Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, in early 2009, the President assured the Nation that with the passage of his stimulus bill, which has failed, the borrowing and spending would reduce unemployment and that it would not exceed 8 percent. January marks the 35th straight month that the Nation's unemployment rate has remained above 8 percent.

Last year, House Republicans followed through with their commitment to the American people and passed 28 job-creating bills, most with bipartisan support. All of these pieces of legislation remain stalled in the liberal-controlled Senate, where bills are denied debate or a vote.

Because of the gridlock in the Senate and the President's failed policies, the American people are losing faith in government officials. As we begin a new year, I hope the Senate will take immediate action for the American people by passing legislation that promotes jobs.

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

I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I appreciate the leadership of Congressman Tim Scott on this very important issue.

As South Carolina votes in the Presidential primary on Saturday, our State is grateful for the leadership of Congressman Tim Scott, along with my other colleagues who are on the floor today, Jeff Duncan, Trey Gowdy, Mick Mulvaney.

We know that in November of last year, our Nation's annual debt reached $15 trillion and it recently exceeded the value of the entire American economy. Washington's out-of-control borrowing and spending must stop.

The President has ignored our Nation's spending problem and once again asked Congress to increase the debt ceiling by $1.2 trillion. This request is a chilling reminder of the out-of-control debt which threatens senior citizens' retirement security and saddles young people with a mountain of debt. The President in February of 2009 said the deficit is unsustainable, but then he proceeded to double the year's debt and has since.

Our Nation's unemployment rate has consistently remained above 8 percent for 35 months. This is tragic for American families.

Instead of offering solutions to reduce spending and decrease taxes to encourage economic growth, the President and the liberal controlled Senate continue to support legislation calling for massive tax increases and funding for programs that contribute to our growing national deficit, which destroys jobs and hurts American small businesses.

Americans have made it clear they expect their elected officials to make meaningful fiscal reforms today so as not to burden future generations with crushing deficits and debts tomorrow.

House Republicans have remained committed to our projects by fighting to create jobs and promote job growth in the private sector. Last year, House Republicans passed 35 job-creating bills, most with bipartisan support. Instead of acting on these bills to create jobs, the liberal controlled Senate refuses to consider most of these pieces of legislation.

By passing today's resolution that disapproves of the President's authority to increase the debt limit, Congress can help restore the American people's faith in our Nation's government by protecting future generations and limiting Washington's out-of-control borrowing and spending. Instead of giving the President more power to spend more money we do not have, Congress should work together to find ways to reduce spending and put America back on the path to fiscal responsibility just as Congressman Scott has pointed out families do.

I encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, H-Canyon Chemical Separations Facility at the Savannah River Site near Aiken, South Carolina, which is valued at nearly $1 billion, is the only shielded nuclear chemical separations plant still in operation in the United States. During its operating life, H-Canyon facility routinely recovered uranium-235 and neptunium-237 spent fuel and has aided America in

honoring its international agreement by returning these fuels for the purposes of nuclear nonproliferation and safeguarding.

Today, H-Canyon and its HB-Line operations are supporting the DOE Highly Enriched Uranium Blend-Down program and Plutonium Disposition program. By blending down highly enriched uranium and isolating plutonium from surrounding corrosive elements, H-Canyon ensures our country's national security, while simultaneously providing fuel which is currently being purchased by the Tennessee Valley Authority to empower commercial nuclear reactors.

As difficult funding decisions are made in this Congress, I urge my colleagues to support the mission of H-Canyon. It is a vital national asset that has served our country since victory in the Cold War and will continue to protect and serve Americans both home and abroad for decades.

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

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, Peter Isberg, president of the National Payroll Reporting Consortium, Inc., expressed concern over the Senate-proposed payroll tax plan which offers only a 2-month extension instead of the yearlong extension passed last week by the House. In a letter written to several Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, Isberg stated that, ``insufficient lead time could create substantial problems, confusion, and costs affecting a significant percentage of U.S. employers and employees.''

House Republicans are willing to work for a yearlong extension now instead of passing a 2-month fix that will confuse American taxpayers, medical providers, and small business owners. It is necessary for both Houses of Congress to work together to extend the payroll tax cut for a full year. At a time of continued record unemployment, we should be working to help small businesses create jobs.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. We are grateful for our servicemembers, military families, and veterans who were successful in Iraq.

I thank the chairman for yielding. I want to thank him for his leadership of the Republican Policy Committee and his work on this legislation.

Last week the House passed a 1-year payroll extension which included a provision to override the administration's decision against the Keystone pipeline, a real shovel-ready project. The President's decision will delay the Keystone project until 2013, after the election, which clearly reveals this is a political not scientific decision. On August 26, the Department of State deemed the project to be environmentally sound after 3 years of analysis.

In late October, I was fortunate to visit Alberta, Canada, which is America's largest trading partner, and witnessed firsthand the Canadian oil sands development and the extraordinary environmental safeguards to produce oil in North America. The construction of this environmentally advanced project will create 120,000 new jobs in America. With record unemployment, Americans need jobs now. And I know firsthand that the workers in the Michelin Tire Corporation of Lexington, South Carolina, are ready to produce huge earth mover tires, and MTU will produce engines.

Mr. Speaker, last Tuesday House Republicans successfully passed a bill that protects every American taxpayer and promotes job creation by extending the payroll tax cut, reforming unemployment insurance, and providing Medicare payments to physicians for a year. Over the weekend, liberals in the Senate amended this legislation to provide for only a 2-month fix. In an attempt to tie House Republicans' hands and force the 2-month extension, Senate liberals led adjournment for recess.

The American people deserve much better than this childish behavior when our unemployment rate has consistently remained above 8 percent for 34 months and over 25 million Americans are searching for work.

Our sympathy to the people of the Czech Republic upon the death of former President Vaclav Havel, who was a brave patriot helping liberate Central and Eastern Europe from communism, leading to the establishment of the neighboring Slovak Republic.

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

Mr. Speaker, in 2003 the United States military and its allies began operations to remove Saddam Hussein from power, who was a ruthless dictator and a threat to stability in the Middle East, undermining world peace. Yesterday, the United States military successfully concluded its military involvement in Iraq. We have victory in Iraq for the people of Iraq to build upon.

As a proud father of two sons who served in Iraq, I want to offer a heartfelt thank-you to every American servicemember who served in the country and their families. I want to thank and assure the family members of the servicemembers who lost their lives--exemplified by Major Trane McCloud--and those who are wounded warriors, fighting for freedom, that their sacrifice and their military families will always be cherished.

Secretary Leon Panetta in Baghdad said: ``Iraq has made remarkable progress over the last 9 years.'' Army General Lloyd J. Austin, III, Commander of U.S. Forces in Iraq, praised servicemembers and families for meeting our national objectives and giving Iraq hope for a prosperous future.

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 legislation that supports and provides for servicemembers and their military families who have chosen to dedicate their lives to service in our Armed Forces to protect American families.

After victoriously fighting the global war on terrorism for over a decade, our military families deserve recognition for their service. This bill gives to our military families a 1.6 percent increase in basic pay and protects against the rising cost of health care fees.

Additionally, the National Guard Chief, General Craig R. McKinley, will be provided a seat on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, giving the Guard a voice in military discussions. As a Guard veteran and proud dad of three Guard members under the command of Adjutant General Bob Livingston, I am grateful for the recognition of Guard capabilities.

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

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the President announced he will veto the payroll tax extension bill passed by House Republicans due to the inclusion of the Keystone pipeline construction. The President campaigns for jobs, but will sadly veto a jobs bill.

This fall, I was fortunate to visit Alberta, Canada, and witnessed firsthand the environmental safeguards to develop Canadian oil sands. The construction of this environmentally advanced pipeline will create at least 120,000 new American jobs without costing taxpayers a dime and will stimulate our economy.

Walter C. Jones in The Augusta Chronicle reports that refined oil products with no pipeline will be denied to South Carolinians at a north Augusta terminal. With a record unemployment rate of over 8 percent for 34 months and over 13 million Americans looking for jobs, it is very sad the President would veto legislation creating jobs.

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

Thank you, Chairman McKeon, for your commitment to military servicemembers, family members, and veterans.

Before I begin, I want to commend Vice Chairman Mac Thornberry for his clarification of the detainee issue, which is that the issue does not apply to U.S. citizens. This is directed at al Qaeda--illegal enemy combatants--not at U.S. citizens.

The military personnel provisions of H.R. 1540 provide new and important authorities to support the men and women in uniform and their families. Some of the more important personnel provisions contained in the conference agreement are: a 1.6 percent increase in military basic pay; a revised policy for measuring and reporting unit operations tempo and personnel tempo, especially when we must continue our resolve for victory in the current mission requirements.

Another initiative important to my constituents is the reform of the military recruiting system to include graduates of home schooling and virtual schools. I see military service as opportunity and fulfilling, and these are extraordinary patriots who deserve the opportunity to serve.

The conference agreement would make the chief of the National Guard Bureau a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Furthermore, the agreement clarifies the legal authority for the oversight of Arlington National Cemetery, a national shrine for veterans.

I believe this bill is also strong in the multiple provisions dealing with sexual assault; and it provides new authority, such as temporary early retirement, to ease the impact of future military personnel reductions.

I urge all of my colleagues to support the conference report.

Mr. Speaker, last Friday the National Labor Relations Board announced that they had approved the requests by the International Association of Machinists to withdraw its complaint against Boeing. For the past year, the President's National Labor Relations Board has played the role of a Big Labor bully by threatening the jobs of hardworking South Carolinians by stalling the second line of the 787 Dreamliner production in Charleston.

Boeing chose to locate in South Carolina due to its welcoming business climate due in large part to its right-to-work laws. Instead of rewarding unions for their political investments, I urge the current administration to enact policies protecting the rights of workers and allowing for growth of small businesses creating jobs. The lesson of this NLRB intrusion is clear: do not locate your facilities in union States because if you enter, like a roach motel, you cannot leave.

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

Mr. Speaker, Remember Pearl ``A Date Which Will Live in Infamy'' in solemn remembrance of Pearl Harbor on the 70th anniversary, December 7, 1941. The following poem was authored by Albert Carey Caswell, who is a Capitol Building tourguide noted for his thoughtful and heartfelt tours for Wounded Warriors and his devotion to servicemembers, military families, and veterans.

Remember Pearl

(By Albert Carey Caswell)

In every country's history . . .

There are but those defining moments that which so indeed!

That which define there very destinies!

As out into a future but plant such seeds!

To so define her and give her all that she so needs!

Remember Pearl . . .

That day that will live in Infamy!

As . . .

For as a Nation, we must all so remember . . .

That dark and dreary, very cold and bleak December . . .

When . . .

When there, on one beautiful Sunday morning . . .

As America so lie all in harms way and in ruin, so all

without warning . . .

As it was seventy years ago this day . . .

All in a cowards way!

When, so very unexpectedly!

As ``A Date Which Will Live In Infamy'' . . .

Was but a calm before the storm, as they . . .

As they so tried to take America's very heart away . . .

As lies now so all etched in Infamy . . .

War! Pearl Harbor! The Devil's Creed!

Feeding Evil's needs!

When, so many heroes died indeed!

Bless them all, God Speed!

All in one of our Nation's darkest of all days . . .

As a Nation so slept, had they . . .

And so wept upon that day . . .

As out across the world, such an Evil so unfurled . . .

As this darkness all towards them so crept, towards our

little boys and girls . . .

Goodness . . . Evil . . . Darkness . . . Light . . .

Those brave hearts who evil must fight!

Who but bring their light!

Who Evil must fight!

Would this Evil stand?

As it was nearly eight on that morning, when each woman,

child, and man!

All without such warning, when a sleeping giant so awoke!

As from out of all of this heartache and such hell,

and scenes of horror . . . as all in their fine hearts what

would dwell!

Such a story to our children tell!

One of Such Faith and Courage . . .

As America's heart grew stronger, all in what their fine

souls so nourished!

While, against all odds . . . such darkness, could not

discourage . . .

As somehow America so found the hope and courage!

All in how they so heroically behaved, and so fought and died

on that day . . .

As out across a Nation, The Mothers Cried . . .

As over one thousand were so wounded,

and twenty-five hundred heroes on that day so died!

And, still America would not so lose hope . . . for we all

somehow survived!

All because of what, all within their most magnificent hearts

so lie!

As from out of all of those ashes, death and fury . . . as

was invoked such a story!

Came a Pearl, a gem so formed of which to all the world so

spoke!

A story, all about America's Courage and Glory . . . and yes

so hope!

For rising from out of such hell, all of their fine hearts so

chose to swell!

As 18 ships were lost or crippled on that day,

names like USS Arizona come to mind who were so sent to their

watery graves . . .

As the waters now above gently caress their souls,

as deep below in these ships their sacred bodies hold!

As upon our knees, with tears in eyes for all of them we now

so pray!

As the bombs rained down upon Pearl on that day!

As almost two hundred planes were shot down or on run ways

lie ruin to decay!

But, they say our Lord has his hand in it on that day . . .

Because, our carriers were far out to sea . . . far out of

harms way!

Giving our Country Tis of Thee, that chance to come back from

such Infamy!

And suddenly now as a Nation, we were all on the march . . .

all ahead full . . . as our hearts they could not so parch!

As we collectively so sent the word, ``Over There . . . Send

The Word To Beware!''

As this was the defining moment, when America So Set Out To

Save The World!

So teach your children well, that out of Such Infamy and Such

Hell . . .

Can come such light, Wherever Faith In Hearts So Dwells . . .

And that America's Heart, will always find a way to swell!

That in our darkest of all hours, our Faith will all so

shower!

With The Strength To Over Evil, To So Tower!

So on this day upon your knees, remember all of these . . .

And, ``That Day Which Will Live In Infamy''!

But, not forget what over Evil, Hearts of Faith and Courage

Can So Achieve!

For something's time can not erase . . .

And for such things, Heaven so holds a place!

On This Day That Will Live . . . In Infamy!

Remember Pearl, Bless them all God Speed!

Madam Speaker, last Friday the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics announced November's unemployment rate remained above 8 percent. Over 13 million American families are now without jobs. Nearly 25 million people are looking for full-time employment. The number of unemployed Americans has not consistently remained at such a high percentage since 1948.

For the past 34 months, the American people have been depending upon Congress and the President to cut Washington's wasteful spending and enact policies targeting job creation and economic growth.

Since the Republicans regained the majority of the House in January, legislation has passed that allows small businesses to grow and create jobs. It is past time for the President and liberal-controlled Senate to change course to put our hardworking 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, as on December the 7th we honor the heroes of World War II.

Mr. Speaker, today the House will begin consideration of the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2011, also referred to as the REINS Act. This bill will require Congress to approve any Federal regulation that will impact our economy by $100 million or more.

The Small Business Administration estimates that regulations are costing our Nation's citizens $1.75 trillion per year. The current administration's report on Federal regulations listed over 4,200 under development since last December and over 200 additional regulations proposed this year, costing consumers billions of dollars, destroying jobs. This fact is another example of how out of touch the President is with the hardworking and deserving American families. It is time for Congress to take action and stop the imposition of these job-killing policies that discourage small businesses from growing and expanding.

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

Mr. Speaker, last Friday the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released its November jobs report citing the gruesome unemployment rate of 8.6 percent. This revelation marks the 34th straight month where the Nation's unemployment rate has remained at or above 8 percent. This is a tragedy for American families who do not have jobs or have given up looking for jobs.

House Republicans continue to remain focused on job creation, making the issue our number one priority. Since January, the House has submitted numerous bills, many with bipartisan support, to the Senate in hopes of passage, which will help put American families back to work. Just last week, the House passed three more commonsense bills, bringing the total number of job-creating bills awaiting action by the liberal Senate to 25.

I urge the Senate majority leader to bring any of the House jobs bills up for a vote and begin focusing on ways to promote job growth.

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