Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, last Thursday the President addressed a joint session of Congress in order to describe his second stimulus. This proposal would create $447 billion in new spending, being paid for by tax increases.

House Republicans remain committed to working together in order to create job growth and promote an environment that allows for small businesses to hire workers. Sadly, the administration's proposal pushes new taxes on small businesses, which would create an environment that destroys jobs. The President was previously correct, saying you do not increase taxes in a recession. Raising taxes destroys jobs.

The administration's last stimulus added $814 billion to our debt. More importantly, it failed to accomplish the goal of keeping unemployment below 18 percent. Currently, 14 million people are unemployed and 25 million who want a full-time job do not have one.

The House Republicans have passed numerous bills to create jobs. House Republicans have shown their commitment to jump-starting the ability of small businesses to create jobs.

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 regarding my absence from votes which occurred on September 9, 2011. I attended the funeral at Arlington National Cemetery for retired Colonel Charles P. Murray, Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient and American hero of World War II, as well as a personal friend.

Listed below is how I would have voted if I had been present: roll Number 695--``aye''; roll Number 696--``no''; roll Number 697--``no''; roll Number 698--``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, over the weekend of the Tenth Anniversary remembrances of the attacks of September 11th, I saw the strength and diversity of the people across the Midlands of South Carolina which is underestimated by our evil enemies.

The diversity of America by heritage, race, religion, gender, and politics makes America strong.

At the request of President Mary Pena, I spoke to the Filipino- American Association of Greater Columbia citing the special contribution of Filipino-Americans for over 100 years in defense of America into the Global War on Terrorism.

For our family, this September 11th began with participation in the Memorial Service sponsored by the West Metro Rotary Club, West Metro Chamber of Commerce, Lexington School District Two, and Pine Press Printers at the West Columbia River Walk Amphitheater. The passionate patriot Joe Pinner presided over tributes to our military, military families, and first responders highlighted by Sheriff James Metts and Irmo Fire Chief Mike Sonefeld.

Proof of the resolve of the New Greatest Generation was the Change of Command Ceremony of the Headquarters Support Company of Sumter's 351st Aviation Support Battalion. Before a fully staffed complement of all volunteers, Cpt. Julian D. Wilson relinquished command to Cpt. Michael W. Jones. Wilson had enlisted in the S.C. Army National Guard in December 2001 in the tradition of service as the namesake of Marine Major Julian D. Dusenbury who was awarded the Navy Cross for his successful capture of Shuni Castle on Okinawa in April 1945. Both Captains are symbols of military families with Cpt. Jones supported by his wife Terry and their six children, Michael, Jr., Megan, Nathaniel, Summer, Shan, and Brooke and Cpt. Wilson encouraged by his wife Joy and son Julian, Jr.

As a 31-year veteran of the Army Reserves and the S.C. Army National Guard, I have never been prouder of their committed members and their capabilities for domestic and overseas service. Due to the success of America's military more countries today have been liberated from totalitarianism in the history of the world living in freedom and democracy from Estonia to Thailand and South Korea to Bulgaria.

Due to the vision of Dan Hennigan, a 9/11 First Responders Remembrance Memorial featuring two New York World Trade Center steel beams were unveiled at the base of the State House in front of the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center with Columbia Mayor Steve Benjamin and Governor Nikki Haley.

At the Remembrance, it was very appropriate on the front row of special guests were Hampton and Jane Caughman, proud parents of SPC Thomas W. Caughman who was killed June 9, 2004, Iraq. SPC Caughmnan was mature beyond his age concluding his letters with the adage, ``Freedom is not free.'' He understood we were in a long war to protect American families at home.

The weekend concluded with a moving Service of Remembrance at Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church named in recognition of the community's original German Swiss farming settlers. Heartfelt leadership was provided by pastors Dr. Jim Glatz, Dr. Helen Harrison Coker, and Dr. Bill Johnston. Dr. Glatz recounted the extraordinary heroism of Todd Beamer on Flight 93. After reciting together The Lord's Prayer with air phone operators, Beamer stated to his comrades the immortal ``Let's Roll,'' which successfully stopped the jihadists from their murderous destruction of the U.S. Capitol Building. This was the first successful counterattack in the Global War on Terrorism. The service was enhanced by a Color Guard of the Lexington Police Department along with the Lexington County Choral Society and the Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra.

The positive message of Dr. Glatz was clear that the American people will prevail with faith, hope, and love.

In conclusion, God Bless Our Troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

Mr. Speaker, 10 years ago, in one of the most tragic moments of our country's history, terrorists hijacked commercial jetliners to murder nearly 3,000 innocent people on American soil. In this darkest hour, the people of our Nation came together to grieve, mourn, and remind each other: We are still one Nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

On this 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, I want to highlight how America's resolve that day was challenged but not broken. In the time since, our Nation has proven the resilience of the American people. The struggle to protect freedom and liberty is one that must be promoted both domestically and internationally--and our great Nation has answered the call.

Let us remember the first responders and our military that have served and are currently serving near and far to protect our freedoms here at home. I

will always be grateful for those making a difference by defeating terrorists overseas to protect American families at home.

Most importantly, let us not forget the victims of the September 11th attacks, their families, the memories of that fateful day, and the constant challenges our country faces in winning the global war on terrorism.

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

Mr. Speaker, House Republicans today are seeking to empower parents through the Empowering Parents Through Quality Charter Schools Act.

Charter schools are public schools created through a contract with an authorized agency or local school district. This bipartisan legislation encourages states to support the expansion and development of charter schools. It allows for successful charter school models to be duplicated. Finally, it accounts for an evaluation of the impact charter schools have on students, families, and communities. More importantly, it encourages the sharing of best practices between charter and traditional public schools.

Charter schools enable parents to have a more active role in their children's education. They pave the way for teachers to introduce fresh teaching methods while providing a viable option for students to escape from underperforming schools. This legislation is important to the educational needs of our Nation's families and children.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to congratulate my good friends Shawn and Susann Edwards on the birth of their son Robert Lacy Edwards. Robert was born on Monday, August 22, 2011, at 5:36 p.m.

Robert Lacy Edwards is seven pounds and eight ounces of pride and joy to his loving grandparents, Gerald Robert and Marsha Miller of Simpsonville, South Carolina, and Lacy and Pauline Edwards of Marion, South Carolina. I am so excited for this new blessing to the Edwards family and wish them all the best.

Mr. Speaker, on August 12, 2011, one of the most outstanding patriots of America's Greatest Generation passed away. The beloved Col. Charles P. Murray, Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient of World War II who also served in Korea and Vietnam died peacefully at home in Columbia, South Carolina.

Colonel Chuck Murray was recognized by a thoughtful article on August 18, 2011, by Jeff Wilkinson of The State (August 18, 2011) newspaper of Columbia.

Col. Charles P. Murray Remembered

(By Jeff Wilkinson)

Col. Charles P. Murray, Jr., a Medal of Honor recipient

from World War II, was remembered Wednesday in Columbia as a

humble hero who protected his men in battle, loved his family

and worked tirelessly, until his death at age 89, to promote

veterans' issues and educate students about patriotism and

service to country.

``The word hero has never been about football players and

movie stars,'' retired Col. Kevin Shwedo, a past deputy

commander of Fort Jackson, said in a eulogy. ``He defines

what a hero is.''

After being drafted in 1942, Murray, who grew up in

Wilmington, N.C., landed on Omaha Beach in 1944 after D-Day

and joined the 3rd Infantry Division in France.

On Dec. 16 near Kaysersberg, France, the platoon that

Murray was leading was pinned down on a ridge under heavy

fire by 200 well-entrenched Germans. Murray, using a variety

of weapons, killed 20 enemy soldiers and captured 10 more,

single-handedly driving the Germans from the position. At the

end of his assault, a German grenade riddled him with

shrapnel, wounding him in eight places. He spent only four

days recovering at a medical aid station before ``borrowing''

a uniform and returning to his unit.

None of the other men in his platoon was injured.

``His focus was keeping his men safe,'' Shwedo said. ``And

he kept his men safe.''

Murray, awarded the Medal of Honor for that action, also

received three Silver Stars and two Bronze Stars for other

acts of valor.

Murray's flag-draped coffin was carried by horse-drawn

caisson from Dunbar Funeral Home to the First Presbyterian

Church, a few blocks away. It was accompanied by pallbearers

from the Arlington Cemetery's ``Old Guard,'' the Army's

oldest active-duty infantry unit. Murray once was deputy

commander of the unit, best known, perhaps, for maintaining a

24-hour-a-day vigil at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington

National Cemetery.

Honorary pallbearers included four Medal of Honor

recipients--Sgt. John F. Baker Jr. of Columbia, Maj. Gen.

James E. Livingston of Charleston, Sgt. Maj. Robert M.

Patterson of Raleigh, N.C., and Col. Walter J. ``Joe'' Marm

of Fremont, N. C.--as well as members of Murray's VFW Post

641. Also participating were a color guard and about 40

members of the 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Stewart, Ga.,

Murray's unit in World War II.

Murray died of congestive heart failure Friday, six weeks

after having a pacemaker implanted. He passed away in his bed

while taking a nap, family members said.

Murray is survived by his wife, Anne, son Brian of Fort

Payne, Ala., and daughter Cynthia Anne of Roswell, Ga.

Another son, Charles P. Murray III, of Columbia passed away

in 2004.

About 600 people attended the memorial service.

More stood quietly outside on the sidewalk throughout the

service to see Murray's remains pass by on the way to and

from the church. ``I wanted to pay my respects,'' said Dick

Rosenbeck of Columbia, a four-year veteran of the U. S. Air

Force.

Inside, dignitaries included Fort Jackson commander Maj.

Gen. James Milano, U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson of Springdale and

Col. Ted Bell of Columbia, one of The Citadel's most

decorated graduates from World War II.

Bell was on the faculty of the Infantry School at Fort

Benning, Ga., after the war with Murray, a close friend.

``I thought he would be a big ol' dumb fella coming in

there with all his exploits, but he had a brilliant mind,''

said Bell, 91, who received the Distinguished Service Cross

and Silver Star while fighting in the Pacific. ``He was a

fine person. A fine family man. And he was one of the

greatest heroes we've ever known. There is no question about

it.''

The Service of Worship for the Remembrance of and

Thanksgiving for the Life of Col. Charles P. Murray, Jr.,

September 26, 1921-August 12, 2011, on August 17, 2011, was

conducted at the historic First Presbyterian Church

(Associate Reformed Presbyterian Denomination) established in

1795. This was the boyhood church of President Woodrow Wilson

and his parents Reverend and Mrs. Joseph R. Wilson are buried

in the Churchyard with Ann Pamela Cunningham who, in 1853,

founded the Mount Vernon Ladies Association which purchased

and preserved Mount Vernon:

The following biography and citation were published in the

program:

Charles P. Murray, Jr.

Charles P. Murray, Jr., entered the Army from Wilmington,

North Carolina, in 1942, attended Infantry OCS and was

commissioned 2d. Lt. in 1943. He served during WWII in

France, Germany and Austria with 3d Infantry Division. His

final combat assignment was as a brigade commander in

Vietnam, where he served with the 196th Light Infantry

Brigade and 9th Infantry Division. His awards include the

Medal of Honor, the Silver Star (3 OLC), Legion of Merit

(3 OLC), Bronze Star (OLC), Air Medal (6 OLC), Purple

Heart, French Legion of Honor and Croix de Guerre, and

various Republic of Vietnam commendation and service

medals. He attended National War College and has degrees

from University of North Carolina and George Washington

University.

Citation for the Medal of Honor

For commanding Company C, 30th Infantry, displaying supreme

courage and heroic initiative near Kaysersberg, France, on 16

December 1944, while leading a reinforced platoon into enemy

territory. Descending into a valley beneath hilltop positions

held by our troops, he observed a force of 200 Germans

pouring deadly mortar, bazooka, machinegun, and small arms

fire into an American battalion occupying the crest of the

ridge. The enemy's position in a sunken road, though hidden

from the ridge, was open to a flank attack by 1st Lt.

Murray's patrol but he hesitated to commit so small a force

to battle with the superior and strongly disposed enemy.

Crawling out ahead of his troops to a vantage point, he

called by radio for artillery fire. His shells bracketed the

German force, but when he was about to correct the range his

radio went dead. He returned to his patrol, secured grenades

and a rifle to launch them and went back to his self-

appointed outpost. His first shots disclosed his position;

the enemy directed heavy fire against him as he methodically

fired his missiles into the narrow defile. Again he returned

to his patrol. With an automatic rifle and ammunition, he

once more moved to his exposed position. Burst after burst he

fired into the enemy, killing 20, wounding many others, and

completely disorganizing its ranks, which began to withdraw.

He prevented the removal of 3 German mortars by knocking out

a truck. By that time a mortar had been brought to his

support. 1st Lt. Murray directed fire of this weapon, causing

further casualties and confusion in the German ranks. Calling

on his patrol to follow, he then moved out toward his

original objective, possession of a bridge and construction

of a roadblock. He captured 10 Germans in foxholes. An

eleventh, while pretending to surrender, threw a grenade

which knocked him to the ground, inflicting 8 wounds. Though

suffering and bleeding profusely, he refused to return to the

rear until he had chosen the spot for the block and had seen

his men correctly deployed. By his single-handed attack on an

overwhelming force and by his intrepid and heroic fighting,

1st Lt. Murray stopped a counterattack, established an

advance position against formidable odds, and provided an

inspiring example for the men of his command.

Participating in the service

The Rev. Dr. Sinclair B. Ferguson, Senior Minister, The

First Presbyterian Church;

The Rev. L. Craig Wilkes, Associate Minister, The First

Presbyterian Church;

The Rev. Dr. Mark E. Ross, Professor of Theology, Erskine

Seminary;

Col. (ret.) Kevin A. Shwedo, Executive Director, South

Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles;

Dr. Richard Conant, Professor Emeritus, University of South

Carolina School of Music;

Mr. Ronald E. Miller, Organist, The First Presbyterian

Church.

One of Colonel Murray's greatest honors was the naming in

2001 in appreciation of his service of Charles P. Murray

Middle School in his childhood home of Wilmington, North

Carolina. This is such an appropriate legacy for an American

Hero. He was devoted to promoting freedom and opportunity for

the young people of America. At Wilmington, he earned the Boy

Scout Eagle Scout Award in 1934. He is one of only eight

known Eagle Scouts to receive the Medal of Honor. In 1938, he

graduated from Wilmington's New Hanover High School.

Thomas E. McCutchen, Sr., Esq., one of South Carolina's

most respected attorneys as senior partner of McCutchen,

Blanton, Hopkins, and Campbell, LLP, eloquently praised his

fellow church member:

``Colonel Charles Murray, Jr., was an incredible giant who

successfully performed for all America and for you and for

me. He was the ultimate solider. He was a step ahead of

bravery. Every man, woman, and child here is indebted to him

for freedom. On Sundays, he sat next to the outside aisle on

the left side of this Church as you face the congregation.''

Colonel Murray was a vital participant in patriotic

observances. He enlivened each year the Carolina Celebration

of Liberty at the First Baptist Church of Columbia led by

Pastor Wendell Estep and First Lady Linda Estep with the

extraordinary choreography by Minister of Music Steve

Phillips being passionately emceed by the legendary Joe

Pinner. Each year, he highlighted the Columbia Veterans Day

Parade, one of the nation's largest, where tens of thousands

of school children recognized his achievements with the

program organized by Mayors Patton Adams, Bob Coble, and now

Steve Benjamin, with emcee Earl Brown who is Second

Congressional District Deputy Director. I especially remember

in 2003 Colonel Murray was recognized at the patriotic

services at Grace Baptist Church in West Columbia organized

by Mary Kerr and the late Reverend Bob Kelly. This was my

last opportunity to appear with him in uniform as a Colonel

in the Army National Guard.

Another legacy of his life of service is his success with

the late Medal of Honor recipient J. Elliott Williams, the

Navy's most decorated hero of the Vietnam War, in moving the

Medal of Honor Society Museum to the U.S.S. Yorktown in 1993

at Patriot's Point in Charleston Harbor at Mount Pleasant.

Colonel Murray was instrumental in October 2010 to work

with Brigadier General Eugene F. Rogers and his wife former

State Representative Elsie Rast Stuart Rogers (R-Pelion)

along with Colonel Myron Harrington to organize the national

2010 Congressional Medal of Honor Convention at Charleston.

The hosts were the South Carolina State Guard Foundation and

The Citadel, South Carolina's historic military college.

In 2004, Colonel Murray was presented an elegantly engraved

Browning weapon by Herst Fabrique Nationale of Liege,

Belgium, in appreciation of helping the liberation of

Belgium, France and Luxembourg from the Nazis. It was

presented to him at their subsidiary FN Manufacturing Company

located near his home in Columbia which is recognized for its

world class armaments. The Browning Automatic Rifle was his

weapon on December 16, 1944.

I will always cherish our final joint appearance as co-

Grand Marshalls of the Sparkleberry Country Fair Parade this

spring at Sandhills in Richland Northeast. This family-

friendly event was organized by former County Councilman John

Monroe and the white horse-drawn carriage was driven by Don

Purcell. It was inspiring to see the public's warm response

when they recognized Colonel Murray.

My wife, Roxanne, and I know of his encouragement of young

people in military service. He was a devoted advisor to our

son Alan for his Field Artillery service in Iraq and his

current service as an Army National Guard Major and Attorney

General of South Carolina. Col. Murray and his wife, Anne,

hosted our son Addison and fiancee Lauren Houston for the

Washington 2001 Inaugural Ceremonies for Medal of Honor

recipients and he is now a Lieutenant in the Navy having

served as a physician in Iraq. At the 60th Anniversary of The

Battle of the Bulge, Colonel Murray was an inspiration for

our two youngest sons, Army Captain Julian Wilson and Army

2nd Lt. Hunter Wilson, where the Colonel gave real meaning to

our visit to The Luxembourg American Cemetery and Memorial at

Hamm, Luxembourg, which is a world-class perpetual shrine for

our fallen heroes where General of the Army George S. Patton

is buried facing thousands of his troops.

Rest In Peace, Colonel Charles P. Murray, Jr. You have

successfully completed your duty for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, on Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics released the August jobs report. Unfortunately, the news was grim. Unemployment remained at 9.1 percent with zero jobs being created in August. This is another tragedy for millions of American families.

Today, Congress returns from the district work period. After having spent the last weeks with constituents in the district I represent, their one clear concern is jobs. People are tired of the President's lofty words with actions that destroy jobs. Americans want a change in course from the failed stimulus plans of borrow and wastefully spend. Let us work together to adopt real reforms that have an immediate impact on job creation. It's time to implement meaningful spending cuts, passing legislation designed to encourage small businesses to hire employees and help with job creation in the American economy. House Republicans have passed dozens of job-promoting bills since January. Now it's time for the liberal Senate and President to really help families who want jobs.

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

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Melissa Hite, a dedicated staff member in the office of the Second Congressional District of South Carolina. After spending almost two years in the Washington office, Melissa will be leaving on August 19th to return home to Irmo, South Carolina.

Melissa has played an instrumental role in the Second Congressional District's Washington Intern Program. Serving as Intern Coordinator, Melissa was in charge of training and overseeing all interns in our Washington office. As a Legislative Correspondent, she was responsible for answering constituent mail while serving as the primary contact for constituent tours and flag requests.

Melissa is the second child of Carey and Paula Hite of Irmo and is a 2009 graduate of Wake Forest University.

Melissa's hard work and patience have been a valuable asset to the office. It is with sincere gratitude that I would like to thank Melissa for her enthusiasm and dedication to our office and the people of the Second Congressional District of South Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to Brad Leake for his hard work and service to the people of the Second Congressional District of South Carolina. After working in the Midlands District office in West Columbia for over two and half years, Brad will be leaving on August 16th to work for the South Carolina Department of Social Services.

Brad began interning in the Washington office before becoming a caseworker in the Midlands District office. As a caseworker, Brad served as an important voice and liaison between constituents and federal agencies. Frequently, he would inquire to federal agencies on behalf of constituents on important issues such as receiving Social Security benefits and veterans' affairs information.

Finally, I would like to thank Brad for his role in successfully serving as Deputy Campaign Manager for my campaign during the 2008 cycle.

It is with sincere appreciation that I would like to thank Brad and his wife, Emily, all the best as you enter this next phase of your life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the passing of my friend and an American hero, Delmer ``Phil'' Phillippi of Ridgeland, South Carolina. Phil was a Marine's Marine. His first tour of duty with the United States Marine Corps was from January 1944 to March 1946 and he landed at Normandy on D-Day. His second tour with the Marines was from March 1948 to October 1967. He was a hero of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, serving as a rifleman and received a Combat Infantry Badge and four campaign stars. He also served twelve years as a butcher for the commissary at the Parris Island Marine Corps Depot.

In addition to Phil's military service, he was a man of strong Christian faith and love of his family. Phil was a member of the Coosawhatchie Baptist Church. He loved his farm and his farm animals. He leaves behind his loving wife of almost thirty-nine years Karen, his daughter Allison, his son Keith and his grandchildren Tyler, Monica, Olivia, Christian, Keelie, and Chandler.

I would like to express my condolences to his family. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time. Semper Fi.

Mr. Speaker, this weekend, South Carolina lost one of its greatest leaders, United States District Judge Matthew J. Perry. Judge Perry symbolized courage and leadership and was a towering figure during the civil rights movement of the 1950s through the 1970s.

After having served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945 as a sergeant in the Quartermaster Corps, Judge Perry graduated from South Carolina State with a B.S. in business. He went on to graduate from South Carolina State Law School in 1951. As a young attorney, Judge Perry established his credibility in South Carolina by defending many of the students protesting segregation during sit-ins.

In 1976, he was nominated by Senator Strom Thurmond to the U.S. Military Court of Appeals in Washington. In 1979, he was the first African American to be appointed as a U.S. District Judge for South Carolina. He has been the recipient of the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor of the State of South Carolina.

Our Nation has truly lost a legend who has made a difference for all of the people of South Carolina.

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, led by the positive leadership of Speaker John Boehner, House Republicans passed the best bipartisan solution to the debt ceiling last week, the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2011.

Liberals in the Senate chose to hide and had a tabling vote to cowardly avoid a recorded vote on the issue. I urge liberals to join conservatives and vote for a solution which creates jobs and stop the President who is stuck on tax increases destroying jobs.

The President does not have a plan. He even admits he's bluffing. Sadly, this was further revealed yesterday when the gross domestic product was reported to be stagnant.

Additionally, the front page headline today of The Washington Post proclaims, ``Economic growth at near standstill.''

The President should change course and work for bipartisan proposals to create jobs and preserve the Nation's credit rating.

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

Mr. Speaker, when the President is correct, we should thank him, such as keeping open the Guantanamo Bay detention facility despite his promise to close it. And in the recent past, as Senator in 2006, the President was correct:

``The fact that we are here today to debate raising America's debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the U.S. Government can't pay its own bills. It is a sign that we now depend on ongoing financial assistance from foreign countries to finance our government's reckless fiscal policies.''

House Republicans, with the positive leadership of Speaker John Boehner, last week passed the best solution to the debt ceiling: the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2011. The liberals' cowardly response in the Senate was to table it and hide their Members from an open vote. It is not too late for liberals to vote and join conservatives for a solution which creates jobs and stops the President, who is stuck on his failed policies of tax increases, destroying jobs.

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