Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week, the administration's own report released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services confirmed that the government health care takeover will increase costs, will hurt seniors, and will put employers in a position to drop employee coverage. This is not what the American people wanted when it came to health care reform. According to the CMS report, national health care costs will increase by $311 billion over the next 10 years, and this increase will force millions of seniors off of their current Medicare coverage. This information was released over a month after the health care takeover was rushed through Congress. Clearly, Congress needed to wait to vote on this legislation after the report was released. It is time for us to come together to repeal the government health care takeover and to swap it for patient-centered, affordable health insurance reform that expands access and that continues to cover preexisting conditions. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the Department of Defense released the Military Power Report on Iran. The report is designed to provide Congress and the White House with an assessment of Iran's current military capabilities and the regime's future military strategy. The report served as a stark reminder of the military and nuclear realities in the region. Sadly, it is incomplete because it lacked information about funding provided by Iran's military branches and also information about military doctrine. The information that the report does include confirms Iran's efforts to hide its nuclear infrastructure, their support of nuclear terrorist surrogates, and the terrifying investment in a missile that could hit America in less than 5 years. Now is the time for the administration and Congress to put forward an effective strategy to deal with Iran. It is imperative that both parties work vigilantly with our allies around the world to ensure Iran does not continue down this dangerous road. In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism. Congratulations Columbia Mayor-Elect Steve Benjamin and Councilwoman Leona Plaugh, joining Tameika Isaac Devine and Sam Davis.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Bernard Baruch was born near Columbia in historic Camden, South Carolina. The world-acclaimed financier and benefactor was an adviser to Presidents since the days of Woodrow Wilson, who also was raised in Columbia. Last week, April 16, marked the day in 1947 that Bernard Baruch made history when he coined the term ``Cold War'' to describe the relations between the United States and the Soviet Union. As the Politico newspaper highlighted, Baruch first used the phrase in a speech to the South Carolina House of Representatives as a portrait was dedicated in his honor. In his speech, Baruch said, ``Let us not be deceived. We today are in the midst of a cold war. Our enemies are to be found abroad and at home. Let us never forget this: our unrest is the heart of their success. The peace of the world is the hope and goal of our political system; it is the despair and defeat of those who stand against us. We can depend only on ourselves.'' Today we remember the South Carolina statesman who so aptly described the chilly relations between America and the Soviet Union, which led ultimately to the victory of democracy over Communism. In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism. Congratulations, Jim Furyk on your Heritage Golf Classic victory at Hilton Head Island.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, a grassroots group in Aiken, South Carolina, is holding meetings to educate the residents about the Constitution and the principles of our Founding Fathers. Coordinated by Debbie Nix, the group is called ``We the People, Aiken.'' I am pleased to have attended one of their weekly Constitution classes recently at the H. Odell Weeks Activity Center. During my recent visit to the group meeting, I highlighted my concerns about the government health care takeover and discussed how simply repealing it is not sufficient. We believe we must swap it with a more affordable solution that is centered around the patient and not the government. That is why I introduced H.R. 4944, the Siding With America's Patients (SWAP) Act, to continue to cover preexisting conditions, but will repeal the tax hikes and the unaffordable mandates on individuals and small business owners. I want to thank the members of ``We the People, Aiken'' for their warm welcome and for their efforts to promote America's founding principles. In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11 in the Global War on Terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, over the past 2 weeks I have heard about the job-killing effect the recently passed government health care takeover will have from concerned citizens across South Carolina. I've heard from small business owners, the primary providers of jobs in America, how they will face a $2,000 fine for each employee without insurance. I've heard from seniors who are afraid that their former employers will drop their drug benefits. I've heard from people currently looking for work that the creation of 16,500 new IRS agents isn't what they had in mind when it came to job creation. And I've heard from just about everyone about the concern that their insurance premiums will rise dramatically. The message I bring back from South Carolinians is clear: repeal the job-killing takeover and replace it with an affordable solution that is centered around the patient and not the government, the SWAP bill. In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism. Best wishes for the success of the Heritage Golf Classic at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, repealing the government takeover of health care is the first step, with an immediate replacement for insurance reform. It is important that we offer our patient-centered plan, H.R. 3400, to cover preexisting conditions, to help small businesses with association health plans, and to allow consumers to shop across State lines to lower costs. Let's continue to cover preexisting conditions but repeal the tax hikes and the unaffordable mandates on individuals and small business owners. The American patient cannot afford higher premiums. CBO says that the health care premiums will rise up to 13 percent. The American family cannot afford more tax hikes and fewer jobs; $569.2 billion in tax hikes on small businesses and other employers. American children cannot afford the massive deficits; a $622 billion addition to our already massive debt burden. And the American health care system cannot afford fewer doctors. Fewer physicians will accept Medicaid patients. In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism. Welcome, students, to the Capitol of McCracken Middle School from Bluffton, South Carolina.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, 219 liberals on the other side of the aisle may have passed a government health care takeover, but the American people still have a voice to tell their lawmakers to repeal these job-killing mandates and finally focus on job creation proposals. Congress spent the better part of an entire year obsessed with cutting deals for a health care takeover full of tax increases and mandates while unemployment increased by over 3 million people. Let me repeat. For months, 219 lawmakers ignored the clear message that the American people sent about this job-killing takeover--that they didn't want it--and after arm twisting, proceeded to ram it through anyway. When is Congress going to get it right? The American people want us to be debating job creation policies. They want to know when private sector jobs will be created, instead of 16,500 more IRS government jobs that this health care takeover will create. It's high time we give the people some answers for jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, the health care takeover vote last night was a battle in the ongoing war between supporters of limited government and the forces of big government. The fight will continue as we promote limited government and expanded freedom. I was very encouraged in the last year by the activation of concerned citizens who fought hard to protect the doctor-patient relationship and prevent a Federal Government takeover of health care. Yesterday's outcome is sad for America, but don't think for one second citizens didn't make a difference. After making voices heard loud and clear at town halls and tea party rallies across the country, voters moved on to the ballot boxes in Virginia, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Washington liberals may have chosen to ignore the message, but citizens can remind them again soon that they are a force which has awakened to support change in the future. Please know that while these efforts to protect the doctor-patient relationship and prevent a Federal Government takeover of health care were overlooked by a majority of lawmakers, they are certainly appreciated by the majority of freedom-loving Americans across the country. 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, as we vote on health care takeover, I urge Members of both parties to pay attention to the counsel of the National Federation of Independent Business, NFIB, the Nation's leading small business association. ``Small business has been struggling with health care costs for decades, and our members need help now.'' These bills ``are not the answer--they compound current problems and make health care even more expensive for small businesses. Costing nearly $1 trillion, these bills will send health insurance costs soaring, increase the cost of doing business and set our economic recovery backward with destructive policies,'' including a tax on small business health plans, targeting small construction firms with destructive new mandates, an unprecedented increase in the Medicare payroll tax. In July, NFIB warned a similar bill would kill 1.6 million jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. As we vote today, I share the concern of former DSS Director Bill Walker that the bill will be a free ticket, no show.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this flawed health bill. Mr. Speaker, I support the principles of Thomas Jefferson who stated ``I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them.'' I rise today to express my disappointment not only with the provisions in the irresponsible health care takeover, but with the process that was used to secure votes. Speaker Pelosi promised the most ethical and honest Congress in history and the President said eight times on the campaign trail that health care negotiations would be televised and transparent. Unfortunately we haven't seen anything that even remotely resembles this rhetoric. It is outrageous that in 2010, with all the new media tools of Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, blogging, and Skype that Congress, lawmakers and the Administration have at their disposal that the American people are still shut out of this debate. This is a bill that impacts the health and safety of every American and makes up one sixth of our economy--the American people certainly deserve a seat at the table. But the American people are being ignored. You would think after record-breaking town hall meetings, an unprecedented House Call on Washington, and the election outcomes in Massachusetts, Virginia, and New Jersey, that congressional leaders and the administration would wake up and tune in. I was grateful to host in South Carolina the largest Congressional town halls in history of 1700 in Columbia, 1500 in Lexington, 1500 in Beaufort and 1200 at Hilton Head Island along with the first Congressional town halls ever for Barnwell, North in Orangeburg, and Varnville in Hampton County. 98 percent of attendees opposed government takeover. The majority of Americans have made it perfectly clear that they do not want a health care bill that: Mandates private citizens purchase health care, whether they need it or want it; causes millions of employers to cancel the health insurance they currently offer; and creates a health care czar to impose price controls on private health insurance. What is even more disconcerting about this bill is that Congress and the Administration has decided to plow ahead with this before addressing the tragic employment rate that continues to cripple many communities across the Nation. Where are the jobs? That is what we should be talking about each and every day. Instead of standing down here debating a bill full of job-killing taxes and mandates, we should be debating ideas that will give employers job creation incentives and offer tax relief to hardworking families. The National Federation of Independent Business, the voice of America's small business, has revealed the takeover will kill 1.6 million jobs. As I conclude, I'd like to take this opportunity to speak directly to the concerned citizens who fought so hard over the last year to protect the doctor-patient relationship and prevent a Federal Government takeover of health care. The provisions in the bill and the process used to secure passage were both designed to enhanced the power of politicians; you should be proud of your efforts to limit such power by town halls and tea parties.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, Ronald Reagan once said the most terrifying words in the English language are, ``I'm from the government and I'm here to help.'' This is exactly what Washington liberals are trying to tell the American people. The scheme that the government can give everyone free health care is a fairy tale which defies history and reality. The reality is there are real and affordable ways to improve the health care financing system, and Republicans presented 70 such proposals. Proposals like H.R. 3400 will make health care accessible and affordable, covering preexisting conditions, promoting employer-sponsored insurance, and offers insurance across State lines. The Pelosi bill will kill 1.6 million jobs according to the National Federation of Independent Business. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Citizens can make a difference, like Chuck Stauck of Hilton Head Island, with Ann Bull, Brenda Maxwell, and Lynn Dempsey of Lexington, South Carolina.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, the preliminary cost estimate from the Congressional Budget Office for the health care takeover is $940 billion. It is bizarre. Some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle are spinning this number. How many Americans today actually believe that the number will hold at $940 billion and will decrease deficits? I doubt there are very few people out there who are willing to count on Congress to actually hold the line on spending. That defies history and reality. The facts are that even the CBO says this is uncertain, and the CBO has not extrapolated estimates further into the future because the uncertainties surrounding them are magnified even more. The bottom line is that only in Washington can you claim that Congress will borrow a trillion dollars and somehow save money. The only certainty is NFIB projects this bill will kill 1.6 million 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, as backroom deals and threats continue to force a health care takeover vote, the costs from the Congressional Budget Office have just been released of nearly $1 trillion. State leaders across the country have recognized that this takeover could bankrupt our great Nation. Just yesterday, the State treasurer for Massachusetts, Tim Cahill, said, ``If President Obama and the Democrats repeat the mistakes of the health insurance mandate in Massachusetts on a national level, they will bankrupt this country within 4 years.'' Other State leaders have expressed great concerns about unfunded mandates. South Carolina is one of 36 legislatures considering barring individuals from being compelled to purchase health insurance. I applaud State leaders who are fighting Big Government mandates which the NFIB estimates will kill 1.6 million 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, yesterday's Wall Street Journal highlights the process by which Democrats are trying to pass this government health care takeover. The process is just as bad as the provisions of the bill. Professor Michael McConnell, Director of the Constitutional Law Center at Stanford Law School, wrote the article entitled, ``House Health Care Vote and the Constitution.'' Mr. McConnell presents the process called the Slaughter solution, which is nothing more than a procedural trick that deems the Senate bill passed without ever having a straight up-or-down vote. The article explains, ``The Slaughter solution cannot be squared with Article I, section 7 of the Constitution. Senate rules protect against majoritarian overreach by allowing a determined minority to filibuster most types of legislation.'' Madam Speaker, Americans need jobs, not a law which NFIB claims will kill 1.6 million 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, this weekend I attended several community events throughout the Second District, and the message I received was clear: scrap this government takeover of health care and start working across the aisle to create jobs. How many times are the American people going to have to reject this health care monstrosity before the message is finally taken to heart? Americans across the country are tired of Congress's misplaced priorities. Tragic unemployment continues to cripple many communities. Liberals are obsessed with passing a job- killing health care takeover. NFIB documents 1.6 million jobs will be killed by the takeover. Americans want health care reform, but they want Congress to tackle the unemployment rate first through job creation incentives and then work together for a bipartisan health care reform that increases access and lower costs. 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, this week it was announced that the unemployment rate in my home State reached a tragic new high of 12.6 percent. Statewide, 172,400 people have lost their jobs since the end of 2007. In this crisis, the administration has irresponsibly announced that March 18 is their deadline to pass a job-killing health care takeover that imposes 100 new mandates on private individuals and businesses; includes billions of dollars in new taxes, and trillions in new government spending, squeezing Medicare; forces employers to cancel health care coverage, and forces people into a government-run health care plan. More taxes, borrowing, and spending is not the way to reform health care in America. NFIB warns 1.6 million jobs will be killed. We should first consider job-creation policies, and then work on a step-by-step approach to lowering health care costs. 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, S. Wade McGuinn, who has an extensive record of helping the people of Haiti, is a member of the Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia and is founder and President of McGuinn Construction Management, Inc, and Custom Home Construction Management Systems, Inc (MCM and CHCMS). McGuinn's Construction, which serves as the only full service residential construction management firm in the Midlands, has constructed 1,700 custom homes. He has built more homes in Columbia's metropolitan area than any other custom homebuilder in Columbia. Taking his business success to the next level, Wade has six land development projects--four of which have shattered sales records. All of the companies under Mr. McGuinn's business umbrella have overall sales exceeding 12 million dollars annually. What is most captivating is what Wade has chosen to do with all of this success. He has led several overseas mission trips to Haiti, Mexico, Honduras, and Cuba, serving as a construction team leader for the United Methodist Volunteers in Missions. Known as ``Father Wade'' to children at a Haitian orphanage, Wade and his wife, Janet, have solely supported an orphanage comprised of 29 children and seven staff members. Wade founded the Haiti Children Project with the purpose of providing food, shelter, clothing, health care and education through sponsorship, donations, and love. After the recent devastating earthquake in Haiti, Wade encouraged his fellow members in the Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia (HBA) to hold a charitable fundraiser for the Haiti Children project. Over 200 HBA members and their guests attended the event, raising over $10,000 to send to help the children in Haiti. I want to thank Wade and Janet for their selfless contributions in South Carolina and across the globe, especially Haiti in its time of extraordinary crisis.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the process that liberals are considering to take to pass the government health care takeover is almost as bad as the bill itself. The latest plan includes the House passing the Senate's version of the takeover bill, complete with the kickbacks and backroom deals that have become regular under the current liberal leadership. An informative memo put together by Senator John Kyl and Congressman Eric Cantor helps explain this process to the American people. The memo goes on to explain that House Democrats would fast-track the reconciliation bill, fixing some, but not all, of the problems. Next, the Senate will then take up the House version and send it to the President. Americans need to know that House Democrats must pass the Senate's health care takeover before the Senate can alter or try to improve it. The Senate bill is too bitter of a pill for my colleagues to swallow because it kills jobs. On the good side, The Hill today reports, front page, the Senate bill provides for citizenship verification to buy insurance. 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 House is considering today a dangerous resolution: the Afghanistan retreat. As a father of four sons in the military and as a former member of the 218th Brigade of the South Carolina National Guard, which served for a year in Afghanistan led by Major General Bob Livingston, I know we should trust our military leaders led by General David Petraeus and General Stanley McChrystal with Major General Larry Nicholson of the Marines. These leaders will fight for victory to protect American families by defeating terrorists overseas. Even liberal Newsweek highlights the success of the surge in the March 8 edition with the title, ``The Surge is Working'' with the subtitle, ``All Signs Point America's Way.'' Though the Taliban is entrenched in Helmand province, its grip is slipping in the rest of Afghanistan. These developments undercut the common belief that America is doomed to fail. In fact, Afghanistan's demography, sociology, military situation, and politics all favor Obama's counterinsurgency strategy. If the Taliban can't gain popular support or silence, it can't win. 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 in honor of The Magnificent Women of the WASP, Women Airforce Service Pilots of World War II and the presentation of the Congressional Gold Medals to them on this day, March 10th 2010 in the United States Capitol. Our nation owes a great debt of gratitude to these women of faith and courage, who helped set the stage so that this war could be won. Breaking and fighting stereotypes, they helped to forge the way for women in today's world. As their courage, character and dedication were key to Saving The World. As the son of a World War II Flying Tiger of the 14th Air force, Hugh deV. Wilson, I appreciate firsthand the extraordinary pilots who protected the people of India and China defeating totalitarians worldwide. For as this darkness approached and mankind bled, they stood at the edge and helped To Save The World. I ask that this poem penned in honor of them and their families by Albert Caswell, a very thoughtful poet and patriot, of the United States Capitol Guide Service be placed in the Record. When, Hearts Took Flight As a time ago . . . As when, it looked as though . . . The world stood, at its edge . . . As Woman and Mankind bled . . . With Satan on the rise . . . As his son's filled the darkened skies . . . With all his dark death and hate, as this evil begins! Would this be the end, of woman and mankind? As upon them, all our hopes hinged . . . When, Hearts took flight! To but bring their light! Lifting us all above, to such high heights! To all of those wrongs, to right! All in their strength, and might! To help Save The World . . . But, for their country they so loved . . . Upon, the wings of a dove! As a darkness approached! As upon them, were placed all our hopes . . . As out across the world, such an evil unfurled! When, came such women of faith To Save The World . . . To rise up, with such splendid courage in eyes! To fight a war, and all those stereotypes . . . those lies! To but bring their light! As this fearless force of women, so won the night! All out upon their most heroic course . . . With, but only their most courageous hearts to voice . . . To Fly! As was but a time When Hearts Took Flight! To win that day, that night! To Soar so bright, and reach for the skies . . . Heroines, pioneers on the cutting edge! Upon, these machines of steel their fine lives were pledged! Magnificent test pilots, who died and bled! Carriers of freedom, who all in their actions so led! Who flew the planes to the theater, as the blood ran red! Over 25,000, would apply . . . But only 1,074 . . . the cream of the crop, would fly! As The WASP . . . The WOMEN AIRFORCE SERVICE PILOTS, so filled the skies! All for God and Country, but ready to die! For no war could be won, without these ones! All in what they had done, now all so etched in history's sun! To ``Help Save The World!'' To teach all of our little boys and girls! What can be done, when courage is unfurled! And hearts take, flight! So on this day, we now bestow . . . Upon, all of these . . . and all of those! Most Magnificent Patriots of Peace we know . . . The Congressional Gold Medal . . . So! Great American patriots, with such hearts of gold! And Ladies, your final flight . . . Will be, up to our Lord in Heaven's light! Because, you helped . . . ``Save The World''! As history will find! It was but a time, when hearts took flight! Amen . . .

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, the President's recent budget proposal to Congress kills funding for Yucca Mountain. Without a safe and secure location like Yucca Mountain, nuclear energy development in America cannot progress. Newspaper editorials throughout South Carolina have condemned the President's unilateral move. Last year, the Charleston Post and Courier blasted the President's decision as ``breathtakingly irresponsible.'' The Aiken Standard from February 17 says that the ``president's lack of faith in using Yucca Mountain for nuclear waste sends a mixed signal to Americans.'' The Greenville News on February 21 said that ``the Obama administration has broken a long-standing Federal promise to deal with the Nation's nuclear waste.'' And in the Lexington County Chronicle on March 4, Mark Bellune editorialized, ``liberals would stick us with nuclear waste.'' I urge Congress and the administration to put politics aside on this issue that has serious implications for America's energy future and national security from terrorist attacks. 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. This morning, 79 students from Orangeburg Preparatory School in South Carolina's Second District are in the Capitol to learn about the legislative process and the history of the Nation's Capitol Building. Under the leadership of Head Master Kelly Mills, the students at Orangeburg Preparatory School excel both in and out of the classroom. Such success is achieved through partnerships between the community, teachers, parents, students, and alumni. As a member of the House Education and Labor Committee, I am grateful to spend time with these bright young students and will continue to pursue policies that advance fiscally responsible reforms that will improve their educational opportunities through higher education and beyond. We need insurance reform, not big government takeover. I also want to note that when you meet them, the students here today from Orangeburg Prep continue a tradition to be the best-dressed student group to visit the Capitol. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on Monday I will participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Home Depot's Rapid Deployment Center. Located in the midlands of South Carolina, this Rapid Deployment Center will not only create new jobs for South Carolinians, but it will also give Home Depot stores more flexibility to control the products on their shelves and keep these products in stock. Detailed by Home Depot, the new Rapid Deployment Center is a 465,000 square-foot facility located in West Columbia. It will provide 220 full-time jobs at startup; and as more stores are added to the program, this will increase to 400 jobs. I want to thank Home Depot for their continuing economic contributions to our State, and I welcome these in addition to the positions of 2,660 Home Depot associates already in South Carolina. In these tough times, it's important for lawmakers to give businesses like Home Depot the tools they need to help small businesses create jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. The prayers of America are with the people of Chile.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, a government takeover of health care was rushed to happen last July, but during overflowing town hall meetings and then in Virginia, Massachusetts and New Jersey, the American people made it perfectly clear that a Big Government takeover of health care is not an option. Almost a year later, this message unfortunately hasn't been received by the liberal majority. Instead of working across the aisle and reforming the bill to include less government and more commonsense bipartisan principles, liberal leaders are talking about bending the rules and rushing this by way of a process called reconciliation. This is a legislative maneuver that requires fewer votes than the regular process. So the American people should listen this afternoon. The liberal majority knows the American people do not want this bill. They are left with a tricky maneuver that ignores what people have been fighting for and saying since last summer. I urge citizens to make their voices heard. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. My sympathy to the family and friends of Charles Hamel of Chapin, South Carolina, a dedicated patriot.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I submit the following remarks regarding my absence from votes which occurred on February 25, 2010. I was a pallbearer at a funeral for a close family friend in South Carolina and therefore was unable to make the vote. Listed below is how I would have voted if I had been present. H. Con. Res. 227: Supporting the goals and ideals of National Urban Crimes Awareness Week--``aye.'' H.R. 3961: To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to reform the Medicare SGR payment system for physicians--``aye.'' H. Res. 1105: Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2701) to authorize appropriations for FY 2010 for intelligence and intelligence- related activities of the U.S. Government, the Community Management Account, and the CIA Retirement and Disability System, waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII--``nay.''