Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of South Carolina's heroic sons, U.S. Army Specialist Joseph B. DeLoach, from Ruffin, South Carolina. In 2010, Specialist DeLoach was injured by an RPG while in Kunar Province, Afghanistan. He was serving as a cavalry scout with the 1-32 Cavalry Squadron, 101st Airborne (Air Assault), out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

The following poem, composed by Mr. Bert Caswell, an appreciated Capitol tour guide, is a testament to this true American hero.

Out in Front

All in times for war!

There, are but all of those who so insure!

With Scouts Out in front, you must believe!

For way out up ahead, there are all of those fine soul who

have died and bled!

As all out there on the very edge of death, they so live . .

.

All for Country Tis of Thee, so much they give!

Scouts Out, Heroes who no doubt . . . may not be coming home!

Gathering Intel, melding into the battle zone . . . knowing

so very well, death lies close!

As they may be gone for days and days, for only our Lord God

so knows where are they!

All to help win all those wars! Airborne!

As to new heights Blake, your fine heart has soared!

For when they sign you up on that line,

You know for sure that you so live on all borrowed time!

Realizing, on each new day . . . you but live on, someone

else's prayers!

All for love of Country Tis of Thee, they cheat death we see!

Out of RECON, all by themselves as they must be!

As their magnificient souls go so far beyond!

Oh Yea Blake, Rambo aint got nothing on you . . . as into

that darkness disappearing, your gone!

The ones who so lead the way, and for all of them and their

fine families we now so pray!

Way out up ahead, as into that darkness all by themselves as

they've so led!

Give Blake some C4 and DEC CORD, and he will blow up anything

all for . . .

All for that old red, white and blue!

For he's a true Son of the South . . . through and through!

Scouts out!

Bad to the bone, as Blake that's you . . . the title that you

now so own!

As an American Hero so tried and true, but The Best That

South Carolina Can So Do!

In Seven months in Iraq, you were involved in six exploded

IED's attacks!

And then on that fateful day, after recovering from his

injuries re upping so bravely!

In Afghanistan, with your name on it . . . you met an RPG

that your sight so ripped!

Right on the very edge of death, four times . . .

As your Brothers in Arms rushing in . . . your so blessed!

As an Angel on the Battlefield, named SPC Resmondo . . . so

brought you back from death!

As you magnificient warrior, so lost your sight . . .

And yet you see far much more clearer than any of us tonight!

As you'd do it all again, All Out in Front . . .

As so magnficiently, bringing to all your light!

Scouts Out, are some of our nation finest men . . . who are

Devout!

As it's only upon themselves, they they must so count!

As this strong South Carolina son, was raised by his fine mom

and dad . . .

To be such the one!

But, there's even more greatness still to come . . . all in

Blake's three young sons!

Ethan, Bryson, and Joey Jr., are but Blake's greatest of all

loves!

Now, Blake is ``Out in Front'' all in his recovery, as he's

on the hunt!

Because, Scouts fight, and they don't run!

A quiet calmness all in his heart has so begun!

And if ever I have a son, I wish he could be like this one!

Whose, life speaks volumes . . . all because of what he's so

said and done!

As one day up in Heaven, one again, Blake you will be Out in

Front!

For all you've done, and you will see our Lord my son!

Mr. Speaker, sadly more than 14 million Americans are still without a job. The unemployment rate has been above 8 percent for the last 2\1/2\ years. As the Vice President recently acknowledged, this administration is responsible for the current economic conditions of our country.

House Republicans have sought to introduce legislation that will create jobs and put American families back to work by empowering small business owners, simplifying the tax code, encouraging entrepreneurship and growth, and maximizing domestic energy production.

House Republicans have focused on job creation. By passing over 15 job bills since January, House Republicans have provided realistic solutions to America's economic woes.

Now is the time for liberals in the Senate and this administration to change course from the failed policies of borrow, tax, and spend.

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 2011 U.N. International Volunteer Award recipient, Dr. Animesh Sinha, who is a native of Irmo, South Carolina. Dr. Sinha is a general practitioner in Fiji, where he is the founder and medical director of the PRISM Health Initiative. PRISM provides medical care and access to the most underserved populations of Fiji.

By providing its own tables, chairs, water gallons, medical equipment, and free medication, PRISM makes a difference. Due to Dr. Sinha's leadership, 200 to 400 patients per week are being treated in the most remote communities of Fiji.

Congratulations also to my lifelong friends, his parents, Dr. Kausal Sinha and his wife, Arunima, who are revered community leaders of the Midstate of South Carolina. Indian Americans are making a difference around the globe, encouraged by the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin.

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 the President of

Liberia, Ellen Sirleaf Johnson, for recently being awarded the Noble Peace Prize for 2011. She was given the award in conjunction with peace activist Leymah Gbowee and pro-democracy campaigner Tawakkol Karman. The trio was recognized for their nonviolent role in promoting peace, democracy, and gender equality.

In typical fashion, President Sirleaf gave credit to the Liberian people, ``For we are now going into our ninth year of peace and every Liberian has contributed to it. We particularly give this credit to Liberian women, who have consistently led the struggle for peace, even under conditions of neglect.''

South Carolina has a special relationship with Liberia many founders of the Republic of Liberia having a South Carolina heritage. I know firsthand the mutual affection of the people of our two countries in that I was present for the re-opening of the AME University in Monrovia where my constituent African Methodist Episcopal Bishop David Daniels of West Columbia, presided with Pastor Ronnie Brailsford of Bethel AlVIE, Columbia, SC. Appropriately Bishop Daniels is the Bishop of the Diocese of South Carolina and Liberia.

Her leadership has proven instrumental in restoring democracy and lasting peace in Liberia which had been devastated by Civil War. President George W. Bush was effective in demanding abdication by the murderous dictator Charles Taylor.

Madam Speaker, last week, House Education and Workforce Committee Chairman John Kline of Minnesota introduced the Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act. This act is a direct response to the National Labor Relations Board's recent reckless action to rush union elections. The NLRB is again showing favoritism toward union bosses at the expense of rights of workers and employers.

As an original cosponsor of this legislation, I am grateful to stand up against the powerful unions and their leaders. This legislation ensures employers, small businesses, are able to participate in a fair union election process. It helps workers make an informed choice. Best of all, it safeguards the privacy of workers.

In Right-to-Work States, such as South Carolina, workers are protected, new well-paying jobs are created, and votes of all citizens are respected. This legislation prevents NLRB from limiting such freedoms in the workplace.

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

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, a native of Dillon, South Carolina, testified before the Congressional Joint Economic Committee. He sadly stated that economic indicators point toward a ``sluggish job growth'' and that the so-called economic recovery is ``close to faltering.''

Chairman Bernanke went on to say the primary factor affecting consumer confidence was the lack of job growth. He further characterized the country's long-term unemployment rate as a ``national crisis.'' This follows the President's admission Monday that voters are not better off than they were 4 years ago. With failed policies, the President needs to change course.

House Republicans have sent nearly 90 bills to the Senate for consideration, but only 20 have passed the Senate. Much of this legislation dealt directly with limiting spending, terminating failing housing programs, and encouraging job creation.

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

Mr. Speaker, October 10th marks the 100th Anniversary of the founding of the Republic of China (Taiwan). Sharing the same ideals of individual liberty and freedom, Taiwan and the United States have developed a strong relationship and become strong allies for one another. Double Ten Day has long been special to our family with our third son, Julian Dusenbury Wilson born October 10, 1971.

During World War II, the two countries fought side by side against the Japanese invaders. My father, Hugh DeVeaux Wilson, joined the Fourteenth Air Force of the Army Air Corps known as the now famous Flying Tigers. The Flying Tigers served an integral role in the battles of the Pacific Theater of World War II protecting millions of Chinese from the invaders. My father developed a life-long appreciation of the Chinese people and the Chinese culture. Consequently, the First Lady Madame Chiang Kai-shek became the first woman to ever address a joint session of the United States Congress.

During the Cold War, Taiwan played a pivotal role in America's Korean War effort. General Douglas MacArthur once described Taiwan as an ``unsinkable aircraft carrier in the Pacific'' when discussing the alliance during the Korean War effort.

Taiwan was also a key base, and intelligence-gathering source, for U.S. forces in the Vietnam War. I have visited the capitol of Taipei and it has become a model of economic dynamism for capitalism which obviously has influenced mainland Chinese who abandoned the failed economic system of communism for the opportunities of free market capitalism.

I therefore, urge all my colleagues to join me in congratulating one of our nation's strongest allies, the Republic of China, Taiwan, on its century of existence and the fine democratic example which it has set for nations across Asia.

Mr. Speaker, the Raleigh News & Observer reported seriously that last Tuesday at a Rotary club meeting in Cary, North Carolina, Governor Beverly Perdue stated: ``I think we ought to suspend, perhaps, elections for Congress for 2 years and just tell them we won't hold it against them, whatever decisions they made, to just let them help this country recover.''

Any governor, especially our great neighbor of the 10th largest State in the country, should be unwavering for citizens to have their votes counted. Elections are vital for accessibility and accountability. Governor Perdue fails to understand that House Republicans have put job creation, economic growth, and limited spending at the center of the congressional agenda. Since January, House Republicans have led efforts to help our economy

recover by passing legislation to promote small businesses to create jobs. Even as a joke, Congress should not be a special class separated from the citizens. The House has passed 90 bills this year, and the Senate has only passed 20.

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

Mr. Speaker, during a radio interview last week, Vice President Joe Biden acknowledged the current administration has responsibility for the economy. The Vice President stated, ``Right now, we are the ones in charge. I don't blame them for being mad. We're in charge, so they're angry.'' I agree with the Vice President.

While the national unemployment rate continues to remain above 9 percent, this administration continues the failed policies of borrow and spend. It is a failed course.

Last week, I met with constituents across the Second Congressional District of South Carolina during the annual District Bus Tour, and without complaining, they urged: reduce spending, cut taxes, create jobs.

House Republicans have introduced numerous jobs bills designed to encourage hiring and long-term economic growth. Now is the time for liberals and the President to change course. They own it.

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

Mr. Speaker, raising taxes on hardworking American families in this economy will not create new jobs. The President already explained that raising taxes in a down economy does not make sense.

Washington's financial problems are not caused by a shortage of revenue. Washington's financial problems are a direct result of skyrocketing wasteful spending such as $16 muffins for the DOJ. Promises like the failed stimulus bill have been revealed as empty slogans, failing the promise of holding unemployment below 8 percent. Twenty-five million Americans are still seeking full-time jobs.

The best way to promote jobs is to offer solutions focused on getting Americans back to work. Providing certainty with regard to tax reform while easing the burden of unnecessary regulations will enable job creators to hire once again.

House Republicans have sought to achieve this goal by passing legislation aimed at cutting redtape involved with running small businesses. Reforms are being blocked by liberals with the threat of a Presidential veto.

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

Mr. Speaker, I submit the following remarks from Mrs. Ann Hampton, who recently traveled to the Kurdish Region of Iraq. She is the proud Gold Star Mother of Captain Kimberly Hampton, who was killed in action on January 2, 2004, in Fallujah, Iraq.

``My recent trip to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq was

everything I hoped it would be, and more! Traveling with

another gold star mom and dad, a medically retired soldier,

and the founder of the Friends of Kurdistan Foundation, the

visit was filled with welcome events. We met several

Kurdistan Regional Government officials, who all willingly

gave us their undivided attention and treated us graciously.

We were told over and over that their nation is our nation,

their homes, our homes, and that we share the bonds of

friendship forever. Their deep appreciation to the United

States for liberating them from Saddam's tyrant regime knows

no end. They said thanks.

``We visited hospitals, clinics, and villages in Kurdistan

where progress is being made just as there are still hurdles

ahead. We visited homes and were welcomed with open arms. We

visited the home of a widow who lost 20 family members in one

of the regime's chemical attacks. She fed us cantaloupe,

bread and water, almost all she had. We visited a camp and

were fed peaches and water, almost all they had.

``One very important thing Kurds and other Iraqis do have

now is hope; hope for peace, security and maybe one day,

prosperity. There was significant construction across Iraqi

Kurdistan, which is a good sign that people have risen and

taken charge of their freedoms, and serve also as role models

to peoples in other countries in the Middle East and North

Africa.

``I am very grateful for the opportunity to visit

Kurdistan, and hope to go back again to continue my

humanitarian work. Seeing and hearing the appreciation of the

Kurdish people for the U.S. has made a tremendous impact on

my healing, as a proud mother of an American soldier,

Kimberly, killed in action liberating Iraq. The only way to

move forward is by strengthening people-to-people links

between Americans and Iraqis, in and out of government. The

people of Kurdistan extended their hand to me, and I am

grateful.''

As the co-chairman of the Kurdish Regional Congressional Caucus I have visited the Region, and my oldest son led an Army National Guard convoy through the Region. We share the optimism of Mrs. Hampton that the liberated Kurdish Region of Iraq has a bright future of peace, security, and prosperity as a friend of America.

Mr. Speaker, in August 2009, the President stated, ``You do not raise taxes in a recession.'' This week, the same President proposed $1.5 trillion in higher taxes as more than 14 million Americans are without jobs.

The President's tax increase proposal is based on the false belief that Big Government can spend the money of hardworking American families better than the people who have earned it.

Tax increases destroy jobs. You cannot create jobs by increasing taxes. The merit of an economic policy can be tested by the amount of jobs it creates. So far, this President's policy has failed. Zero new jobs were created in August.

By passing numerous bills that focus on getting Americans back to work, House Republicans have focused on job creation since January. It's time for this administration to change from failed policies.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Our prayers are with Aiken and Barnwell, Assistant Solicitor Steve Kodman and Jennifer, and their sons, Patrick, Thomas, and Drew.

Mr. Speaker, with more than 14 million Americans unemployed, the irresponsible agenda of the National Labor Relations Board is destroying more jobs. In April, the NLRB filed a complaint against The Boeing Company for creating thousands of jobs in a right-to-work State, South Carolina.

The Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act will promote, today, a positive environment for job creators by developing their businesses in a State that offers the best opportunities for job growth. The new law will prohibit the NLRB from dictating where employers can relocate, shut down, or transfer employment.

I am proud of the leadership of the four freshmen from South Carolina making a difference promoting jobs, led by Congressman Tim Scott of North Charleston who introduced this legislation, and I'm grateful to be an original cosponsor with Congressman

Trey Gowdy of Spartanburg, Congressman Jeff Duncan of Laurens, and Congressman Mick Mulvaney of Indian Land.

This legislation will provide the certainty for job creators to invest in the economy and put Americans back to work.

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

Thank you, Mr. Scott, for your leadership.

The Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act will prohibit the National Labor Relations Board from dictating where private businesses can and cannot choose to create jobs.

The legislation ensures private businesses across America will be able to promote job growth by making decisions based on the best interests of their shareholders and workers. The act prohibits the NLRB from ordering employers to relocate, shut down, or transfer employment. It fosters a positive environment for employers to develop their businesses and the State that offers the best opportunities for growth and job creation.

It's truly sad that this legislation must be created to counter the overreaching agenda of the job-killing NLRB. Earlier this month, the Bureau of Labor Statistics announced that the national unemployment rate is at 9.1 percent. This means there were 14 million Americans that were without jobs. So I find it bizarre that in this climate of high unemployment, the NLRB is attempting to destroy thousands of jobs in South Carolina.

In fact, as Politico has reported, the 1.1 million square-foot building is built. I was there for the groundbreaking. I was there for the topping out.

Already, as my colleague, Congressman Scott, has pointed out, 1,100 people are employed today. Another 8,000 people will be employed across this State of South Carolina. This is not a hypothetical issue. It is a completed plant with jobs, with families at risk today.

This year, my birthplace has served as the center of this controversial ruling by the administration that a large manufacturer that's created jobs across the country cannot relocate.

This is now unprecedented. The Boeing complaint is a threat to all right-to-work States, not just South Carolina. The NLRB is chasing jobs overseas. Being a right-to-work State means employees in those States can choose for themselves whether to join a union. The NLRB complaint against Boeing is really without merit. It falsely indicates that Boeing ``transferred work'' of the 787 Dreamliner assembly line from Washington State. However, not a single union employee has lost a job due to the decision to locate a new, second line for 787s.

The NLRB efforts may have an unintended consequence. With the legal theory a business cannot expand from a union State to a right-to-work State, business will get the message never to

locate in a union State in the first place. The only safe location is to establish a business in a right-to-work State.

I applaud the proactive efforts of Congressman Scott in introducing the bill. I want to thank the chairman of the Education and Workforce Committee, John Kline, along with the distinguished subcommittee chairman of Health, Employment, and Labor, Congressman Phil Roe of Tennessee.

I urge support by my colleagues.

Madam Speaker, the Nation's unemployment rate is a gruesome 9.1 percent. This marks the largest period of high unemployment since the Great Depression. More than 14 million Americans are unemployed. More than 25 million Americans who want a full-time job don't have one. In today's Politico, Josh Boak reported that ``Long-Term Jobless at 50-year Record.'' The State's front page revealed the Nation's poor have swelled to a sad record of 46.2 million people. The Democrat chairwoman says the President ``owns'' the economy.

The President's policies are sadly failing. He's on the wrong track, as evidenced in New York. He needs to change course with a bipartisan tax cut in the tradition of Presidents Kennedy and Reagan. The President's proposal for a second half-trillion dollar stimulus is a repeat of failure. Out-of-control borrowing and spending and the failed stimulus have aggravated unemployment. Tax increases destroy jobs. House Republicans will continue to lead bipartisan efforts of creating an environment for job creation that promotes small businesses.

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