Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to file a supplemental report on the bill, H.R. 1960.

Madam Speaker, when Dogwood Stable's Palace Malice of Aiken, South Carolina, won the 145th running of the Belmont Stakes Saturday, he fulfilled all the promise that Dogwood's president, Cot Campbell, foresaw in the colt. As Palace Malice crossed the finish line with a defining first place victory, the people of Aiken County, identified by The New York Times as one of the world's greatest equestrian centers of excellence, were overjoyed by the horse's accomplishment.

Congratulations to W. Cothran ``Cot'' Campbell, president of the Dogwood Stable, and his wife, Anne; his partners, Paul Oreffice, Mike Schneider, Margaret Smith, Carl Myers, and Charlie Pigg; Todd Pletcher, who trained the award-winning horse for the race after he departed Aiken; jockey Mike Smith, who rode Palace Malice to victory; and Brad Stauffer, the individual responsible for training the horse over the Aiken Training Track.

Palace Malice continues a winning tradition to be trained over the Aiken Training Track and win the third jewel of Thoroughbred Racing's Triple Crown as Danzig Connection won the Belmont Stakes in 1986. The Aiken Standard today correctly identified this as ``a win for every single Aiken resident.''

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

Mr. Speaker, during the Memorial Day work period, I was grateful to participate on a congressional delegation visiting with servicemembers and our allies. We went to thank them, but the reality is our new greatest generation has inspired us.

We began at Pristina, Kosovo, where NATO personnel are nurturing a 5- year-old nation with a Muslim majority while respecting the rights of a Christian minority.

In Germany, we thanked the dedicated personnel of Landstuhl Regional Medical Center for lifesaving care of courageous warriors for freedom. At Kaiserslautern, the American City of Germany, we were reassured of Germany's appreciation of America's promoting peace through strength.

Across Afghanistan, we witnessed a developing civil society from the rubble of a Soviet occupation. Our heroic personnel have trained 352,000 Afghans into an effective force to protect the civilian population from cowardly terrorists.

To protect American families at home, we must deny safe havens from terrorists overseas.

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

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate James G. Rebholz, Chairman of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, ESGR. James is serving his second and final term with the ESGR and I am very grateful for his service.

Chairman James Rebholz has demonstrated great leadership throughout his tenure with the ESGR by helping the Department of Defense agency fulfill its mission developing and promoting a culture of employer support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve and their families. Throughout his 31 years of service in the United States Air Force Reserve, his long history of community service, and his success as a small business owner, James has proven his dedication to our great nation. His programs have been extremely beneficial in working with John Green, Chairman of the South Carolina ESGR, and Major General Bob Livingston, the South Carolina Adjutant General.

As Chairman James Rebholz's service with the ESGR comes to an end, I would like to wish him and his wife Jean Boser best wishes in the future.

Mr. Speaker, for over 1,700 days, the administration has delayed the Keystone XL pipeline application. According to a recent Pew Research poll, two-thirds of the American people from both political parties support the project. Last night, there was a bipartisan vote to promote the pipeline from Canada, America's best energy partner. The completion of the Keystone XL pipeline will create 120,000 jobs and produce 830,000 barrels of oil each day, helping to grow our economy.

Two years ago, I had the opportunity to visit Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, and I witnessed firsthand the Canadian oil sands and positive impact that exploration has for American families. In South Carolina's Second Congressional District, companies like Michelin Tire Corporation of Lexington and MTU Detroit Diesel of Aiken County will create jobs due to Keystone's production.

As the American people and a bipartisan Congress support it, let's create jobs and build the Keystone pipeline.

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

Our sympathy goes to our British allies in this war who were cowardly attacked at the Royal Artillery Barracks in London yesterday.

Mr. Speaker, time and time again, the President and the liberal-controlled Senate have disregarded initiatives to create jobs.

This week, the House will vote on an all-of-the-above energy policy that will create 20,000 shovel-ready jobs, 100,000 additional jobs, and invest $20 billion into our struggling economy, working with Canada, America's best energy partner.

For over a year and a half, the current administration has blocked efforts to build the Keystone pipeline. On numerous occasions, the President has claimed to support an all-of-the-above energy plan; however, his actions do not match his words.

This project directly affects families across our great Nation. In South Carolina's Second Congressional District, Michelin Tire Corporation in Lexington produces earthmover tires at $60,000 each, 12 feet high, used in Alberta, Canada, and MTU Diesel of Tognum America in Graniteville manufactures engines for oil sand recovery.

It is my hope that my colleagues will join in voting for this legislation, which will help 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, yesterday, the House passed the 37th piece of legislation that replaces, repeals, or defunds the government health care takeover bill.

House Republicans warned the American people that the legislation's effect would be devastating to patients, to health care providers, and to small businesses--destroying jobs.

In recent weeks, there has been bipartisan recognition of the failure of the government's health care takeover. Senator Max Baucus has warned that ObamaCare's implementation will be a train wreck. Sadly, thousands of new IRS agents who deny free speech will now control health care.

The good news is that there is still time for repeal. The House has acted in the best interests of American families. It is my hope that the Senate will consider our efforts and pass legislation before it's too late.

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

Congratulations, Candice Glover of St. Helena Island, South Carolina, for being the newest queen of ``American Idol.''

Thank you, Dr. Roe, for yielding.

Today, House Republicans will vote for the 37th time to repeal or defund ObamaCare.

Prior to its deal-making passage in 2010, the National Federation of Independent Business, America's largest organization of small businesses, warned that the implementation of the government health care takeover would destroy 1.6 million jobs due to mandates and tax increases, crippling small businesses.

To make matters worse, at a time when our Nation is experiencing record unemployment, President Obama has called on the IRS, an agency currently in the midst of scandal, to hire thousands of new agents to enforce ObamaCare. Based on the recent reports, it is clear that the IRS should not be expanded to include the authorization of controlling health care for the American people.

Today's vote will give us an opportunity to repeal a crucial job- destroying bill that, in turn, will provide small businesses the certainty they need to begin hiring again and to put American families back to work. As a proud cosponsor, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote in favor of the bill.

Mr. Speaker, the expansion of Big Government is a threat to the American people. According to Politico, the administration:

had obtained records that listed incoming and outgoing calls

and the duration of these calls for work and personal phone

numbers of AP reporters and phone lines for AP offices in New

York; Hartford, Connecticut; and Washington, as well as the

main number for AP reporters in the House of Representatives

press gallery. The government seized records--which listed

incoming and outgoing calls and the call's length--for more

than 20 separate lines assigned to the AP and its reporters.

The American people are losing their trust in the White House. The recent admissions reveal that the President and his administration will do whatever it takes to extend power, including violating First Amendment rights. Even the media is at risk of Big Government intrusion. Over the coming weeks, it's my hope that this is thoroughly investigated and those responsible will be held accountable.

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

Mr. Speaker, South Carolina is very fortunate. Due to the quality of life in South Carolina, tens of thousands are moving to the Palmetto State from the Midwest and Northeast, and from around the world.

South Carolina has gained a new seat in Congress to include the communities of Myrtle Beach and Florence, now held by Tom Rice. This new Seventh District rotated all districts, creating a unique district of the First. The First District of South Carolina is virtually 10 miles wide along the Atlantic Coast from McClellanville in Charleston County to Defauskie Island in Beaufort County. It's a special district to Tom and myself in that we were both born in Charleston, America's most historic city. The district is a composite of America.

In the district's first election, Tim Scott was elected as only the second African American from South Carolina elected to Congress in 100 years. We are grateful Governor Nikki Haley appointed Congressman Tim Scott to serve in the U.S. Senate. This created a replacement primary with 16 participants, the largest number ever in a congressional primary.

We are here today to recognize the survivor of the primary, run-off, and general election--Congressman Mark Sanford.

I yield to Congressman David Price of North Carolina.

I yield to Congressman Mark Sanford of the First District of South Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, last week was very revealing about misstatements of truth from the White House. On Wednesday, the administration was heavily criticized as the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held a hearing, led by Chairman Darrell Issa, to investigate the Benghazi terrorist attack. Additionally, on Friday, the IRS secret operation to target conservative groups was admitted after 3 years of denial.

Thomas Jefferson once said, ``The whole art of government consists in the art of being honest.''

As a congressional body, the Members of the United States House and Congress have an obligation to carry out oversight responsibilities. When situations arise where there is administration misconduct, we must pursue investigations to protect the American people. I look forward to working with my colleagues by demanding answers to the countless questions of intentional misrepresentations.

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

Mr. Speaker, on Friday, I was grateful to conduct a town hall in Aiken, South Carolina, where I listened to hundreds of constituents who are very concerned about the reprogramming request at the Savannah River site. Fortunately, over the weekend, the President's Office of Management and Budget sent the request to both Houses of Congress for approval.

This is a crucial step to end the 20 percent pay cut for 2,600 employees of Savannah River Nuclear Solutions. I appreciate the town hall participants: President Terra Carroll of the North Augusta Chamber of Commerce; Chairman Ronnie Young of the Aiken County Council; Aiken City Council members, Philip Merry and Dick Dewar; State Senator Tom Young, Jr.; President David Jameson of the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce; Vice Chancellor Joe Sobieralski of USC-Aiken; DHEC facilities liaison, Shelly Wilson; USC-Aiken student, Hannah McClure. And dedicated congressional staff Ted Felder, Sara Beaulieu, and Baker Elmore were instrumental for success.

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

Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, the Federal Aviation Administration began furloughing air traffic controllers due to the President's sequestration. As a result, American families are set to experience longer security lines, flight delays, and more hardships while traveling.

Yesterday, the White House Press Secretary placed politics over leadership by blaming Congress. Last year, to address the issue, the House acted responsibly by passing two pieces of legislation to replace sequestration. Sadly, the Senate refused to consider our efforts, and the President vowed to veto them.

Once again, the President and his administration chose to act selfishly for political gain by cutting the resources for American passengers rather than reducing costs elsewhere and minimizing sequestration's impact. American families deserve real leadership. The President must start prioritizing the well-being of the American people over petty partisan politics.

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

Mr. Speaker, today is tax day. This year, millions of Americans spent more time than ever before preparing their taxes as a result of ObamaCare's 21 new tax increases, which added up to more than $1 trillion, destroying jobs.

The Tax Code is extremely complex, with over 4 million words, and is comprised of over 74,000 pages. House Republicans understand that we need to reform the Tax Code to make it more fair and simple.

Our budget proposal, the Path to Prosperity, not only repeals ObamaCare and the job-destroying taxes associated with it, it also reforms our Tax Code to encourage new jobs by small businesses. By simplifying our Tax Code, closing loopholes, and lowering rates, small businesses will be able to begin hiring again and increase wages for American workers.

The Presidential and Senate budget plans keep ObamaCare taxes in place and advocate for billions in new taxes. Raising taxes takes money from small businesses and destroys jobs.

I encourage the Senate and the President to begin working with House Republicans to clean up the Tax Code, rather than increasing regulations and taxes that will destroy jobs.

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

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the world lost a true heroine for freedom. Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher will forever be remembered for her great resolve to achieve victory during the Cold War.

From her humble beginnings as a grocer's daughter to her successful tenure in Parliament, Baroness Thatcher possessed great leadership qualities we can all learn from that contributed to her success. Her determination to promote and protect democracy led to the successful dissolution of the Soviet Union and the liberation of dozens of former Soviet-occupied nations from Communism to free-market democracy.

Prime Minister Thatcher's loyal friendships with President Ronald Reagan, Pope John Paul II, and Polish Solidarity union leader Lech Walesa changed history, standing up for freedom against the threat of Communism.

Thank you, Baroness Margaret Thatcher, for your commitment to democracy. Millions around the world were touched by your unwavering strength in preserving freedom. You will be missed.

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