Floor Statements

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, according to an institute at the University of New Hampshire, the number of long-term unemployed Americans has more than doubled since 2007, to a gruesome 39.3 percent.

The President has had more than enough time to get our weak economy back on track. Instead of working with Congress on pro-growth reforms to our tax system and encouraging businesses to hire more workers, he has focused his attention on implementing his disastrous health care takeover, destroying jobs.

American families have felt the duplicity of the ``Unaffordable Care Act.'' They have lost health care plans. They have been forced to pay higher insurance premiums and receive smaller paychecks due to reduction in work hours.

A key to economic recovery starts with repealing and replacing the takeover with a commonsense, patient-centered solution. Our workforce should not lose 2.5 million more jobs because of government mandates. We must work together to promote jobs.

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

Mr. Speaker, for the last 4 years, American families have watched as ObamaCare has destroyed jobs, increased insurance premiums, and denied access to trusted medical professionals. You can't keep your doctor.

From day one, the administration has not been honest with the law's effectiveness or its implementation. This unworkable, irresponsible law continues to plague families. We must work together to repeal and replace ObamaCare.

House Republicans know that commonsense solutions exist which will provide relief to those who have fallen victims to the President's countless broken promises. Unfortunately, the administration and Senate Democrats have refused to work with us to make changes and restore health care decisions back to the American people, not to Big Government.

As the open enrollment period deadline approaches leading to more hardship for families, medical professionals, and small businesses, it is our duty to work together to change ObamaCare, which destroys jobs.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to congratulate Emily and William Brunson DePass, III, on the birth of their new baby girl. Mary Parker DePass was born at 2:46 p.m. on March 8, 2014 weighing 7 pounds, 6 ounces and measuring 20 and 1/2 inches long.

Mary joins a wonderful family who is devoted to her well-being and bright future. Grandparents Mrs. and Mrs. William B. (Rusty) DePass, Jr., Mrs. Jane Arnold Barnhill, and Mr. Edward D. Barnhill, Jr., are thrilled with the new addition. I would also like to congratulate Mary's three great-grandmothers, Mrs. Marshall J. Parker, Mrs. Ira Lee Arnold, and Mrs. Edward D. Barnhill, along with the late Mrs. Kathryn Macaulay DePass, who are all extraordinary role models for their dear great-granddaughter.

Mr. Speaker, recently, I received a heartbreaking email from Connie in Irmo, South Carolina. Because of ObamaCare, Connie's health care policy premiums have increased $100 a month, and her deductible has grown to over $2,500 a year. She explains the truth, despite Senate smears. These unexpected costs have created significant financial burdens for her family. Connie is the mother of a child who suffers with mental health issues. It is shameful that government regulations are making her choose between seeking medical assistance and feeding her family.

Connie writes:

It is heart wrenching that as a mother I now have to

second-guess myself any time I think about taking my children

to the doctors. I may have coverage, but after I pay my

premiums, I don't have enough left to pay for the doctor

visit itself.

ObamaCare is threatening the middle class and destroying American families and jobs. On behalf of mothers and fathers across this Nation who are suffering at ObamaCare's expense, it is time for the President to work with Congress to repeal this unworkable law and replace it with commonsense solutions.

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

Mr. Speaker, The American Dream is attainable with hard work and dedication. South Carolina is very fortunate to have devoted teachers who dedicated to helping every child succeed. This week, a group of teachers and students from Red Bank Elementary School in Lexington, South Carolina, are visiting Washington to see the government at work. I am very proud of this group of young people, as they are dedicated to achieving a bright future by participating in their school's Business Mentor Program.

The Red Bank Elementary School Business Mentor Program engages children in learning by connecting them with local mentors affiliated with businesses in the Midlands community. Leaders from Michelin Tire Corporation, Lexington Medical Center, Prysmian Group, Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Garden, and he South Carolina State Museum have impacted close to 150 students over the past three years. By connecting the skills each student learns in the classroom to a professional environment, these bright children are given the opportunity to chase their dreams.

As a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee, I am encouraged by the opportunities these young students are able to enjoy and appreciate the business mentors for contributing to their future.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the President unveiled his budget and used the military as a punching bag to push his Big Government programs.

According to a recent Charleston Post and Courier editorial:

Congress should proceed with extreme caution before going

along with the latest recommendations for ``savings'' through

deep defense cuts. If America rapidly retreats from world

power status, our enemies will jump into the void. We can't

unilaterally end the Islamic radical terrorists' war on us,

and we shouldn't ignore history lessons about what happens

when the United States tries to isolate itself from the

menaces that threaten the international community.

At a time when threats are increasing and countries on nearly every continent are in turmoil, it is naive for the President to downgrade our military strength. Maintaining our national defense is the primary function of the national government.

I find it dangerous that the President has suggested this proposal which places American families at risk of further attacks. We should follow the advice of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Our Nation is still at war. Peace through strength.

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

Mr. Speaker, transitioning from military to civilian life can be challenging for our veterans. The skill sets learned while serving in the Armed Forces are highly valued, and competence is extraordinary of veterans, who have a proven work ethic.

With record unemployment, we need to work together for jobs. Yesterday, the office of the Second Congressional District conducted a veterans job fair, thoughtfully hosted by the Aiken Shrine Club, to support our brave men and women who have faithfully served our country.

The event was to better connect our veterans with the resources available to them. I am very thankful for the local businesses, schools, government agencies, and veterans organizations that were on hand to offer assistance.

As the son of a veteran, as a retired member of the South Carolina National Guard, and being the very grateful father of four sons currently serving in the military, I appreciate our veterans' dedication to protect our freedoms. It is my hope this veterans job fair will prove beneficial and recognize the service of our heroes.

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

Our hopes and prayers are for the people of Ukraine.

Mr. Speaker, the American people have lost faith in the President and his administration's ability to serve in an unbiased manner. Sadly, last year's scandal revealed the IRS is targeting organizations who disagree with the President's Big Government agenda.

We should never have to worry that our First Amendment rights are in jeopardy because the government opposes our beliefs. Based on last year's revelations, it is clear that these actions were deliberate. The Founding Fathers treasured the rights of freedom of speech and to petition the government, which is why they were protected first in the Constitution.

On Wednesday, the House acted in a bipartisan vote to prevent future abuse by passing legislation that bans the Treasury Department and the IRS from implementing new requirements targeting political groups. I hope the Senate will take action on this bill so we can ensure that every citizen's First Amendment rights stand protected.

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

Mr. Speaker, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel outlined a proposal yesterday calling for a troop reduction that will shrink our Army to its smallest size since World War II began in 1939.

This decision is sad proof that the President's priorities will threaten the strength of our military at a time of worldwide instability as al Qaeda and its affiliates develop safe havens across North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia with an intent to destroy America.

This past week, I participated in a delegation led by Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce to Asia. In Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines, we met national leaders who are building their militaries to face the rising threats and promoting peace through strength.

Efficiencies must be made to maintain our end strength. The President has misplaced priorities and chosen to place our brave men and women in uniform on the chopping block in order to spend more money promoting Big Government dependency. National defense is the first duty of the national government, as promoted by the Military Officers Association of America.

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

Mr. Speaker, today, I am very grateful for the opportunity to recognize Lora Hobbs, a committed staff member for the Second Congressional District of South Carolina. After serving the great state of South Carolina for more than two and a half years, Lora is leaving the office to join the office of Congressman Bradley Brynee of Alabama's First Congressional District as a legislative assistant.

Lora, is a native of Laurens, South Carolina, and joined the office in August of 2011 as a staff assistant after recently graduating from the University of South Carolina. Her tremendous leadership skills allowed her to transition quickly and become the legislative correspondent.

It is with sincere gratitude that I would like to thank Lora for her dedicated staff work. I have no doubt that the people of lower Alabama will benefit significantly from her expertise. I wish Lora all the best in future endeavors and look forward to hearing of her continued success.

In conclusion, God Bless our Troops and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

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, a weekend editorial by The Washington Times stated:

The unemployment rate fell in January, which ought to be

good news. But it isn't. Over the past decade, we have fallen

into a strange and puzzling wonderland of opposites, where

``economic recovery'' comes with no growth, and unemployment

rates drop when people aren't working.

The President's misleading message conveys that fewer jobs and government dependency is the new status quo, which destroys fulfilling lives.

Last week, a Congressional Budget Office report confirmed what the

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.

Madam Speaker, for more than 1,960 days, the President has refused to approve the construction of the Keystone pipeline. The President has incorrectly blamed the delay on harmful environmental impacts, but last week, the State Department released a study confirming what House Republicans have been saying for years: the Keystone pipeline will not harm the environment.

The President is placing politics over job creation. On Monday, former Energy Secretary Steven Chu acknowledged that the administration's decision is strictly political and has no scientific backing.

The President says he wants to create jobs, but his inconsistent actions have prevented over 120,000 immediate shovel-ready jobs. The President has said these are temporary jobs, but he is wrong. These are permanent job at MTU of Graniteville and Michelin of Lexington, producing engines and earthmover tires for oil sands recovery in Alberta, Canada.

The most environmentally secure method of transportation is by pipeline, and the President should join Congress in developing Keystone for jobs.

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