Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the President missed an important opportunity to restart the national debate on health care reform. Americans who tuned into this health care summit were disappointed that they were left with the same Big Government health care takeover. The American people are facing waves of Groundhog Day, as they have already rejected this type of government health care takeover. There are substantive alternatives to consider. Republicans have offered 70 different health care bills to the Washington liberal majority. With 14.8 million Americans out looking for work, Congress should not be taking over a health care system that will destroy jobs, which the National Federation of Independent Business says will kill 1.6 million more jobs. It's time to come to consensus on responsible health care elements that both parties agree on, and then move on to focus on job creation policies. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Best wishes for the continued success of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities of South Carolina.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last week marked the first year of the trillion dollar spending bill claimed to produce jobs, but The Island Packet at Hilton Head Island reports the fact that more than 4 million jobs have been lost. With 7.5 million jobs lost since Speaker Pelosi took over, I toured the district I represent on a ``Joe Means Jobs'' tour, where I found people want change from Big Government failed policies. They supported the concepts of the proven tax cuts of John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan as presented today in H.R. 470 to create jobs. Sadly, the administration obsessively pushes a health care takeover, which the National Federation of Independent Business confirms will kill 1.6 million jobs. Both parties should be working together to promote small business, the backbone of America, to create jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Welcome Marc Conner Westbrook, the newborn son of Thad and Christy Westbrook, born February 19 at Lexington Medical Center of West Columbia, South Carolina. My sympathy to the family of Wayne Dell of Ridgeland, the father of Chief of Staff Eric Dell of the Second District.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, ``Semper Fi,'' always faithful. Like the strong foundation upon which this great Capitol has been erected, so to is America's foundation created by outstanding American citizens who quietly and humbly go about their daily life, devoting themselves to their God, Nation, family, friends and life's calling. One such individual was Wayne Clair Dell. Born in Duncansville, Pennsylvania, to Helen and Charles Dell on June 29, 1946, Wayne worked with his father during middle school and high school in the construction industry. Like most Americans, he comes from a very simple family background and had two loving and devoted sisters and one brother. He attended Penn State University and served this great Nation during one of its most trying hours as a Nation, as a United States Marine from 1966-69, having been discharged honorably to return home, fall in love, and marry Ouida Cleland Dell in Ridgeland, South Carolina, in June of 1969. Upon leaving the Marines, Wayne went to work in the construction and architectural industry on Hilton Head Island, long before anyone had ever heard of Hilton Head Island, and began as a draftsman with a firm in Savannah, Georgia, eventually taking that great American plunge into self-investment and small business by opening his own architectural firm out of the Dell homestead: Wayne C. Dell, Architect. Working from home allowed Wayne to become very involved in his family's life, and he never missed an event in which his children participated. For many years, he served as a little league baseball announcer and was an avid and excellent tennis player, having won many community tournaments--to the great pride of his family, I might add, who loved cheering him on! Likewise, Wayne's hobbies were supporting his children and family in all their endeavors. In addition to these pursuits, he enjoyed woodworking and carving and took great pride in the handmade high quality gifts he made for his family members, yet another enduring legacy. An active athlete his entire life, Wayne also played for many years in the church volleyball league, enjoyed playing all sports and staying in top condition; a quality that he learned as a Marine. Incredibly, Wayne, as many of our forefathers, taught himself a profession, architecture, and passed the state licensure exam the last time that you could legally take the exam without having a college degree; an impressive feat, indeed. Wayne eventually became known as a respected architect and specialized in high-end residential homes in communities in Hilton Head Island and Beaufort County, in addition to commercial architectural work. He prided himself on the art of architecture, which, to this day, stands as monument to his life's work. Wayne had two natural born children, Eric (age 37) and Melissa (age 39). Possessing a strong desire to spread their love, they adopted their daughter's child Bethany, who is now 13 years old, when her mother was stricken with Huntington's disease, as did Wayne, and as did his mother. Wayne and his loving wife of 40 years, Ouida, have cared for their daughter, Melissa, who has had to live with them for the past dozen years due to her health, quite literally serving as caregiver to her, and as proxy father to their daughter's daughter for the past 13 years. Wayne represents the perfect American father figure. A strong man of Christian faith, Wayne attended and was married in St. Pauls United Methodist Church in Ridgeland, SC (1969). He was a certified Lay Minister within the United Methodist Church. It is a sad calling, as I stand here today, to inform my friends and this Nation, that a dear friend, and father of a most trusted friend, Wayne C. Dell, passed away yesterday morning. But as all architects know, with each great stone that is laid, another rests atop it to make the building stand stronger, and Wayne can be very proud of the son he raised, my Chief of Staff, Eric Dell of the Second Congressional District. In Eric, Wayne raised a son who many in both political parties have come to know, love and trust--no easy task on Capitol Hill, I know. Like his father, Eric is a man of his word, a rare commodity today, and a devoted servant of the people whom I represent, as well as this great Nation. As with all great champions, the torch must eventually be passed. I can assure Eric's father, my friend, that his torch shall be strongly, honorably and steadfastly carried forward into the future by Eric and his family. There is a time in each man's life when the sun must set, and when his Creator calls, once again, Wayne has answered that final call, with great distinction, honor, and love as his foundation. May God bless you, Wayne Clair Dell, and this great Nation which you have helped create. Semper Fi. Always faithful.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3326--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010. Requesting Member: Congressman Joe Wilson Bill Number: H.R. 3326--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010 Account: O&M, Air National Guard Legal Name of Requesting Entity: South Carolina Air National Guard Address of Requesting Entity: McEntire JNGB, 1325 South Carolina Rd., Eastover, SC 29044 Description of Request: I have secured $2,160,000 for the South Carolina Air National Guard Controlled Humidity Protection. CHP will be used to control humidity in aviation support facilities that house spare parts, tools, support and test equipment, munitions, and weapons. Traditional methods of corrosion control primarily mitigate the effect of moisture by employing corrective technologies to counteract existing corrosion damage. Such corrective methods are expensive, time consuming, and create additional serious challenges such as excess hazardous materials and hazardous waste. The most cost effective solution to the corrosion problem is through prevention, not correction. Matching funds are not applicable. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Joe Wilson Bill Number: H.R. 3326--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010 Account: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Army Legal Name of Requesting Entity: AGY Holding Corporation Address of Requesting Entity: 2556 Wagener Rd., Aiken, SC 29801 Description of Request: I have secured $1,600,000 for the AGY Holding Corporation's Next Generation High Strength Glass Fibers for Ballistic Armor Applications. This program accelerates the development of next generation high strength glass fibers used in composite armoring materials. This means lighter, stronger composite vehicle armor without sacrificing the ballistic protection needed to maximize soldier survivability. Additionally, this program supports the domestic industrial base for armor materials production. Some of the glass fiber used in composite vehicle armors is manufactured outside the U.S. Developing the next generation high strength glass fibers at AGY will reduce dependency on foreign sources for a critical material, and also save U.S. jobs. Next generation high strength glass fibers can also be utilized by the commercial sector to lighten and improve armoring used on law enforcement vehicles and armored bank cars, resulting in better protection for personnel, improved fuel economy, and reduced emissions. Matching funds are not applicable. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project. Requesting Member: Congressman Joe Wilson Bill Number: H.R. 3326--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010 Account: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Army Legal Name of Requesting Entity: XRD Inc. (XRDi) Address of Requesting Entity: 103 Industrial Village Rd., Beaufort, SC 29906 Description of Request: I have secured $1,600,000 for XRDi's Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Heavy Fuel Engine. Funding would be use for implementing XRDi's lightweight military fuel engine for a Tactical UAV Heavy Fuel Engine program. The scope would include building sufficient engines to flight test and evaluate this technology for use in the U.S. Military environment. The funding would support economic development in the region and create more jobs for Beaufort, South Carolina by replacing an engine that is currently purchased from a foreign entity and is not heavy fuel capable. The funds would also support further development, design, and implementation of the manufacturing process to build this engine to military standards and support criteria. Matching funds are not applicable. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, Dixie-Narco, Inc. is a company in South Carolina's Second District that produces vending machines. In late 2007, Dixie-Narco Company was acquired by Crane Corporation and they make 65 percent of all of the vending machines in North America. I want to thank Dixie-Narco for their economic commitment to our great state and I look forward to working with them to continue to grow jobs in South Carolina. I have enjoyed working with business, state and local officials to help secure these jobs led by Eric Fast, President, CEO, and Director of Crane Company, Marty Martin of Barnwell County Development Commission, Mayor Tommy Rivers of Williston, Danny Black and Kay Maxwell of Southern Carolina Alliance, and Joe Taylor of the State Department of Commerce. But mostly, I want to thank the employees at Dixie-Narco's Williston facility for their strong work ethic--which led to the company's expansion from 500 employees to now nearly doubling. 100 millions Americans use vending machines each day and companies like Dixie-Narco are revolutionizing the industry. They offer substantial design improvements for increased volumes, dependable reliability, and increased productivity. We appreciate Dixie-Narco adapting to this changing economy and working to promote this green industry that doesn't require customers to drive from the workplace or school for products. 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, unemployment is still at double digits across the country; and in my home State of South Carolina, it is at a record high of 12.6 percent. Families are hurting, loosing jobs. With this dismal backdrop, why would the administration propose a budget that will increase taxes by more than $2 trillion over 10 years, killing jobs? The budget is more spending, more taxes, and more borrowing. Media across the country are even calling this budget bluff. In the San Francisco Chronicle, liberal economists question the deficit reduction measures. Economist Isabel Sawhill called such measures ``totally depressing,'' saying it is ``depressing'' to see the administration abandon even the goal of a balanced budget. The Associated Press reports it as a deficit commission ``without teeth.'' Politico reports it is ``betting heavily on the symbolism of'' a spending freeze filled with loopholes and is already being undercut by Washington Democrats. 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 his State of the Union address last week, the President stepped up his rhetoric about fiscal responsibility. But just yesterday the President presented a budget reminiscent of last year's that spends too much, taxes too much, and borrows too much. The reality behind the President's budget proposal is that it more than doubles the debt. It drives up spending to $3.8 trillion in 2011. It pushes the deficit to a record $1.6 trillion. It raises taxes by over $2 trillion through 2020. During these tough economic times, lawmakers should be tightening our fiscal belts just like families across America are doing with their own budgets. Increasing taxes and spending is not the way to rejuvenate our economy and revitalize small businesses to create jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office announced that the cost of the President's spending plan has jumped another $75 billion. Stephen Dinan at the Washington Times reported that ``the country faces giant budget deficits for the foreseeable future and has the biggest debt problem it has seen since just after World War II.'' On the heels of these reports, the President will deliver the State of the Union address and will present his agenda tonight. I hope the President will be substantive about tackling out-of-control Washington spending to promote bipartisan cooperation. I believe we need to freeze spending based on 2008 levels. The Washington liberal majority needs to explain the 85 percent spending spike in just 2 years. American families who are trying to stay financially afloat do not have time for any more stimulus stumbles. We need jobs, not more spending. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Congratulations, Coach Darrin Horn and the USC Gamecocks, for their 68-62 victory over number one ranked Kentucky.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, where are the jobs? This is the question I continue to ask the liberal majority, since they persist pushing legislation killing jobs. Families are hurting, particularly in South Carolina, where the unemployment rate recently jumped to a gruesome 12.6 percent. The stimulus bill isn't living up to its name, and Americans realize it. According to a CNN poll released yesterday, nearly three out of four Americans think that at least half of the money spent in the Federal stimulus plan has been wasted. Moreover, 63 percent believe projects in the plan were included for political reasons and will have no economic benefit. I have introduced the National Commission on American Recovery and Reinvestment Act so taxpayers receive adequate answers as to the whereabouts of stimulus funds. I urge Speaker Pelosi to consider this legislation to ensure full accountability of every stimulus dollar spent. 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 January 18, 2010, our country lost an American patriot and a community leader with the passing of Kenneth Pippin: Kenneth G. Pippin, 83, of Glen Burnie, Maryland, passed away on January 18, 2010, at Baltimore Washington Medical Center surrounded by his family. Kenneth, son of the late Rufus Pippin and Frances Pauline Owens Casto, was born in Wilder, Virginia. He grew up in Welch, West Virginia, where he graduated from high school. Right before his 18th birthday, Kenneth went to Welch's US Army Recruiting Office and asked them to draft him because his grandmother would not let him volunteer. Ken served in the Army during World War II as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airbrone Division, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment. During the invasion of Normandy, with paratroopers suffering the heaviest causalities, Kenneth bravely volunteered to be a part of the parachute regiment. He spent most of his service in Europe. Shortly after his discharge from the Army, Kenneth moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where he completed technical school. He married his high school sweetheart, Thelma Beasley, in 1948, after a long courtship. They had four wonderful children: three sons, Kenny, Kevin, and Kerwin, and one daughter, Karen. Kenneth and Thelma lived in Glen Burnie, Maryland, for 53 years. Kenneth worked as a printer for Baltimore Business Forms for 34 years and later retired from the Baltimore-Annapolis Railroad Company. He was also a member of Glen Burnie Baptist Church, The American Association of Military Insignia, and VFW Post 160. Kenneth loved life and appreciated everything he had. He enjoyed spending summer vacations at his wife's family farm in Hillsville, Virginia. In retirement, he and Thelma became snowbirds and flew south every winter to their son's home in Sarasota, Florida. He enjoyed hunting, reading--especially about military history--and collecting military insignias. His greatest love was his family and his wife of 61 years. I have known Kenneth's son, Ken, for many years, and am grateful for his longtime service to South Carolina. I sincerely appreciate his work as President of the Carolina Southern Railroad and Chairman of the South Carolina Association of Railroads.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, sadly the Labor Department said today that claims for unemployment insurance rose last week. The unemployment rate is still at 10 percent with more seeking jobless benefits each day. When will Congress get the message? The job-killing agenda pushed by liberals in 2009 needs to be scrapped. A national takeover of health care and a national energy tax will only worsen a stagnant economy. The National Federation of Independent Business has sounded the alarm about how the health care takeover scheme will kill 1.6 million jobs. A national energy tax would be just as devastating, raising gas prices, food prices, and the cost of doing business for millions of Americans. $3,400 a year is what American families might be forced to pay if this national energy tax passes. American manufacturing would be made non-competitive with foreign manufacturers. It's time to put these bad ideas to rest and look forward to policies to create jobs and capital. We should heed the counsel of Steve Forbes in his new book, How Capitalism Will Save Us. 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, 1 year ago today, the President was sworn into office, giving Democrats full control of Congress and the White House. After promising the American people a misnamed stimulus plan to keep unemployment under 8 percent, we see 10 percent unemployment continuing to cripple families. Three hundred and sixty-five days later, the American people still haven't seen this Congress focus on job creation policies to promote small businesses. Instead, the American people have been saddled with more borrowing, more taxes, more spending, and increased deficits. As shown in Massachusetts, the American people support limited government, not failed big government. Seven million Americans have lost jobs since Democrats took Congress, and now Americans want real change. It's time the Democrats get this message and get their priorities straight: Drop this backroom government health care takeover and take up job creation policies. 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. Congress and this administration continue pushing a job-killing health care takeover. Brokered in back rooms, the bill includes $518 billion in new job-killing taxes that will hurt small businesses, and squeezing Medicare threatens senior citizens. Backroom deals in Washington is politics at its worst, and it is high time that the American people were given a seat at the negotiations table. The President promised the American people eight different times health care would be public. C-SPAN has offered to broadcast the negotiations. In Politico, former New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman highlights Speaker Pelosi's brushoff of the request, saying that the President stood for a number of things while on the campaign trail. I encourage the Speaker to encourage the President to keep his promise of open discussions by letting C-SPAN show the American people what is going on behind closed doors. We need change in Washington. 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. In South Carolina last week, I met with people making a difference promoting jobs by visiting the OneStop employment centers across the district. I visited the directors and staff, desk to desk, in Columbia, Lexington, Aiken, Barnwell, Orangeburg, Hampton, Ridgeland, and Beaufort. I want to thank the energetic, optimistic, and talented employees and commissioners of the Employment Security Commission for their dedication to helping put people back to work. Another economic development is being announced for South Carolina today. The Estill Correctional Facility is adding 50 more jobs with a biomass contract with Ameresco. We welcome the recent economic commitments to our State from Four Star Industries, Boeing, DHL, Scotsman Ice, Dixie Narco, Ameresco at SRS, and now Estill Correctional Facility. The combination of low taxes, worker training, right-to-work protections, and less regulatory redtape is a sound recipe to attract business. This commonsense approach should be applied at the national level. 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 chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Bulgaria, I would like to commend Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and the country of Bulgaria for their fiscal soundness. According to a January 12, 2010 article in The Wall Street Journal, countries around the world, including the United States, could learn from the Bulgarians as proponents of a free market democracy. Bulgaria entered the European Union (EU) in 2007 and succeeded in producing the smallest budget deficit among the 27 member nations last year. (They are not yet part of the euro zone, which currently consists of 16 EU nations.) As a dynamic member of NATO, Bulgaria is a valued partner of America. Bulgaria is on track to be the only EU nation to balance its 2010 budget. The country was able to manage its budget by instituting key fiscal strategies. The most basic example was the capital city's ability to freeze wages and pensions for those in the government, re- evaluate costly state investment projects, and slash government spending by 15 percent. Such efforts resulted in a ``full-year deficit of less than 500 million lev ($370 million), or 0.8 percent of gross domestic product. The closest country to do so was Germany with 3.4 percent. Given the international attention to Bulgaria's fiscal strategy, European leaders will now understand Bulgaria has arrived on the world stage. Continuing economic progress could help Bulgaria leapfrog other euro desiring countries, like Romania and Hungary who had to be given bailouts from the International Monetary Fund, IMF, due to the downturn, where as Bulgaria has not and does not intend to ask the IMF for assistance. Even Poland, who has been rethinking their entering the euro currency nations club, may be outpaced by Bulgaria as a currency member nation. Bulgaria's decision to tackle the difficult issue of spending and budget deficits, which plagued their country in the past, is now a model for other Baltic states where deficits are rising. Further evidence of their success is the credit-rating agency Standard & Poor's has upgraded Bulgaria's status as stable. I commend Prime Minister Borisov and Finance Minister Simeon Djankov for their visionary work elevating Bulgaria as a major player in the EU and world. Entry into the euro should be given serious consideration by the EU as a result of these major achievements.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, I was pleased to see The New York Times acknowledge Afghanistan and Iraq as the central front in America's struggle against Islamic extremism. It further cites how the United States is making progress turning security efforts over to the Iraqi military and police forces. The Washington Post covered the year-end review by General David Petraeus and General Ray Odierno and highlighted how over the last 2 years there's been a 92 percent decrease in security incidents and a 90 percent decrease in civilian deaths due to the surge. Attacks have dropped from more than 200 a day in 2 years to approximately 15 today. I want to thank General Petraeus and General Odierno, our troops, military families, and veterans for their commitment to victory in Iraq and Afghanistan to protect American families at home by defeating terrorists overseas. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Welcome, Anna Grace Wilson, born December 17, 2009, daughter of Jennifer and Alan Wilson, at Lexington Medical Center, West Columbia, South Carolina.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1147, the Local Community Radio Act of 2009. I appreciate the leadership of Congressman Lee Terry of Nebraska on this important issue. Passage of this bipartisan legislation is vital to expanding the availability of noncommercial, low-power--LPFM--radio stations to towns and cities across our country. This legislation repeals certain restrictions which limit broadcast capabilities for low-power FM stations. Expanding LPFM licenses will make owning a radio station possible for churches, synagogues, schools, emergency responders, and other community groups that best understand the needs of their local communities. These stations give civic, clergy, and community leaders a forum to discuss local issues and to provide essential emergency services during times of crisis. Hundreds of churches and ministries already rely on LPFM stations to get their messages out; but, unfortunately, service is currently limited only to rural areas and is frequently limited to property lines. I urge Members to pass H.R. 1147, which will move to expand low-power FM radio for churches, synagogues, schools, community groups, and emergency responders in the United States.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, there are many jobs creation proposals that have been presented but have been ignored. Many will help promote jobs immediately, provide a 5 percent across-the- board tax cut, increase the child tax credit from $1,000 to $5,000, repeal the alternative minimum tax on individuals, permanently repeal required distributions on retirement accounts, increase by 50 percent the tax deduction on student loans and tax deduction on qualified higher education expenses, make unemployment benefits tax free so those individuals between jobs can focus on providing for their families, and, to encourage responsible buyers to enter the housing market and stabilize prices, offer a homebuyer's tax credit of $15,000. Both parties should consider positive alternatives that offer tax relief to small businesses and families to promote job creation. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Our prayers are with Wayne Dell and his family.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I submit to the Record the following remarks regarding my absence from votes which occurred on December 14th. Listed below is how I would have voted if I had been present. H. Res. 779--Recognizing and supporting the goals and ideals of National Runaway Prevention Month, roll No. 969--``yea.'' H. Res. 942--Commending the Real Salt Lake soccer club for winning the 2009 Major League Soccer Cup, roll No. 970--``yea.''

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, this week I stood with my colleagues to introduce a bill to audit stimulus funds. It is time for Congress to demand answers on behalf of the hardworking taxpayers that we represent. The misnamed stimulus is one of the largest spending bills in our Nation's history, and it is critical that American taxpayers know the facts. This is the people's money, not the government's money. It is wrong that a well-connected Democrat pollster received $6 million to preserve just three jobs when we could provide jobs for dozens of families. I urge Speaker Pelosi to consider our legislation to ensure full accountability of every dollar spent. I first sent a letter to the President asking him to implement the recovery panel that the stimulus bill provides. The request went unanswered. Therefore, I introduced a national commission to investigate how many jobs have actually been saved or created. Taxpayers should know, Where's the jobs? In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, American taxpayers deserve an audit of stimulus funds. Taxpayers have faced weeks of fake jobs in fake districts posted on recovery.gov. We have heard the Government Accountability Office announcement that one in 10 jobs are fake. Action must be taken. I have introduced the National Commission on American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to create a bipartisan commission to investigate how many jobs have actually been saved or created by the Recovery Act. The commission will look at the circumstances in which these jobs have been saved or created. The commission will make recommendations on what works to save or create more jobs and what steps can be made to prevent the improper spending of taxpayer dollars, such as The Hill's front page disclosure today of a Democrat pollster receiving $6 million to preserve three jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, success in Afghanistan should be defined in the tradition of Ronald Reagan: we win and the terrorists lose. While his decision was long overdue, I was pleased the President announced sending 30,000 reinforcements to Afghanistan. The President has listened to our commanders on the ground for a counterinsurgency to secure Afghanistan, which protects American families. This decision will defeat al Qaeda terrorists and the Taliban in Afghanistan. Along the border with Pakistan, U.S. troops are denying al Qaeda and Taliban safe havens in which to operate. For the sake of our mission, American families at home, and our brave men and women in uniform, I hope the President will rally congressional leaders behind his strategy and our troops' mission for victory in Afghanistan. Supporting the President's decision shouldn't come down to party lines. Terrorists do not differentiate between Republicans and Democrats as targets. 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, today I rise in recognition of the extraordinary efforts of Dr. John Bradham, a lifelong patriot and public servant to the citizens of South Carolina and the United States. Born and raised in Sumter, John's unyielding desire to learn and succeed led him to the University of South Carolina for his undergraduate studies and to Texas A&M for multiple advanced degrees. John has a rich history of putting others' needs before his own with the utmost honesty and integrity. He served 24 years in the United States Air Force where he filled numerous leadership roles including command of Air Force Command, Control, Communications, and Computer, C4, programs, as well as environmental research on aircraft systems, radar, and various energy communications systems. John's contributions and service to his country have gone above and beyond the call of duty, evident by the fact that he retired from the Air Force as a full colonel before joining the South Carolina Research Authority, SCRA. I have had the pleasure of working with John during his tenure at SCRA on a variety of high-level programs that have benefited South Carolinians, our warfighters, and the United States' national security. As the Senior Vice President at SCRA and head of the Institute for Solutions Generation, ISG, John has been an impetus for ingenuity and a driving force for upholding the highest standards of professionalism. Dr. Bradham's technical knowledge has been crucial in SCRA programs and other projects for pushing the limits of technology and expanding the capabilities of our manufacturing sector to increase America's defense readiness. I commend Dr. John Bradham for his outstanding service to the United States and for embodying the ideals and morals of what we hold a true American to be. His dedication to his family, friends, and colleagues is unmistakable and seen through the respect and honor he has earned and so righteously deserves. I wish John the best of luck in his future endeavors including his decision to teach and share his technical expertise with the youth of South Carolina. May God bless John, his wife Becky, their two children, and five grandchildren.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to be removed as a cosponsor of H. Res. 648.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, 30 years ago on November 28, 1979, I was honored to help break ground on the Michelin Tire Corporation plant in Lexington, South Carolina, recruited by Governor Jim Edwards. Michelin, the French tire manufacturer, has annual sales of $7.25 billion, and they employ close to 18,000 American workers. Over 7,000 of those jobs are in my home State. For over 30 years, Michelin plants have been successful due to hardworking South Carolinians, and today they specialize in world-class car and Earth-mover tires. In addition to providing jobs, Michelin is an involved corporate citizen. Another extraordinary achievement, yesterday we broke ground on the Ameresco biomass cogeneration project at the Savannah River site. CEO George Sakellaris has pioneered the development of alternative energy projects. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.