Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, South Carolinians are grateful to express appreciation for the life of Carl Gooding, also known as ``The Big Dog'', of Allendale County, whose dedication to public service will be eternalized in his community, and honored by his friends and family. His daily morning radio talk show on WDOG-AM has been an inspiration promoting the citizens of Allendale and Barnwell counties. I include in the Record the following obituary provided by Keith Smith Funeral Services:

Hugh ``Carl'' Gooding

It is with profound sadness that the Gooding family

announces the passing of Hugh ``Carl'' Gooding,

affectionately known to his family as ``Grandpa Carl'' and

throughout the Lowcountry as ``The Big Dog''. Mr. Gooding

entered into eternal rest on Sunday, July 5, 2026, leaving

behind a legacy of service, leadership, and unwavering

dedication to the people of Allendale County and the

Lowcountry of South Carolina.

Carl was born on September 17, 1945, in Hampton County,

South Carolina, to the late Hugh Woodrow Gooding and Addie

Mae Williams Gooding. He was a 1963 graduate of Wade Hampton

High School, before making Allendale County his lifelong home

alongside his beloved wife of more than sixty years, Lisa

Bell Gooding.

A respected businessman and civic leader, Carl devoted his

life to improving the quality of life for the citizens of

Allendale County and the surrounding region. He faithfully

served on the Allendale County Council for more than twenty

years, retiring in December 2022. Throughout his

distinguished public service, he held numerous regional and

statewide leadership positions, including service on the

Savannah River Site Redevelopment Authority, the South

Carolina State Board for Technical and Comprehensive

Education, the USC Salkehatchie Educational Foundation

Partnership Board, and the Southern Carolina Regional

Development Alliance, where he served in several leadership

roles, including Chairman. His efforts helped recruit

billions of dollars in private investment and thousands of

jobs to rural South Carolina.

Carl's passion for broadcasting became one of his greatest

legacies. In 1982, he and Lisa purchased Good Radio

Broadcasting Corporation, and in 1983 established the current

home of WDOG Radio in Allendale. Known to generations simply

as ``The Big Dog,'' Carl became one of the region's most

recognizable voices, entertaining listeners daily on the

beloved Chit Chat Show alongside his son, Rick. He also

became the unmistakable voice of Friday night high school

football, alongside his son Rick and more recently his

grandson Raleigh. He will forever be known for bringing

excitement and hometown pride to countless broadcasts

throughout the Lowcountry.

His dedication to community service earned him numerous

honors, including being named Allendale County Citizen of the

Year, South Carolina Economic Ambassador for Allendale

County, the Outstanding Commitment to Economic Development

Award, and many other civic and business recognitions. In

2024, he received South Carolina's highest civilian honor,

the Order of the Palmetto, in recognition of his

extraordinary contributions to the state.

Outside of public service, Carl cherished the outdoors. He

was an avid hunter, fisherman, and golfer who loved the

beauty of the Lowcountry. Whether spending time on the water,

in the woods, or on the golf course with his HOBOS golfing

buddies, Carl treasured fellowship and friendship as much as

competition.

More than any title or accomplishment, Carl will be

remembered for his warm personality, quick wit, generous

spirit, and genuine love for people. His impact on Allendale

County will continue to be felt for generations through the

lives he touched, the opportunities he helped create, and the

community he loved so dearly.

Carl leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of more

than sixty years, Lisa Bell Gooding; his son, Charles

``Rick'' Gooding, and daughter-in-law, Rebecca; his

grandchildren, Ashley Davis (Carey) and Raleigh Freeman; his

great-grandson, Harbor Davis; his brothers, Gene Gooding

(Susan) and Woodrow ``Woody'' Gooding (Beth); his brother-in-

law, Charles ``Chuck'' Bell, Jr.; three nephews, one niece, a

host of great nephews and nieces, a family friend Edward Lee

Sanders, and a host of extended family members, lifelong

friends, and countless listeners whose lives were enriched by

knowing him.

Carl's life was one of purpose, service, and faith. Though

he will be deeply missed, his legacy will live on in the

family he loved the community he faithfully served, and the

countless memories shared by all who had the privilege of

knowing ``The Big Dog''. May he rest in eternal peace.

Madam Speaker, South Carolinians are shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham.

Senator Graham enthusiastically served the people of the Palmetto State and America as a public servant and veteran. As a patriot, tireless for peace through strength, he successfully challenged totalitarians.

President Donald Trump memorialized Graham as one of the greatest people and Senators he has ever known.

The New York Post analyzed that ``all Americans of good will should be inspired to keep up his lifelong fights for freedom, decency, and justice.''

The Wall Street Journal editorialized that the death of Lindsey Graham ``is a loss for the country and the cause of global freedom.''

All three generations of the Wilson family extend deepest sympathy with our thoughts and prayers for the family led by his sister, Darline Graham Nordone, of Lexington.

In conclusion, God bless our troops. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, and insulting Trump and mocking Trump, which inspired Senator Graham to successfully achieve legislative sanctioning of war criminal Putin.

Mr. Speaker, I thank very much Congressman Clyburn for yielding.

Indeed, it is bipartisan this evening with our delegation, and South Carolina so appreciates the remarkable service and successes of Senator Lindsey Graham.

It is so personal to me that I got to meet him in his public service. As staff judge advocate to the army air guard, he was staff judge advocate to the air guard. I thank him for his public service and service in the military.

He served in the State House of South Carolina, the U.S. House of Representatives, and obviously in the U.S. Senate, but he was dedicated to the people of South Carolina.

It is really incredible that during the last week of his service, he was present with President Trump for the NATO meetings with Ankara. While he was there, he met with President Ahmad al-Sharaa of Syria and proclaimed that we need to give Syria a chance. He understood how important it is to have a stable and secure Syria as himself being a proponent of a stable and sovereign Israel.

He has always stood with Israel. Then, on Friday, of all things, he had the opportunity to be in Kyiv, Ukraine, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy where he, again, was so forceful in pointing out that indeed the sanctions bill, as has been agreed to by President Donald Trump, puts sanctions on war criminal Putin.

While he was there, he also toured a drone manufacturing facility. He returned back to the United States on Saturday, and he actually had a very positive conversation with President Donald Trump. Then, almost immediately after that call, he sadly had a chronic acute heart attack and passed away.

In the meantime, today is a very significant day in that our Governor Henry McMaster I think has made an incredible choice and that is to appoint the sister of Senator Lindsey Graham, Darline, to be the new U.S. Senator from South Carolina.

As we are remembering Senator Graham, we can just cherish so many memories that all of us had.

Mr. Speaker, I now move for a moment of silence.

Madam Speaker, I send to the desk a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 7 o'clock and 14 minutes p.m.), under its previous order and pursuant to House Resolution 1424, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 10 a.m., for morning-hour debate and noon for legislative business, as a further mark of respect to the memory of the late Honorable Senator Lindsey Graham.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Megan Amen, for her service to the country and the 2nd District of South Carolina.

Throughout her four-year time in the office, Megan has been an invaluable member of our team, focused on the challenging responsibility of keeping my daily and long-term schedule running smoothly.

She also had the added duties of overseeing a legislative portfolio covering several important issue areas, including her work in supporting Armed Services legislation.

Megan graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in dance and political science from Rutgers University, then followed up, with a Master of Arts degree in international relations from Arizona State University.

Though a native of Arizona, Megan will always be fondly regarded as an honorary South Carolinian for her commitment to SC-02.

Megan will be missed, but we wish her well in her new duties serving with the USO, which is such a valued institution for service members and families worldwide.

Mr. Speaker, for more than a decade, the people of Syria have endured conflict, terrorism, displacement, and immense humanitarian suffering. Today, the United States, together with its Coalition partners, remains committed to the enduring defeat of ISIS and to advancing conditions that promote regional security, protect civilian populations, and prevent the reemergence of terrorist organizations that threaten the American people, our allies, and our interests abroad.

The collapse of the brutal Assad dictatorship presents new opportunities for advancing counterterrorism objectives working with the new administration in Syria and partner forces committed to stability and security in the region. While significant progress has been achieved, lasting peace and prosperity requires continued coordination among military, diplomatic, humanitarian, and reconstruction partners.

The Damascus Coordination Center represents a new chapter in a cooperative effort, implementing President Trump's vision for Syria and the region. The Center serves as a forum for cooperation among United States Government agencies, Coalition members, Syrian authorities, private-sector, and international organizations to advance security, stabilization, humanitarian assistance, explosive ordnance mitigation, economic recovery, infrastructure restoration, and the safe and voluntary return of displaced persons consistent with United States law and policy.

The United States recognizes that enduring stability in Syria cannot be achieved through military means alone. It requires effective governance, accountable institutions, economic opportunity, protection of religious and ethnic minorities, respect for human dignity, and sustained national, and international partnership.

It is critical that departments and agencies of the Executive Branch within their respective authorities actively engage with the Damascus Coordination Center to further these shared objectives.

United States allies, international organizations, humanitarian institutions, private-sector partners, and nations committed to the enduring defeat of terrorism must support coordinated efforts to foster peace, stability, reconstruction, and prosperity for the Syrian people.

The United States remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that ISIS and other terrorist organizations can never again use Syrian territory to threaten the American homeland, our allies, or the international community. Through unity of purpose, responsible leadership, and sustained partnership, we reaffirm our commitment to a secure, stable, and prosperous Syria.

Mr. Speaker, President Donald Trump and House Republicans are helping keep families safe.

Border provisions in the Working Families Tax Cut Act secured the addition of completing hundreds of miles of border wall with advanced border technology, hiring 10,000 new Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers, 3,000 new Border Patrol agents, and strengthening the Coast Guard operations targeting drug trafficking and human smuggling.

A secure border is the first defense for American families.

In conclusion, God bless our troops. President Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump, providing targeting information to Iran to murder Americans and Israelis.

This weekend, South Carolina Republicans convened to celebrate the nearly 70 percent primary victory of Alan Wilson for Governor, with teammates Mike Reichenbach for Lieutenant Governor, David Stumbo for attorney general, Ellen Weaver for superintendent of education, and Cody Simpson for agriculture commissioner.

Mr. Speaker, as Co-Chair and founder of the Congressional Bulgaria Caucus, I rise to recognize Valentin Nikolov as he leaves Washington to begin his next diplomatic assignment at the Permanent Representation of Bulgaria in Strasbourg, France.

For more than five years, Valentin has vigorously served as Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister Plenipotentiary at the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria. Throughout his time in Washington, he has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to strengthening the partnership between the United States and the Republic of Bulgaria, fostering deeper connections and lasting ties between our nations.

With nearly 40 years of experience in diplomacy and international affairs, Valentin has held senior positions within Bulgaria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and representing the country within the European Union, United Nations, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo.

Beyond his impressive professional accomplishments, Valentin has been a loyal friend and valued colleague. I am grateful for his years of dedicated service in Washington and wish him continued success promoting the dynamic people of Bulgaria.

Mr. Speaker, fraud diverts programs meant for families, seniors, children, veterans, and small businesses. It rewards criminals who know the government will often pay first and ask questions later.

House Republicans have passed legislation, including the Fraud Prevention Accountability Act, led by our Speaker Mike Johnson to help agencies verify eligibility, share information, and stop suspicious payments before the money is distributed.

House Republicans are exposing fraud by investigating programs, recovering stolen dollars, and giving whistleblowers a voice.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump, intentionally murdering Ukrainian civilians while destroying churches.

Congratulations Attorney General Alan Wilson with a 69 percent Republican primary victory yesterday for Governor of South Carolina. I appreciate the endorsement of Donald Trump, Nancy Mace, and Ralph Norman.

I extend my sympathy on the passing of Commissioner Jo Anne Whitehead, the beloved wife of Chairman Lyman Whitehead of Irmo, South Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the U.S. Thai Alliance Caucus, I want to offer my sympathy to the royal family and people of Thailand. I include in the Record the following announcement by the Royal Household Bureau:

Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha

Narendiradebyavati passed away on Thursday night at the age

of 47, the Royal Household Bureau announced on Friday

morning.

The princess died peacefully at King Chulalongkorn Memorial

Hospital at 7:48 pm on Thursday despite receiving continuous

medical care from a team of doctors who had closely monitored

and treated her condition to the best of their abilities.

HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha had been hospitalized since Dec

15, 2022, after collapsing due to a heart-related condition

while training her pet dog in Pak Chong district of Nakhon

Ratchasima province the previous day.

Since May 21, the royal medical team had been closely

monitoring the health of HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha due to a

severe infection that remained uncontrolled and affected the

function of several major organ systems, the bureau said in a

statement issued on Friday.

According to the statement, doctors detected an abdominal

infection caused by inflammation of the large intestine in

April. This caused HRH's condition to become unstable,

further causing low blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat

and abnormal blood clotting.

According to the announcement, her condition gradually

deteriorated thereafter until her passing on Thursday night.

His Majesty the King has commanded the Royal Household

Bureau to arrange royal funeral rites with the highest honors

in accordance with royal tradition. HRH Princess

Bajrakitiyabha will lie in state at Phiman Rattaya Throne

Hall in the Grand Palace, Bangkok.

HRH Princess Bajrakitiyabha was the eldest daughter of His

Majesty the King and HRH Princess Soamsawali Krom Muen

Suddhanarinatha.

Mr. Speaker, today we celebrate the life and legacy of a remarkable South Carolinian, a true giant in American music, widely regarded as the Father of Modern American Opera, Carlisle Floyd.

Born in Latta, South Carolina, in 1926, Carlisle Floyd would have turned 100 on June 11. During his life, he carried with him the stories, sounds, and spirit of the American South throughout his extraordinary career. From those roots, he created operas that spoke not only to our region, but to the nation and the world.

His works--most notably Susannah and Of Mice and Men--redefined what American opera could be. They brought everyday people to the operatic stage, told deeply human stories in an unmistakably American voice, and made the art form more accessible, more relevant, and more enduring. In doing so, he inspired generations of composers, performers, and audiences.

Beyond his compositions, he was a dedicated educator and institutional leader, helping to build and elevate programs like the Houston Grand Opera Studio, where he mentored young artists and ensured the future of American opera would remain vibrant and innovative.

And through it all, he remained a proud son of South Carolina-- earning recognition including the Order of the Palmetto, our state's highest civilian honor.

As we mark the centennial of his birth, we celebrate more than his achievements--we celebrate his impact. His music continues to be performed on stages across the country and around the world, reminding us that great art has the power to connect, to challenge, and to endure.

Carlisle Floyd's legacy is a testament to the richness of American creativity and the profound contributions that can come from a small town in South Carolina

I am grateful to honor his life, his work, and his lasting imprint on American culture.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in support of H.R. 5248 and specifically Section 8 regarding subnational diplomacy, an effort I was grateful to champion with my colleague Ted Lieu.

H.R. 5248 is an important piece of the much larger effort to reauthorize the functions and operations of the Department. At the start of the 119th Congress, more than 85 percent of the Department was unauthorized. H.R. 5248 authorizes the Department's bureaus and offices charged with sanctions policy, critical mineral supply chain diversification, energy security, and building a cadre of well-trained economic policy diplomats.

H.R. 5248 includes important reforms to the Department, aligning resources with the America First foreign policy agenda. This bill puts commercial diplomacy at the forefront of our diplomatic efforts, prioritizing American businesses and protecting American industries.

H.R. 5248 includes section 8 which was introduced as a standalone bill in previous Congresses. In the 119th Congress, this is H.R. 5323, authorizing the office of Subnational Diplomacy. This office supports local governments across the country who trying to attract foreign direct investment to their area. This is especially important in districts like mine which has massive investments from Bridgestone, Michelin, Rolls-Royce Power Systems, Prysmian Group, and BAE Systems. I am pleased that this bill, which I worked on with my colleagues Rep. Lieu and Rep. Meeks, is moving forward today.

H.R. 5248 is a truly bipartisan product. It was praised during the Foreign Affairs Committee mark-up in September by Ranking Member Meeks and it reflects a long-overdue rebalancing of the Department's priorities--emphasizing commercial diplomacy and economic growth.

Madam Speaker, with blatant complicity by Democrats, America had open-border policies, millions of illegal aliens crossing, human trafficking of children, and fentanyl trafficking, killing tens of thousands of young Americans.

House Republicans are funding law enforcement to secure the border. Yesterday, Republicans passed the Secure America Act, funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement and U.S. Customs. Key components include Border Patrol agents, surveillance technology, and child exploitation investigators.

Under the leadership of President Donald Trump, Border Patrol has released zero illegal aliens this year, using current laws, not needing immigration reform.

Yesterday, in the South Carolina Republican primary, I am grateful that my son, Alan Wilson, the longest serving attorney general in America, achieved the runoff on June 23 to serve the people of South Carolina.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as Donald Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump, as war criminal Putin provides targeting information to Iran to murder Americans.

South Carolina mourns the passing yesterday of Butch Wallace, who will always be cherished as a civic leader and an American patriot.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Gilbert ``Butch'' Wallace, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and public servant whose impact on our community will be felt for generations.

Butch is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Carolyn Wallace, their two daughters, Heather Wallace and Michelle Boone, and grandson Tyler Muller. Together they built a family grounded in faith, service, and love.

The Wilson family always welcomed him as ``Uncle Butch,'' Attorney General Alan Wilson and Palmetto State Armory founder Julian Wilson were especially encouraged by ``Uncle Butch.''

A Florida native, Butch attended Florida State University where he earned a degree in Communications and Business. He went on to build a successful State Farm Agency, serving his community for 48 years. Through his work, he not only helped countless families and businesses, but also, created jobs and contributed to the economic growth of our state.

For more than 20 years, Butch has served as a valued member of my staff, where he touched the lives of countless South Carolinians, including my own. His wisdom and unwavering commitment to others made him an indispensable member of Team Wilson and a trusted friend of all those who worked alongside him.

His dedication to service extended far beyond his professional life. He was deeply involved in his community serving as a Charter Member and President of the West Metro Rotary Club, President of the National Kidney Foundation of South Carolina, a member of the National Federation of Independent Business State Advisory Council, and a member of the Boy Scouts of America Indian Waters Council Board. Additionally, in 2019, he was a recipient of the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian award.

His commitment to civic engagement led him to serve in many political leadership roles including as Chairman of the Lexington County Republican Party and as a delegate to many state and county conventions.

Butch lived a life defined by service, integrity, and kindness. South Carolina is better because of his contributions, and all who knew him are better for having called him a friend. He leaves behind a legacy of leadership, compassion, and service that will endure long beyond his lifetime.

May we honor Butch by striving to serve others with the same dedication and grace that he demonstrated throughout his remarkable life.