Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, Speaker Mike Johnson, and House Republicans, the 119th Congress has been the most successful, aggressive, and productive for the House since 1949, with nearly 900 measures having passed.

Republicans are keeping money in the pockets of American families, while demanding accountability from the government, eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse, and creating jobs.

The Working Families Tax Cuts Act has cut over $1 trillion in wasteful spending, in addition to:

Delivering a deduction for seniors on Social Security.

Creating Trump tax accounts to help children begin saving.

Lowering tax rates for millions of American families.

Eliminating tax on tips and overtime.

Increasing the child tax credit to $2,200.

Promises made; promises kept.

In conclusion, God bless our troops. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump, firing at Ukrainian civilian service stations with Putin increasing diesel prices worldwide, as Putin also attacks children's hospitals to intimidate the civilians of Ukraine.

Mr. Speaker, under the progrowth agenda of President Donald Trump--and backed by Republicans, Governor Henry McMaster, Speaker Murrell Smith, and Senate President Thomas Alexander--South Carolina is one of the fastest growing States in America, driven by the creation of jobs and affordability.

South Carolinians are achieving bigger paychecks, opportunity, business growth, and creating jobs.

The Working Families Tax Cuts Act keeps money in the pockets of families and seniors. Workers no longer pay taxes on overtime. Seniors benefit from the deduction on Social Security. Taxpayers saw average tax refunds reach over $3,000.

South Carolina's gross domestic product is $393 billion, increasing by $26 billion since the current Trump administration. Promises made. Promises kept.

In conclusion, God bless our troops. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing that war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump. Yesterday, Putin announced: ``Necessary assistance'' to Iran as Putin provided Iran targeting assistance to kill Americans and our Gulf allies with new missile strikes today.

Mr. Speaker, with the insidious invasion of sovereign Ukraine by war criminal Putin on February 24, 2022, over 1 million people have been murdered, with nearly 70,000 Ukrainian civilian casualties.

Putin falsely believed Ukraine would fall quickly, but brave Ukrainians have inspired the world, with America and over 50 other countries supporting Ukraine.

War criminal Putin continues the cowardly bombing of families and infrastructure, including this hospital for children in his failed invasion. In contrast, Ukrainians have achieved 35 years of independence with victory for Ukraine.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to cosponsor with Chairman Mike McCaul the bipartisan President Donald Trump-endorsed Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, introduced by Senator Darline Graham, with a vote in the Senate of 86-11.

In conclusion, God bless our troops. President Donald Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing that dictator Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump with Trump now supporting stronger sanctions.

Our sympathy to the family of city of Columbia Police Officer Christopher DeLong; his wonderful, devoted widow, Hannah DeLong; Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook; Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann; and his colleagues and friends.

Mr. Speaker, since its founding 250 years ago, America has fought to defend personal freedoms for each citizen.

Sadly, socialism is gaining in popularity. Warning signs are growing within the Democratic Party. Socialism puts government in control, replacing faith, families, and small businesses, destroying jobs. It gives all power to the elite of Big Government.

Only 54 percent of Americans view capitalism positively, the lowest level recorded compared with 39 percent who viewed socialism positively, revealing

ignorance of history. Socialism now holds a 24-point lead over capitalism among Democrats.

Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher explained that the problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.

America should continue freedom over control, not Big Government.

In conclusion, God bless our troops. President Donald Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump, leading Trump to support the Lindsey Graham Russian Sanctions Act, which successfully passed in the Senate with the leadership of Senator Darline Graham and should come before the House any day.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the opportunity to honor the life of Master Deputy Jillian Olson, a true South Carolina hero, who dedicated her life to protecting and serving others. My wife, Roxanne, my staff, and I send prayers to her family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time. May God Bless the men and women of law enforcement who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. I include in the Record an inspiring obituary provided by Caughman-Harman Funeral Home:

Jillian was born on March 29, 1997, in Evanston, Illinois,

and raised in Northbrook and Buffalo Grove, Illinois, where

her adventurous spirit, determination, and love for family

first took root.

From an early age, Jillian dreamed of moving south and

serving in law enforcement. She attended Western Illinois

University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Law

Enforcement and Justice Administration with minors in

Political Science and Women's Studies in 2019; and her Master

of Science in College Student Personnel Services in 2021.

After graduation, she followed her dreams of moving south and

made Lexington, South Carolina, her home in 2021, along with

her beloved dog, Pudge. She later welcomed Levi and Ziggy

into her family and was a loving dog mom to all three until

her passing.

Jillian was sworn in as a Lexington County Sheriff Deputy

on June 14, 2021, by Sheriff Jay Koon. In 2023, Jillian

received the Sheriff's Tactical Operations Support Award, in

recognition of her contributions to the department. Jillian

joined the Lexington County Sheriff's Department Dive Team in

May 2024. Her willingness to volunteer for specialized

assignments reflected her dedication to serving both the

department and her community above and beyond what was

required for her position. She was promoted to Master Deputy

of the Warrant Division in March 2025, and Jillian quickly

established herself as a dependable leader who consistently

sought ways to improve operations and support those around

her. Jillian's commitment to excellence continued to be

recognized throughout her career. She was named the 2025

Outstanding Judicial Services Deputy by the Lexington County

Sheriff's Foundation in March of this year. This award

recognized her exceptional initiative, leadership, and the

lasting impact of the job tools she had created for fellow

and future deputies of the Lexington County Sheriff's

Department. Her contributions to the Lexington County

Sheriff's Department will continue to benefit future

deputies, and her dedication, character, and legacy will not

be forgotten.

Outside of work, Jillian embraced life wholeheartedly. She

loved spending time on the lake paddleboarding, floating in

the sunshine, and diving. She had recently celebrated her

100th dive, a milestone reflecting her adventurous spirit and

love of exploring the underwater world. She was endlessly

curious and determined. Jillian took immense pride in her

home and eagerly tackled projects she had never done before--

teaching herself new skills through research, persistence,

and hard work. Whether it was installing ceiling fans,

painting, completing electrical projects, or learning to

cook, she believed almost anything could be learned with

enough effort.

Jillian was known for her quick wit, infectious laugh,

colorful vocabulary, and genuine honesty. She had a

remarkable way of making people feel welcome and important.

She was fiercely loyal, deeply compassionate, and always

ready to help family, friends, coworkers, and anyone in need.

Her greatest joy came from the people she loved. She

cherished her parents, siblings, grandparents, niece and

nephew, friends, and her beloved dogs. She especially

treasured being ``Bebe'' to her nephew, Lochlann, whose

imaginative stories cast her as a hero capable of catching

bad guys and rescuing creatures from volcanoes.

Jillian is survived by her loving parents, Jim and Molly

Olson; her siblings, Corey Olson (Janedelie), Julia Wiegmann

(Aaron), and Courtney Olson; her nephew Lochlann; her niece,

Amelia; her grandparents John and Judy, and Ron and Mimi; her

cherished dogs, Pudge, Levi, and Ziggy; and countless

friends, fellow deputies, and loved ones whose lives are

forever better because she was a part of them.

She will be remembered for her courage, humor, loyalty,

adventurous spirit, and the extraordinary way she made every

person in her life feel seen, valued, and loved.

Mr. Speaker, as co-chair of the Congressional Qatar Caucus, I offer my sincerest condolences to the State of Qatar on the passing of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Father Amir of the State of Qatar.

Sheikh Hamad served as Amir of Qatar from 1995 to 2013 helping the Persian Gulf nation become increasingly diplomatic throughout the international community through economic, social, and cultural development.

In 2013, Sheikh Hamad made the decision to abdicate his throne, passing leadership to his son, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. After this transition, he became known as the Father Amir, remembered for his modernization efforts and lasting impact on Qatar.

I am grateful that Qatar has invested greatly in the state of South Carolina and that they host the Al Udeid Air Base, the largest American military base in the Middle East, having invested $10 billion in financing for its construction.

Mr. Speaker, the relationship between the Sultanate of Oman and America goes back over 200 years.

Trade relations between the two countries were established in the early years of American independence on September 21, 1833, with the Treaty of Amity and Commerce. Oman was the first Gulf nation to recognize America, sending an envoy in 1841.

Today, Oman is a key American security, economic, and defense partner with a Free Trade Agreement coming into effect on January 1, 2009, leading to trade of over $4 billion in goods and services.

The terrorist regime in Iran has launched at least 19 drone attacks on Oman in recent months targeting their ports, as well as an attack on Omani radar systems this month.

Iran and its terrorist regime must be stopped and reopen the Strait of Hormuz without tolls or fees.

In conclusion, God Bless Our Troops. Trump is reinstituting Peace Through Strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump as war criminal Putin provides targeting intelligence to Iran to kill American troops which confirms the need for the Lindsey Graham Russian-Iran Sanctions Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate John Catsimatidis on being named honorary chairman of Unleash Prosperity.

Unleash Prosperity is dedicated to educating policy makers and the public about policies that have been proven to maximize economic growth and equitable prosperity in America and globally.

Mr. Catsimatidis has been a steadfast supporter of this organization for many years, and this well-deserved recognition reflects his commitment to entrepreneurship, economic growth, and opportunity.

In 2019, he purchased WABC, a New York talk radio show which has since become the

most listened to AM radio station in America--a testament to his hard work.

I extend my sincere congratulations to him, and I wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Korean International Trade Association (KITA).

I have shared a longstanding relationship with this illustrious organization and have been proud to work alongside them in promoting increased trade and investment between our two nations to strengthen the U.S.-Korea alliance.

As the Lead Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Korea, it has been my focus to deepen the bonds of the friendship we share, and to highlight how trade and people-to-people exchange underpins the foundation of our relationship.

KITA has been at the forefront of this effort in this regard, and its 80,000 member companies have done so much to impact our alliance and the U.S. economy as one of our top foreign direct investors.

The 2nd Congressional District of South Carolina that I am grateful to represent has ties to the Republic of Korea through investments made into our state. KITA has helped to create meaningful jobs and, in doing so, has also enriched our communities.

Please know that through my work on both the House Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees, I will continue to do all I can to defend our alliance and to keep it strong and free.

I wish KITA every success.

Mr. Speaker, led by President Donald Trump, Speaker Mike Johnson, and House Republicans, the Working Families Tax Cut Act created Trump Accounts, giving families the opportunity to invest in the future of their children.

The account is a new tax-deferred opportunity for children under 18, providing retirement savings. Contributions can add up to $5,000 a year. Additional support is provided by leading companies and generous philanthropists.

Children born between 2025 and 2028 will be eligible for a one-time, $1,000 Federal Government deposit. Once the child turns 18, they can use the money for expenses such as education, first home purchases, starting a business, or other use.

Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, God bless our troops. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump, mocking Trump, providing targeting intelligence to Iran to murder American troops, and leading President Trump to endorse the Lindsey Graham sanctions act to enable victory for Ukrainians.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to support the National Defense Authorization Act.

We all appreciate Chairman Mike Rogers for his leadership and commitment for our men and women in uniform and for promoting peace through strength.

We are in a conflict we did not choose between dictators with rule of gun invading democracies with rule of law.

This National Defense Authorization Act prepares America for emerging threats from our adversaries who, working together, seek to destroy our hard-won freedom.

This bill makes clear that we stand with our allies against murderous invasion. America is engaged in worldwide competition. There is inclusion of robust authorization for nuclear modernization, emerging technologies, information operations, and industrial capacity advancements.

President Donald Trump has made it clear: We will defend American families with our allies and give our warriors the tools they need to win.

Israeli research has been vital for missile defense, and Ukraine is leading on drones and robotics.

The late Sergeant Thomas Caughman of Lexington, South Carolina, an American hero, is correct: Freedom is not free.

Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment.

America has always stood on the side of freedom against dictators: Hitler, Stalin, Castro, Assad, Maduro, Khamenei, and Putin. As a supporter myself of Senator Barry Goldwater, he was right when he said: ``Why not victory?''

War Criminal Putin is losing his murderous invasion of Ukraine. He underestimated the resolve of Ukrainians and energized NATO with the admission of Sweden and Finland, as President Donald Trump has achieved 5 percent member defense spending.

President Donald Trump knows that appeasement endangers American families. President Donald Trump courageously tried to stop Putin sending Javelin missiles to Ukraine, placing American troops in Poland, and stopping the corrupt Nord Stream 2 pipeline.

As the Senate works to advance Senator Lindsey Graham's bipartisan sanctions legislation to decimate the Putin war machine, the House should send a strong signal that America will stand for peace through strength.

Madam Chair, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, the South Carolina House delegation is humbled to pay tribute to our beloved late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham. We have several Members here tonight to speak.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from South Carolina, (Mr. Norman) of Rock Hill.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Norman for his heartfelt comments.

Indeed, I agree with and appreciated talk radio show host Kelly Nash, WVOC, who correctly began statewide broadcasting Monday that South Carolinians are heartbroken upon learning of the passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham on Saturday.

I will always be grateful for my decades-long association with Senator Graham, as we served together. He was the South Carolina Air Guard Staff Judge Advocate, and I was the South Carolina Army Staff Judge Advocate serving together. Courageously, after one of our drill days, he announced to me his candidacy for the State House from Oconee County, South Carolina.

I immediately congratulated him, but then I caught myself, and I remembered that, in fact, nobody from our party had ever been elected from Oconee County to the State House. Indeed he made history and became the first Republican elected from Oconee to the State House of South Carolina.

Sunday morning, when I spoke with President Donald Trump, I knew he shared the grief of all South Carolinians. It was just heartfelt to hear him as we reviewed the service of Senator Graham, understanding that he truly was a champion for peace through strength, dedicated to public service, his military career, his service as a veteran, and his service in the State House, U.S. Senate, and in every way backing up the people of South Carolina.

Senator Graham's last week of life was symbolic of his dedication for America. He attended the NATO summit in Ankara, Turkiye. While he was there, he met with President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria. It was really very significant because he had been skeptical, as many people, about the new Government of Syria. He, upon meeting with President al-Sharaa, identified that President Donald Trump was correct, give Syria a chance, and so it was exciting that he announced that he looked forward to actual progress with the new Government of Syria to be working with the United States.

Additionally, he next went to Kyiv, Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. While he was there, it was so impressive that he had the opportunity to also visit a drone manufacturing facility to see the extraordinary success of the people of Ukraine, who are going to be victorious over war criminal Putin.

With the development of drone technology, indeed, the people of Ukraine are an inspiration. While he was there, he was able to announce that in working with President Donald Trump that there would be sanctions on war criminal Putin and on Russia. Indeed, it is so meaningful that indeed as soon as we got back to Washington, the U.S. Senate--I thank Senator John Cornyn and others--have made it possible that there will be a Russian Sanctions Act which, indeed, will be in the name of Lindsey Graham as the Lindsey Graham Russian Sanctions Act. It will be so impressive to help back up the people of Ukraine.

Additionally, when Senator Graham arrived back in Washington on Saturday, how incredible that he had the strength and fortitude to have a very long conversation with President Donald Trump to review the activities of the week and the successes that he saw of the Trump administration to provide peace through strength, but suddenly there was sudden death right after the phone call.

With that, myself personally, when I learned of the passing of the Senator, I was at Souda Bay in Greece visiting Navy personnel of the U.S. Navy to, indeed, thank them for their service. As soon as I heard about the passing, within an hour, I sent a tweet: ``With the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham, he will always be cherished as an American patriot, tireless for peace through strength, successful defeating totalitarians. All three generations of the

Wilson family extend deepest sympathy and appreciation of his dedicated service.''

The three generations of the Wilson family begin with my wife, Roxanne, and myself. I am really grateful our son, Attorney General Alan Wilson, who we have really been so appreciative, was to be on the Lindsey Graham Republican ticket as the nominee for Governor of South Carolina in November. The Wilson family is so happy to work with persons and now with Darline Graham, what a wonderful person.

Then our third generation actually, Houston Wilson of SMU served as a Graham U.S. Senate floor page. Over and over again, our family appreciates personally and the people of South Carolina are so grateful for the service of Senator Lindsey Graham.

I am very happy that we have been joined by Congressman Russell Fry of Surfside Beach, and I now yield to him.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Russell Fry from the Seventh District. Indeed, 2 Timothy is a proper reference from the Bible of a person whom we so admire.

We are so fortunate to be joined this evening by the Congresswoman from the Third District of South Carolina, Sheri Biggs.

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from South Carolina (Mrs. Biggs).

Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Sheri Biggs for her words. Indeed, it is such a great honor for all of us to serve with the gentlewoman.

Mr. Speaker, may I inquire how much time remains.

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 7 o'clock and 36 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 9 a.m.

Mr. Speaker, delivering on promises made by President Donald Trump and House Republicans, led by Mike Johnson, this is the first anniversary of the Working Families Tax Cut Act. This big, beautiful bill cuts taxes, limits government, expands freedom, and will create jobs.

Sadly, every Democrat voted against it. This historic legislation resulted in the largest tax cut in American history, benefiting families. Millions have received historic tax refunds. More than 29 million workers claimed the no tax on overtime deduction. More than 35 million seniors have claimed no tax on Social Security. In addition, nearly 8 million have claimed no tax on tips. Promises made, promises kept.

In conclusion, God bless our troops. Trump is reinstating peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump, with President Trump now supporting the Lindsey Graham Russian sanctions act to bankrupt the Putin oligarchs who oppress the talented people of Russia.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Mark Wilson Buyck, Jr. South Carolinians will always cherish the professionalism of Defense Attorney Mark Buyck as evidenced by his extraordinary success serving the public. A highlight of my life was in 1966, as a Washington and Lee University student, to poll watch for him at Mars Bluff Precinct in Florence, with his leadership in founding the modern Republican Party in South Carolina. I include in the Record an inspiring obituary provided by Waters-Powell Funeral Home:

Mark Wilson Buyck, Jr.

Mark W. Buyck, Jr., 91, of Florence, passed away July 11,

2026.

Mr. Buyck was born on Christmas Day 1934, the son of Mark

Wilson Buyck and Mary Otis Buyck. He graduated from Saint

Matthews High School where he was President of the Senior

Class, editor of the school's award-winning newspaper, and

State President of the Beta Club, an honorary Scholastic

Society.

He graduated from his beloved University of South Carolina

with an A.B. in 1956 and its Law School in 1959. He served as

a judge advocate in the US Air Force for three years

following law school, including spending the first two years

of his 66-year marriage in Turkey with his wife, the former

Julia Willcox of Florence, where their first two children

were born. He and Julia were inseparable and shared their

numerous life activities together.

He retired from the Air Force Reserves as a Lt. Colonel. He

served on the USC Board of Trustees for 28 years. He was a

former member of the Board of Visitors of USC, Francis Marion

University, and Winthrop University, receiving Honorary

Degrees from both Francis Marion University and the

University of South Carolina. He was a past president of the

Greater USC Alumni Association and a former member of the

State Board governing South Carolina's Technical College

System. Mr. Buyck was active in local civic affairs, serving

as president of the Florence Rotary Club, Florence Country

Club, and Florence Little Theater. He was one of the founders

of the Florence Heritage Foundation, the first Chairman of

its Board, and President.

He was a member of the Florence County, South Carolina and

American Bar Associations, and a past president of the S.C.

Defense Trial Attorneys Association. He was a permanent

member of the U.S. Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference, former

United States Attorney for South Carolina, and past chairman

of the University of South Carolina Law School Association.

Mr. Buyck was admitted to practice before all State and

Federal Courts in South Carolina, the United States Court of

Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and the Supreme Court of the

United States.

He was a former member of the Federation of Insurance and

Corporate Counsel, the National Association of Railroad Trial

Counsel, a current member of the American College of Trial

Lawyers and the American Board of Trial Advocates. He was

past president of the S.C. Chapter of ABOTA and a former

member of its National Board of Directors. Mr. Buyck was past

Chairman of the National College of District Attorneys

Committee of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a

former Regent and Vice-President of the National College of

District Attorneys.

Mr. Buyck was the past President of the South Carolina

Historical Society. He served for a decade on the initial

Advisory Board of the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. He

was a member of the Executive Committee of the SC State Fair

Association. He had been honored by two Governors of South

Carolina with the Order of the Palmetto, the state's highest

award, and had been listed in all published editions of the

Best Lawyers in America. He received the prestigious honor of

the Judge Hemphill Award for distinguished service to the

legal profession and the public by the SC Defense Trial

Attorneys Association and the Compleat Lawyer Award by the

USC Law School. He was also the recipient of the Judge Ralph

K. Anderson, Jr. Award from the Florence County Bar

Association, and the SC Bar DuRant Award for distinguished

public service and outstanding leadership to his profession,

community, state, and nation. The DuRant Award is presented

by the South Carolina Bar Foundation and is considered the

highest honor for a South Carolina lawyer. Some of his most

significant criminal cases occurred while serving as U.S.

Attorney and in civil cases he was involved in the S.C.

Tobacco cases during his private practice.

Mr. Buyck was a member of the Board of Directors of The

Bank of Clarendon. He served on the Board of Trustees and as

Secretary of Drs. Bruce and Lee Foundation in Florence. He

was on the MUSC Florence Hospital Board of Trustees and was a

member of the Board of the SC State Ports Authority. Mr.

Buyck was an attorney at Willcox, Buyck, and Williams, PA for

over 60 years.

He was a lifelong horseman. He and Julia were engaged at

the Carolina Cup, and he was a former member of the Camden

Hunt. One of the happiest moments of his life was when his

horse Show Court won the Carolina Cup in 2017. He and Julia

were generous hosts, particularly for his family and friends

on his Christmas birthdays at his home and at their cottage

at Pawleys Island.

He was a parishioner of Saint Anthony Catholic Church,

former president of the Parish Council, and former Parish

School board chairman and a lector.

He is preceded in death by his parents and a grandson, Hugh

Willcox Buyck, Jr.

Surviving are his wife, the former Julia Willcox of

Florence and three children: Mark W. Buyck, III, (Virginia)

of Florence, Julie B. McKissick (Charlie) of Greenville, and

Hugh W. Buyck (Meredith) of Mt. Pleasant; eight

grandchildren: Mark W. Buyck, IV, of Florence, Elizabeth B.

Howell (Joseph) of Charleston, Brooks Buyck of Charleston,

Charles McKissick, Jr. of Georgetown, Julia Smyth Anido

(Andrew) of Greenville, Peter S. Buyck of Charleston; Coles

Buyck of Mt. Pleasant; and his siblings, William Otis Buyck

of Manning, Lynan B. Leding of Tampa, FL, and Susan B.

Eckstein of Chapin.