Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, Democrats in Congress are still setting up roadblocks to prevent a budget for this fiscal year. Trying to conceal reckless spending, the liberal majority in the last Congress refused to pass a budget, threatening jobs.

Rather than mortgaging the future like the previous Congress, House Republicans sent a commonsense budget to the Senate 47 days ago. This plan limits spending in order to promote job growth. Now we have liberals in the Senate refusing to pass the budget. This is failed leadership.

Democrats in Washington are out of touch with everyday Americans and would rather play the blame game than offer real solutions. The liberal House majority last year failed to pass a budget. The new conservative House passed a budget, but the liberal Senate majority has failed to pass a budget.

Liberals are clearly risking government shutdown.

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

Mr. Speaker, this is an important week for American families. The continuing resolution expires Friday. Liberals are clearly responsible for a possible government shutdown.

The American people know spending is out of control with a record deficit in February of $223 billion. Borrowing from creditors overseas is $5 billion a day, putting American jobs at risk. Senior citizens are threatened with their savings and Social Security becoming worthless. Young people are being burdened with crushing debt which will lead to oppressive taxation.

How did this week arise?

The budget for this year was not adopted by the liberal House last year. The continuing resolution for this year was passed by the new conservative House but has not been adopted by the current liberal Senate.

Speaker John Boehner has fought for the Pledge to America which the voters supported last November with a record of over 63 liberals being defeated. Senate liberals have been revealed scheming inflammatory name-calling of Republican Whip Kevin McCarthy, instead of good faith negotiations.

I hope this week the Senate liberals put politics aside and do what is right for commonsense government. We cannot mortgage the future to happiness.

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

Madam Speaker, Democrats in the Senate should work with the Republicans to act on the continuing resolution. House Republicans successfully passed a bill over 40 days ago, and Senate Democrats have still not acted. Liberals in the Senate claim to have a plan of their own. Rather than voting on this plan, Senate Democrats have resorted to petty political gamesmanship.

Conservatives won the election in November. The American people spoke clearly, they want to put a halt to reckless spending. This is the conservative position in Congress. Any compromise should incorporate views of the American people. The Tea Party has made a difference. While liberals are encouraging a government shutdown, conservatives in Congress have passed a bill that would avoid this event. Leaders are expected to make tough decisions in difficult times. Continuing with one-line gimmicks to curry political favor is another political ploy in Washington that shows liberals are just out of touch with America. The American people know that reckless borrowing is a threat to American families. Young people know that debts are being passed to them.

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

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor today, one of the greatest honors I have had in Congress, to welcome Pastor Charles Jackson, Sr., of Brookland Baptist Church, West Columbia, Lexington County, South Carolina.

Pastor Jackson is a longtime family friend of our whole family. He actually began preaching at age 9. He was licensed at age 10. He was ordained at age 12. He became pastor of the church at age 18. And now, he is the longest serving pastor in the Midlands of South Carolina, 40 years of service.

He has built a church from nearly 60 members to 7,819 members. And we are so grateful for his success. In fact, two of his members are active members and serve in the district office of the Second District of South Carolina: Earl Brown, a former deacon of the church, is our deputy director, and special assistant is Beverly Carter. So we truly identify.

There are now 65 ministries in this church; the sanctuary, 2,300 seating. He provides a credit union, a banquet facility, a foundation. It really serves the people of the Midlands of South Carolina. I am grateful to be here with my colleague, Congressman Jim Clyburn, who also knows what an extraordinary person Pastor Jackson is.

He is also a successful family man. His wife, Robin, is here. As first lady of the church, she is a beloved person in our community. Additionally, their son Charles is pastor of the New Laurel Street Baptist Church, and we are very grateful. His daughter Candace is a graduate of Duke Law School and is a member of one of the most prominent law firms of South Carolina, Nelson, Mullins, Riley & Scarborough. Also, four grandchildren: Kayla, Charles III, Caleb, and Carter.

It is my honor to be here with Pastor Charles Jackson and thank him for giving our prayer today.

Mr. Speaker, all Americans have provided sympathy for the people of Japan due to the massive earthquake and tsunami, but I was grateful to learn last week at the Lexington Rotary Club, led by President Nick Pizzuti, that The Rotary Foundation is taking direct action. Special Assistant Bill Walker of the Second District Office is a dedicated Lexington Rotarian. The Rotary Japan and Pacific Islands Disaster Fund has been established for donations online worldwide. Rotary International President Ray Klinginsmith of Kirksville, Missouri, is promoting the people-to-people assistance in the best tradition of Rotary with his creed: Building Communities, Bridging Continents. Japan is a leading Rotary nation, and it is fitting the incoming RI president-nominee to continue the relief assistance is Sakuji Tanaka of the Rotary Club of Yashio, Saitama, Japan.

As a Rotarian, I appreciate Rotarians worldwide, with hundreds of new clubs in formerly Communist countries from Bulgaria to Slovakia to Russia making a difference with Service Above Self. As with Polio Plus, Rotarians can achieve humanitarian assistance which creates worldwide records for effectiveness.

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 friend Thomas Gordy and his wife Theresa on the birth of their son Trenton Talmadge Gordy. Trenton was born on Tuesday, February 15, 2011, in Manassas, Virginia. He is welcomed home by his sister Sarah Gordy.

Trenton Talmadge Gordy is seven pounds and one ounce of pride and joy to his loving grandparents, Timmy and Kay Gordy of Monroe, Louisiana, Toni and Michael LeBlanc of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Canoy and Lynn Mayo of West Monroe, Louisiana.

I am so excited for this new blessing to the Gordy family and wish them all the best.

Mr. Speaker, citizens who cherish fairness in the media are rejoicing that Jerry Bellune, editor emeritus of the Lexington County Chronicle, has been named Journalist of the Year. The coveted honor was announced March 5 at the South Carolina Press Association's annual awards luncheon held in Columbia. Bellune was recognized for his more than half-century involvement in the industry.

Bellune and his wife and business partner, MacLeod Bellune, have built the Chronicle into one of the best local newspapers in America, with more than 300 national and State awards. Their son, Mark Bellune, is continuing the tradition of professionalism with its creed: A Conservative Choice, Not a Liberal Echo.

Bellune has been a tireless champion for taxpayers' dollars not being the government's money but clearly the people's money. His longtime crusade opposing excessive spending was endorsed last week by the Student Congressional Advisory Board of the University of South Carolina Student Government, which issued a thoughtful report to promote debt reduction as the student body's greatest concern.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the work of the U.S.-India Business Council. Founded in 1975, the primary mission of the USIBC is to strengthen bilateral investments and trade between our two great nations. America and India now share $50 billion in annual trade that mutually benefits both countries. Our two democracies--the world's largest and the world's oldest--have held joint military exercises, increased two-way tourism, and have engaged in bilateral cooperation on many fronts, including the global war on terrorism.

Thanks to the leadership of President Ron Somers, the USIBC, hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, has grown to 400 member companies creating jobs in America. Indian businesses have invested billions across the Nation, including Mittal Steel in Georgetown, South Carolina. For 36 years, USIBC has opened the doors of American businesses in India, creating jobs in both countries as strategic partners.

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

I cherish the memory of Addison Morton Graves, who passed away 50 years ago on March 8.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the efforts of Representative Jeb Hensarling for introducing H.R. 836, the Emergency Homeowner Relief Program Termination Act.

This bill prevents $1 billion from being spent on this failed program. In the current administration's budget, it is estimated that the program has a 98 percent subsidy rate. That means for every dollar spent, taxpayers lose 98 cents. This is bad for taxpayers and bad for American families.

Making this reform possible is the South Carolina Federation of Republican Women, which has inspired the Republican revolution in South Carolina since 1961. This is the 50th anniversary of the election of the first Republican legislator in the 20th century, the late Charlie Borineau of Richland County. In 2010, the transformation was completed of all statewide elected officials being Republicans for the first time since 1876.

Under the guidance of leaders such as our Governor, Nikki Haley of Lexington, with Jocelyn Staigar, Susan Dickson, Nikki Trawick, Carla Hardee, Kim Wellman, Betty Poe, Lisa Manini Sox, Grace Rentiers, Irby Shultz, Katrina Shealy, and Eaddy Roe Willard, this organization will continue to make a difference promoting limited government and expanded freedom.

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

Mr. Speaker, The Washington Post is correct today by headlining ``Obama allows indefinite detention,'' citing ``Guantanamo Bay Order Marks Shift'' as the ``U.S. also plans to resume trials by military commissions.''

I would like to commend the President for stating the administration will resume trials by military commissions for detainees that pose a threat to national security. Civilian courts were never the proper venue to try these enemy combatants. In the future, I hope the President will work with Congress in creating a comprehensive plan for the detention and prosecution of the detainees at Guantanamo Bay as we face the global war on terrorism.

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I know firsthand of the professionalism of our dedicated military personnel at Guantanamo. I recently visited the facilities in January, led by Chairman Buck McKeon; and in July 2005 with former Chairman Duncan Hunter. Guantanamo Bay is a world-class detention facility 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, Damian Paletta of the Wall Street Journal reported on the study by the Government Accountability Office revealing bloated budgets in government programs. The study examined a number of Federal agencies and found duplicative overlaps leading to wasteful spending of the taxpayers' money. The GAO found inefficiencies with 82 Federal programs to improve teacher quality, 56 programs to help people gain a working knowledge of finances, and 47 Federal programs for job training and employment. The study concluded that the effectiveness of many of these programs has not been assessed.

At a time when the President proposes trillion-dollar deficits, the Federal Government cannot afford to be throwing away the people's money on wasteful programs. Efficiency should be at the forefront of all Federal spending to promote small-business job creation. I commend the efforts of Senator Tom Coburn of Oklahoma for being a driving force behind the study to uncover the overlapping of these programs.

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

Mr. Speaker, January's tragedy of the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords highlighted the military medical education and training of three extraordinary physicians. I would like to recognize these doctors not only for their extraordinary abilities and service during the events in Tucson, but also for the fact they are all alumni of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences at Bethesda, Maryland.

Retired Navy Captain Peter Rhee, serves as chief of trauma at the University Medical Center in Tucson. Dr. Rhee was trained by the USUHS to manage complex wounds under strenuous conditions. Dr. Rhee relied on more than 20 years of military medical experience to perform life- saving procedures in the hours following the tragedy in Tucson. Dr. Rhee's unique abilities helped to save the life of the Congresswoman.

Dr. Rhee was assisted by interim chief of Neurology, Army Colonel Geoffrey Ling. Following the incident in Tuscon, Dr. Ling traveled to Afghanistan as part of a brain injury assessment team convened by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Dr. Ling was accompanied by Dr. Jim Ecklund. Dr. Ecklund is a highly regarded neurosurgeon who has had much experience caring for bullet injuries to the brain and a classmate of Dr. Rhee's at USUHS.

The training provided by the military medical education allowed for these doctors to save the life of Congresswoman Giffords. I am grateful for their service to this country. I know first-hand of the world-class professionalism of USUHS because my second son is a proud graduate after attending the Naval Academy.

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

Mr. Speaker, last week, I participated in a congressional delegation to visit troops and fact-find in Kuwait, Iraq, Bahrain, and Afghanistan. Immediately upon arrival, we were given an optimistic assessment of the region by Ambassador Deborah Jones in Kuwait.

America's team in Baghdad, ably led by General Lloyd Austin and Ambassador James Jeffrey, confirmed the transition to an Iraqi lead is working with the professionalism of the Iraqi Army and police. A highlight for me was to meet with the 151st Expeditionary Signal Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Richard Wholey of the South Carolina Army National Guard to thank them and their families for their service.

In Bahrain, we met top officials who assured us the reformist Crown Prince is leading negotiations to reduce conflict in this dynamic Persian Gulf ally where we visited the U.S.S. Lake Champlain's capable sailors.

In Afghanistan, we saw firsthand in Kandahar the success of President Obama's surge where a surge of 30,000 U.S. troops last year motivated a surge of an additional 70,000 Afghans to fight terrorism. The Kabul team of General David Petraeus and Ambassador Karl Eikenberry are successfully denying terrorists a safe haven to attack American families.

Godspeed to Danielle Simonetti Mauer, a Washington and Lee graduate, as she departs from House service for a new career.

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 Sean Dalton and his wife Kathryn Howell Dalton on the birth of their new baby girl, Genevieve Frances Dalton, who was born on Friday, February 4, 2011, at 7:59 p.m. in Alexandria, Virginia. Genevieve was 7 pounds, 10 ounces, and 19 inches long.

I am so excited for this new blessing to the Dalton family and wish them all the best. I want to also congratulate Genevieve's grandparents Brenda and Larry Dalton of Cary, North Carolina, and Dorothy and Stan Howell of Charlotte, North Carolina, on this wonderful new addition to their family.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to congratulate my good friend, Thomas Gordy and his wife, Theresa on the birth of their daughter, Trenton Talmadge Gordy. Trenton was born on Tuesday, February 15, 2011, in Manassas, Virginia. She is welcomed home by her sister, Sarah Gordy.

Trenton Talmadge Gordy is seven pounds and one ounce of pride and joy to her loving grandparents, Timmy and Kay Gordy of Monroe, Louisiana, Toni and Michael LeBlanc of Shreveport, Louisiana, and Canoy and Lynn Mayo of West Monroe, Louisiana.

I am so excited for this new blessing to the Gordy family and wish them all the best.