Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, yesterday U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson of Virginia struck down the individual mandate within the health care takeover as unconstitutional. This job-killing mandate infringes upon an individual's right to choose whether to participate in the government takeover. The ruling affirms that this legislation goes beyond the government's power to regulate interstate commerce. Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has taken the lead protecting citizens' rights and has been joined by South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster.

Americans should not be forced to purchase health insurance by the Federal Government. Many small businesses cannot afford it. It is time that Congress repeal the government takeover of health care and replace it with a patient-centered program. This is the solution that provides a viable answer to America's health care issues.

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

Mr. Speaker, Lexington County, South Carolina, received great news this week as Amazon.com announced plans to open a distribution center in Cayce. This will bring 1,200 jobs to the Midlands, and I truly thank Amazon.com for their economic commitment to our State.

The Lexington County Council, with the Central Carolina Alliance, put together a positive incentives package, promoted by Economic Development Manager Chuck Whipple.

Joe Taylor, Secretary of the South Carolina Department of Commerce, has proven his success of creating long-term private sector jobs. Under Secretary Taylor's leadership, the Department of Commerce has recruited 82,695 jobs and $16.7 billion in capital investment. As a result of local leaders like Secretary Taylor, the future is looking bright for South Carolina. His proven successor is BMW executive Bobby Hitt, named by Governor-Elect Nikki Haley.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the global war on terrorism. Welcome back to Washington Adjutant General-elect Bob Livingston, America's only elected adjutant general.

Mr. Speaker, a tax cuts resolution has finally been made to protect all Americans from the largest tax increase in American history. I am happy the President recognizes tax increases kill jobs, as documented by the National Federation of Independent Business, NFIB. This resolution protects South Carolina from losing 9,000 jobs a year and $3,000 per family of disposable income, as highlighted by the Heritage Foundation.

I have two corrections. First, the death tax must be permanently repealed, as this double taxation destroys family-owned businesses. Secondly, I am concerned about extending unemployment benefits without paying for them. I understand that hardworking Americans find themselves needing assistance. A commonsense solution is to pay for an extension of unemployment benefits with unused stimulus funds.

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

Congratulations Lexington County Council for recruiting 1,200 new jobs with Amazon.com to the City of Cayce.

Madam Speaker, Beaufort, South Carolina, is home to the Marine Corps Air Station, professionally commanded by Colonel John Snider. The Marine Corps Air Station plays a critical role in our national security operations and is home to six Marine squadrons and one Navy squadron, with an economic impact of $615 million annually. I hope the future is about to grow even brighter for Beaufort this week as we are optimistic that the final environmental impact study promotes F-35B squadrons in this great and historic community.

It has been a pleasure to work with Senator Lindsey Graham to highlight Beaufort's pro-military community, mild climate, and existing facilities which provides for year-round training to military leaders including Marine Corps Commandant James Conway.

If Alternative I is chosen to support the F-35s, Beaufort can expect to see over 1,500 new jobs and hundreds of private sector high-tech jobs, as promoted by the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce led by President Carlotta Ungaro and the Military Enhancement Committee chaired by General Garry Parks. I look forward to expanding the Sound of Freedom in the Lowcountry.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the re-designation of the Defense Academy of Credibility Assessment, DACA, as the National Center for Credibility Assessment,

Mr. Speaker, there is a great debate over the January 1 tax increases of over $2,000 annually per family. I strongly believe we need to extend tax relief for all Americans to create jobs, and I hope that the bipartisan issue of the adoption tax credit is also quickly extended.

While extremely rewarding, the adoption process may be expensive, often pricing out hardworking individuals and couples. To help keep the dream of parenting alive, Congress originally passed, and President Clinton signed, a $5,000 tax credit per adoptive family. A great success, this credit was later increased to $10,000. Today, however, we are facing a looming deadline that threatens this financial incentive and compromises the ability of average American families to adopt.

I urge Speaker Pelosi to immediately schedule a vote on H.R. 213, the Adoption Tax Relief Guarantee Act of 2009, before the adjournment of the 111th Congress. When it comes to the adoption process, lawmakers should work to advance the dream of a family.

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

Madam Speaker, the Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future is set to visit South Carolina and the Central Savannah River Area, CSRA, on January 6 and 7. Back in July, I invited the cochairmen of the commission to request that they hold their September meeting in the CSRA.

I'm grateful that the commission is planning a visit. This is a perfect location for the President's nuclear commission to review policies related to the storage of nuclear waste.

Waste material found in South Carolina is from the weapons production program of the Cold War resulting in victory over communism and also now from commercial nuclear reactors that produce energy. The Savannah River site should not indefinitely host nuclear waste. We should keep Yucca Mountain open. The closing has been criticized as breathtakingly irresponsible by The Post and Courier. The Greenville News editorialized last week that the Yucca closing is politically expedient but practically foolish.

Nuclear energy is a clean, safe, and cost-effective energy source that has provided over half of the electricity in South Carolina for 30 years. But in order to keep it safe, we must have a permanent site for disposal.

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

Madam Speaker, I come to the floor today to honor our friend and ally Turkey. On October 29, 1923, the Turkish constitution was amended and Turkey officially became a Republic.

During the Presidency of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the nation embarked upon a program of political, economic, and cultural reforms. The nation of Turkey now stands as a modern, secular nation-state which has been a long time friend to the United States.

Turkey's economy has grown at a record pace and literacy and education rates continue to climb. Turkey stands as an inspiration to reformers in the greater Middle East and throughout the world.

Over the past 87 years, Turkey's relationship with the United States has grown. Turkey has been a partner to the United States in NATO, the United Nations, as well as on the War on Terror. Beginning in the bloody Korean War of 1950, Turkish and American troops have fought side by side for victory over communism in The Cold War. Moreover, Turkey's work on human rights and energy security for Europe should be commended. Turkey has provided critical humanitarian and medical assistance in Afghanistan and in Iraq.

We should congratulate the people and the Government of Turkey for their efforts over the past 87 years and we look forward to building on the current relationship in the future.

Madam Speaker, on November 2nd, the American people amplified their voices to command a new way forward. They were tired of lawmakers strangling them with Big Government regulations instead of creating much-needed jobs, and they were tired of excessive borrowing and spending.

Yesterday, the Republican Conference listened to the concerns of Americans and selected leaders who will transform the way business is done in Washington. I believe our team, led by John Boehner and Eric Cantor, will curb spending, create jobs, and promote opportunities to keep money in the pockets of hardworking taxpayers.

I was particularly thrilled with the election of South Carolina's Tim Scott--from my birthplace of Charleston--to the leadership team. Congressman-elect Scott's business background and proven record of bringing jobs to South Carolina is a great addition to the new Republican leadership. I look forward to working with him to promote limited government and expanded freedom.

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

Mr. Speaker, the top priority of Congress for this lame duck session should be extending the tax cuts for all Americans in order to create jobs and get people back to work. Once this important matter is completed, I strongly encourage Congress to consider ways to protect the privacy of airline passengers while keeping air travel safe and secure.

Air travelers across America have come to expect a certain level of discomfort and anxiety when they fly; and for the most part, these American travelers are good sports and team players in the name of tight security. Recently, though, the patience and privacy of these travelers has been tested at a whole new level with full body scans. These intrusive scans are one such screening method that Congress should examine this year. I support the Aircraft Passenger Whole-Body Imaging Limitations Act, authored by Congressman Jason Chaffetz of Utah, to make sure the images lifted from scanners are not stored, transferred, or shared.

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

Madam Speaker, sadly Melissa Jane Dell of Ridgeland, South Carolina succumbed to Huntington's disease at age 40 on November 9, 2010. She was the daughter of Ouida and Wayne Dell and the mother of Bethany Dell. Her brother Eric Dell, Chief of Staff of the Second Congressional District, presented the following family witness on November 11, 2010, at St. Paul's United Methodist Church.

Melissa Dell--A Life of Love and Hugs

I would like to begin by thanking God for my sister,

Melissa. She was an inspiration to me and so many others. I

also would like to thank everyone here today, as everyone has

touched Melissa and our family in a special way. I especially

thank family members who have been so faithful to Melissa

over the past few years and especially the past month.

Especially, Aunts Charlene, Linda, Karen, Pearnease, and

Barbara and cousins Allison, Michael, Cynthia, David and

Theresa. I also want to thank my mom for her tireless

devotion and dedication to Melissa and Gayle and TaWanda who

would come to care for Melissa whenever called. The last

group I would like to thank is the caretakers and the staff

and friends of Melissa at the adult day care and physical

therapy in Ridgeland. She loved the day care and physical

therapy and its people so much. She was never happier than

when she was at the day care and physical therapy.

God made a special person when he made Melissa. We are all

created by God to serve

a purpose here on earth. Her purpose was so special, and she

fulfilled her purpose beautifully in 40 short years. Melissa

suffered physically more than most of us in this church will

ever suffer. But, she always had a smile on her face and hug

in her hands.

I want to talk a little about Melissa's younger years, but

focus mainly on the last fifteen years of her life, as I

think that is when Melissa truly shined here on her earthly

journey. When we were growing up, Melissa was always the

``good'' child. I was the one that was always getting into

trouble and she would never tell on me to mom and dad.

Melissa and I enjoyed many fun times together playing in

lakeview terrace with friends who are some of her pall

bearers today. I remember the fun times of swimming in our

pool, playing kickball, always being outside and eating ice

cream from Mr. Bunton's ice cream truck. She ate so much ice

cream that she gained the name ``Popsicle''. She enjoyed ice

cream for as long as I can remember. She was an avid

basketball and softball player in high school and always

enjoyed being around people. She also attended Georgia

Southern for three years and I remember visiting her there

while in high school. She always made me feel older than I

was, which I enjoyed at the time. I thought it was cool to

have an older sister who was in college. She was a role model

for me in that sense. She was always good at math and enjoyed

working in restaurants because she enjoyed ``taking care of

people.''

Melissa also had a strong love for her daughter Bethany.

When Melissa could no longer drive, she would push Bethany

all over town in a stroller to spend as much quality time

with her as she could. I will always remember Melissa and

Bethany playing silly games together and Melissa just having

a ball. She was a great mother.

As most of you know, Melissa fought Huntington's disease

for the past 15 years or so. This is a horrible disease that

my family has dealt with for many years. I firmly believe

that God allowed her, instead of me, to have Huntington's

disease because she was a much stronger person than me when

it comes to handling pain and she had a better ability to

show her love to others through this earthly pain. To those

of you who have known Melissa, you have known a special

person and have received a gift from God by knowing her.

There is no doubt in my mind God used Melissa's suffering to

show us His love and to further His kingdom. The more Melissa

suffered and the closer she got to heaven the more I could

see the Cross in her and the more she shared the Christian

principles of Unconditional Love and Prayer.

Just this week, I e-mailed my office staff about Melissa's

passing and I received an e-mail back from one staffer that

read: ``Sorry to hear this Eric. I will always remember

Melissa reaching out to give me a hug as soon as I introduced

myself--it was obvious she had a wonderful spirit--that has

not changed!'' It's interesting that I received this e-mail

after I had already begun writing this eulogy from the

premise that was spelled out in this e-mail. I'm sure

everyone here has received that wonderful unconditional hug

from Melissa. She is now hugging everyone she sees in heaven.

Melissa was a strong woman who promoted Love and Prayer

throughout her earthly struggle with Huntington's and used

her body as a temple of the Holy Spirit. 1 Cor. 6:19-20

states: ``Do you not know that your body is a temple of the

Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from

God?'' She couldn't speak as we do, but she furthered the

Kingdom of God more than I could ever do.

When preparing for this eulogy, I found a verse that is

very appropriate and fitting to Melissa. 1 John 3:18: ``Let

us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in

truth.'' This is a perfect description of Melissa. As

Huntington's began to overtake her body, she was not able to

communicate with her tongue, so she communicated with her

hands. To those of you who know her, you know, the first

thing that she would do when you saw her was to raise her

hands and hug you. It didn't matter if she was at home in her

chair, in the hospital or out on the town, she would always

want a hug from whomever she saw. She would even do this if I

came in the house and she was half asleep. The more Melissa

suffered, the stronger God showed us Jesus in her actions.

God was using her body as a temple of the Holy Spirit to show

us how Jesus wants us to love.

Melissa didn't ask if someone was poor, rich, old,

homeless, handicapped, young, black, brown, or white, she

wanted to hug them and love them. If only we could be this

loving in our daily lives. Can you imagine walking down the

street and hugging everyone you see and showering them with

love? Wouldn't that make for a wonderful, beautiful world?

This was Melissa. This is what I remember about Melissa more

than anything. She could not speak with her mouth, but she

spoke way more with her actions than she could have ever done

with her mouth. She was showing the love of Jesus to everyone

she met regardless of infirmity, class status, race, or

wealth. What a model for us to live by.

Secondly, Melissa reminded us to pray. 1 Thessalonians

5:16-18 states that we should ``Rejoice always, pray

continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is

God's will for you in Christ Jesus.'' God has placed people

like Melissa in our midst to further His kingdom. Think about

it for a minute, if we didn't have people like Melissa, we

wouldn't lean on God and pray so much. God wants us to pray

continually, not just occasionally, but continually. Melissa

gave us reason to pray continually and draw us closer to

Christ. I want you to remember this. When you see someone who

is suffering from earthly challenges, think of Melissa and

pray. What a great legacy to leave.

Melissa taught us to love, unconditionally and to pray

continually. There is no better gift. Through her suffering,

she allowed Jesus to shine upon us and show us His way of

love and prayer. She allowed Christ to use her suffering to

expand His kingdom. In closing, I say to Melissa, the words

of Matthew 11:28: ``Come to me, all who are tired from

carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. You are at

rest now. You have served your God and are now at rest.''

Thank you for letting Jesus use your illness to shine on

everyone you met. You are truly an angel sent from God and

inspiration to all of us.

Madam Speaker, I am happy to congratulate Stephen Gilchrist and his wife Tammie on the birth of their new son Daniel Bolden Gilchrist. Daniel was born on October 22, 2010, at 10:26 in the evening.

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

Madam Speaker, I am happy to congratulate Jason Rossbach and his wife Laurie on the birth of their new daughter Matilda Ann Graham Rossbach. Matilda was born on November 2, 2010, and is named after her two grandmothers.

She is 7 pounds and 20 inches of pride and joy to her parents, who I wish all the best with this new blessing.

Mr. Speaker, after a year of having their requests for job creation policies fall on deaf ears, the American people have not only spoken; they've been finally heard.

When it came to job creation, the American people made it perfectly clear they are no longer willing to play the waiting game. For 15 straight months over 14 million citizens have been without jobs. Despite these dismal numbers, liberal leaders in Congress continue to push for more strangling regulations and more government spending.

I believe this is a new day, with a new way forward, including extending tax cuts and passing tax relief for all Americans, while providing the incentives to business to create jobs.

It is now time to get the economy rolling, get people back to work, and get rid of Washington's runaway spending.

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

Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Specialist Joseph Deloach and Specialist Jeremiah Ashley, wounded warriors and American heroes whom I visited today receiving world-class care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Mr. Speaker, after months of disastrous job losses and free-for-all spending sprees, it is quite obvious that a new way forward is very much needed. Through town hall meetings, district tours, and interactive forums, House Republicans heard the pleas from hardworking Americans wanting to correct Washington's misplaced priorities.

Last week, we answered their call and provided concrete solutions for immediate action to create jobs, stop frivolous spending, enhance national security, improve health care, and reform a broken Washington.

Not only will we extend tax cuts for all Americans, we will, additionally, allow small business owners to take a tax deduction equal to 20 percent. This is crucial that we move quickly on this NFIB goal, as it will allow entrepreneurs to keep their own earnings for investments for new jobs.

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

Congratulations to Joy and Julian Wilson on the birth Friday, September 24, 2010, of Julian Dusenbury Wilson, Jr., at Lexington Medical Center in West Columbia, South Carolina.