Floor Statements

I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.

Congratulations, Mr. Chairman, on your leadership--achieving a 60-1 favorable vote on the bill that we are considering this evening.

As we begin, we are grateful for the professionalism of our military forces in killing the mass murderer Osama bin Laden. It was a proud day for all Americans, especially for our military, their families and veterans, that justice was achieved.

The military personnel provisions of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2012 are the product of an open, bipartisan process. Some of the more important personnel provisions are the following:

A 1.6 percent increase in military basic pay;

A revised policy for measuring and reporting unit operations tempo and personnel tempo, reflecting the committee's continuing concern about stresses on the force, especially at a time when we must continue our resolve for victory in the current mission requirements.

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

The bill also clarifies the legal authority for the administration and oversight of Arlington National Cemetery. I believe the bill is strong in the multiple provisions dealing with sexual assault, child custody, mental health, traumatic brain injury, and posttraumatic stress disorder.

In conclusion, I want to thank Ranking Member Susan Davis and her staff for their contributions and support of this process. We have benefited from an active and informed and dedicated set of subcommittee members. Their recommendations and priorities are clearly reflected in the bill.

Additionally, I appreciate the dedicated Military Personnel Subcommittee staff: John Chapla, Jeanette James, Mike Higgins, Craig Greene, Debra Wada, and Jim Weiss. I also want to thank congressional Military Legislative Assistant Brian Eisele and Military Fellow Marine Captain Sam Cunningham.

Mr. Speaker, I submit the following remarks regarding my absence from votes which occurred on May 12, 2011 and May 13, 2011 due to attending my son Hunter T. Wilson's Army commissioning and graduation in Industrial Engineering at Clemson University. Listed below is how I would have voted if I had been present.

Roll Number 315--Tsongas of Massachusetts Amendment No. 5--nay; roll Number 316--Brown of Florida Amendment No. 6--nay; roll Number 317-- Thompson of California No. 7--nay; roll Number 318--Inslee of Washington No. 8--nay; roll Number 319--Motion to Recommit with Instructions, H.R. 1231, ``Reversing President Obama's Offshore Moratorium Act''--nay; roll Number 320--On Passage of H.R. 1231, ``Reversing President Obama's Offshore Moratorium Act''--aye; roll Number 321--H. Con. Res. 50, providing for adjournment of the House-- aye.

Roll Number 322--H. Res. 264, Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 754) to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 2011 for intelligence and intelligence-related activities of the United States Government, the Community Management Account, and the Central Intelligence Agency Retirement and Disability System, and for other purposes--aye; roll Number 323--Mike Rogers of Michigan Amendment--aye; roll Number 324--Gibson of New York Amendment--aye; roll Number 325-- Hinchey of New York Amendment--nay; roll Number 326--Carney of Delaware Amendment--nay; roll Number 327--Reed of New York Amendment--aye; roll Number 328--Motion to Recommit with Instructions, H.R. 754, the ``Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011''--nay; roll Number 329--On Passage of H.R. 754, ``Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011''--aye.

Mr. Speaker, the 371st Infantry Regiment was formed in August 1917 and consisted of African-American draftees mostly from South Carolina and white officers. After training at Camp Jackson, the unit arrived on the Western Front in April 1918. It was placed under the command of the French Army because of their desperate need for new troops, and because of racial tensions within the U.S. army. The 371st soldiers were given French equipment and reorganized to fit the French army structure. They spent the spring of 1918 training in French tactics and units.

The 371st was then thrown into the ``Final Offensive'' of the Great War in September. Though fighting well, they suffered heavy casualties: over 1,000 men out of 2,384 were lost in eight days. On September 28, 1918, just six weeks before the end of World War I, Corporal Freddie Stowers (21) of Sandy Springs, SC was killed, leading the remnants of his company to capture German positions after an ambush. After feigning surrender the Germans opened up with machine gun and mortar fire, instantly destroying over half of the company. Stowers rallied the survivors and led them to knock out one machine gun nest, and though mortally wounded, urged them on to capture a second trench line to stop the threat and cause heavy enemy casualties. His commanding officer recommended him for the Medal of Honor.

Vice-Admiral Moreau, on behalf of the French Government, decorated the regimental colors on January 27, 1919, in Brest. The 371st won the French Legion of Honor and the Croix de Guerre. The American Distinguished Services Cross was awarded to ten officers and twelve enlisted men.

Upon the 371st Regiment's return to Columbia, SC, the community worked together to fundraise for a reception honoring the soldiers. The event was held on February 29, 1919 at Allen University. The two flags of the 371st Regiment were presented to the community during the reception. These flags are part of the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum's collection.

With the war over, the unit was disbanded and the achievements of the 371st quickly faded. Fortunately, this was not the end of the story. The Medal of Honor nomination for Freddie Stowers languished for 70 years but in 1988, several members of Congress began campaigning on behalf of African-American World War I soldiers not properly recognized. Stowers became the first African-American soldier from World War I to earn the medal.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to acknowledge the 2011 Education Finance Council Capitol Hill Day. This event brought state agency and not for profit student lenders from across the country to Washington, DC. In my home state of South Carolina, the South Carolina Student Loan Corporation has provided higher education access and completion programs for thousands of students in the Palmetto state since its inception in 1973.

Nationwide, state agency and not for profit student loan organizations offer college access and completion programs including-- financial literacy programs, scholarships, grants and low cost supplemental loans--to students, families, and high schools in their states, at no cost. For nearly twenty years the Education Finance Council has been the strong voice in Washington for state agency and not for profit student lenders.

Mr. Speaker, I commend the work these entities are doing to increase the number of college graduates in our country.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to acknowledge a constituent of mine, Mr. Richard ``Dick'' Ryan was recently named the 2011 Dealer of the Year by the American Truck Dealers, ATD, division of the National Automobile Dealers Association, NADA, and Heavy Duty Trucking magazine during the annual ATD Convention and Expo in Phoenix, Arizona. This award recognizes excellence in dealership performance, industry leadership, civic contributions and community service.

Mr. Ryan is President and Chief Executive Officer of Carolina International Trucks based in Columbia, South Carolina. The dealership sells medium and heavy-duty International Trucks, IC Buses and Mitsubishi Fuso medium-duty trucks.

Since his purchase in the early 1990s, Carolina International Trucks has grown to eight locations including four in South Carolina-- Columbia, Greenville, Florence and Charleston--and is one of South Carolina's leading truck dealers. Under his leadership, the dealership's sales grew from $25 million to $100 million and its leasing business has doubled over the past 10 years. Every year since he became President/CEO, the dealership has been profitable.

Mr. Ryan has assisted his fellow dealers by working on the International Truck Dealer Council and Dealer Advisory Board. He also served as Chair and Vice-Chair of the Idealease Board of Directors, leading the organization through an executive management transition and reshaping its strategic direction.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent Mr. Richard Ryan and his employees at Carolina International and ask that you and other Members of Congress join me in congratulating him for this recent honor and for his effort on behalf of his customers, his fellow business owners and all South Carolinians.

Mr. Speaker, in the last 2 years, the price of a gallon of gasoline has more than doubled. During his campaign, the President promised to skyrocket energy costs, and that's exactly what has happened.

House Republicans are leading the way in implementing a sound domestic energy plan aimed at reducing gas prices. This plan seeks to expand domestic energy production while creating jobs here in America.

Republicans in the House have successfully passed the Restarting American Offshore Leasing Now Act. This bill provides immediate relief at the gas pump while creating jobs for Americans. It will increase domestic energy production and create jobs by conducting oil and natural gas lease sales.

House Republicans are addressing the need for more immediate relief from rising prices at the pump along with the long-term vision of a domestic energy policy. We need to work together for an all-of-the- above American energy plan.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. My sympathy to the family of Richard Bryan Wilson, a dedicated patriot from Columbia, South Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, the National Labor Relations Board has filed a complaint against the Boeing Corporation to stop thousands of jobs at the currently built 1.2 million square foot production facility in South Carolina. This is the second line for 787 jetliners which are so popular due to 20 percent less fuel use than any other airplane of its size.

Manufacturing employees locate in South Carolina due to the welcoming climate provided by the right-to-work laws, with trained workers educated at world-class technical colleges. Boeing has a right to contract to work where it's in the best interest of its shareholders and workers.

I appreciate Governor Nikki Haley leading the defense of our workers against the Obama administration's attack. I am grateful Attorney General Alan Wilson is recruiting fellow attorneys general across America to protect jobs. South Carolina is fortunate to have America's youngest Governor and America's youngest attorney general energetically standing up for freedom of American workers.

Welcome to Washington Adjutant General Bob Livingston, former 218th commander in Afghanistan, with Legislative Liaison Matt Nichols.

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

Mr. Speaker, this week's historic election in Canada brought to power a conservative majority for Parliament. By winning a full majority of the 167 conservative seats, Prime Minister Stephen

Harper will now have 4 years of uninterrupted government. Plans to create jobs without increasing taxes and paying down the national deficit are top priorities of this new majority.

The relationship of Canada and South Carolina has been strong for many years. This year marks the 50th annual Canadian-American Days Festival at Myrtle Beach, which celebrates the partnership between our citizens. We welcome Canadian vacationers. We are grateful that former South Carolina Speaker of the House, David Wilkins of Greenville, served as the United States Ambassador to Canada from 2005 to 2009. Canada is our leading trade partner, which I know firsthand and appreciate, with the Michelin Tire Corporation of Lexington producing earthmover tires for recovery of oil sands resources in Alberta.

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

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 1081.

Mr. Speaker, last night the President hailed the success of Navy SEALs to achieve the death of mass murderer Osama bin Laden. Bin Laden declared

war on America and British citizens years ago by serving as the architect for terrorist attacks worldwide that culminated with the September 11 attacks that killed nearly 3,000 innocent civilians on American soil.

His death is a testament to the resolve of our professional military, counterterrorism and intelligence officials to achieve ultimate victory over terrorism. Their combined sacrifice and commitment played a pivotal role in closing this chapter of the global war on terrorism. The entire Nation will be forever indebted for their service which promotes victory and peace.

American families still face many threats of extremist challenges in places like Afghanistan and Iraq, which bin Laden identified as the central fronts in the global war on terrorism. Bin Laden's death does not end the war, but it does serve as evidence that the American forces can penetrate the heart of the most extreme terrorist organizations and bring their leaders to justice worldwide.

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

Thank you, Father Dan Coughlin, for your service.

Mr. Speaker, as Americans know, today is the annual Tax Day, April 15. I bring this up because, finally, the President has joined in the discussion of our country's dangerous deficits. On Wednesday, he announced his scheme to reduce the out-of-control deficits his administration promoted--raising taxes--proving yet again that liberals still look to the tax man to solve their inability to manage a budget.

Americans do not want this. The tea party is correct: taxed enough already, T-E-A. Raising taxes on small businesses does nothing but kill jobs while keeping unemployment levels above 9 percent.

Liberals miss the point: The Federal Government does not have a revenue problem; it has a spending problem. Cutting spending and borrowing needs to be the topic of discussion. Raising taxes does not.

House Republicans continue to lead the way to limit spending. Courageous Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan has presented a commonsense plan which brings current reckless spending under control.

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:

Mr. Speaker, having just ended a decades long conflict in which the government finally defeated terrorist forces within its borders, the Republic of Sri Lanka recently celebrated its second New Year at complete peace.

In his New Year address, President Mahinda Rajapaksa stated celebrating the New Year is a ``time when all enjoy the freedom achieved in our Motherland. Therefore, this New Year will help bring a renewal in spirit and new expectations to the people about future progress.''

I would like to wish a happy new year to the 250,000 Sri Lankan- Americans, along with the 21 million citizens of Sri Lanka, a dynamic nation of South Asia.

During this time of national reconciliation, I look forward to a new era of Sri Lankan-American relations built on economic, strategic, and political cooperation between our two democratic societies.

Mr. Speaker, remarkably, the reliably Democratic Washington Post, in a lead editorial last week, quoted Senator Barack Obama in 2006 as saying, ``The fact that we are here today to debate America's debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren.''

Today, President Obama is warning that the debt limit must be passed or there will be economic Armageddon. Sadly, it is more clear than ever that reckless government borrowing is out of control with the President proposing a nightmare of endless borrowing.

For a debt limit increase, there should be real reforms to end out- of-control spending. Former Senator Phil Gramm of Texas pointed out that Republicans agree that families and nations should always honor their debts; but in so doing, they should also make sure they don't pile up new debt. For Congress, it means passing budget reforms that impose hard and enforceable limits on new spending and debt.

Republicans and Democrats should work together truly to protect senior citizens, younger generations, and to create jobs. Specific reforms are needed to protect American families.

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

Mr. Speaker, our Nation is standing at a crossroads. The government can continue to mortgage America's future by reckless borrowing, which is a threat to the young people of our country, it's a threat to our senior citizens, or we can limit the growth of government. We are facing a government shutdown today, as liberals are driving our Nation to a permanent economic shutdown. Dr. Skeet Burris is correct.

Yesterday, the House passed a bill funding the troops and military families for the rest of the year. Senate Democrats have yet another opportunity to pass a budget. They have had 48 days to act but have refused. Yesterday, liberals laughed and mocked Republican Leader Eric Cantor when he warned of bankruptcy, but Eric was standing up for freedom in the best Virginia tradition.

We face a shutdown today because the liberal majority in the House last year failed to pass a budget. The new Republican majority did pass a budget 48 days ago, but the liberal majority in the Senate failed to act. Citizens should call liberals and demand they pass a budget today.

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