Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I submit a heartfelt poem penned by Capitol Guide Albert Caswell, entitled ``This Thanksgiving'' in honor of all the members of the Armed Forces and their families who are separated by war and death this Thanksgiving. Our thoughts go out to all of them this Thanksgiving. Bless them all. This is a special Thanksgiving as we recognize the success of Cold War veterans from Korea to Vietnam and across the world who achieved victory on the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall inspired by Ronald Reagan, Margaret Thatcher, and Pope John Paul II working with Lech Walesa of Poland and Vaclav Havel of Czechoslovakia. The spirit of Ronald Reagan is kept alive by Young America's Foundation preservation of the Reagan Ranch, Ranco del Cielo (Ranch of the Sky) in California. This Thanksgiving This Thanksgiving . . . Be thankful, when you're at home . . . With your family all at peace, remember all of those so all alone . . . Who on battlefields can not be home . . . Families at dinner tables with tears in eyes . . . And all of those who upon battlefields of honor died . . . The ones who so live without the ones, they so can not live without . . . who now so cry . . . And all of those children, whose daddies and mommies, can't wipe those tears from their eyes . . . And not watch their children grow and smell that pumpkin pie . . . The ones who but gave, That Last Full Measure! One's Life, The Greatest of All Treasures . . . The ones without arms and legs . . . As their fine eyes they gave . . . Showing us all, of what a hero is made! So Few, but for so many . . . Have carried that load . . . Have bore all of the heartache so . . . And when you watch that touchdown run . . . While, holding your loved ones . . . having all that fun . . . But, let your thoughts to them so run . . . The ones who died, for what is true . . . And all of those out on the front, the face of death must so view . . . And the loved ones at home, each day who wait by the door . . . the phone . . . Bow down now upon your knees . . . And ask our Lord God, so please . . . to bless all of these . . . The Families . . . Who with such heartache, and will never see another day of peace . . . And as you say grace . . . Say a prayer for all of those Heroes of such splendid grace . . . Who did not so hesitate . . . And all of those families, whose loved ones for them now so wait . . . Who sit, with one less spot at the Thanksgiving table set . . . Be ever thankful, for what they gave . . . and have to yet . . . On this day of days . . . Give Thanks, Be Thankful for all of those who gave! This Thanksgiving . . .

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, two nights ago, America learned that recovery.gov, the official administration Web site, was full of fake stimulus jobs in fake congressional districts. Last night, even ABC News broke that the Government Accountability Office says that one out of every 10 jobs created by the stimulus are also fake. When asked about the inconsistencies, the spokesman for recovery.gov replied, Who knows, man? Who really knows? One thing is certain--Americans need real jobs. I call on my colleagues to listen to Republican plans to promote real jobs. Where are the jobs? The Economic Recovery and Middle-Class Relief Act of 2009, which I support, unleashes the potential of American small businesses. It reduces the burden that government places on employers and employees. 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 co-chairman of the Afghanistan Caucus, I want to congratulate President Hamid Karzai on his inauguration for a second term in Afghanistan. In his speech, I am pleased President Karzai stated that he is committed to tackling corruption and restoring security in his nation. I support the position of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who attended the inauguration, that President Karzai has his chance to ``have accountability and tangible results that will improve the lives of the people.'' In my nine visits to Afghanistan, I have learned of the dedication of Defense Minister Abdul Raheem Wardak and Interior Minister Haneef Atmar. I know firsthand of the capabilities of the Afghan police and army units, who were trained by my former National Guard unit, the 218th Brigade led by Brigadier General Bob Livingston, 2007-2008, of the South Carolina Army National Guard. It is vitally important that in order for Afghanistan to turn the corner, the U.S. must do everything promised to the people of Afghanistan to provide for a secure and stable society. We must grant the necessary resources with our NATO allies to President Karzai to get the job done. I was grateful to learn last night at a dinner with Slovak Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajcak to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Velvet Revolution that Slovakia is doubling its troop commitment in Afghanistan. Slovakia is a revered partner of America promoting freedom and democracy.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, last night, I learned that the government's own official Web site that was designed to report waste, fraud and abuse of the misnamed stimulus funds has produced a fake report. Recovery.gov, the official administration Web site, shows that $6 million was to create six jobs in South Carolina's fake 16th Congressional District. It shows that $3 million couldn't even produce a single job in South Carolina's fake 43rd District. Somehow, $1.8 million was spent for 1.4 jobs in the fake 00 district. This would be funny, but the money belongs to the taxpayers, not the government. The administration is mocking people looking for jobs. Americans are faced with fake districts and fake jobs. Democrats and Republicans should work together to jump-start America's economy by promoting real jobs for real, hardworking American families. In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Congratulations, Jesse Jackson of Greenville, South Carolina.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Back in March, the President made it clear we need a comprehensive approach to secure stability in Afghanistan. He stated that the safety of people around the world is at stake. I issued a statement in support. General McChrystal has requested more troops and resources in Afghanistan to do just that, but this administration continues to dither. Several weeks ago, former Vice President Dick Cheney used the term ``dithering'' to describe the President's indecision. I agreed with the former Vice President because ``dithering'' means to hesitate and waste time. In the Los Angeles Times on Saturday, Doyle McManus highlighted that now some of the President's own supporters are beginning to wonder whether Cheney was right. For the sake of American families at home, Congress and the President should not dither, but listen to the commanders in the field. 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, the nonpartisan, independent experts at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, CMS, released their analysis of the Pelosi takeover. I would like to say it was shocking, but I already had my suspicions that the government takeover of health care was going to cost much more than claimed. The independent report this weekend exposes the truth and the real cost. The report shows that the Pelosi takeover will increase health care costs by $289 billion. This discredits all the assertions we have heard about how a 2,000-page bill, the $1.3 trillion health care bill, will somehow lower costs. This health care takeover will violate this administration's promise to ``bend the cost curve.'' It will add more than a dime to the deficit and kill jobs. There are better alternatives that Congress should consider, like H.R. 3400, that will lower health care costs for families and small businesses while creating jobs. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Mass murderers should be tried at Guantanamo Bay, not in New York City.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this job-killing bill that cuts Medicare, piles debt on our children and grandchildren, raises health care costs, and raises taxes on the American people. Additionally, this bill cuts approximately $150 billion from Medicare Advantage, leaving 4.6 million women without their choice of insurance.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I have criticized many of the provisions of this bill (H.R. 3962) and rightfully so. But in fairness, I do believe the sections relating to the creation of a market for biosimilar products is one area of the bill that strikes the appropriate balance in providing lower cost options to consumers without destroying a healthy and functioning industry in this country. These provisions were one of the few areas in the bill adopted on an overwhelming bi-partisan vote for the Eshoo-Inslee-Barton (EIB) amendment in the Energy and Commerce Committee. Creating a pathway for new products that doesn't destroy the ability or the incentives for innovator companies to develop breakthrough technologies and at the same time providing a safe and effective way to bring competition to benefit patients is a laudable achievement. I wish we could remove this provision from this fatally flawed piece of legislation and consider it separately because it would pass with the kind of overwhelming bi-partisan support that Americans across the country wish to see. However, these provisions are only the first step in a long path to the marketing of these new products. New research and clinical testing will have to occur and the FDA will write rules that will ensure this research is done safely and effectively. One of the reasons I have long supported the U.S. biotechnology industry is that it is a homegrown success story that has been an engine of job creation in this country. Unfortunately, many of the largest companies that would seek to enter the biosimilar market have made their money by outsourcing their research to foreign countries like India. With this weeks devastating news that unemployment has reached 10.2 percent it is critical that we preserve jobs in the United States. While the innovator's have created jobs here, these generic companies have shipped them overseas, so they can turn around and sell cheap knockoffs of innovative American products. As this new market launches in the U.S., we need to ensure that we foster innovative products in this country for the creation of jobs and research that will go into proving whether these products are interchangeable with the innovators products. I have my doubts that these companies can create such interchangeable products, but I am certain that the research and testing of whether or not they can should occur in this country and not somewhere across the globe. Testing and research on these interchangeable biosimilars should occur in this country to ensure that it is done properly and safely and to benefit our economy.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, America's leading voice for small business, the National Federation of Independent Business, the NFIB, opposes H.R. 3962, the Pelosi takeover bill. The NFIB has sounded the alarm about the employer mandate, payroll tax penalty and unnecessary paperwork mandate crippling small businesses. The opposition letter from the NFIB warns that the Pelosi takeover includes multiple mandates. Economic research shows mandates are ultimately borne by the worker through job loss and lower wages. The NFIB also warns how the payroll tax penalty is a tax on jobs and job creation. Additionally, the unnecessary paperwork mandate will place a new paperwork burden on all small businesses at a time when they are struggling to stay afloat. The NFIB has estimated the takeover effort will kill 1.6 million jobs at a time of record unemployment. We should support health insurance reform, not a government takeover. November 5, 2009. Letter to House Opposing H.R. 3962 Dear Representative: On behalf of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation's leading small business advocacy group, I am writing in opposition to the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962). The Affordable Health Care for America Act does not reflect the access or affordability needs of NFIB's small businesses, and a vote against H.R. 3962 will be considered an NFIB Key Vote for the 111th Congress. NFIB has been a constructive participant in the healthcare debate and has spent more than a decade voicing our need for reform. With healthcare costs ranking as the No. 1 issue facing small business, our employers must carefully weigh the potential benefits of reform against the new costs imposed on business owners in the legislation. NFIB members have identified specific areas in H.R. 3962 that will raise those costs: Employer Mandate: H.R. 3962 includes an employer mandate that will require employers to pay for healthcare for full- time and part-time employees. An employer mandate does not address the No. 1 issue facing small businesses: unsustainable costs. This mandate affects those who do not offer coverage today as well as those who already do provide insurance, but aren't making contributions at contribution levels outlined in the bill (72.5% for individual plans and 65% for family plans). Rather than help, this will penalize employers already offering healthcare and force them to make hard choices about how to afford the new government requirements. Economic research has shown time and again that mandates such as these are a ``one-two punch'' where the cost is first borne by the employer, but is ultimately borne by the employee--through job loss and lower wages. Payroll Tax Penalty: A payroll tax penalty is a tax on jobs and job creation because they tax labor. The legislation requires that all employers with a payroll of $500,000 or more pay a payroll tax of up to 8 percent if they do not provide ``qualified'' health insurance to their employees. No matter how profitable or unprofitable a business might be, they are forced to pay this tax. In addition, because the exemption thresholds in H.R. 3962 are not indexed for inflation, the exemption will become a healthcare equivalent of the alternative minimum tax, hitting more and more employers until there is no one exempted at all. Paperwork Mandate: H.R. 3962 places a new tax-compliance paperwork burden on all small businesses. The ``corporate reporting'' provision is an expansion on reporting requirements (for transactions of more than $600), which increases the cost of operating a small business and diverts resources away from growing and creating jobs. Big Benefit Package and More Mandates: Small employers need a guarantee that plans offered in an exchange will be less costly, not more expensive, than what they are paying today. Today, small businesses pay an average of 18 percent more for their healthcare, leaving them continuously searching for more affordable choices. H.R. 3962 gives a political board the power to define ``coverage'' and will determine whether an employer plan is ``acceptable.'' However, the bill does nothing to ensure that the new plans will be less costly than what small employers are paying today. In some cases, the legislation will also require some small employers to cover benefits that are not currently mandated under federal law. Takes Away Small Business Solutions: Small employers need more, not fewer, affordable health insurance options. However, the prohibition of HSA, FSA and MSA funds to purchase over-the-counter medications, along with the $2,500 limit on FSA contributions, threatens to further limit the ever-shrinking options employers have to provide meaningful healthcare to their employees. Public Option: A government-run plan cannot compete fairly with the private market, and threatens to destroy the marketplace, further limiting choices. We believe that with proper reforms the private market can be held accountable to provide greater competition and lower-cost solutions where insurers compete based on their ability to manage, rather than shed risk. Instead, the excessively prescriptive insurance reforms in H.R. 3962 will drive up costs. Surtax: Seventy-five (75) percent of small businesses are structured as pass through entities and pay their business taxes at the individual level. More than one-third of small businesses employing 20 to 250 employees could face the tax. Finally, since the tax is not indexed for inflation, the effect of the tax will creep downward, making more and more businesses vulnerable to a tax increase. Poorly-Structured Tax Credit: There are two reasons the credit in H.R. 3962 is of limited value. First, the availability of the credit is too short. A credit that is only available for two years means that every small business owner that claims the credit will see a large spike in their out-of-pocket costs for health care in year three. Second, the wage limits are too restrictive. Phasing the credit out based on average wages of $20,000 or less severely reduces the amount of a tax credit available for most small businesses. NFIB will continue to advocate for reform because, as both democratic and republican lawmakers have said, the status quo is not acceptable. Our small business owners agree, but reform must make the problem better, not worse. Because H.R. 3962 will not lower healthcare costs and threatens our economic recovery, NFIB will consider a NO vote a vote in support of small business. This will be an NFIB KEY VOTE FOR

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Speaker Pelosi told the American people that the misnamed stimulus bill would immediately create jobs and keep unemployment under 8 percent. However, unemployment has now topped 10 percent, with 2.8 million jobs lost since the misidentified stimulus was signed into law. Despite these staggering numbers, Speaker Pelosi continues to push a job-killing health care takeover. Clearly, Congress has a case of misplaced priorities. Patricia Owen lives on Hilton Head Island and owns FACES DaySpa. She is just one of the many small business owners who would be negatively impacted if this takeover is passed. With 23 employees at FACES DaySpa, the Owen family appreciates its dedicated staff. The Owen's service- based company will face more punitive taxes in Pelosi's health care takeover. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Thank you, veterans, for victory in the Cold War 20 years ago Monday with the fall of the Berlin Wall.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 895. I appreciate the leadership of Congressman Mike McCaul of Texas, a proven friend of military families. Yesterday marked a dark and painful chapter in the history of Fort Hood, Texas. The Nation's largest military installation was devastated when the soldiers and civilians of the United States Army were heinously attacked by the least likely of assailants, a murderer who benefited from the American dream of unlimited opportunity, attending medical school at military expense, and a person given trust as a high rank in our military. He cowardly then committed treason. In the aftermath, we have learned that 13 of our bravest and finest Americans were killed and several dozen more were wounded. This senseless act of horror betrays our respect and dignity for human life. Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with each of the families affected by this great tragedy. My constituents are shocked and saddened. In discussing today this tragedy with Carl Gooding of WDOG radio of Allendale, South Carolina, I know firsthand the Lowcountry of South Carolina is praying for the Fort Hood families. Amidst this tragedy, there are reports that many soldiers in the immediate vicinity of the attack provided heroic aid to their fellow soldiers who had been wounded, several of them already wounded themselves. These selfless acts undoubtedly saved the lives of several and mitigated what was already a terrible tragedy. Many have come forward to donate much-needed blood and offer themselves to help at this needed time. This bravery and determination is a testimony to our servicemen and -women, the new greatest generation, and stands in bold opposition to the horror of yesterday's events. Military installations are the last place our servicemen and -women should fear for their safety. Over the last few years, we have made great effort to ensure the security of our military personnel, but still there is work to be done. I know of the great efforts our military police and protective services who are making a difference at bases I represent, Fort Jackson in Columbia, Parris Island Marine Base, the Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort, and the Beaufort Naval Hospital. Today, as Fort Hood observes a day of mourning, we also offer our prayers to all those touched by this tragedy, including our soldiers, civilians, military families, and the Central Texas community. As the son of a World War II Army veteran, as a 31-year Army Reserve and National Guard veteran myself, as the father of four sons serving today in the American military, with a nephew serving in Baghdad, I know military members support each other as family. America's extended military family across the world deeply cares for our fellow family members at Fort Hood. I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 895.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, included in the 2,000 pages of the Pelosi takeover bill are massive cuts in Medicare that will hurt seniors across the country. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, these cuts are $162 billion, causing many seniors to lose their current coverage or limit their choices. But that is not all. The Pelosi takeover also increases seniors' Medicare prescription drug premiums by 20 percent over the next decade. These negative policies hurt seniors. That is why I am pleased that senior organizations like Sixty Plus Association and the Senior Citizens League stand tall for seniors against the Pelosi takeover. Squeezing Medicare and Medicaid half a trillion dollars is an attack on senior citizens. A better bill is H.R. 3400 for affordability and accessibility. Our bill will save jobs, while the Pelosi takeover will kill jobs with record 10.2 unemployment. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the global war on terrorism. Our prayers and sympathy are with the families of Fort Hood, Texas.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, on Tuesday I joined my colleagues to comb through the Pelosi health care takeover. The takeover bill weighs in at 21 pounds and is 2,000 pages long. You would think in a bill that size, we would be able to find an adequate enforcement or citizenship verification system. Unfortunately, we did not. All we found were weak citizenship verification measures that will give illegal aliens easy access to health care benefits paid for by hard working taxpayers--with overcrowding of medical providers delaying services for legal citizens. In an effort to close this loophole, I am going to join Congressmen Nathan Deal, Dean Heller and Sam Johnson to present several amendments to the Rules Committee. Our amendments will prevent American taxpayers from being forced to finance benefits for illegal aliens by adding strong enforcement and verification provisions to the Pelosi health care takeover bill. I encourage the Rules Committee to accept our amendments to eliminate the loopholes for fraud and abuse. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism. I am grateful for the visit on Capitol Hill today by the Morristown Tea Party led by Jeff Weingarten who I visited last Sunday to encourage turnout in the New Jersey gubernatorial election Tuesday. With dedicated volunteers such as Synnove Bakke of East Brunswick, there was an historic turnout.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today I missed a rollcall vote. Unfortunately I missed this vote due to a scheduling conflict. Had I been present I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote No. 858, On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, H. Res. 868, honoring and recognizing the service and achievements of current and former female members of the Armed Forces.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to join Congressmen Fleming, Gingrey, Heller, and Herger to introduce an amendment to automatically enroll all Members of Congress in the government-run option. In the Education and Labor Committee, I was able to pass the amendment requiring Congress to take the government-run option, but the Pelosi takeover plan changes the word which would make Congress take the government-run option being pushed on the American people. That one small ``may'' reverses the meaning of the bill. If Speaker Pelosi insists on shoving this bill through, then I believe Members of Congress should take the government-run option. If it is good enough for the American people, then it is good enough to Congress. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the global war on terrorism. Congratulations to State Representative-elect Ralph Norman and Elaine of Rock Hill, South Carolina, for their overwhelming victory yesterday.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, A 2,000 page, 1.2 trillion dollar health care takeover is headed to this floor. Given its abrupt arrival, I hope the Speaker will open the floor to the 53 alternatives presented from Republicans. Republicans continue to offer positive health care solutions, but our alternatives are not being scheduled. Our solutions will give Americans access to affordable, accessible, and quality health care that is centered around the patient. Unlike Pelosi's health care takeover, our alternatives do not contain any of the cuts to seniors' Medicare benefits. Or the costly tax increases and job-killing mandates. Our alternatives will not sever the doctor-patient relationship, or put a trillion dollar price tag on the backs of our children and grandchildren--threatening devaluation of seniors' fixed incomes. We need to promote the vision German Chancellor Angela Merkel described today for America to be the land of unlimited opportunity. The Big Government takeover will limit opportunity. 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 Pelosi takeover bill is nearly 2,000 pages of regulations and tax hikes that will strangle small businesses across America. At the same time we celebrate the new jobs being created by Boeing in South Carolina, the Pelosi takeover will destroy jobs, and we must stop it. Senior citizens are under attack by squeezing Medicare. The Pelosi takeover will impose $135 billion in taxes on small businesses. In addition, this bill includes nearly $500 billion in other taxes, including a surtax on small businesses. The Nation's largest small business association, the National Federation of Independent Business, NFIB, reports that this employer mandate will negatively impact small businesses, eliminating 1.6 million jobs. I encourage Speaker Pelosi to scrap her health care takeover and to work across the aisle with Republicans to adopt elements of H.R. 3400 and to give small businesses the opportunity to pull together to receive competitive rates. 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, Boeing announced that they had chosen their North Charleston, South Carolina, facility as the site for a second 787 Dreamliner final assembly line. This is tremendous news not just for the people of Charleston but for all the families of South Carolina. As we have seen with the success of Michelin across the state, including Lexington, recruited from France by Governor Jim Edwards and BMW at Greer secured from Germany by the late Governor Carroll Campbell bringing new jobs, Boeing's decision will have a broader impact on our state's economy. As noted in today's edition of The State, ``S.C. officials expect a network of companies will spring up across the state to support Boeing's operations, just as businesses sprang up around BMW's Upstate plant, opened in the 1990s.'' This decision by Boeing is a testament to the strong workforce in South Carolina. I am grateful for the hard work and dedication of so many members of our communities who continue to fight to bring more jobs to South Carolina. In particular, South Carolina Secretary of Commerce Joe Taylor has shown excellent leadership. I've been grateful to work with Secretary Taylor and other leaders as we keep our commitment to those we serve to promote South Carolina as a leader for industry and innovation in the positive environment of a Right to Work State.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, in Congress, there is a normal shuffling of positions. Today, it is with mixed emotions that I announce the departure of Ryan Murphy. For the past 2 years, Ryan has done a professional job while serving as communications director for the Second Congressional District under very extraordinary circumstances. Ryan has handled his position with professionalism, grace, and integrity. His dedication and work ethic will be difficult to replace. Ryan began his career as a staff member of Congressman Tom Price. He will continue his service on Monday as the minority press secretary for the Committee on Education and Labor. I especially appreciate Ryan as a fellow graduate of Washington and Lee University and Sigma Nu. Ryan is the son of Mike and Chris Murphy of Atlanta and Hilton Head. He is a credit to the people of South Carolina and Georgia. I wish him Godspeed. In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Welcome, Boeing, to South Carolina. We are grateful for the new jobs in the tradition of Michelin and BMW.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, on October 28, 2009, terrorists killed nearly 100 people--including dozens of women and children--when they attacked a women's market in Peshawar, Pakistan, with a car bomb. These type of heinous acts are a sad reminder of the gruesome tactics used by those who want to undermine stability in Pakistan and the region as well as threaten American families and our allies. I wish to express my deepest sympathies to the people of Pakistan--an ally of the United States in the global war on terrorism. In the wake of these most recent attacks, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton--who was on the ground in Pakistan at the time--correctly stated that those terrorists who perpetrate these types of murderous acts are ``on the losing side of history.'' This is why we must continue to fight to defeat the terrorists overseas to protect American families here at home. We must stand with the people of Pakistan and the people of Afghanistan to protect and defend democracy and freedom. I know firsthand of the sacrifices of the Pakistani people. I was honored to have breakfast with former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto at her home in Islamabad four weeks and a day before she was murdered. The brave people of Pakistan responded to this brutal attack with resolve to continue building a civil society.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the Democrat Big Government agenda in Washington is destroying jobs. Every dollar borrowed and spent by this Democrat majority, a total of $1.4 trillion this year alone, threatens the value of our currency. Among the negative consequences of a weak dollar is the increased costs to American families for goods and services, especially gas to run cars and businesses. CQ Weekly reports money going into commodities instead of the dollar drives up oil prices. Along with the majority's refusal to allow for the exploration of more American oil and natural gas, the decline of the value of the dollar leads to rising oil prices. This is painful to struggling families. It costs jobs and undercuts our economy. We must restore fiscal sanity. We cannot borrow and spend our way to prosperity, a devastating truth with the lack of jobs created by the Democrats nearly $1 trillion porkulus bill. 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, Democrats are proposing $163 billion in cuts to the Medicare Advantage program as part of their government takeover of health care. A crucial program, Medicare Advantage offers seniors greater choice and affordability, the primary goal of health insurance reform. But Democrats want to cut funding for this program. Squeezing senior citizens out of their current health insurance plan in order to impose new taxes and unworkable government mandates onto American families is not the way to reform health insurance. We need targeted reforms that will expand opportunities to get insurance, like association health plans and purchasing insurance across State lines. The Republican Study Committee, led by Dr. Tom Price, has offered H.R. 3400 to promote affordability and accessibility for American families and small businesses. The American people have a choice on how we reform. We do not need a big government takeover which will destroy 1.6 million jobs, according to the NFIB, the voice of small business. 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, cowardly homicide bombers murdered over 100 people in two car bombs in Baghdad, the deadliest mass slaughter in 2 years. The enemies of freedom in Iraq show they intend to continue to kill innocent civilians to threaten stability in the region and American families. President Obama correctly praised the courage and resilience of the Iraqi people and their determination to build strong institutions. Secretary of State Clinton made it clear that these terrorists would ``not deter Iraqis from administering justice based on the rule of law and carrying out their legitimate responsibilities in governing Baghdad.'' And Prime Minister Maliki underlined the need to fight the enemy of Iraq and America, recognizing al Qaeda as perpetrators of this heinous atrocity. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. We appreciate the Kurdish Regional Government delegation, a dynamic part of Iraq, visiting Washington today.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, President Obama was correct when he stated as a candidate for President last year, ``Our troops and our NATO allies are performing heroically in Afghanistan, but I have argued for years that we lack the resources to finish the job . . . And that is why, as President, I will make the fight against al Qaeda the top priority that it should be. This is a war we have to win.'' Our President has chosen CENTCOM Commander David Petraeus and General Stanley McChrystal to implement a strategy in Afghanistan that would train Afghani security forces, destroy terrorist elements, prevent the Taliban from providing safe haven to terrorists, and promote political and civil development in Afghanistan. Moving forward, we must provide the reinforcements that General McChrystal has requested. Indecision will only endanger our soldiers and empower our enemies. I agree with Vice President Dick Cheney: The President is dithering. Democrats and Republicans should join, as President Obama said in his Democratic acceptance speech, to finish the fight against the terrorists. 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 honored to submit the following poem written by Ms. Taylor Catherine Feda of Columbia, South Carolina. Taylor sadly passed away on July 6, 2007. She is remembered as a kind and generous daughter and friend as well as an excellent student at Dutch Fork High School where she excelled in writing poetry. Her parents, Jim and Michelin Feda of Irmo, were so kind to share the following poem penned by Taylor and included in the 2008 Dutch Fork High School literary magazine Revelations. Monster What do you find in the truth, but something in it's most pure original form. Something you must accept and respect on its own terms. People can never really accept the truth, They want to hide it with their own shades, Or betray it as something more ideal for their needs and wants. But maybe the truth is what we need, And once we accept its purity, Maybe it's exactly everything we want? I'm sick of seeing the ones I care about leap over the truth and jump right off the ledge of thinking straight, or hoping things will change. I'd like them to view things as I do, With the glass half-full, give or take a few sips of confidence in what the outcome will be either way. The truth is about acceptance, and betrayal, love and hopeless mistakes of reading the road signs that lead the other direction, those road signs possibly leading to ditches of deception or a simple glimpse of happiness. The truth is a monster that hurts people, but somehow heals their vision of thinking things are perfect and surreal. Let's accept it, Embrace it, Defy it.