America must remain committed to lessening our dependence on foreign oil. We should promote nuclear energy that is a clean and cost- effective energy source. However, in order to keep nuclear energy safe, we need a secure, permanent place to dispose of it. And that place should be Yucca Mountain. I agree with the Charleston Post and Courier that closing Yucca Mountain is ``breathtakingly irresponsible.'' I also appreciate the Aiken Standard's Mike Gellatly for highlighting the bipartisan support of this issue and Senator Murray's amendment. There is clear bipartisan support from the Aiken County Council, South Carolina's Attorney General Henry McMaster, the entire South Carolina delegation, and now Democrats questioning leadership of the Senate. 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, the new State job numbers confirm that 47 States are suffering since the so-called stimulus bill passed while D.C. bureaucrats are benefiting from increasing jobs. The Politico reported on such a discrepancy in an article titled, ``Reality gap: U.S. struggles, D.C. booms.'' The article says, ``America is struggling with a sputtering economy and high unemployment, but times are booming for Washington's governing class. ``The massive expansion of government under President Barack Obama has basically guaranteed a robust job market for policy professionals, regulators and contractors for years to come. The housing market, boosted by the large number of high-income earners in the area, many working in politics and government, is easily outpacing the markets in most of the country.'' The American people want Congress to focus on small business job growth instead of spending more of the people's money to create more government jobs. Americans understand TEA, Taxed Enough Already. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, in addition to being a legendary actor, writer, and singer, American actor Pat Boone serves as spokesman for 60 Plus, an advocacy group led by Jim Martin for senior citizens. Pat is an advocate for liberty and a defender of the Constitution. His contributions for our military servicemembers are inspiring. Pat developed the documentary ``For My Country'' to promote the significance of the National Guard. Pat Boone is ahead of his times. Back in 2004, at a commencement speech at Pepperdine University, Boone stressed the need for citizen involvement and called for a new Boston Tea Party movement. Today, as the Tea Party is a household term, we should note Boston was not the only city with the tea rebellion during the Revolutionary War. Before the famous Boston Tea Party, patriots in Charleston, South Carolina, impounded tea in 1773 to protest taxes and in 1776 sold the tea to finance the Revolution. Concerned citizens still feel T-E-A, Taxed Enough Already. It's time to give Americans tax relief and 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. Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, this weekend, the administration bizarrely claimed that there is ``overwhelming consensus'' that we are not losing jobs and are, instead, creating them. If this is the case, I encourage the administration to release the data to back up this ``overwhelming consensus'' to constituents who want to know ``Where are the jobs?'' The Web site created to monitor the stimulus money is even a failure. At one time Recovery.gov was nothing more than a Web site filled with misinformation, fake job numbers and fake congressional districts. When unemployment numbers hover around 10 percent and when stimulus dollars are not reported accurately, it is no wonder that, in the opinion of most Americans, stimulus spending is not working. This sentiment is highlighted by a recent CBS poll, showing that 74 percent of Americans believe that the stimulus had no impact or has made things worse. It is time for an audit of this failed policy, and it is clearly time to stop spending time and taxpayer money promoting a failed program and to, instead, focus on implementing policies that will actually create long-term, private-sector jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.