Joe Wilson

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, today we remember the 3,000 Americans murdered 7 years ago. While we pause and reflect, we are reminded of the incredible heroism of that day, the selfless commitment of so many, helping their neighbor, coworkers, or a complete stranger. We have seen that character, courage, and commitment every day since in those who have stood to protect our Nation at home and abroad. We remember Todd Beamer. Six major plots have been stopped in New York City alone. To our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines, and all our military families, we owe you a debt of gratitude. To our first responders and intelligence officials, your service reminds us that there are many roles to play in protecting American families, and defeating terrorists overseas. I am grateful to know that so many Americans are willing to stand on the front lines in defense of liberty. We must never forget their sacrifice and never fail to honor them. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Thank you for this opportunity to speak on House Resolution 1383, a resolution recognizing the 100th anniversary of Bulgaria's independence. I want to thank the Ranking Member on the committee, Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, and Chairman Howard Berman, in addition to Chairman Robert Wexler of the Subcommittee on Europe and Ranking Member of that subcommittee, Elton Gallegly of California, for their support in bringing this resolution to the floor. I am grateful to serve as the cochair of the Bulgaria Caucus of Congress along with congresswoman Ellen Tauscher of California. We work for parliamentary exchanges between Bulgaria and America, along with hosting Bulgarian officials and citizens in Washington. The people of Bulgaria should be proud that on September 22 of this year they will celebrate 100 years of independence. At the beginning of the 20th century, Bulgaria struggled to free itself from the Ottoman Empire. Toward the end of that century, they once again fought to emerge from beneath Totalitarianism following the defeat of Communism. Bulgaria's story is a success because of the hard work and dedication of its people. They should be proud of these accomplishments. On a personal note, 18 years ago I had the great honor to serve as an elected observer for Bulgaria's first and free elections as a participant with the International Republican Institute. At the time, I saw a nation battling the challenges of building a democratic society based on the rule of law. Communist Totalitarianism was replaced by freedom and democracy. Bulgarians have faced the opportunities and the difficulties associated with building a prosperous free economy. Additionally, just last month I served and visited with American troops stationed in Bulgaria on a codel led by Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo of Guam, and I am proud to report that the immense economic and diplomatic progress the people of Bulgaria have made is remarkable. We were hosted by the National Assembly Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Solomon Passy. Chairman Passy served with great distinction as the former foreign minister of Bulgaria. We met with former Bulgarian Minister to Greece Stephan Stoyanov, along with Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev, and National Assembly Speaker Georgi Pirinski. During my visit to Bulgaria in 2005, I was honored to be hosted by President Georgi Parvanov. Indeed, the World Bank recently classified Bulgaria as one of the top 10 nations to have undertaken important economic reforms to attract business investment. Bulgaria, admitted to the European Union in 2007, is the only EU Nation to be listed in the top 10. In closing, we should recognize the people of Bulgaria for their continued support in the global war on terrorism. I have visited Bulgarian troops in Afghanistan and was proud that my son, Alan, served with Bulgaria during his year of service in Iraq. As a dynamic member of NATO since 2004 and as a nation of free and democratic people, Bulgaria has stood with America in these difficult times. The partnership with America has never been stronger, built by Bulgaria's ambassador to the United States, Elena Poptodorova. So today we recognize this immense achievement of theirs and commend them on 100 years of independence. Again, I want to thank Chairman Berman, Ranking Member Ros-Lehtinen, subcommittee Chairman Wexler and subcommittee Ranking Member Gallegly for their work today. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time and commend my colleague from Washington State.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 1307, a resolution commemorating Bhutan's participation in the 2008 Smithsonian Folklife Festival and commending the people and leaders of that isolated and mountainous country for their commitment to democratic reform. Mr. Speaker, the Kingdom of Bhutan, called by its people ``the Land of the Thunder Dragon,'' is one of the most hauntingly beautiful and remarkable countries in the world. If the diversity of its peoples, geography, and ecosystems weren't enough to make Bhutan stand out, this traditional society is also experiencing an extraordinary political evolution. Due to the perceptive policies of its two most recent rulers, Bhutan has been transformed from one of the world's most reclusive poor countries to one of its more enlightened. The economy has grown at an average annual rate of 7 percent over the past 25 years. With huge investments in public health, life expectancy rose during the King's reign from 40 to 66. During the 1990s, the primary school enrollment rate rose by over a quarter to 72 percent. This March, Bhutan held successful elections for the lower house of parliament. This event, which built upon the historic and peaceful elections for the upper house of parliament in December 2007, marked another positive step in Bhutan's transition to a democratic, constitutional monarchy. Mr. Speaker, I urge support for this well-crafted and noncontroversial resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, over the weekend, the Nuclear Suppliers Group, an organization consisting of 45 nations working to reduce proliferation of nuclear weapons, announced that they had successfully implemented an agreement allowing for peaceful civilian nuclear cooperation with India. This is a great achievement for Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Ambassador to Washington Ronen Sen. There were individuals of good faith on both sides of this issue whose concerns were heard, and this latest step ends 3 years of negotiations. The time to finalize the agreement is now. And we should recognize what a civilian nuclear agreement would mean for our Nation, for our energy needs, and for our economy. The agreement will produce stable, clean power for the people of India, promoting the strong partnership with America. This nuclear agreement will mean more prosperity through new jobs and economic growth for India and America. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, fifty years ago, on August 22, 1958, newlyweds Virginia and Ben Ali opened what is regarded now as a culinary landmark in Washington, D.C., Ben's Chili Bowl. The Ali family encountered numerous hardships on the way to establishing this neighborhood restaurant as a cultural symbol of camaraderie, tolerance and endurance. Ben's Chili Bowl became famous by consistently providing quality food for half a century such as their famous chili, half-smoke sausages, hamburgers and milkshakes. Over the years, the menu has expanded to include vegetarian options and a full breakfast. Celebrities such as Bill Cosby and Denzel Washington have visited the establishment, raising its national profile. Ben's Chili Bowl is now one of the most successful, longest-operating African-American owned businesses in America. The restaurant is expanding with Ben's II opening next door to their longtime establishment along with a restaurant located in the Washington Nationals' new stadium. Further, a book commemorating the 50th anniversary of Ben's Chili Bowl will be released in August 2008. Ben and Virginia Ali were inducted into the District of Columbia Hall of Fame in 1991, and while they have retired, their sons Kamal and Nizam are successfully carrying the family's business into the future. Congratulations to Ben, Virginia, Kamal and Nizam Ali for their family's work ethic, dedication and commitment to making Ben's Chili Bowl an American symbol of small business success for the past 50 years.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I am grateful for this opportunity to wish a fond farewell to two extraordinary members of South Carolina's Second Congressional District Staff--Chirag Shah and Kori Lorick. Hailing from the great State of Wisconsin and son of Kamal and Jagruti Shah and brother of Chintan, Chirag was first an intern in the Second District office during college at the University of Wisconsin. We were fortunate that he chose to return to Capitol Hill and serve first as scheduler and then as legislative correspondent for the people of the Second Congressional District. Chirag will be heading to the University of Missouri for law school this fall. A native of Lexington, South Carolina, and daughter of Mary Alice Lorick and Neville Lorick, Kori joined the second district staff at the beginning of this year as a staff assistant following graduation from the College of William and Mary. Her important work on behalf of constituents visiting the United States Capitol and directing the day-to-day activities of the front office have been a very special part of helping our office better serve the constituents of the Second Congressional District. Kori will be joining the Federal Bureau of Investigation in August. The people of the Second Congressional District of South Carolina have been well-served by Chirag and Kori. Their dedication, hard work, and good humor will be missed. We wish them both good health and happiness in their future endeavors.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I am happy to congratulate my friend Sunny Philips and her husband Jay Philips of Columbia, SC on the birth of their daughter Sarah Lilian Philips. Sarah Lilian Philips was born on July 31, 2008, weighing 6 pounds and 3 ounces. She has been born into a loving home where she will be raised by parents who are devoted to her well-being and bright future. I am particularly happy to share my birthday with Sarah Lilian Philips. I am so excited for this new addition to the Philips family. On behalf of my wife Roxanne, and our entire family, we want to wish Sunny, Jay, Sarah Lilian and her three sisters Rigby, Maddy, and Nettie good health and happiness.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I would like to submit the following article published in The Washington Times newspaper on July 23, 2008. It outlines the prevalence of conservatism among actors and leaders in the film and entertainment industry. Moreover, it is encouraging to learn that support for our troops and traditional values are shared by Americans from all walks of life. Hollywood's Conservative Underground (By Amy Fagan) A group of politically conservative and centrist Hollywood figures organized by actor Gary Sinise and others has been meeting quietly in restaurants and private homes, forming a loose-knit network of entertainers who share common beliefs like supporting U.S. troops and traditional American values. Some of those involved are taking more public steps to counter the entertainment industry's tilt toward liberalism and Democratic politics, such as campaigning for Republican Sen. John McCain or crafting projects to portray America in a more positive light. The group, whose members call themselves ``Friends of Abe'' after Abraham Lincoln, was organized as an underground movement because of fears that prominent industry titans with outspoken liberal views would retaliate, said participants. They often were reluctant to name members of the group in interviews for fear it would hurt their careers. ``It's a growing movement, and word is getting out that there's many of us in this business . . .,'' said 1950s singer Pat Boone, one of the few conservatives to talk about the movement publicly. ``If certain studio execs--hirers and firers--learn that this is a movement and growing, and that some of these people that they hire are of this inclination, these people could be unemployed.'' Friends of Abe has functioned like a support group, organizing informal gatherings where actors, producers, screenwriters, key grips and other industry types can share common values or discuss concerns like anti- Americanism in Hollywood movies or the perception of industry bias against conservatives and Republicans. The movement has grown over the past few years from gatherings of a few dozen to one last month that drew more than 600 to a billionaire's California estate, Mr. Boone said. People familiar with the movement credited Mr. Sinise, whose roles range from the blockbuster movie ``Forrest Gump'' to the TV show ``CSI: New York'' for helping organize the movement. Sinise spokeswoman Staci Wolfe said the actor was traveling with a band to entertain U.S. troops overseas and was unavailable for an interview. She would say only: ``He is not registered with any political party.'' Participants said Friends of Abe is not partisan, but rather functions as a support group where Republicans, Democrats and independents alike can discuss issues they care about. And the low-key gatherings at restaurants and homes have given conservatives a safe place to meet and express their views, they added. ``A Friend of Abe is someone who has reverence for those who serve in our military and believes that American liberal democracy is a unique success, different from others, and it's worthy of the respect of our popular culture . . . of Hollywood in particular,'' said screenwriter Lionel Chetwynd, who helped organize Friends of Abe luncheons when they began 4 years ago. Mr. Chetwynd said Friends of Abe generally find themselves at odds with the rhetoric of their hard-left colleagues in Hollywood. Craig Haffner, a producer who also attended the gatherings, said Friends of Abe is ``not a political action group; people are gravitating to it because they love their country.'' While the group is not organizing any political activities, some of its members are taking action into their own hands. Actor Jon Voight, Mr. Boone, Mr. Chetwynd and Mr. Haffner have stepped forward and actively campaigned for Mr. McCain's presidential bid. Mr. Boone said he talked to McCain campaign staffers last week about how he and other stars can help. Supporters now are assembling a formal organization for Mr. McCain in Hollywood, a few of the leaders said. Meanwhile, many want to produce more movie and theater projects with a positive American message and stronger emphasis on positive cultural values instead of films that paint America as ``the great Satan,'' Mr. Boone said. Mr. Chetwynd said such efforts have been under way for several years, well before the Friends of Abe luncheons began. Actor Kelsey Grammer, a Republican, is aware of the group but won't comment further, his publicist said. David Horowitz, another Hollywood conservative and founder of the Los Angeles-based Center for the Study of Popular Culture, said the group is serving a good purpose but he worries its members won't be aggressive enough. ``There's a kind of . . . intellectual terror in this town. People are terrorized; they're afraid to say what they think. So what Gary is doing to provide aid and comfort to its victims is admirable, and I applaud him for it,'' he said. ``But my concern is it's not going to be much more than that.''

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, as Americans struggle with high gas prices our military is also facing skyrocketing energy costs. The vehicles needed to transport our military and take the fight to our enemies require extraordinary amounts of fuel. This is a startling example of how rising energy prices directly affect our national security. It is another example of why Democrats must not adjourn for their five-week vacation without addressing this issue. Between 1997 and 2007, ten years, military fuel costs grew from $3 billion to $11.4 billion, which is a 380 percent increase. Meanwhile, consumption of fuel by the military grew only 26 percent. We need, and the American people are demanding, a comprehensive strategy that creates more American-made energy by drilling for oil and natural gas, building new refineries, investing in renewable energy, and promoting conservation. House Democrats should take a bipartisan approach and bring the House Republican all-of-the-above energy bill to the floor for a vote. Let the American people's voices be heard. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, today the House of Representatives will adjourn for 5 weeks. It is troubling that the Democratic leadership sees no problem in taking a 5-week vacation, having failed to vote on legislation that will lower gas prices and break our dependence on foreign oil. House Republicans have laid out a plan of exploration, alternative energy innovation, and conservation, a comprehensive strategy that pulls together this Nation's immense natural resources and our rapidly advancing technology to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and build a more prosperous country. Let's have a vote on a comprehensive energy package. Let's show American families that their interests are important enough for this Congress to stay here and lower gas prices. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th. Godspeed for the future careers to Second District staff members, Chirag Shah and Kori Lorick.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Chairman, thank you for this opportunity to speak on H.R. 1338. I want to thank the ranking member of the committee, Representative Buck McKeon of California, for his leadership here today. I know we can all agree that discrimination in the workplace is unacceptable. That is why employment discrimination, including pay discrimination, based on gender is already prohibited by law. As an attorney myself, I believe there are already considerable legal ramifications for discrimination in our Federal laws, which makes the legislation we are considering here today unnecessary and redundant. Additionally, it seems the premise for bringing this bill to the floor today is in response to potential wage gaps between men and women in the workforce. I would remind my colleagues that research into this issue, including a report by the Government Accountability Office, GAO, concluded that the ``wage gap'' was not simply derived from sex discrimination or pay discrimination. In fact, the reasons for such a gap can be numerous. But to the bill itself, I am concerned that this legislation will not strengthen current laws or improve workplace protections but rather create additional and greater potential for individuals, well-meaning or otherwise, to abuse these protections in our courts. This bill does two very damaging things to current law. It allows for unlimited compensatory and punitive damages for claims brought under the Equal Pay Act, and it does not require proof of intent to discriminate in those claims. These two components could have unintended consequences for employers and employees, and they make it more attractive for unsubstantiated claims before the courts. I welcome a healthy debate on employee and employer protections in the workplace. In fact, I would hope that before going forward, the debate on these issues would be more open where both the minority and majority might have greater opportunity to offer amendments to strengthen legislation and address the real concern of America's hardworking families. I want to thank Ranking Member Buck McKeon for his leadership, and I encourage my colleagues to oppose this legislation. American workers deserve reasonable protections that are enforced. This bill would undermine those efforts in America's workforce.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, last week House Republicans introduced the American Energy Act--an all-of-the-above approach to reduce energy prices for hard-working Americans and their families. Our Nation is increasingly dependent on foreign oil. This endangers our economy and our national security. The billions we send overseas to buy foreign oil should be spent investing in American-made energy by exploring for our own resources in an environmentally sound way. We also need to expand our research into alternative, renewable energy sources like biomass, hydrogen, wind, solar, and nuclear power while encouraging American consumers to conserve. Our bill does all of this. I urge the House Democrat leadership to join with us before adjournment to promote an American energy program. The American people deserve this opportunity to have their voices heard. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, this year marks the 40th anniversary of the Special Olympics--an organization dedicated to providing individuals with intellectual disabilities an opportunity to train and compete in athletic events. Over 2.5 million individuals from across 180 countries participate in events held year-round. As the world gathers in Beijing, China for this year's Summer Olympic Games, we should remember the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games that were held in Shanghai, China, in October 2007. This was only the second time the games have been held outside the United States and attracted over 7,000 athletes. From my home State of South Carolina, Special Olympics South Carolina sent four athletes--Diana Poiletman of Columbia, Eric Brown of Columbia, Jason Morrow of Spartanburg County, and Darlene Wycuff of Spartanburg County--who brought home an impressive total of 9 medals. These strong individuals embody the best of the human spirit and truly represent the words of the Special Olympics' motto: ``Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.'' I wish to congratulate the millions of individuals who compete and participate in the Special Olympics. In particular, I want to recognize Anne Burke and Eunice Kennedy Shriver who founded the organization in 1968. Their dedication and tireless efforts on behalf of intellectually disabled men, women, and children around the world are truly remarkable. In South Carolina, Barry S. Coats, President and CEO of Special Olympics South Carolina and all his staff and volunteers should be commended for their wonderful work.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I am happy to congratulate my friend Andrew Kaplan and his wife Danleigh Kaplan of Washington on the birth of their new twin girls. Madelyn Claire Kaplan and Ainsley Elizabeth Kaplan were born on July 27, 2008 weighing 5 pounds 2 ounces and 5 pounds 8 ounces respectively. Madelyn and Ainsley have been born into a loving home where they will be raised by parents who are devoted to their well-being and bright future. I am so excited for this new addition to the Kaplan family. On behalf of my wife Roxanne, and our entire family, we want to wish Andrew, Danleigh, Madelyn, and Ainsley all the best.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, I am happy to congratulate my friend Andrew Kaplan and his wife Danleigh Kaplan of Washington on the birth of their new twin girls. Madelyn Claire Kaplan and Ainsley Elizabeth Kaplan were born on July 27, 2008, weighing 5 pounds 2 ounces and 5 pounds 8 ounces respectively. Madelyn and Ainsley have been born into a loving home where they will be raised by parents who are devoted to their well-being and bright future. I am so excited for this new addition to the Kaplan family. On behalf of my wife Roxanne and our entire family, we want to wish Andrew, Danleigh, Madelyn, and Ainsley all the best.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity to express my strong support for the Ernest F. Hollings National Advocacy Center (NAC) located on the campus of the University of South Carolina and for H.R. 6083, legislation which authorizes funding for NAC to help that organization train State and local prosecutors. Started by the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) in 1998, for more than a decade the NAC has educated over 20,000 prosecutors--expanding their knowledge of difficult legal matters and skills to better serve their communities. I am grateful that my son Alan is a graduate of the NAC program. I know firsthand that his experience has been an important part of his legal training. State and local prosecutors are an invaluable component of our nation's justice system. Their service helps protect American families by keeping criminals off our streets and making our neighborhoods safer for our children. I commend the staff of the National Advocacy Center for their hard work, and I encourage my colleagues to join me in supporting this important program.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, over the weekend the world was reminded that we face a global war on terrorism. Terrorists murdered or maimed hundreds of innocent civilians in India, Turkey, and most recently, yesterday in Iraq. These attacks, which numbered well over a dozen, are a stark reminder of the hideous nature of the enemy, who have declared war on modern civilization. The groups responsible for these attacks are not always the same people. However, their motives in disrupting peace and prosperity and taking the lives of innocent individuals are the same as those who seek to kill American families. That is why we must stand together with our allies against such heinous attacks. I want to express my deepest sympathies to the people of India, Turkey, and Iraq. If we are to defeat those who will murder innocent civilians and destroy the prosperity of free Nations, then we must work together. Despite their best efforts, our enemy's brazen disregard for innocent life will only strengthen our resolve. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, yesterday India's Parliament held a confidence vote on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's majority coalition. Prime Minister Singh's majority prevailed. This is good news for the U.S.-India civilian nuclear agreement that is currently under consideration by the International Atomic Energy Agency and Nuclear Suppliers Group. A minority party of the Indian Parliament called for the vote in opposition to Prime Minister Singh's decision to send the nuclear agreement to the IAEA for consideration. Yesterday's victory provides a political mandate for the agreement between the United States and India which will strengthen our partnership as well as further the advancement of nuclear energy, which is good jobs and stable power for the people of India. As the citizens of my home State of South Carolina know, nuclear energy is a clean and renewable energy source. For over 30 years, over 50 percent of electricity generated in our State has come from nuclear power. As a long-time supporter of the civilian nuclear agreement, I am grateful that we will continue to step closer to having the agreement implemented. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, on Tuesday July 15th, the House of Representatives passed unanimously by voice vote H. Con. Res. 299, a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. As a proud cosponsor of this resolution, I am grateful that the House of Representatives took the time to show our support for those who are fighting for better treatment and a cure for cystic fibrosis. Our ability to help families and the medical community make headway against this disease is vital. With approximately 30,000 Americans living with this disease--a large percentage of which are children-- raising funding and awareness for research will bring hope and real results. In an effort to raise money and awareness for cystic fibrosis research, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has held an annual Celebrity Tennis Gala for the past 23 years. Since the beginning of these annual events, the life-expectancy of a child born with cystic fibrosis has more than doubled. This is in no small part due to the money raised at this event and others. Last year alone, the Foundation raised more than $350,000 which is a substantial part of the $2.5 million raised over the years through the gala. I had the privilege of being a part of the 2008 event, where my Chief of Staff Dino Teppara was a key player, and I was encouraged by the dedication of the families I met and the hard- working individuals at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. America has remained a leader in medical research and our scientists continue to lead the way in inching closer to a cure for many diseases. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the American people as we battle together to find a cure for cystic fibrosis and other diseases.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, our Nation's economic and national security is being threatened by our continued reliance on foreign oil. The pain at the pump is having a terrible impact on the wallets of American families. Simultaneously, we are sending billions of dollars overseas to buy the foreign oil we pay far too much for here at home. Exploration of American oil and natural gas right here at home means we can rely less on unstable regimes and break the monopoly of foreign oil. The more American-made energy we use means less of our money going to line the pockets of dictators like Hugo Chavez of Venezuela. We have the resources and the technology to get these resources in an environmentally sound way. We must face the fact there are real consequences to congressional inaction just as there would be substantial benefits to adopting an all-of-the-above energy policy, which I and many of my Republican colleagues support. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, it is a basic rule of economics that when demand goes up, but supply remains stagnant, prices go up. That is the primary cause of the recent rise in gas prices. Energy costs affect our transportation costs, our food costs and our national security. If there were a silver bullet, an alternative energy source that could replace oil tomorrow, we would all be for it. But there isn't. So while we are working with oil, it makes economic and national security sense to reduce our dependence on foreign imports. If my colleagues on the other side of the aisle want to invest in alternative energy, good. So do we. If they want to promote conservation, good. So do we. But if they continue to stand in the way of opening up new areas right here at home for oil and natural gas exploration, then they will stand alone. House Republicans are ready to act because Americans want an all-of- the-above energy policy. When will House Democrats stand with the American people, rather than in their way? In conclusion, God bless our troops. We will never forget September the 11th.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Madam Speaker, on July 12th, former White House Press Secretary, writer, commentator, patriot and a true gentleman, Tony Snow, passed away from colon cancer. Throughout his life and his career, Mr. Snow earned a reputation for wit, thoughtfulness, and intellectual prowess that brought him admiration and acclaim from his political allies and opponents. A graduate of Davidson College in North Carolina, Tony Snow had a diverse career beginning as an editorial writer for a local North Carolina paper. He grew in the field of journalism to become a syndicated columnist and commentator for several well respected news programs. He was a speechwriter for President George H.W. Bush. After leaving the White House for the first time, Mr. Snow took a post at the Fox News Channel--helping to build that network's news programming-- before returning to the White House as press secretary for President George W. Bush. I am personally grateful that a former member of the staff of South Carolina's Second District, Emily Lawrimore, had the distinct honor to work with Tony Snow in her post as assistant press secretary for President Bush. I know from her experience and the stories of generosity and decency from Mr. Snow's friends and colleagues that we have truly lost an honorable individual who believed in rising above the political rhetoric in this Nation. With his college background at Davidson, the people of the Carolinas especially appreciated his success. At this time of loss, our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Jill, and their three children.

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday President Bush announced that he would be lifting the executive branch moratorium on offshore exploration for oil and natural gas. I applaud the President's actions. House Republicans have offered a plan to expand offshore and onshore energy supply with conservation. This is part of our comprehensive approach to lowering energy prices and reducing our dependence on foreign oil. I hope my colleagues on the other side of the aisle will join House Republicans and the American people in calling for an immediate lifting of the congressional ban on offshore drilling. We need to invest in future alternatives to oil, but until we find a viable, affordable alternative energy source that can move our cars and transport American commerce, we need to expand exploration of American- made oil and natural gas, particularly when we have the tools and know how to do it in an environmentally sound way. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th.