Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, a year ago last June, I presented this map by Dr. Fred Kagan of the American Enterprise Institute, warning of expanding terrorist safe havens around the world. The President ignored these signs and underestimated the strength of the bloodthirsty terrorists. This has led to mass murder of opposing Muslims and American journalists.

According to a recent article in The Washington Times, after the U.S. exited Iraq, ``It took just weeks for foreign al Qaeda fighters to start pouring back into Iraq to attack the new government. It announced itself as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, now the Islamic State, known as the initials ISIS and ISIL.''

The President has been negligent for the past 2\1/2\ years, as ISIS fought to seize control of the very country we liberated with our dedicated military, including two of my sons and a martyred staff member.

Radical Islamic terrorists must be fully confronted and defeated to protect American families at home and our allies abroad.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and the President should never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

We need peace through strength, and I want to commend the gentleman from Virginia, Congressman Frank Wolf, who is retiring, who has been a stalwart for freedom.

Mr. Speaker, South Carolina today is giving loving recognition and appreciation for Earl F. Brown, Jr. His achievements are recognized with the article of July 24, 2014, by Jason Old for WIS television, and the obituary of July 30, 2014, in The State newspaper.

(WIS)--Earl F. Brown, a longtime community servant, has

died at the age of 82. Brown was most recently Congressman

Joe Wilson's deputy district director. He worked in the

Second Congressional District Midlands office for 11 years.

``This is a time to recognize an appreciated Patriot of our

State,'' said Wilson. ``From his Army service, his Columbia

Rotary Club dedication, to rising to being Director of the

Human Affairs Commission to the Congressional Office, Earl

was driven by his love of people.'' Brown served as chairman

of the Richland County Airport Commission among other public

service positions with several groups including the

Riverbanks Park Commission, Central Midlands Regional

Council, SC Human Affairs Commission and others. He was also

an active member of numerous organizations including the

Columbia Rotary Club, Columbia Urban League, NAACP, National

Teachers Association, and United Way of the Midlands. ``His

ready smile and can do attitude will be sorely missed by

those who knew and served with him,'' said Jim Hamilton,

former airport manager of Jim Hamilton--L.B. Owens Airport.

Brown is a graduate of Savannah State College, Benedict

College and University of South Carolina's Criminal Justice

Masters Program. He served in the U.S. Army and also worked

as a public school teacher. His daughter Kim says her father

was active in the community well into his retirement and

wants people to know Brown believed it's never too late to

get involved. ``His loss is personal to the Wilson Family

where four generations have affectionately identified him as

`Uncle Earl', a tradition that started with the births of our

four grandchildren at Lexington Medical Center as Earl was

always the first visitor bringing flowers,'' said Wilson.

``Our sympathy to his daughter Kim, son Felton, and his

beloved church family at Brookland Baptist Church,'' said

Wilson. Brown's funeral will be Thursday, July 31 at 12 noon

at Brookland Baptist Church. He will be buried at the

National Cemetery at Fort Jackson.

Obituary of July 30, 2014, in the State newspaper.

(The State) Earl Felton Brown, Jr. Columbia.--Funeral

services for Mr. Earl Felton Brown, Jr. will be held Thursday

at 12:00 noon, at the Brookland Baptist Church, with burial

and military honors in the Ft. Jackson National Cemetery. A

family visitation will be held this evening beginning at 6:30

p.m., at the Leevy's Funeral Home, Taylor Street Chapel. Born

in Jacksonville, Florida, Mr. Brown graduated from Savannah

State College and Benedict College. He completed additional

studies at Duke University and the University of South

Carolina School of Law, Court Administration Program.

Throughout his distinguished career, he worked at W. A. Perry

Middle School, Cheney State University, Vorhees College, the

S.C. State Human Affairs Commission, and retired as the

Deputy District Director of the Second Congressional District

of South Carolina. He served his country in the United States

Army, was a dedicated member of Brookland Baptist Church and

Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Inc. Surviving are his former

wife of 25 years, Rudyne Davis Brown; children, Felton Earl

Brown, II and Kim Lanette (Marshall) Brown-Jackson;

grandchild, TaiLa Sacarian Brown; great-grandchild, Juelz

Domini Brown; his brother, Ernest Arnell (Beverly) Brown,

sister, Doretha (Lester) Turner, other loving relatives and

friends. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the

Brookland Foundation, 1066, Sunset Blvd., West Columbia,

29169.

At the services S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson presented a eulogy on behalf of the appreciative Wilson family.

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

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, the world has watched violence in the Middle East escalate due to Hamas rocket attacks. The bottom line is that Israel, under the trusted leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has the absolute right to defend its citizens from murderous attacks.

Hamas is a terrorist organization attacking to achieve one goal: bring death and destruction to the people of Israel. The Hamas threat is: ``We love death more than you love life.''

Hamas continues to launch thousands of rockets into Israel and create a network of terror tunnels. Sadly, Palestinian civilians have died because Hamas uses the innocent as human shields.

The United States must stand by our greatest ally in the region. Anything but total support of Israel by the President signals weakness for future attacks on the American people.

Terrorist threats are increasing, despite the President's denial. The President's actions to defeat terrorism are more significant than words.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Rest in peace, Earl Brown, a South Carolina patriot.

Mr. Speaker, I submit the following remarks regarding my absence from votes which occurred on July 28, 2014. I was visiting the Savannah

River Site in the Second Congressional District of South Carolina with Department of Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz and National Nuclear Security Administrator Frank Klotz where I appreciate their recognition of the dedicated professionals at the site promoting vital missions. Listed below is how I would have voted if I had been present if the flight from Columbia had not been delayed.

Roll Number 455--H.R. 935--To amend the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to clarify Congressional intent regarding the regulation of the use of pesticides in or near navigable waters, and for other purposes-- ``aye.''

Roll 456--H.R. 3202--Essential Transportation Worker Identification Credential Assessment Act--``aye.''

Roll 457--H.R. 3107--Homeland Security Cybersecurity Boots-on-the- Ground Act--``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, the failing Affordable Care Act has proven not to be affordable for American families. Health care premiums have increased with confusing coverage destroying jobs.

When Stepheni from Monetta went to the doctor, she found her ``copay for each therapy session is $250. However, I can be an uninsured self- pay patient and get the same therapy for $85 per visit.''

Connie from Aiken says, ``I was more than shocked to learn what used to be an $89 prescription was now more than $300.''

America's devoted mothers know firsthand of the failure of ObamaCare. Small businesses are hiring more part-time workers than full-time workers because ObamaCare costs are too high. Longtime employees are having hours reduced, putting families at risk.

We must repeal and replace ObamaCare, so that people like Stepheni and Connie receive relief from unworkable mandates.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Best wishes for continued success for Chad Sydnor, Military Legislative Assistant of the Second District, for continued service with Senator John Boozman of Arkansas.

Madam Speaker, the IRS plays an essential role in the Obama administration. They are responsible for enforcing the failing health care law, interfering with free speech, and handling finances for the government.

Sadly, it has become apparent this organization is corrupt and, therefore, is unable to fulfill its duties to the American people.

The House has revealed a clear record of IRS harassment based on political belief, threatening jobs. Claims of missing emails are inexcusable. Proof of deliberate delinquency are apparent. The IRS is entrusted with great responsibility, yet their actions disrespect the American people they are supposed to serve.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war of terrorism.

My sympathy to the family and friends of Earl Brown, a dedicated patriot of Brookland Baptist Church.

Madam Speaker, the American people know the IRS cannot be trusted.

The IRS has been corrupted by this administration, undermining the integrity of its longtime employees. Former IRS employee Lois Lerner arrogantly refuses to answer questions, and now the IRS is claiming to have lost hard drives containing emails that could lead to revealing the truth.

House Republicans know that if the IRS implements ObamaCare the American people's security will be placed at risk. The House will vote on a bill that reforms the Internal Revenue Service, keeps them in check, and restores accountability. This piece of legislation prohibits the IRS from targeting people based on their political beliefs, and it restricts the agency from enforcing ObamaCare.

The President's broken promises have already caused pain for hardworking American families, destroying jobs. We must do all that we can to prevent future injustices.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. Speaker, an alarming admission has shown itself in the June unemployment report. For the 49th time in 50 months, there are more people dropping out of the job search than those who have found a new job. More people are giving up than succeeding. This reveals the real unemployment rate as 11.2 percent, not the claimed 6.1 percent.

Hardworking Americans are suffering by losing jobs at the hand of a failed jobs policy--at the hand of President Obama and his pen. A sad revelation of the President's failure is that now 14 million more Americans have depended on food stamps under his failed policies since he was elected. The definition of ``success'' is having a job and not being forced to depend on food stamps.

House Republicans will continue working to create jobs by passing legislation that puts Americans back to work in good-paying opportunities. Over 40 jobs bills have passed the House, but are now stuck in the Senate.

When more Americans give up jobs than succeed, it is a problem. When it happens that many times in a row, it is a tragic failure.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. Speaker, this week, Acting VA Secretary Sloan Gibson visited the William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina. Then he toured the Charlie Norwood VA Hospital in Augusta, Georgia. VA Chairman Jeff Miller visited both hospitals in January, promoting the expedited health care for our veterans.

The lack of treatment our veterans are receiving from the VA is inexcusable. Sadly, we have learned about lack of care at VA facilities across the country leading to death, cancer, and other progressive illnesses--a preview of ObamaCare chaos. This has been a failure by the President, who was alerted by his transition team in 2009 that there was mismanagement.

Finally, now, as the former president and CEO of the United Services Organization, USO, Acting Secretary Sloan Gibson has the experience to restore accountability with our veterans. Moving forward, I have faith that the professional staffs at Dorn and Charlie Norwood VA hospitals will ensure those who fought for our freedom receive the health care services they deserve.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th--as the President should take action for victory--in the global war on terrorism.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for your leadership, and Ranking Member Kaptur, for your leadership in bringing this bill before us today.

I appreciate very much the Congressman from Nebraska and his interest in the global threat reduction initiative. It is very worthy, but I also want to point out that I am very grateful that the mixed oxide fuel fabrication facility is located in the district that I represent.

It is part of the Savannah River site, and actually, I represent a portion of the site and so does Congressman Jim Clyburn of the Sixth Congressional District. This is really bipartisan, our support of the mixed oxide fuel fabrication facility.

Mr. Chairman, this facility really is crucial for environmental cleanup. It is very crucial to fulfill the nuclear nonproliferation agreement that we have with the Russian Federation. The site is over 60 percent completed.

You are right that $3.9 billion has already been spent, but the site will have such a positive impact by reducing what is already there--34 metric tons of weapons grade plutonium--and it is made into green fuel, part of the fuel for nuclear power production for our country.

Additionally, it will fulfill the agreement that we have with the Russian Federation, to do away with weapons grade plutonium and encourage them to do the same.

I want you to be aware that this is actually proven technology. There has been a facility built in France already that has provided and proven that this will work, and the other alternatives that have been proposed in the National Defense Authorization Act, we have asked for a study, but it is very clear that the most efficient and most beneficial to the American people and national security is to complete the MOX facility.

Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, July 5 funeral services were held for Paul ``Mr. Paul'' S. Amos. Mr. Amos, 88, was remembered as a man of ``rock-solid integrity'' and was the last surviving founder of Columbus-based Aflac Insurance. As a representative of South Carolina's Second District, I especially appreciate Aflac's extraordinary success and expansion acquiring Continental American Insurance Company led by CFO Chris Goodall in Columbia generating hundreds of jobs.

Funeral services were held at St. Luke United Methodist Church in Columbus, Georgia, with interment following the service in Parkhill Cemetery.

His obituary in The Ledger-Enquirer of Columbus, Georgia, contained this tribute:

Paul S. Amos, who with his two brothers founded Aflac

Incorporated nearly six decades ago, passed away late

Wednesday night, July 2, 2014, after a lengthy illness. He

was 88 years old. Funeral services will be held at St. Luke

United Methodist Church in Columbus, GA, at 3:00 PM on

Saturday, July 5, 2014. It will be preceded by public

visitation beginning at 2:00 PM at the St. Luke United

Methodist Church Ministry Center. There will be a private

burial service following the funeral.

Paul S. Amos was born April 23, 1926 in Enterprise, Ala.

the son of the late John Shelby and Helen Mullins Amos. Mr.

Amos was raised in Enterprise, Ala. and Milton, Fla. He and

his wife, the former Jean Roberts, met in church when she was

just 17 years old and celebrated their 65th wedding

anniversary in October of last year. The couple's only child,

Daniel P. Amos, is Aflac's current chairman and CEO. The Amos

brothers founded Aflac in 1955 and, in its first year of

business, the company had 6,426 policyholders and $388,000 in

assets. Today, it is a Fortune 500 company with more than

$121 billion in assets and insures more than 50 million

people worldwide. Aflac is the leading provider of

supplemental insurance products and pays cash directly to

policyholders to use as needed. During his long tenure at

Aflac, Mr. Amos held numerous positions, both at corporate

headquarters and as a hands-on member of the sales force. He

served as state sales manager for Alabama/West Florida, first

vice president/director of marketing, president, vice

chairman and chairman. Although he retired in 2001, he

remained a familiar figure at Aflac and loved to be among the

employees and sales team members who continued the company's

legacy. Amos, who continued to make daily visits to Aflac's

offices in Columbus, Ga., and served as Chairman Emeritus,

was beloved by the insurer's more than 8,000 employees and

185,000 agents worldwide. He was known affectionately

throughout the company as ``Mr. Paul.''

In addition to helping build the world's largest

supplemental insurance company, Amos established a quiet

history of philanthropy and community service. Through

anonymous donations and the endowment of educational funds

and scholarship programs, he and Jean touched thousands of

lives with major financial commitments. Their efforts

included the Paul and Jean Amos Educational Fund at Asbury

Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Ky.; the Paul S. Amos Family

Foundation at Columbus State University in Columbus, Ga.; the

Scholarship Fund at Cumberland College in Williamsburg, Ky.;

and many unheralded contributions to those in need. Amos

received an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from Cumberland

College in May 2001. Columbus State University honored him

with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degree in May 2002.

In 2004, Amos received an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters

from Asbury Theological Seminary.

Amos is survived by his wife, Jean; their son Daniel P.

Amos and his wife Kathelen; two grandchildren, Lauren Amos

and her husband Tyler Clayton, and Paul S. Amos II and his

wife, Courtney; and four great-grandchildren, Dan Amos,

Mansell Amos, Knox Amos and Eden Amos.

In lieu of flowers, however, the family asks that

contributions in his memory be made to the Aflac Cancer and

Blood Disorder Center in Atlanta or St. Luke United Methodist

Church in Columbus.

Mr. Speaker, last week, the Spartanburg Herald-Journal published an editorial from the Colorado Springs Gazette titled: ``Immigration Crisis: Securing Border is Key to Stemming Flow of Children.''

Extraordinary points are made in the editorial:

Failure to secure the southern border, combined with

careless messaging by President Barack Obama, has made the

United States an attractive nuisance. The fiasco at the

southern border is far more than a political dilemma.

Obama needs to get this under control, letting Latin

Americans know in no uncertain terms that the United States

cannot and will not host unattended children who illegally

cross the border. We cannot continue putting these youths in

danger, and we can't afford to resolve their collective

plight.

The lives of helpless children rest in the balance.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. Speaker, the Post and Courier of Charleston, South Carolina, presented an editorial last Tuesday correctly revealing the wrong signal on immigration. The opinion states:

Central American children have entered the United States in

large numbers in recent weeks. Their mass entry has also

produced another political obstacle to passing comprehensive

immigration reform legislation. Opponents of the initiative

reasonably point out that this is the latest border problem

as additional evidence of the Obama administration's lack of

credibility on the issue. Numerous Republican lawmakers have

cited, as a motivating factor of this incoming tide of

humanity, President Barack Obama's executive edict deferring

deportations. And their continuing migration into our country

strengthens the assumption that the President has no

intention of fulfilling its pledge to bolster border

security. Clearly, if the President and other advocates of

sweeping immigration reform are serious about moving one

through Congress, Federal border enforcement must be

intensified.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. Speaker, the President's broken promises continue to hurt American families. According to the administration's own report, an estimated 11 million small business employees are facing higher premiums because of the government health care takeover, which destroys jobs.

After being forced to purchase insurance in the ObamaCare exchange, Stepheni from Aiken writes:

``This required purchase of ObamaCare insurance cost my husband and I over $900 per month and we get nothing for it. It's less expense for us to remain uninsured, so we have let our ObamaCare premium lapse. We surely hope that something will and can be done to prevent folks like us from being penalized for not keeping our insurance. We don't have over $900 extra a month just to throw away.''

The Affordable Care Act is anything but affordable for families and should be repealed and replaced to provide relief for millions of Americans like Stepheni. Women are most knowledgeable about the failure of ObamaCare.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.