Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today with profound sadness to remember and honor the life of Richard A. Shirley of Anderson who passed away on December 8th at the age of 68. Before his unexpected passing, Richard served as the Clerk of the Court in Anderson County.

In 1978, Richard began his career in public service by being elected to the Anderson City Council, becoming the youngest person ever to be elected to the council. In 1998, Richard was elected Mayor of Anderson and faithfully served as mayor for 8 years. During his tenure as mayor, he played an important role in revitalizing the Anderson Soiree festival and making Anderson the prosperous place it is today. Richard was also a successful local community banker for over 30 years and proud graduate of T.L. Hanna High School and Presbyterian College.

Richard was a proud husband, father, son, and friend and he will be immensely missed by the community of Anderson. Richard will be remembered for his constant smile, witty humor, and his love of God and country. I am reminded of the verse Mark 10:45, ``For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'' Richard had a servant's heart and was always there to help people with a smile and those in need. His profound impact on the Anderson community will be felt for generations to come.

Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to be able to serve the Third District of South Carolina and to honor my dear friend, Richard Shirley. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of Jim Bohannon, a syndicated talk show radio host who is retiring today at age seventy-eight after a fruitful career in broadcast radio of more than five decades.

Jim Bohannon has been the host of the late-night syndicated talk show ``The Jim Bohannon Show'' each weeknight for the past 30 years, including 40 years with Westwood One. He is one of the top radio personalities in the United States and for three years in a row was voted ``The 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America'' by Talkers Magazine.

Jim Bohannon's career in radio has garnered multiple awards such as the First Amendment Award from the Radio Television Digital News Association and the Lifetime Achievement Award from Talkers Magazine and led to his induction into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame and the Missouri Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame. He was once the principal backup for Larry King on ``The Larry King Show'' and eventually took over King's nighttime talk show slot in February 1993.

Jim Bohannon began his career in 1960 in Missouri, served in the U.S. Army, and is now a proud resident of South Carolina's Third Congressional District. He has played an integral role in facilitating conservative political discourse through the years of weekday programs, anchoring newscasts, political conventions, and election night coverage. I wish Jim Bohannon the very best in his retirement and thank him for his contribution during his decades in radio.

Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to be able to serve the Third District of South Carolina and to celebrate those who make a difference in our community and country.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Minnesota for yielding time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the previous question so that we can amend the rule to immediately consider the Protecting America's Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act.

H.R. 8488 is a bill introduced by Ranking Member Rodgers and me, and it is simple. It would prohibit the Department of Energy from sending America's emergency oil reserves, known as the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, to China.

Now the Democrats are in denial about why their constituents are paying so much at the pump for gas and diesel fuel. It is directly a result of the Biden administration and Democrat policies that began the day that Joe Biden was sworn in as the President of the United States. Because of his war on the oil and gas industry, our domestic production and our refining capacity has declined by more than 1 million barrels per day since President Trump was in office.

Americans know what they were paying for gas in January of 2021. They know what they are paying for gas today. They know they had more money in their pocket to spend on things for their family. They know they are having to make decisions now about their travel. It is affecting their cost to go to work, to take their kids to school, or to go to their place of worship.

Energy prices have surged past historic records. People have been forced to pay more than $6 per gallon in some regions of the country. Now President Biden and the Democrats are looking for cover. He is looking to distract the American voters from the painful realities of his anti-fossil fuel agenda by releasing an unprecedented 260 million barrels of oil from the SPR, or the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Releasing this oil is going to be no more than a blip for gasoline prices.

It seems as if the White House and Democrats are taking victory laps over a temporary decrease in the price of gasoline. It is because Americans are on vacation, they are not driving as much, they are staying home--staycations--and they are not using as much. It is a supply and demand issue.

But it is also a cause and effect issue. The cause is the Biden administration's Democrat policies against fossil fuels because they have some sort of utopian ideal that Americans are just going to--let's see, in the words of Secretary Granholm: transition to electric vehicles.

Let me be clear: I like electric vehicles. I think they ought to be a part of the mix. In fact, more electric vehicles on the road means less emissions and better air quality.

But instead of forcing it, why not let the free market work?

Why not let the free market come up with alternatives and more cost- effective modes of transportation for Americans versus government policies trying to push this utopian ideal?

It is not the solution to the energy crisis Americans are facing today. Releasing oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is not the answer either. In fact, the Biden administration is releasing more than 1 million barrels per day, but it really has nowhere to go because our refineries are at capacity and our pipelines are full. As a result, America's emergency reserves are being sent to China which is using it to build up its own strategic reserves.

The irony is that when prices plummeted at the onset of COVID, President Trump's Department of Energy wanted to buy oil and fill up the SPR. Democrats opposed that. Let's see, buy low, sell high. Oil was really cheap. President Trump wanted to fill up the SPR. Now that oil is really high, this President wants to release it and give it to China.

We are going to have to replace it.

Are we going to replace it at a high price?

The other irony is that this isn't about fossil fuels because President Biden traveled 11,000 miles roundtrip to Saudi Arabia to beg the Saudis for oil. He didn't beg them for batteries for electric cars. He begged them for oil which is going to be refined into the transportation fuels that we use.

I have got an idea for President Biden and for Democrats: How about embrace American energy production?

How about President Biden travel down to Port Fourchon, Louisiana, or to Midland, Texas, and talk to American energy producers and ask them the question: How can we meet the domestic demand that we have here in this country?

How can we, with American energy production, lower the costs for moms and dads, American families, here at home by American production, providing American jobs, and producing American resources?

We have been blessed in this country with abundant resources in oil and gas. Unfortunately, we have been cursed by liberal politicians.

We have been cursed by liberal politicians who want to take those abundant resources off the table and continue to hurt American families who are trying to fill up their car just to travel to work, to school, and to church.

Mr. Speaker, we need to defeat the previous question, we need to stop selling or giving, or whatever, oil to China--an adversary--and we need to focus on domestic energy production.

So, Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on the previous question so that the House can immediately consider this important bill. I urge my colleagues to vote against this previous question and for the replacement.

Mr. Speaker, you know, there are some bipartisan issues in this bill. There is no doubt about that, if the Democrats were to reach across the aisle and actually work with us. Issues like telehealth are important.

But we are getting ready to break for the August recess, and American families are hurting because of what they are paying at the pump for the price of gas. We have the opportunity to stop the sale of oil to China and help Americans maintain their strategic national resource and not give it to China. That is what we are asking for.

Unless we are focused on energy policies before we go home for recess, there are a lot of other things we could do to address the pain that Americans are feeling right now, this week, before we break for the August recess.

Instead, we are going to have some feel-good legislation that won't even pass the Senate.

We could help American families today, yet the Democrats continue wanting to try to hoodwink the American people; place blame on Putin and others for energy prices, when we know what is causing the price at the pump; and that is the Biden administration's policies on energy.

Let's quit giving oil to China, let's hold that strategic asset, and let's lessen the price at the pump by passing good energy policy in this country.

Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the previous question so that we can amend the rule to immediately consider H.R. 6858, the American Energy Independence from Russia Act.

As a direct result of President Biden's war on American energy, average national gas prices have hit $5 per gallon. I don't know what they are in Michigan. I know I pay more than $5 a gallon for diesel fuel in South Carolina.

This is the worst energy crisis we have seen since 1973. Why we had an energy crisis in the seventies was supply and demand. We had lessening global supply and increased demand as the economy was growing.

When will we learn?

The American people are feeling the pain directly due to the policies of the Biden administration. This shouldn't come as any surprise to the American people. It really doesn't because the President said during a Presidential debate that he would phase out oil and gas production in the United States, and that is exactly what they are doing. It is costing moms and dads around the country, and Democrats are wondering why gas prices are so high. It is unbelievable.

What is even more unbelievable is that President Biden killed American energy at the same time green-lighting Vladimir Putin's Nord Stream 2 project to allow Vladimir Putin to produce energy and sell it to Europe. We can't do that here at home.

The logic of Joe Biden and the Democrats: kill American energy while promoting energy development of tyrants in Russia, Iran, and Venezuela is unbelievable.

It is simple. You are playing politics with this country's energy crisis. Democrats want high gas prices so they can push their fallacy of a utopian world of wind, solar, and EVs for all. Meanwhile, American families are choosing between filling up their tank, feeding their families, and not doing other things they are used to doing because they are having to pay more at the pump.

Energy prices hurt low-income Americans the hardest. They are seeing their savings erode in a volatile stock market. More of their paychecks are going for basic commodities due to rampant high inflation, and they are paying record-high prices nationwide to fuel their vehicles.

Energy Secretary Granholm's solution for high gas prices? Buy a $55,000

electric vehicle. They can range up to $90,000.

How many American families can afford that?

Even the Biden administration knows that is a failed approach.

I saw a Democrat plan recently that we are going to use more of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to increase supply. Okay. You acknowledge there is a supply-and-demand issue. They are currently tapping the SPR at record levels to meet rising demand. The SPR fell to 538 billion barrels just last month, and that is the lowest level since 1987.

Madam Speaker, that is a finite commodity that once we drain the SPR, unless you produce more energy or buy oil from Iran, Venezuela, or Russia to replenish it--it is not an infinite supply--what are you going to do then?

What are we going to do then when that runs out?

If Americans want to blame someone for record-high gas prices, then look no further than House Democrats who have already blocked Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers' bill, the American Energy Independence from Russia Act, six times. If Democrats block it today, then it will be the seventh time they have blocked a commonsense piece of legislation that is a Republican solution. Now, this bill will approve the Keystone XL pipeline, remove all restrictions on LNG exports, and restart oil and gas leasing on Federal lands and waters.

It is well past time for the Democrats to wake up and follow the science, as they like to say. Stop putting special interest groups before the American people.

Let's flip the switch. Let's support American energy and America first policies. Let's support the American Energy Independence from Russia Act to unleash American energy production and security. Let's take the first step toward lowering gas prices for Americans and quit playing games. We are going to release the SPR oil to increase supply to lower the price at the pump because that is temporary, because once that supply is used up, we are not going to have that to put back into the market. Quit doing that.

Flip the switch, folks. Let's support American energy independence.

Madam Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on the previous question so the House can immediately consider this commonsense legislation by Cathy McMorris Rodgers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 91 to honor Private First Class Barrett Lyle Austin, a fallen son of South Carolina who gave his life in service to our country, by designating the Easley, South Carolina post office the Private First Class Barrett Lyle Austin Post Office Building.

This resolution is cosponsored by the entire South Carolina delegation and supported by the city of Easley, their city council, as well as the family of Private First Class Barrett Lyle Austin, his parents, Curt and Yolanda Austin.

Not long after he won his stripes as a private first class in the Army, he was driving an armored truck on patrol in the Wardak Province of Afghanistan when insurgents attacked. A bomb exploded, and he suffered massive head and chest trauma. Private First Class Austin died in Germany days later, on April 21, 2013, at the young age of 20.

Private First Class Austin was posthumously awarded a Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Palmetto State Hero award, and the South Carolina Governor's Award for Extraordinary Sacrifice and Heroism.

Private First Class Austin was an avid sportsman, a 2011 graduate of Pickens High School, and a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley.

I attended his service, and the pastor said he was awarded the medals posthumously, but he was awarded the jewels in his crown the minute he entered the pearly gates. He was that kind of believer.

He was an inspiration to many. He is an American hero and deserves to be honored for his bravery and sacrifice for our country as a soldier defending our freedoms and security.

As John 15:13 says, greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. Barrett did that.

I thank the committee and Ranking Member Comer for bringing this measure to the floor and allowing us to honor our fallen heroes. Again, I urge passage of the legislation.

Mr. Speaker, we come tonight to honor another Pickens County fallen hero, Specialist Four Charles Johnson, Jr., an American hero and fallen son of South Carolina, by designating the Pickens, South Carolina post office the Specialist Four Charles Johnson Post Office.

This resolution is cosponsored by the entire South Carolina delegation and supported by the city of Pickens, their city council, as well as the family of Specialist Four Johnson.

Specialist Four Johnson, Jr., was killed in action on March 30, 1966, in Vietnam and was the first casualty from Pickens County in that war.

Specialist Four Johnson of Pickens, South Carolina, began his military career in the Army at a young age of 17

years old. He was one of three brothers to serve in Vietnam at the same time.

He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross, and the National Defense Service Medal, among other commendations.

Specialist Four Johnson was a 1958 graduate of Clear View High School in Easley, South Carolina, and was a member of the Griffin Ebenezer Baptist Church.

He is an American hero and deserves to be honored for his sacrifice for our country as a soldier defending our Nation. We know that freedom isn't free, and it is because of brave men like Specialist Four Johnson that we enjoy the freedom and security that we have today.

I thank the committee and Ranking Member Comer for bringing this to the floor and allowing us to honor our fallen heroes. Again, I urge the passage of this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor John Daniel Harmon, Sr., a 102-year-old World War II veteran from Saluda, South Carolina.

Mr. Harmon was born in 1919 in Saluda County on a small farm. Growing up during the Great Depression, Mr. Harmon learned the value of community, hard work, and being resourceful throughout his life. Mr. Harmon attended Hickory Grove School and was in the first class to graduate from the Hollywood School in 1937.

After finishing school, Mr. Harmon joined the Civilian Conservation Corps and worked several jobs before joining the U.S. Army during WWII. He served a tour of duty with Company B, 363rd Medical Battalion, 63rd Infantry Division as an ambulance driver. His division was among the first to cross the Siegfried Line. Mr. Harmon still remembers many of the battles he endured during his tour, and he is always willing to share his experiences of the Army.

For his service, he received several recognitions including the American Theater Ribbon, the European and Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Two Battle Stars for Rhineland and Central Europe, the Combat Medical Badge, a Bronze Star, and the French Legion of Honor Medal.

After the war, Mr. Harmon returned to his hometown of Saluda where he eventually retired as a Superintendent with Eagle Construction Company. Mr. Harmon and his wife, Grace Gentry spent seventy years married and saw the growth of their family with five children, nine grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren with who Mr. Harmon has celebrated many birthdays and holidays. He continues to be an active member of his church, Bethany United Methodist Church. Mr. Harmon still leads a highly active life, and he has not lost his wit, knowledge, or cheerful outlook. Mr. Harmon recently celebrated his 102nd birthday, making him among the oldest surviving World War II veterans in South Carolina.

The United States is blessed to have the finest troops and veterans in the history of the world, where so many heroes like Mr. Harmon are willing to put on our country's uniform in defense of our freedoms. I am confident that Mr. Harmon's lifetime of service to his country and community will continue to inspire many.

Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to be able to serve the Third District of South Carolina and to honor those who have dedicated their lives to protecting America's freedoms.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Grady H. Canup, who was killed in action during World War II and whose remains have finally been identified.

Sergeant Canup of Greenwood, South Carolina, was assigned to Company C, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division at the age of thirty. His unit served as part of the Hurtgen Forest offensive where, on November 14, 1944, he was killed by enemy artillery fire. Sgt. Canup's remains were declared non-recoverable in December of 1951, despite great efforts by the American Graves Registration Command to account for missing American soldiers.

In 2019, Sgt. Canup's identification tag was found in the area where a set of unidentified remains had been found decades earlier. Those unidentified remains were disinterred from a cemetery in Europe for further investigation in 2019. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency and the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System were able to confirm that the remains belonged to Sgt. Canup earlier this year. Sgt. Canup will be laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Anderson County on April 10, 2022. On the Walls of the Missing at Netherlands American Cemetery, a rosette will be placed by Sgt. Canup's name since he has now been accounted for.

It brings me comfort knowing that after seventy-eight years, Sgt. Canup's remains will be reunited with his family. I am grateful for the work of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency in making this possible. This identification of remains allows for another opportunity to reflect on the many heroes who lost their lives defending freedom across the world during World War II. I am reminded of the verse John 15:13: ``Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.'' We are blessed to live in a country where so many heroes, like Sgt. Canup, are willing to wear the uniform to defend our freedoms.

Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to be able to serve the Third District of South Carolina and to honor the lives of those lost in conflict, like Sergeant Canup. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Life of Lieutenant Colonel Charles Edward Drake, Sr. who selflessly served the United States Army for 26 years.

Lt. Col. Drake was born in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, on January 26, 1930. In 1948, Lt. Col. Drake attended Florida State University where he met his wife, Anne. After graduation, the couple were schoolteachers in Panama City, Florida. Lt. Col. Drake was drafted to the Army in 1951. He served for twenty-six years as an officer in the Corp of Engineers, a fixed and rotary wing master aviator, and an instructor pilot. His service included a tour in Korea and two tours in Vietnam. For his achievements and service, Lt. Col. Drake was awarded the Bronze Star, with a V for Valor and an Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Army Commendation Medal.

Lt. Col. Drake retired from the Army in 1975, but his dedication to service and his country was far from over. Upon retiring in Greenwood, South Carolina, Lt. Col. Drake served as the head of the business department at Piedmont Technical College, opened a life insurance company, and was active in several community and church organizations. Lt. Col. Drake also spent many hours mentoring aspiring pilots and officers. It is difficult to put into words how impactful Lt. Col. Drake was, but I am reminded of 1 Peter 4:10: ``Each one of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.''

In 2011, I had the privilege of escorting the Drake family on a private tour of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum where we viewed a Huey Helicopter that Lt. Col. Drake flew during the war in Vietnam. Seeing this helicopter displayed reminds me of the bravery Lt. Col. Drake and many others had in serving our great nation. I am continually inspired by the selflessness and dedication Lt. Col. Drake demonstrated not only in his service to our country but his service to the community in Greenwood.

Lt. Col. Drake passed away on November 25, 2020 and will soon be interred at Arlington National Cemetery with thousands of other American heroes. His legacy will live on in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren as well as the countless lives he touched in his community. Lt. Col. Drake's example of sacrifice and dedication to country and community is something we should all strive to attain.

Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to be able to serve the Third District of South Carolina and to honor our veterans, like Lt. Col. Drake, who have dedicated their lives to the safety and prosperity of the United States. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time.

Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to the previous question so that we can amend the rule to immediately consider H.R. 6858, the American Energy Independence from Russia Act.

We are on the House floor today because House Democrats have decided to bring up yet another bill to benefit their special interests instead of dealing with the number one pocketbook issue facing the American people. That is energy affordability and reliability.

The world is at the brink of war, and Americans are suffering from higher prices not only at the gas pump, but in every part of American life because when energy becomes more expensive, everything else does as well.

Recent news reports show that Democrat Members of this body are asking the President to declare a climate emergency and halt energy production on Federal lands entirely.

The Transportation Secretary--this is hard to believe--tells Americans to stop complaining about high gas prices and buy electric vehicles that cost nearly twice as much as the median wage in this country. He might as well have yelled, ``Let them eat cake.''

Energy security is national security and increasing our energy security should be the number one priority in Congress today instead of finding new ways to enrich trial lawyers.

Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers' bill, the American Energy Independence from Russia Act, of which I am an original cosponsor, is a critical step we must take to reverse President Biden's anti-American energy policies that have emboldened Vladimir Putin to invade Ukraine. As he fought to keep American energy in the ground, our reliance on foreign oil grew, and here we are, more reliant on foreign sources today.

Last year, I stood on the floor of this House and talked about the flawed decision by President Joe Biden to lift sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, further tying European nations to Russian sources of energy; primarily natural gas, which burns dirtier than American gas.

In addition, given the resources we have here in the United States, we should never buy oil and gas from Russia. That puts American consumer dollars right in the pocket of one of the richest men in the world, Vladimir Putin. He is laughing all the way to the bank and now, sadly, all the way to Ukraine.

Russian oil imports reached an 11-year high last year in the United States, which cost American consumers $17.5 billion.

The McMorris Rodgers' bill would immediately approve the Keystone XL pipeline, remove all restrictions on LNG exports, restart oil and gas leasing on Federal lands and waters, and require the Biden administration to submit to this Congress an energy security plan to reduce energy and gas prices for all Americans.

Despite President Biden's deflection, this isn't Putin's price hike. Gas prices were already up 55 percent from the day Biden took office, and this was before Russia invaded Ukraine.

If you Democrats are going to keep telling lies about American energy using TikTok actors to push these lies, I am going to keep telling the truth about what policies are failing American families.

This attack on American energy started during President Biden's campaign for President. Putin watched as Biden vowed to eliminate fossil fuel production in the U.S. during the 2019 Presidential debate, canceled the Keystone XL pipeline on his first day in office, and halted all new oil and gas leases on Federal lands.

Biden's war on American energy knows no limits. This does not have to be our reality, folks. The President and the Democrat majority could take immediate steps both to strengthen our energy security and reduce prices at the pump for American families.

And hear this: America, the United States, has led the world in emissions reductions. You all don't want to acknowledge that. The President has completely sold out the environmental left, whose Green New Deal policies have caused consumers to pay an average of nearly $4.50 per gallon at the pump, the highest cost in United States history, and still these costs are rising.

Further, many of these environmental NGOs pushing the Green New Deal policies are funded by Vladimir Putin himself to ensure our dependence on Russian energy and kill American energy development.

The United States is blessed with abundant natural resources, but we are cursed with liberal politicians who refuse to allow Americans to benefit from them. They also refuse to let our allies benefit. There are currently six, Madam Speaker, six LNG export terminal permit requests at the Department of Energy. Zero have been approved. Even during President Obama's time, more LNG export terminals were approved.

If Democrats really were interested in cutting Putin's leverage, they would be focused on increasing U.S. exports to Europe because European nations have 40 percent of Europe's energy supply coming from Russia. The reality is, they would rather sell their Green New Deal ideology while lining the pockets of tyrants in the Kremlin, Iran, and Venezuela. American consumers are paying these tyrants.

Europe and the rest of the world needs American energy leadership at this time. Drill more. Export now. Cut off that money pipeline to Vladimir Putin.

Let's flip the switch and vote on the American Energy Independence from Russia Act to unleash American energy production and security.

Madam Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on the previous question so the House can immediately consider this important bill.

Madam Speaker, today, I rise to honor the 150th anniversary of Lander University, one of the greatest universities in the Third District of South Carolina and the fastest growing public university in our State.

Lander was founded in 1872 in Williamston, South Carolina, as Williamston Female College by the Reverend Samuel Lander, who served as the institution's first president. That is a factoid that I didn't know until I started learning about their 150th anniversary.

The institution later moved to its current campus in Greenwood, South Carolina, in the heart of the Third District back in 1903. Williamston Female College was later renamed Lander College in honor of its founder and began admitting men in 1943.

On July 1, 1973, Lander College became a State-supported institution of higher learning after authorization from the South Carolina General Assembly. After another period of growth under the leadership of President Larry Jackson, Lander College changed its name again to Lander University in 1992.

Today, the university celebrates record growth, with more students choosing Lander University to continue their education than at any other time in the university's history. The university's continued growth over the past century-and-a-half and the impact the institution has had on the Third Congressional District and the State of South Carolina is exceptional.

Lander University offers high-demand and market-driven programs in a rich liberal arts environment to produce highly qualified and marketable graduates. The university now offers over 90 in-demand bachelor's and master's programs that produce career-ready graduates who have the technical, interpersonal, and professional skills they need to succeed in the workplace and the world thanks to their liberal arts education from Lander.

Now, Lander is a special place to me personally as I was a Lander University parent. My oldest son is a proud Lander alumnus and currently works for the university.

Go Bearcats, and congratulations on 150 years.

Madam Speaker, I want to mention one other thing.

In 2018, Democrats were hollering about gas prices, hollering just because President Trump was in the White House.

Look at gas prices today. I would love to hear you holler now.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Mr. Hobart ``Hobie'' Erickson of Donalds, South Carolina, who has served as a first responder firefighter for over sixty-five years.

Mr. Erickson began his career as a firefighter in 1965 in New Jersey where he served for thirty years, rising to the position of Chief. In 1995, Mr. Erickson and his wife retired to Donalds, South Carolina. After being encouraged by his wife, Lois, Mr. Erickson left retirement to serve the Donalds Fire Department where he has since spent 35\1/2\ years in continued service.

In January of 2022, Mr. Erickson turned 95 years old. According to the South Carolina Firefighters Association, Mr. Erickson is the oldest of 17,000 actively serving firefighters in the state. Although he is no longer able to fight fires, Mr. Erickson is a vital member of the department where he tends to the fire trucks and answers calls for medical assistance. He attributes his health and energy to the protection of Jesus Christ and his loving wife. The younger firefighters in Donalds look up to Mr. Erickson, and he even exercises with them several hours a week. Younger firefighters gather around Mr. Erickson to hear his stories and his advice on how to treat others and how to be a successful leader.

Mr. Erickson's selfless leadership has made not only the Third District of South Carolina proud, but the entire state of South Carolina. His tireless commitment to keep his community safe and healthy for over a half of a century is something we should all aspire to have. Throughout his career, he has exemplified what it means to be a true servant leader. I am confident in the future of first responders in my district because of the example Mr. Erickson has set.

Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to be able to serve the Third District of South Carolina and to honor those who have dedicated their life to service, like Mr. Erickson. I wish Mr. Erickson and his family many more years of health and happiness.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Utah for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a model American and South Carolinian, and let me add, a very good friend of mine, Raymond G. ``Jerry'' Strawbridge, who passed away Monday.

Jerry was chairman of the Saluda County Council, and epitomized what it meant to be a public servant and a true patriot, as he did so much to serve his church, his country, Saluda County, South Carolina's Third District, the State of South Carolina, and our great Nation.

Jerry was a family man, a business owner, a veteran, chairman of Saluda County Republican Party for 8 years, chairman of Saluda County Water and Sewer Authority, a 32nd degree Mason, and very involved in his lodge. He was also a sergeant major for the South Carolina National Guard where he served for 40 years, and that is quite a feat.

His accolades include: National Defense Service Medal, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, U.S. Meritorious Service Medal, and the South Carolina Guardsman Retirement Medal.

My heart goes out to Jerry's wife, Denise, and his children and grandchildren. I am praying for them as they mourn the loss of a truly incredible person who served so well. He will surely be missed by his community and his legacy will continue to have an impact on Saluda County and South Carolina for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, during these times we are comforted by Scripture and the words of Jesus. ``Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.''

May God bless the Strawbridge family, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a great friend, Pastor Leon Jones of First Baptist Church of Ware Shoals in Ware Shoals, SC, on his retirement. During his nearly twenty-five years of service, Pastor Jones has been a spiritual leader of the community and continues to put others before himself.

Ware Shoals First Baptist Church was founded in 1908 and has seen sixteen pastors in its time. Pastor Jones will retire as the longest serving pastor of the church, with nearly twenty-five years of service to the church and the community. His ministry came to Ware Shoals First Baptist Church in 1997, and I, along with many others in the Third District of South Carolina, have been personally impacted by his message of faith.

When I think of Pastor Jones, I am reminded of Jeremiah 3:15: ``Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding.'' Pastor Jones is a shepherd and teacher in his community, and his compassion and love for others has been exemplified through his service to Ware Shoals First Baptist Church.

After his retirement, Pastor Jones will settle in Elgin, SC, with his wife. There is no doubt in my mind that he will continue to be a leader in ministry and change the lives of everyone he meets. His unconditional love for others reflects the Lord in every way. I am grateful to call Pastor Jones my friend and to have attended First Baptist Church of Ware Shoals while he served.

Madam Speaker, it is an honor to serve the Third District of South Carolina and to honor those, like Pastor Jones, who have made an immeasurable impact on communities, like Ware Shoals, SC, in faith.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate Mr. Bill Evans in being named a Greenville County Schools 2021 Hall of Fame Inductee.

Born and raised in Washington, Georgia, Mr. Evans was inspired by his own high school teachers. He attended Berry College in Rome, Georgia, and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Physical Education and a minor in English. Upon graduation, Mr. Evans began his teaching career in 1989.

Evans taught English at Hillcrest High School in Greenville, South Carolina for 28 years. He is responsible for developing the school's Speech and Debate Program, which has won numerous tournaments and competitions. Altogether, his work in the education field promoted excellence for South Carolina students in the subjects of English, Speech, and Debate for nearly three decades.

During his career, Mr. Evans was twice named Teacher of the Year. In 2012, he earned the National Speech and Debate Teacher of the Year award and was inducted into the Mississippi Speech and Debate Hall of Fame. Additional accolades for Mr. Evans include the National Speech and Debate Four Diamond Coach Award and a two-time presidency of the South Carolina Speech Teachers Association.

In 2017, Mr. Evans retired from Hillcrest High School. That year's edition of the school yearbook was dedicated to him. The following year, the annual Hillcrest Speech and Debate Tournament was named in his honor.

Fellow teachers remember Mr. Evans as someone who takes new teachers under his wing and shows them how to make the classroom a positive and fun environment. They recall his love of Shakespeare and how his interactive lessons allowed students to engage and enjoy Shakespeare just as much. Mr. Evans describes himself as someone who was ``destined to be an educator.'' Among his many distinguished students are an award-winning poet, an award-winning screenplay writer, numerous state and national Speech and Debate champions, and several current and former members of my congressional staff.

In late November, at the Greenville Convention Center, Greenville County Schools honored Evans at its annual Hall of Fame ceremony. Today, Mr. Evans and his wife, Maria, reside in Simpsonville, SC. They have three children.

Reflecting on the accomplishments of Mr. Evans and his students, I am reminded of the impact Mr. Evans continues to make on young adults who completed their high school education at Hillcrest High School. His students, fellow teachers, and surrounding community members in the state of South Carolina are inspired by him. I am proud to represent and serve constituents as impactful as those like Mr. Evans.

Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to be able to serve the Third District of South Carolina and to celebrate those who make a difference through education.