Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 2927.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I missed the following recorded votes on the House floor the legislative week of Tuesday, April 20, 2010.

For Tuesday, April 20, 2010, had I been present I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote #212 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1257), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #213 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1271).

For Wednesday, April 21, 2010, had I been present I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote #214 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to S. 1963), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #215 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1104), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #216 (on 'notion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1216).

For Thursday, April 22, 2010, had I been present I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote #217 (on ordering the previous question to H. Res. 1287), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #218 (on motion to refer H. Res. 1287), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #219 (on motion to instruct Conferees to H.R. 2194), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #220 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1270).

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I missed the following recorded votes on the House floor the legislative week of Tuesday, April 13, 2010.

For Tuesday, April 13, 2010, had I been present I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 196 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1222), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 197 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1041), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 198 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1042).

For Wednesday, April 14, 2010, had I been present I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 199 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1236), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 200 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 4994), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 201 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 3125), ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 202 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1249), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 203 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1246).

For Thursday, April 15, 2010, had I been present I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 204 (on agreeing to H. Res. 1248, which provides for consideration of H.R. 4715), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 205 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1062), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 206 (on motion to refer H. Res. 1255, raising a question of the privileges of the House), ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 207 (on Shea-Porter amendment to H.R. 4715), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 208 (on motion to recommit H.R. 4715 with instructions), ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 209 (on passage of H.R. 4715), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 210 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1242), ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 211 (On motion to concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 4851, the Continuing Extension Act).

Madam Speaker, I would like to enter into the Congressional Record a few statements about Miss Ola Hitt, who is celebrating her 100th birthday this month. Miss Hitt is truly a special woman. Every day, motorists who drive down Whiskey Road in Aiken, South Carolina will pass by Ola Hitt Lane. Visitors to the city may not know why a street was named for Miss Hitt, but many of the residents could quickly inform them. Miss Ola, as she is affectionately known by her friends, has been a beloved figure in her small southern city for decades.

Miss Ola is an American patriot who has opened her home and her heart to serve the veteran community for many years. In 1960, Miss Ola was asked if disabled veterans who could live independently could share her large Chesterfield Street home with her. She never hesitated, and her house became a home to dozens of returning veterans who had no-where else to lay their heads. Her ``boys'', as she called them, always found a welcome mat at her front door. She not only prepared hot meals and provided comfortable rooms for them but also accompanied them to doctor's appointments. She even planned and took them on vacations. For 33 years, Miss Ola served her ``boys'' who had so valiantly served our great country.

Obviously, generosity epitomizes Miss Ola's life. She has always been quick to gather up donations to help children, veterans and anyone else who is in need. Miss Ola has also been known to draft others to assist her in her endeavors. Because no one says ``no'' to Miss Ola, she has been able to draw others into her many charities.

I could go on for hours about what Miss Ola means to her community and to her many friends. Her life has truly been one of giving and loving. I am proud to have this opportunity to wish her a happy 100th birthday and to thank her for spending her life serving others. God bless you, Miss Ola.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I missed the following recorded votes on the House floor the week of Monday, March 15, 2010.

For Monday, March 15, 2010, had I been present I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 112 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1145), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 113 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1170), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 114 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1163), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 115 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 267).

For Tuesday, March 16, 2010, had I been present I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 116 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 4628), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 117 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 311), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 118 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 605), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 119 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1128).

For Wednesday, March 17, 2010, had I been present I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 120 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1089), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 121 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1167), ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 122 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1184), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 123 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1141), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 124 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to S. 1147), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 125 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 3954), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 126 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 946), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 127 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 4825).

For Thursday, March 18, 2010, had I been present I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 131 (on motion to refer H. Res. 1193, raising a question of the privileges of the House), ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 132 (on motion to table H. Res. 1193, raising a question of the privileges of the House), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 133 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 3542), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 134 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 3509), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 135 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1173).

Mr. Speaker, tonight it seems like the popular target is health care, and I rise tonight, Mr. Speaker, to talk about my opposition to government takeover of health care. And there are a lot of reasons why we should all be against this bill, a lot of reasons why I should be against this bill, but the main reason I want to talk about is jobs.

Right now in my home State of South Carolina, Mr. Speaker, about 270,000 South Carolinians are out of work. We have a record unemployment rate of 12.6 percent. Families and small businesses are trying to figure out how to put food on the table and keep the lights lit. And you know what? Here in Washington all we are doing is making the matter worse. If this bill passes, thousands of mothers and fathers and hardworking South Carolinians will be without a job. Businesses will be saddled with new taxes, resulting in additional layoffs, cutbacks, and businesses closing.

In South Carolina, taxpayers will pick up the tab for sweetheart deals Democrats made behind the scenes to muscle this bill through Congress. Despite the Democrats' best efforts to keep the American people in the dark, though, by resorting to shady tactics and backroom deals, nobody is fooled in this country about what is going on here. This is a trillion-dollar boondoggle that will kill job creation and take over one-sixth of the Nation's economy. It will mean nearly $600 billion in tax increases, over $500 billion in Medicare cuts, and a massive expansion of the Federal Government.

In South Carolina, we know government mandates only stand in the way of economic growth and jobs. With this bill, Democrats have found another way to help stifle this country.

Mr. Speaker, let me say this. If this bill does pass, South Carolina won't stand for it. And I will tell you today that I will do everything within my power to defend the States' rights that are set forth by the 10th Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. The truth is we can avoid the lawsuits and legal action that will result in further wasted taxpayer dollars.

There is a better way. Republicans have offered real solutions that lower the cost of health care and improve access while resulting in zero job loss, zero Medicare cuts, and zero tax increases. Let me say that one more time. Zero job loss, zero Medicare cuts, and zero tax increases.

Mr. Speaker, Americans deserve an honest debate and an up-or-down vote on this bill. That's why I have cosponsored legislation to do just that, but Democrats have continued to stand in the way of true and real reform. A government takeover of health care is wrong for South Carolina, it is wrong for this Nation, and, Mr. Speaker, it is wrong for freedom. I hope and I pray, Mr. Speaker, that come Sunday my colleagues and I will beat this bill, and I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``no.''

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, I urge Members to vote ``no'' on the previous question so the rule can be amended and the House can consider H. Res. 1188. If passed, this bill will ensure a straightforward up-or-down vote on the Senate-passed health care bill.

From the moment this bill was introduced, Madam Speaker, this government takeover of health care has been on life support, kept alive only by closed-door processes and sweetheart deals. Over the past several months, I have spent a tremendous amount of time in South Carolina talking to folks about health care, and, quite frankly, the American people are tired of the games, the gimmicks, and they've been tired of us trying to muscle this bill through the legislative process. It's time we pull the plug on all these secretive schemes, Madam Speaker.

The cure is real and true transparency. The American people deserve an honest debate and an open vote by Congress on this legislation. Therefore, I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the previous question. Madam Speaker, let's give the American people a true up-or- down vote on this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Claude Arthur ``Skip'' Wharton, Ill, of Seneca, South Carolina, and fellow alumnus of The Citadel, for a lifetime of distinguished service to the citizens of our state and to our country. From his time as a cadet at The Citadel to his current position as Director of Business Operations for the Applied Research and Development Institute, ARDI, of the South Carolina Research Authority, SCRA, Skip has led an admirable life and maintained a strong work ethic. His contributions to South Carolina and the United States in the fields of government contract administration, compliance, finance, budgeting, and costing are truly commendable. In my view, Skip is the embodiment of an upstanding and fine American citizen.

After receiving his undergraduate degree from The Citadel, Skip served our country for four years in the United States Army as an Armored Cavalry Platoon Leader and a Troop Commander in Vietnam and Germany. For his service to our country, Skip was awarded the Silver Star Medal, the third highest medal awarded by the United States Armed Forces, for combat valor.

After his military service, Mr. Wharton spent seven years in management in small business in both California and Louisiana. From 1980 through 1987, Mr. Wharton was with the American Development Corporation, ADCOR, a defense manufacturing contractor located in Charleston, South Carolina. At ADCOR, he was responsible for adhering to the Federal Acquisition Regulations, FAR, in the development of annual corporate and departmental budgets, in excess of $20 million per year; the promulgation and defense of all indirect rates; and the formulation of all pricing proposals. In 1988, Mr. Wharton joined SCRA in Charleston and served as the Director of Budgeting and Costing. In this capacity, he was responsible for financial analyses at the project, group, segment, and company levels; corporate budgeting; management reporting; and tracking performance against stated strategic goals.

In October of 2000, Mr. Wharton was assigned to ARDI as the Director of Contracts and Procurement and was responsible for establishing the contracts administration staff and the administrative functions of the Composites Manufacturing Technology Center, a United States Navy Center of Excellence. Skip also served as the ARDI Facility Security Officer and was responsible for all interaction with the Defense Security Service; physical security of the office; the safeguarding of all classified documents, software and hardware; and the processing and maintenance of individual security clearances.

Through hard work and dedication, Skip has made significant contributions to our state and our country. His distinguished service has been invaluable, and for this, I applaud him. His dedication to his family, friends, and colleagues should stand as an example of what we should all strive to be. I join Skip's colleagues at the Applied Research and Development Institute, the citizens of our state, and his entire family, including his wife, Patricia, his children and grandchild, in commending Skip for his lifetime of service to South Carolina and this great nation. May God bless them all.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I missed the following recorded votes on the House floor the week of Monday, February 22, 2010-Friday, February 26, 2010.

For Monday, February 22, 2010, I ask that the Record reflect that had I been present I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote #49 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 4425), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #50 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 4238).

For Tuesday, February 23, 2010, I ask that the Record reflect that had I been present I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote #51 (on agreeing to H. Res. 1083, which provides for consideration of H.R. 2314), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #52 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1066), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #53 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1059), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #54 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1039), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #55 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1046), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #56 (on agreeing to the Hastings (WA) amendment to H.R. 2314), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #57 (on agreeing to the Flake amendment to H.R. 2314), ``no'' on rollcall vote #58 (on agreeing to the Abercrombie amendment to H.R. 2314), ``no'' on rollcall vote #59 (on passage of H.R. 2314).

For Wednesday, February 24, 2010, I ask that the Record reflect that had I been present I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote #60 (on agreeing to H. Res. 1098, which provides for consideration of H.R. 4626), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #61 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1074), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #62 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 944), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #63 (on motion to recommit H.R. 4626 with instructions), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #64 (on passage of H.R. 4626), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #65 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1085).

For Thursday, February 25, 2010, I ask that the Record reflect that had I been present I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote #66 (on agreeing to H. Res. 1105, which provides for consideration of H.R. 2701), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #67 (on motion to concur in Senate amendments to H.R. 3961), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #68 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Con. Res. 227).

For Friday, February 26, 2010, I ask that the Record reflect that had I been present I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote #69 (on agreeing to the Reyes (TX) amendment to H.R. 2701), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #70 (on agreeing to the Hastings (FL) amendment to H.R. 2701), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #71 (on agreeing to the Schauer amendment to H.R. 2701), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #72 (on motion to recommit H.R. 2701 with instructions), ``no'' on rollcall vote #73 (on passage of H.R. 2701), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #74 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Con. Res. 238).

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 100th birthday of Walter Gamewell Watson. Dr. Watson, known as ``Curly'' to his friends, is said to be the oldest known working physician-in the United States. I, along with the communities of both North Augusta, South Carolina, and Augusta, Georgia, am taking this opportunity to celebrate both his life and his faithful, compassionate service to his fellow man.

Dr. Watson was born in 1910 in the small agricultural community of Ridge Spring, South Carolina. His father was a farmer and postmaster of the local post office. Dr. Watson's mother was a schoolteacher. He grew up milking cows and plowing fields. Like many of his peers, he studied agriculture, and it was his good fortune to actually study under the late senior South Carolina Senator, Strom Thurmond, who was a teacher at the time.

After high school, Walter Watson attended the Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, where he played football and excelled academically. Upon finishing college, he returned to Edgefield County, and for 5 years, he served as both the principal and football coach at Edgefield County High School and later went to work in the school system of Bainbridge, Georgia.

While working in the educational field, Walter Watson saved money for medical school. He eventually attended the Medical College of Georgia and graduated in 1943. He did his internship and residency at the University Hospital and was board certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Dr. Watson served in the Army as an Army physician from 1945 to 1947. After being discharged from the Army, he returned home to join the medical practice established by the late J.W. Thurmond, M.D.

For more than 60 years, Dr. Watson has practiced at the University Hospital in Augusta, Georgia. He has delivered an estimated 15,000 babies. His reputation of excellence at the hospital and his care and concern for his patients has been so notable that a wing of the hospital was named after him. The W.G. Watson, M.D., Women's Center was dedicated in 1999.

Other notable achievements include his marriage to Audrey, and their four daughters and one son. Dr. Watson is also the oldest living graduate of the Citadel.

Today, I celebrate Dr. Watson's birthday as well as his longtime service to his community, his State and his Nation. God bless you, Dr. Watson.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I missed the following recorded votes on the House floor on Tuesday, February 2, 2010 and Wednesday, February 3, 2010.

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I missed the following recorded votes on the House floor on Wednesday, January 27, 2010.

I.would have voted ``no'' on roll call vote No. 20 (on agreeing to H. Res. 1038, which provides for consideration of H.R. 3726 and H.R. 4474), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 21 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1024), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 22 (on passage of H.R. 4474), ``no'' on rollcall vote No. 23 (on passage of H.R. 3726), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 24 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 4508), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 25 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1020).

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I missed the following recorded votes on the House floor on Tuesday, January 26, 2010.

I ask that the Record reflect that had I been present I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 17 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 990), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 18 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1011), ``aye'' on rollcall vote No. 19 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1003).

Madam Speaker, unfortunately, I missed the following recorded votes on the House floor on Wednesday, January 20, 2010, and Thursday, January 21, 2010.

On Wednesday, January 20, 2009, I ask that the Record reflect that had I been present I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote #9 (on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 1017), ``no'' on rollcall vote #10 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 3726), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #11 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 3538).

On Thursday, January 21, 2009, I ask that the Record reflect that had I been present I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall vote #12 (on passage of H.R. 3254), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #13 (on passage of H.R. 3342), ``no'' on rollcall vote #14 (on passage of H.R. 1065), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #15 (on motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1021), ``aye'' on rollcall vote #16 (on motion to suspend the rules and concur in the Senate amendment to H.R. 730).

Madam Speaker, today, I rise to honor the Boy Scouts of America on their 100th anniversary.

The Boy Scouts of America has been at the forefront of instilling timeless values in youth since its founding in 1910. Throughout its 100-year history, it has helped millions of youth succeed by providing the support, friendship, and mentoring necessary to live a happy and fulfilling life.

Today, the Boy Scouts of America is the largest youth service organization in America, with nearly 3 million members. These members learn responsible citizenship, character development, and self-reliance through participation in a wide range of outdoor activities, educational programs and career-oriented programs in partnership with local community groups.

The Boy Scouts have always held a special place in my heart because in 1951, my father started Boy Scout Troup 108--the first Boy Scout organization in Westminster, South Carolina. As a matter of fact, one of the first service projects of this troop was to raise the American Flag over the Westminster Post Office.

On this momentous anniversary, I would like to thank all of the Scouts for their service to their local communities and to our Nation. I would also like to thank their parents for all of the time and energy they have committed to scouting. It is the values of service, character, and leadership--the core values of scouting--that make our country great.