Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, yesterday South Carolina lost one of its most beloved citizens, A. Crawford Clarkson, Jr., who exemplifies a true Southern Gentleman. The following obituary is from Shives Funeral Home of Columbia, South Carolina.

As Campaign Manager six times for Congressman Floyd Spence with Crawford as Campaign Treasurer I appreciated firsthand his profound Scottish frugality.

Andrew Crawford Clarkson, Jr. of Columbia, SC died on

September 27, 2013. He was the son of Andrew Crawford

Clarkson, Sr. of Columbia, SC and Jennie Louise Taber of Fort

Motte, SC. Born in Columbia December 17, 1919, he was

educated in the Columbia city schools graduating in 1937 from

Columbia High School. In 1941 he was graduated in absentia

from the University of South Carolina having received a

commission as Ensign USNR. In 1949 he married Sarah Fairbanks

Bull of Georgetown, SC.

Crawford Clarkson's life was animated by an abiding love

for country, his native state, and his family. He was a

lively conversationalist, a tireless encourager of his

children, lover of travel, and treasured his Scottish

heritage. An accomplished businessman, his steady wisdom and

consummate professionalism made him a behind the scenes

trusted advisor to politicians, governors, university

presidents, church leaders, business colleagues, clients, and

his own children.

A passion for sailing, developed as a Sea Scout on Lake

Murray, was reflected in Mr. Clarkson's service as a naval

officer during World War II and the Korean conflict. He

served aboard the high speed destroyer minesweeper USS

Stansbury (DMS 8) July 1941 to July 1943, and then aboard the

USS Howard (DMS 7) as executive officer and navigator. Tasked

with keeping supply lanes open despite threats from German U-

boats, Mr. Clarkson's convoy duty ranged the North Atlantic,

the Caribbean and later the Pacific. He also saw action

during the landings at the Naval Battle at Casablanca, French

Morocco in November 1942. During the Howard's Leyte Gulf

operations in the Philippines, Mr. Clarkson saw his first

kamikazes.

After World War II ended, Mr. Clarkson returned to Columbia

and joined his father, holder of CPA SC certificate #1, at

A.C. Clarkson and Company, CPAs. He was awarded C.P.A.

certification in 1948.

In 1952 Mr. Clarkson was recalled by the Navy during the

Korean Emergency and ordered as Executive Officer of the USS

Cony (DDE 508). Upon returning to Columbia, Mr. Clarkson

entered USC School of Law--attending class and working as an

accountant by day while studying law at night. He was

graduated in 1955 and admitted to the S.C. Bar and the

Federal Bar including ultimately the United States Supreme

Court. In 1979 Mr. Clarkson retired from the Navy as Captain

Mr. Speaker, the current administration has dictated that the Environmental Protection Agency is to unilaterally institute regulations without seeking congressional approval. South Carolina energy producers have been forced to expedite the closing of 12 coal facilities, which has driven up energy costs for consumers, has destroyed jobs, and has made our workers less competitive. Earlier this month, the EPA acted alone again by proposing new regulations.

This week, I spearheaded a letter to the President and EPA Administrator, which was signed by other members of the South Carolina delegation, that supported legislative review. The American people deserve to have a voice in these new policies to promote jobs and lower energy costs.

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

My sympathy to Sarah Clarkson and her family of Columbia, South Carolina, on the death yesterday of her husband, A. Crawford Clarkson, Jr.--a true southern gentleman of Scottish heritage, a naval officer awarded the Order of the Palmetto by Governor Carroll Campbell.

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, ObamaCare is unaffordable, unsustainable, and unreliable. An overwhelming majority of the American people agree that this disastrous $1.2 trillion law must be replaced with a system that protects the doctor-patient relationship, as has been repeatedly introduced by Congressman Tom Price of Georgia.

The South Carolina Department of Insurance has estimated that health insurance rates in the Federal exchanges will increase up to 70 percent for South Carolinians. A majority of other States will have premium increases that will skyrocket, destroying jobs.

House Republicans have the best interests of Americans at heart. We know that hardworking families should not be forced to pay higher health care costs in addition to the financial burdens of everyday life.

The Senate should act and adopt bipartisan legislation as the House did last week.

We join with the American people to keep the government's doors open, defund ObamaCare, and control government spending.

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

Mr. Speaker, in less than 1 week, funding for the Federal Government is set to expire, which would result in a devastating government shutdown. On Friday, House Republicans passed a bipartisan continuing resolution to keep the government's doors open so that services are not interrupted, our national security will remain intact, and American families will be protected from the unsustainable, unaffordable health care law which destroys jobs.

It is obvious by the President's threat to veto the legislation that we cannot rely on our Commander in Chief to negotiate. Sadly, last week, he ordered his administration to prepare for a government shutdown, proving that he is unwilling to help solve this crisis.

Now is the time for the Senate to act. House Republicans remain optimistic that Senate leadership will find a solution to prevent the President's government shutdown. I appreciate the courage of Senator Ted Cruz to educate the American people on the consequences of Big Government, reducing freedom.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to congratulate the BMW Manufacturing Company in Greer, South Carolina, upon their recent achievement. Yesterday, hardworking team members completed a tremendous goal by producing the 2,500,000th car since it's opening nearly twenty years ago. The mineral white metallic BMW X5 is destined for a BMW dealership in San Antonio, Texas, where it will be sold to a very fortunate customer.

Over the years, the BMW facility has proven to be a great success for South Carolina. During my tenure in the South Carolina State Senate, I joined my Upstate colleagues to encourage BMW to build the four million square foot manufacturing facility, employing over 7,000 people in the region and investing billions into the Palmetto State's economy. I was honored to join my colleagues and community leaders from the upstate at the groundbreaking in September 1992. Dozens of parts suppliers are co- located across the Upstate creating thousands of more jobs. The facility launched sales of BMW Z3s, Z4s, X5s, and X6s while adding X3s for worldwide export.

South Carolina now is the leading exporter of cars in the United States. It fulfills the vision of Roger Milliken of Spartanburg who promoted the Jetport of Greenville-Spartanburg, and of Governor Carroll Campbell who worked with legislative leaders Senator Verne Smith of Greenville and Senator John Russell of Spartenburg coordinating with Ports Authority Chairman Bob Royall. All of South Carolina has benefited especially promoting the Port of Charleston.

Mr. Speaker, this morning South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson testified before a joint committee on Capitol Hill warning that the health care takeover legislation is a threat to the security and safety of citizens.

The attorney general cited:

Despite the President saying last month, ``We're well on

our way to fully implementing the Affordable Care Act,''

important deadlines are being routinely missed. In order for

the ACA to adequately determine the eligibility . . . it must

create a data hub that connects databases from seven

different agencies. However, the hub has not been beta

tested, independently verified, or properly audited. When it

goes live on October 1, it will be a con-man's all-you-can-

eat buffet overflowing with a gold mine of sensitive

information from the agency databases.

Attorney General Wilson summarized as follows:

Until HHS rectifies safeguarding Americans' personal

information, Congress must suspend implementation of ACA.

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

Mr. Speaker, 12 years ago, our Nation was attacked by jihadists who sought to destroy our freedoms. Today, we remember the nearly 3,000 innocent Americans who lost their lives in New York, Washington, and Shanksville. We also pay tribute to those who have successfully fought in Afghanistan and Iraq to keep us safe by defeating terrorists overseas.

Last year, terrorists murdered Ambassador Chris Stevens along with three additional brave Americans at our consulate at Benghazi, Libya. Their efforts to promote democracy will never be forgotten.

We should recognize the war on terrorism is far from over. Conflict continues across the world.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the

11th, 2001, and September the 11th, 2012, at Benghazi in the global war on terrorism.

Todd Beamer was correct: ``Let's roll.''

Madam Speaker, over the past month, I have traveled by bus and car across all five counties I represent in the Second District of South Carolina, where I found my constituents agree with Charles Krauthammer in his column yesterday in The State newspaper of Columbia, South Carolina.

Mr. Krauthammer is recognized for his extraordinary insight and has identified the President's policy as ``stunning zigzag, following months of hesitation, ambivalence, contradiction, and studied delay''; the President ``having yet done nothing but hesitate, threaten, retract, and wander . . . claiming . . . not his own red line but the world's . . . a transparent attempt at offloading responsibility.''

``There's no strategy, no purpose here other than helping Obama escape self-inflicted humiliation.

``This is deeply unserious.''

The White House announced April 25 that Syria had chemical weapons, but only after 4 months of serious scandals, ObamaCare destroying jobs, and the upcoming debt debate vote, did it seek action. On my tour, I was inspired at the North Augusta Rotary Club by the four-way test: Is it the truth?

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th, 2001, and September the 11th, 2012, at Benghazi in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. Speaker, overreaching regulations are stifling economic growth and destroying jobs. Last year, the administration enacted 1,172 new regulations, which is 16 percent more than 2011. At the current rate the administration operates, increasing regulations have become the new normal.

House Republicans have a plan to stop the record-breaking volume of red tape on small businesses. This week, House Republicans passed legislation to address this government abuse. America's job creators should be more concerned about creating jobs than worrying about complying with confusing mandates. American taxpayers should be able to keep their hard-earned money, provide for their families rather than facing the burden of higher taxes.

It's time to put our economy back on track to job creation. It's my hope that the President and Senate will join with us to make full-time job creation the new normal.

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

Mr. Speaker, ObamaCare is a train wreck quickly approaching the station near you. This unworkable, unaffordable law will destroy hundreds of thousands of jobs, disrupt the doctor- patient relationship and offer a ``Free Ticket, No Show'' health care system.

According to a recent CBS News poll, 54 percent of Americans disapprove of the health care law, while only 36 percent approve. It is clear the American people have lost faith in the President's government health care takeover bill. The Federal Government, especially the IRS, has betrayed the trust of the American people. Every day, more groups come forward and reveal unfair targeting by the IRS.

House Republicans are acting to protect every American family from the abuse, targeting, and harassment by the IRS. This week, we will vote on the Keep the IRS Off Your Health Care Act, legislation that bars the IRS from implementing ObamaCare.

I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill and help restore the American people's faith in limiting government.

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

I am grateful to welcome the Sunny and Jay Philips family to the Capitol.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Vice Admiral Scott Van Buskirk of the Department of the Navy, who is retiring after more than 34 years of faithful service to our Nation. Vice Admiral Van Buskirk is a career Submariner, Mariner, and Warfighter, leading to his position as the Chief of Naval Personnel and Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Manpower, Personnel, Training and Education.

A native of Petaluma, California, Vice Admiral Van Buskirk graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1979 and received his master's degree at the Naval Postgraduate School. Throughout his tenure in the United States Navy, he has served ashore in the Navy Office of Legislation Affairs, the Submarine Force U.S. Pacific Fleet, the Bureau of Naval Personnel, and the Submarine Force U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Posts at sea have included service aboard the USS Seawolf (SSN 575), USS Salt Lake City (SSN 716), USS Tunny (SSN 682), and USS Georgia (SSBN 729)

GOLD, and commander of the USS Pasadena (SSN 752) and Submarine Development Squadron 12. As a flag officer he has served throughout the world, including in Iraq and Japan.

I am grateful to know Vice Admiral Van Buskirk personally while he served as the Navy's 56th Chief of Naval Personnel where he has been responsible for the planning and programming of all manpower, personnel, training, and education resources for the U.S. Navy. He astutely managed an annual operating budget of $29 billion and has passionately led over 20,000 employees engaged in the recruiting, personnel management, training, and development of Navy personnel.

It is through the commitment and sacrifice of Americans like Vice Admiral Scott Van Buskirk that our nation is able to continue upon the path of democracy and strive for the betterment of mankind. I am proud, Mr. Speaker, as an appreciative fellow Naval Academy family, to thank him and his family for his honorable service to our Nation with the United States Navy. In the tradition of the sea services, of which my own family proudly plays a part, I wish him fair winds and following seas as he concludes a distinguished career of service to our Nation and Navy.

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow the President will venture back on the campaign trail to explain his failed economic policies. For months, we have heard the President talk about infringing upon our Second Amendment rights, defending his administration from scandals, and promoting his unworkable, unaffordable care act.

A crucial issue has not been addressed: creating jobs. As more dismal reports expose the sad reality of our weak economy, it is clear he is attempting damage control.

House Republicans have been focused on growing our economy for years. Last Congress we passed over 40 job-creating pieces of legislation. This year we voted to repeal ObamaCare and approve the Keystone pipeline, which would create jobs and give small businesses the certainty to begin hiring.

I appreciate TeaParty.net promoting the truth. Actions speak louder than words. It's time for the President to work with House Republicans to put American families back to work.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 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, our education system needs reform for America's children.

For far too long, we have watched as government red tape and regulations have robbed our youth from learning the skills necessary to succeed. Children deserve better than ineffective, status quo education practices. We must empower those who know what's best for our children rather than continue the tradition of Big Government mandates.

House Republicans, led by Education Chairman John Kline, have a plan to reform our education system with commonsense solutions. By removing the power of government bureaucracy and by empowering locally elected school boards, our teachers, parents, and local leaders, we will have the opportunity to develop a working educational plan to help our children succeed.

As the House votes on the Student Success Act today, it is my hope that Members from both sides of the aisle will join together and support this legislation for the sake of our children's future.

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