Floor Statements

Mr. Chair, again, all of us are so grateful for the bipartisan leadership of Chairman Mike Rogers and Ranking Member Adam Smith in developing the National Defense Authorization Act.

I support the bill, but failure to include urgent provisions for the national security agenda of President Donald Trump amounts to sabotage of the successful Trump policies for peace through strength.

I regret that amendment 535 was not included to repeal the Caesar Act. Repeal promotes President Trump's historic announcement to give Syria a chance after 50 years of murderous, Baathist, socialist dictatorship.

Ambassador Tom Barrack, the very talented envoy for President Trump, is making every effort to support stabilization in Syria to prevent the resurgence of ISIS threatening the region and American families.

I regret that amendment 545, the MEGOBARI Act, was not included. Earlier this year, the House voted 348-42, 90 percent, for the MEGOBARI Act supporting fair elections in the Republic of Georgia. War criminal Putin has rigged elections in Georgia.

The Georgian Government has given the port on the Black Sea to the Chinese Communist Party.

Failure to include MEGOBARI only benefits the Chinese Communist Party, undermining President Donald Trump. It is critical that Congress support the Peace Through Strength agenda of President Donald Trump.

Mr. Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of amendment No. 11. It modifies the Federal statutes 50 U.S.C. 797 and 18

Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bergman).

Madam Chair, indeed, it is so clear. One of the greatest achievements of President Donald Trump has been to secure our border.

Five years ago, I went to the border. I was at Del Rio, and I asked the border security how many people on the terrorist watch list have crossed.

They said: Congressman, we are not allowed by this administration to tell you that. You are not supposed to know. The American people are not supposed to know how many terrorists have come into the United States.

The good news is that with the leadership of Chairman Mike Rogers and others, we had hearings and were able to identify several hundred terrorists who came across. Only one highly skilled terrorist could conduct mass murder in our country, so it is so important that we maintain our border.

President Donald Trump is doing that. We need to reinforce this and send a message to people around the world that they just can't pick and choose coming into America to threaten American families.

Madam Chair, I urge adoption of the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of American families, Republicans in the House, led by Mike Johnson, and Senate have delivered on the promises made by President Donald Trump to enact historic tax cuts.

Among the accomplishments: Take-home pay for families will increase by over $10,000 per year, no tax on tips for millions of workers, no tax on overtime for over 80 million hourly workers, no tax on Social Security, providing tax relief for 88 percent of seniors.

President Trump and Republicans in the House and Senate are committed to cutting taxes, increasing wages, and creating millions of jobs.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin's lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump, talking lovely in the morning, killing babies later in the afternoon with Russian missiles.

Our sympathy to the family of Iryna Zarutska of Charlotte, North Carolina, on her merciless murder.

Mr. Speaker, I am very grateful to welcome Dr. Neil Stewart, senior minister of the First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, South Carolina, as the guest chaplain today to the United States House of Representatives.

First Presbyterian Church in Columbia is the largest Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in the world, founded in 1795.

His ministry is so meaningful to me as our family has attended First Presbyterian Church for six generations, sitting on the same pew.

It is also the churchyard of the graves of the parents of President Woodrow Wilson. This was the boyhood church of President Woodrow Wilson. Also in the churchyard is the grave of Ann Pamela Cunningham, who, in 1854, founded the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association to save Mount Vernon from destruction.

Dr. Stewart grew up in Northern Ireland--obviously, you can tell from his not South Carolina accent--and has studied medicine at Queen's University Belfast and was awarded the Ulster Hospital Gold Medal for his studies in medicine, general and orthopedic surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, and gynecology.

Dr. Stewart later moved to Jackson, Mississippi, after feeling a desire to grow in his faith. He graduated with a master of divinity from the Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson in 2002.

I appreciate his wife, Catherine, who is here today. Additionally, with his six children, they now reside in the midlands of South Carolina, and we are blessed to have them choose South Carolina as their home.

Mr. Speaker, illegal alien crossings have fallen to a historic low, with the fewest arrests by the Border Patrol at the southern border in July, being a 24 percent drop from the previous record low in June. Compared to July 2024 under Biden, this achieves an amazing 92 percent decrease of illegal aliens and terrorists coming into America.

Since President Donald Trump took office, the administration has arrested nearly 150,000 illegal aliens, with 50,000

arrests occurring in just the past 8 weeks, as coordinated by border czar Tom Homan and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

Republicans are sending a clear message to traffickers, cartels, and criminals that they will be held to the full extent of the law.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength, revealing that war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump, defiantly embracing fellow dictators today in Beijing, as Trump correctly interpreted this threatens American families.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Anne Matthews, the first female Vice President of Rotary International, on being awarded South Carolina's highest civilian award, The Order of the Palmetto.

Authorized by Governor Henry McMaster, The Order of the Palmetto is awarded to the State's most accomplished and esteemed individuals who make a significant contribution to a particular community. Anne represents all that this award entails as she has devoted her life to helping those in need.

As a fellow Rotarian myself, I have witnessed Anne dedicate her life to serving the people of South Carolina and beyond in many capacities in business, Rotary International, and more.

Having degrees from Coker College, Appalachian State University, and a doctorate from the University of South Carolina, Anne also excelled in education, including as President of the National Business Education Association.

Additionally, she served as president, chair, and/or board member of numerous national and state boards, promoting and speaking across America and internationally on critical educational issues and the need to serve the less fortunate.

Anne has worked in 73 countries, championing humanitarian efforts, and promoting South Carolina values. Notably, as chair of the Polio Eradication Advocacy Task Force for America, where we worked together with other members of Congress to raise over four billion dollars for the global fight against Polio.

Anne embodies leadership, compassion, and service. She has achieved many accomplishments and has contributed greatly to the state.

I send my warmest congratulations and best wishes. I am appreciative for all she has done for South Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, the success by President Donald Trump for peace and prosperity in the Middle East is being implemented by American patriot Ambassador Tom Barrack as I witnessed firsthand last week in Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon.

Our bipartisan, bicameral delegation, led by Senator Jeanne Shaheen, visited with inspiring leaders like King Abdullah in Amman, President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus, and President Joseph Aoun in Beirut.

Jordan is appreciated as a prosperous, longtime American ally. Syria is advancing to include all communities and religions into a unified nation. With dictator Assad fleeing to Moscow, President Trump promotes ``give Syria a chance.'' Lebanon is fulfilling its pledge to disarm Hezbollah by year-end. Ambassador Barrack is successfully isolating Iran as Iran chants ``death to Israel, death to America.''

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump, murdering Ukrainian civilians with rocket attacks as he conducts lovely conversations.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize R2P Innovations for being ranked number five on the 2025 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America.

Those on this annual list are ranked according to their percentage revenue growth over three years from 2021 to 2024, a further testament to R2P Innovations for their unique and much-desired product.

The Ladson, South Carolina-based company is the `leading developer and manufacturer of the world's most advanced bulletproof doors, specifically designed to blend seamlessly into office and school settings.'

Notably, R2P Innovations is currently manufacturing and installing secure door systems in the U.S. Capitol Building historic Rotunda. The beautifully crafted doors of simulated mahogany add to an already magnificent center of tribute to American democracy.

Led by R2P Innovations Founder and CEO, Tony Deering, and joined by South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, just last week I received an informative tour of the company where I was able to witness its state-of-the-art technology.

I appreciate Tony Deering and the R2P Innovations team for their dedicated work in protecting lives and offer the company my best wishes for success in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the South Carolina Irmo Little League All-Stars baseball team, as they rallied to defeat defending champions, Lake Mary, in a game played in Warner Robins, Georgia. This outstanding team is now heading to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, to compete in the Little League World Series (LLWS).

The LLWS is an annual event featuring 20 teams, 10 from the United States and 10 from the rest of the world. Irmo is just the fourth team from South Carolina to advance to the LLWS, and the first since a Taylors team in 2015.

The Irmo All-Stars team includes players, Ethan Bennett, Andrew Bogan, Brayden Gerard, Jacob Gibson, Joe Giulietti, Sutton Gravelle, Jake McQuilkin, Brody Miller, Palmer Steele, Ryder Tillitz, Preston Ware, and Brady Westbrooks. Alongside the players is the talented team manager, Dave Bogan, and equally talented coaches Mike Beckworth and Pat Gravelle.

Having a winning record of 11-1 during the state and regional tournaments, the Irmo team is now preparing to face the New England region champion on August 14, 2025.

On behalf of all South Carolinians, congratulations to the Irmo All- Stars on this impressive achievement and we wish them the best of luck as they represent Team South Carolina in the World Series. This victory of the Irmo All-Stars Team is well-deserved, for the team, coaches, families, and community for all their hard work and support, making their dream come true.

Mr. Speaker, on Friday, July 18, 2025, Columbia, South Carolina, was blessed as Leah Grace Denny Blackwell and Matthew Blackwell joyfully welcomed their handsome son, Graham Thomas Blackwell, into the world, a very special gift just 2 days ahead of Leah Grace's own birthday.

Born at Prisma Health Baptist Hospital at 2:03 a.m., weighing 6 pounds, 9 ounces, and measuring 19 inches long, Graham has entered a loving, prominent, and nurturing home.

I am grateful for Leah Grace, who is a dedicated long-term staff member in the Washington office, serving as senior policy adviser, while Matt is a former staff member who is now at Duke Energy.

Graham is blessed to be born into a home that will guide him through a bright and fulfilling future encouraged by his wonderful grandparents, Tony and Beverly Denny and Bart and Paula Blackwell, who are all appreciated as devoted statewide community leaders.

On behalf of my wife, Roxanne, and our entire family and staff, I extend the warmest congratulations to the happy Blackwell family. May the years ahead be filled with joy, love, and blessings.

God bless Graham Thomas Blackwell.

Mr. Speaker, America will always cherish the vision of Ed Feulner for limited government, expanded freedoms, and Peace Through Strength. Personally, on January 4, 2019, he sent me a note acknowledging his achievements, ``Dear Joe, I'm honored. You're a real hero to all of us! Onward! Ed.''

The following is from The Heritage Foundation on the loss of its Founder, Ed Feulner:

``Washington--The Heritage Foundation released the

following statement today from Heritage President Dr. Kevin

Roberts and Board of Trustees Chairman Barb Van Andel-Gaby,

lauding the legacy and mourning the loss of Heritage Founder

Edwin J. Feulner:

``It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of

Edwin J. Feulner, founder, trustee, and the longest-serving

president of The Heritage Foundation.

``Ed Feulner was more than a leader--he was a visionary, a

builder, and a patriot of the highest order. His unwavering

love of country and his determination to safeguard the

principles that made America the freest, most prosperous

nation in human history shaped every fiber of the

conservative movement--and still do.

``Ed founded The Heritage Foundation in 1973, planting a

flag for Truth in a town too often seduced by power. What

started as a small outpost for conservative ideas became--

under Ed's tireless leadership--the intellectual arsenal for

the Reagan Revolution and the modern conservative movement.

In the four decades that followed, Ed's foresight,

discipline, and moral clarity made Heritage a battleship,

unshaken by political winds and focused solely on fighting

for the American people.

``After leading Heritage for 37 years as president, Ed

continued to serve on our Board of Trustees, offering

encouragement and sage advice in equal measure. Ed was an

important mentor to us, respectively, and to all of those who

had the honor of knowing him. In addition to his work at

Heritage, he continued his active participation in many other

conservative organizations.

``Whether he was bringing together the various corners of

the conservative movement at meetings of the Philadelphia

Society, or launching what is now the Heritage Strategy

Forum, Ed championed a bold, ``big-tent conservatism.'' He

believed in addition, not subtraction. Unity, not uniformity.

One of his favorite mantras was `You win through

multiplication and addition, not through division and

subtraction.' His legacy is not just the institution he

built, but the movement he helped grow--a movement rooted in

faith, family, freedom, and the founding.

``His `Feulnerisms' still resonate in the halls of

Heritage--where they will always be remembered. `People are

policy,' for instance--the heartbeat of his mission--to

equip, encourage, and elevate a new generation of

conservative leaders, not just in Washington, but across this

great country. And we still remember his adjuration to never

be complacent or discouraged: `In Washington, there are no

permanent victories and no permanent defeats.'

``Ed himself seemed immune to discouragement. Every day

was, for him, a new opportunity to strike a blow for freedom,

to further the promise of America and make it a reality for

all. His was a life of joyful defiance in the face of tyranny

and bureaucratic decay--a life defined by courage,

conviction, and the word he signed off with every single day:

Onward!

``To his beloved wife, Linda, their children, and

grandchildren--we extend our deepest prayers and condolences.

And to Ed--we say thank you. Thank you for showing us what

one faithful, fearless man can do when he refuses to cede

ground in the fight for self-governance.

``The Heritage Foundation will honor Ed's life the best way

we know how: by carrying his mission forward with courage,

integrity, and determination. We will never forget his

leadership, his example, or his favorite charge: ``Onward.

Always.'' ''

Mr. Speaker, supporters of freedom universally appreciate the success of the late Ed Feulner. The Unleash Prosperity Hotline of Stephen Moore gives a heartfelt tribute of RIP Ed Feulner:

``Ed Feulner was a free-market conservative and fierce

anti-communist back in the 1970s, long before it was cool. He

invented the modern-day think tank, taking it from the days

of stodgy 200-page tomes that lay gathering dust on

bookshelves and read by few, to providing just-in-time,

influential, hard-hitting studies delivered into the hands of

the policymakers that mattered.

``Among his many contributions to advancing freedom and

free enterprise was to train hundreds of today's leading

voices in the conservative movement--including some of the

thinkers and activists at Unleash Prosperity. Heritage taught

young talent how to be relevant and impactful--something our

billion-dollar universities don't do.

``He believed that ``people are policy'' and that's a

lesson that this so-far successful Trump administration has

taken to heart. His legacy lives on.''

Mr. Speaker, with the passing of Ed Feulner, he has been appropriately eulogized for his steadfast promotion of modern conservatism. As a Reaganaut serving in the Department of Energy, 1981 to 1982, with Secretary Jim Edwards, I know firsthand ``The Mandate'' was instrumental in promoting free markets. The following is from the National Review on July 20th editorialized:

``In 1973 Ed Feulner and his friend Paul Weyrich co-founded

the Heritage Foundation, the think tank that nurtured and

spread many of the policies that informed the Reagan

Administration. Its ``Mandate for Leadership'' policy

compendium in 1980 became a guide for the Reaganauts out to

change Washington.

``Under Feulner, the think tank also became known for

short, fast policy summaries delivered to Members of Congress

and staff in anticipation of votes. Turnover on Capitol Hill

is rapid, and Heritage's missives were influential guides to

policies developed on the right over many years.

``Like many Reagan-era conservatives, Feulner believed in a

coalition built on the three-legged stool of free markets and

a smaller government, strong national defense, and

traditional views on social policy. He welcomed all factions

of what was once called the ``conservative movement,'' from

libertarians to Russell Kirk traditionalists to neocons.

``For many years, the Journal worked with Heritage on the

annual Index of Economic Freedom. The volume ranked countries

around the world on various measures of economic liberty.

Feulner was notable for believing in a strong U.S. presence

in the world, and he was especially close to leaders in

Taiwan and South Korea. As recently as the mid-2000s we can

recall a delegation of Heritage scholars making the case to

us that U.S. defense spending should be 5% of gross domestic

product. Today it's closer to 3%, and heading lower under

President Trump.

``Born outside Chicago in a German-American Catholic

family, Feulner attended Regis College in Denver where he

discovered conservative ideas. Barry Goldwater was an early

political influence. ``You have to choose between liberty and

equality,'' Feulner told John Miller of National Review. ``I

picked liberty.'' Each year he published an essay by thinkers

who defined conservative principles.

``Feulner was Heritage president for 37 years and remained

a trustee in retirement. The think tank has taken a sharp

turn toward Trumpian populism in recent years. It opposes

free trade and leans toward an isolationist foreign policy.

It focuses less on ideas and more on supporting whatever

President Trump does. Feulner wasn't always happy with

Heritage's new direction, but he kept his misgivings private

out of loyalty to the institution.

``As the years advance, it's clear that the late 1970s

through the 1980s and 1990s was a unique period of

conservative intellectual ambition. Ed Feulner's motto was

``onward, always,'' reflecting his optimism about the

durability of America's founding ideals. The young

Republicans in Washington may not know it, but they are

spending down the intellectual capital stockpiled by Ed

Feulner and his generation.''

Madam Speaker, 6 months have passed since Donald Trump received the mandate of the people to fulfill his promises with extraordinary accomplishments.

Among the accomplishments by President Donald Trump are the following:

Illegal alien border crossings are at historic lows, and border wall construction has resumed.

Costs for everyday goods are near their lowest in 4 years, and wage growth has seen the largest increase in 60 years.

Oil and natural gas production have surged, and gas prices are at their lowest level in 4 years.

Trump tax cuts have been extended, creating jobs.

The President is promoting peace through strength and modernizing American military forces with cutting-edge technology, ensuring that our troops are the best equipped in history.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength, revealing that war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump, mocking Trump, and murdering Ukrainian civilians with rocket attacks as he conducts lovely conversations.

Madam Speaker, I wish a happy birthday to Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman David Wright.

Mr. Speaker, South Carolinians are grateful that Rolls-Royce is expanding its manufacturing operations in Aiken County.

The $75 million investment will create 60 new jobs, strengthen the local economy, and enhance career opportunities across the state.

As a provider of off-highway engines and complete power generation solutions, Rolls-Royce develops and delivers complex power and propulsion solutions for safety-critical applications in the air, at sea, and on land.

Since its establishment in 2010, the Aiken facility, with the leadership of their Vice President of Operations, Philipp Steinle, has grown to become a 395,000 square foot campus with state-of-the-art production capabilities, an engine testing facility, office space, a research center, and more.

Additionally, this investment will increase the production of engines which will help meet the demand for high-power mission critical back up generators.

The dedication and leadership of Chief Executive Officer, Adam Riddle is appreciated.

Best wishes to Rolls-Royce for success in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, on July 11, America lost a Devoted Patriot with the death of National Committeeman Glenn McCall. A grateful review of his accomplishments is presented by Joseph Bustos in The State newspaper of Columbia, South Carolina.

``Glenn McCall, the South Carolina Republican Party's

national committeeman, died Friday from complications from

surgery, the state party said. McCall, who also was the

Winthrop University Board chairman, was 71 years old.

He had been the state GOP's national committeeman since

2008, also chaired the RNC's budget committee, and served as

co-chair of the 2020 Republican National Convention

Committee.

S.C. GOP Chairman Drew McKissick said McCall will be sorely

missed by the party. ``Glenn was not only a wonderful human

being, but he was a great leader and representative for South

Carolina on the Republican National Committee,'' McKissick

said. ``Time and again he used his influence and

relationships to help maintain the SCGOP's position as the

First in the South presidential primary, and the resulting

influence that gives Republicans all over our state.''

Those in the Republican Party described McCall as a ``kind

and loyal friend.'' ``Glenn was far more than a friend; he

was a mentor, advisor and source of moral clarity,'' former

SC GOP Chairman Matt Moore said. ``He was never angry,

boastful or self-interested, always steadfast in doing what

was right.''

McCall, of Rock Hill, was the state party's first Black

national committeeman. ``I loved

Glenn McCall from the moment we met on (U.S. Rep.) Ralph

Norman's '06 race. He was good and decent, a kind and gentle

soul and he was faithful,'' South Carolina GOP operative Rob

Godfrey posted on X. ``I embraced every opportunity to work

with him. I am thankful for our friendship, and I will miss

Glenn deeply. Thank you, Linda, for sharing him.''

McCall served in the U.S. Air Force for 24 years, according

to a biography provided by the state party.

He was a retired senior vice president of Bank of America,

and began serving on the Winthrop board in 2011, the

according to the school.

``He was a man of immense faith and personal conviction, as

evidenced by the life he lived every day,'' Winthrop

President Edward Serna said in an email about McCall to the

school. ``Those who interacted with the board on a regular

basis will recall how Glenn took the time to speak to

everyone in whatever room he found himself.''

He is a graduate of the University of Maryland, College

Park, with a bachelor's degree in management information

systems and a master's in business administration.

``We haven't always agreed on issues, but he has always

represented with class and an open ear,'' state Rep. Brandon

Guffey, R-York, posted on Facebook. ``The last time I saw

Glenn, was at the state party (reorganization). He came up to

congratulate me on winning legislator of the year and thanked

me for standing for truth as opposed to falling into the

bumper sticker politics many have turned to.''