Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, the American people are tired of Washington politicians turning a deaf ear to their wishes and concerns. Two days ago, Congressman Dave Camp put forward a proposal to repeal the provisions in the government health care takeover that mandates Americans buy government-run insurance. But this popular proposal was defeated by Washington liberals by a vote of 187-230.

People in my home State of South Carolina do not want an out-of-touch Washington bureaucrat forcing them to buy government-run insurance. We support the lawsuit of Attorney General Henry McMaster. We must defend the Constitution. Washington bureaucrats do not know what is best for South Carolinians or their families. The government mandate is unconstitutional.

We need a constitutional alternative, and I have a solution: Siding With American Patients Act, SWAP Act, to repeal the government takeover and replace it with a patient-centered and affordable solution that expands access and continues to cover preexisting conditions.

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

Madam Speaker, State Senator T. Allen Legare, Jr. was an inspiration to me growing up in historic Charleston, South Carolina, as a gentleman promoting job creation with the State Development Board and the State Ports Authority. My attending Washington and Lee University was coordinated by him, who had attended W&L, with my mother, Wray Graves Wilson, who attended nearby Hollins College in Virginia.

The below article was printed in The Post and Courier on June 12, 2010.

The Post and Courier: Obituaries--Local Politician Dies

Thomas Allen Legare, Jr., a former S.C. senator and

Charleston-area lawyer, died Friday. He was 94.

A four-term senator from 1953 to 1966, Legare pushed for

bridge and highway improvements. He served as chairman of the

State Development Board, which set two records for industrial

development under his leadership. He was the board chairman

from 1969 to 1974.

For his public service as a legislator, the S.C. Department

of Highways and Public Transportation named the northbound

U.S. Highway 17 bridge over the Ashley River after Legare in

1978.

As a senator, he authored several bills that provided for

the expansion of the State Ports Authority. He was a two-term

Democratic representative from Charleston from 1947 to 1953.

In 1979, Legare received the University of South Carolina's

Distinguished Alumni Award. He earned his A.B. and law

degrees from the university in 1939 and 1941, respectively.

Legare was a past president and chairman of the alumni

association.

Legare was born in Charleston on July 22, 1915, to Thomas

A. Legare and Lilly Mikell Legare. In 1964 he formed the

Legare, Hare and Smith law firm in Charleston. He was an Army

veteran, serving in World War II in the European and China-

India-Burma theaters.

Legare was a former director of the Charleston Junior

Chamber of Commerce and the Lion's Club of Charleston. Other

memberships included the American Legion Post #10, the

Veterans' Advisory Council and the Carolina Yacht Club.

Legare was a longtime member of the Second Presbyterian

Church of Charleston.

He was predeceased by his wife, Virginia I. Green Legare,

and daughter, Irene G. Legare Wesley. Surviving are the

couple's three other children, Virginia G. Legare Townsend,

Sarah M. Legare Stuhr, and Edward T. Legare, all of Wadmalaw

Island.

Stuhr's Downtown Chapel is handling arrangements.

Mr. Speaker, a Marine Corps legend and Beaufort, South Carolina, resident, passed away on Friday, leaving behind many touched lives, an iconic image, and a legacy of service to our great country.

This is a copy of the iconic Marine Corps recruit photo of Sergeant Chuck Taliano. The story of how Sergeant Chuck Taliano ended up on this famous poster is best reported by Patrick Donahue in the Beaufort Gazette. The article explains that:

``Sergeant Chuck Taliano was awaiting an honorable discharge at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island in 1968 when a reservist writing a book about boot camp snapped a photo of him giving a recruit an `attitude readjustment.'

``That cemented Taliano's place in Corps legend.

``The photo captured his snarling mug inches from a fresh-faced recruit with the caption, `We don't promise you a rose garden.' It was on thousands of Marine Corps recruiting posters printed during the 1970s and 1980s.''

I want to thank Sergeant Taliano and his family for his commitment to America and the Marine Corps. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

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

Madam Speaker, I was absent from votes which occurred on June 14, 2010. Listed below is how I would have voted if I had been present.

Roll No. 355--H. Res. 1368--supporting the goals of National Dairy Month--``aye'';

Roll No. 356--H. Res. 1409--expressing support for designation of June 20, 2010, as ``American Eagle Day'', and celebrating the recovery and restoration of the bald eagle, the national symbol of the United States--``aye'';

Roll No. 357--H.R. 5502--to amend the effective date of the gift card provisions of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009--``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the United States Army celebrated its 235th birthday. Since the Continental Congress first created the Continental Army to protect and secure our new Nation, men and women have continued to make the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom and independence. For three centuries, from the Revolutionary War to D-day and the current global war on terrorism and every day in between, America's soldiers have performed bravely. The American military has achieved the largest number of countries living today in freedom and democracy in the history of the world.

I appreciate firsthand the Army as a 31-year veteran of the Army Reserve and Army Guard myself. Also, my father served in the Army Air Corps as a Flying Tiger in China and India. But more meaningful to me is that I have three sons today serving in the Army National Guard, with my oldest son an Iraq veteran of the field artillery. On this 235th birthday, I extend my appreciation to those who have served or are currently serving and especially to those family and friends of soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of liberty.

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

Madam Speaker, twenty years ago today, I served as an election observer in Bulgaria on behalf of the International Republican Institute (IRI)

It was a life changing dream come true for me to experience firsthand the birth of liberty in a captive nation, which had been subjected for decades to Nazism and Communism. As a lifelong Cold Warrior I always promoted victory over Communism. A strong American military developed by President Ronald Reagan produced peace through strength and veterans today can see with pride more counties than ever as free market democracies.

On June 10, 1990, the people of Bulgaria participated in the first free elections since the 1930s. It was inspiring to visit polling places in the Plovdiv region and witness the young and old participating freely. The talented people of Bulgaria were unshackled. People did not want to be a slavish Soviet satellite. I have developed a lifelong affection for the people of Bulgaria.

Since then, Bulgaria has evolved from the antiquated ``frozen in time'' nation of the 1930s to being a vibrant free market democracy of today. It is now a valued member of NATO with troops having served in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is a dynamic member of the European Union. On the evening before the election in Plovdiv I met a musician who explained how he was inspired by Armed Forces Radio out of Greece with his favorite composer John Philip Sousa--as he stated, ``Stars and Stripes Forever.'' I responded, ``Bulgaria Forever.''

Two years ago I visited the training base at Novo Selo where young Bulgarian and American troops participate in joint training exercises. The American base was the first invited of foreign troops in Bulgaria's 1225 year history. I particularly appreciate Ambassador Elena Poptodrova for her promotion of the Bulgaria-America partnership. I am grateful for my first Bulgarian hosts Stefan Stoyanor, his wife Elizabeth and daughter Jana. Their warm Bulgarian welcome will never be forgotten.

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

Mr. Speaker, 20 years ago today, I served as an election observer in Bulgaria on behalf of the International Republican Institute, IRI. It was a life-changing dream come true for me to experience firsthand the birth of liberty in a captive nation which had been subjected for decades to Nazism and Communism. As a lifelong Cold Warrior, I always promoted victory over Communism.

On June 10, 1990, the people of Bulgaria participated in the first free elections since the 1930s. It was inspiring to visit polling places in the Plovdiv region and witness the young and old participating freely. The talented people of Bulgaria were unshackled. People did not want to be a slavish Soviet satellite.

Since then, Bulgaria has evolved from the antiquated, frozen-in-time nation of the 1930s to being a vibrant free market democracy of today. It is now a valued member of NATO, with troops having served in Iraq and Afghanistan. It is a dynamic member of the European Union.

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

Today, I rise to recognize Rev. Eddie Lee Carter on the occasion of his retirement from serving here in the House where since 2004 Rev. Carter has been repairing and shining shoes.

Rev. Eddie Lee Carter and I have a shared heritage. He was born at Beech Island, South Carolina, and my grandfather was born at Beech Island, in Aiken County, South Carolina. At a very young age, his family moved to Augusta, Georgia, which was nearby, and he attended elementary school with the world-famous musician James Brown, another great South Carolinian.

Rev. Carter first began to work on shoes as a young man, even before he joined the Army in 1953. Rev. Carter was stationed primarily in Germany while serving in the Army. A musician himself, he was renowned for singing and entertaining generals when they passed through the post. In 1955, Rev. Carter left the Army with the rank of corporal and later moved to Washington from Augusta to work at Stern Shoe Repair.

In 1992, he was ordained a Methodist minister. On June 7, 2004, Rev. Carter came to work at the U.S. Capitol repairing and shining shoes. He currently lives at Fort Washington, Maryland, with his wife, Molly Anthony Carter. They have been married for 28 years. He has a son, and Mrs. Carter has two sons. On Friday, he plans to retire to spend more time with the congregation.

Personally, I will always remember Rev. Carter's cheerfulness and encouragement, his quiet reading of the Bible, and his proud wearing of U.S.-South Carolina flag pin.

Godspeed, Rev. Carter.

Amendment No. 7 Offered by Mr. Price of Georgia

Madam Speaker, listed below is how I would have voted if I had been present on June 8, 2010.

Roll Number 337--H.R. 1061--to transfer certain land to the United States to be held in trust for the Hoh Indian Tribe, to place land into trust for the Hoh Indian Tribe, and for other purposes--``aye.''

Roll Number 338--H. Res. 518--honoring the life of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, explorer, researcher, and pioneer in the field of marine conservation--``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the administration held a town hall by telephone with seniors across the country to promote a health care takeover bill that costs more by the minute. Seniors need more than a sales pitch. They need to know the facts about this bill.

Fifty percent who depend on Medicare Advantage could lose this coverage. The impact of the bill could be devastating. In Texas, 300 doctors have already stopped seeing seniors. Seniors' loved ones will be deeply impacted by the takeover bill with a $2,100 hit. This is the amount the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office has predicted that early retirees, the self-employed, small business workers, and millions of others who buy family coverage in the individual market will pay more for their health insurance.

Instead of spending time selling a broken product, lawmakers need to repeal it and offer seniors a patient-centered health care plan that lowers costs and expands access.

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

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee for including an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act to require a detailed report on the ramifications of closing the Yucca Mountain Waste Repository.

Before the administration irresponsibly walks away from a $10 billion investment and a 23-year bipartisan agreement, we need to provide America's taxpayers and decisionmakers with adequate information.

To lessen our dependence on foreign oil, we must remain committed to investing in developing technologies. Nuclear energy is a clean, safe, and cost-effective energy source that has provided over half of the electricity generated in South Carolina for over 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 11th in the global war on terrorism during Memorial Day activities.

Mr. Speaker, benefits for our military men and women, as explained in the Army Times, should not be used as props in political games. The process of the final version of the ``tax extenders'' bill is Washington shenanigans at its worst. Combining tax increases and unrelated spending with legitimate needs for our military men and women is insulting. I am confident the American people will see straight through these games.

I am a long-time supporter of concurrent receipt and finally ending the disability tax on retirees eligible for military and veterans benefits. There are over 153 lawmakers who are supportive of eliminating this inequity, and yet the political trap has been added with this tax increase, causing a ``no'' vote.

As the ranking member on the Military Personnel Subcommittee, I know that our military personnel deserve more from their lawmakers than these political games.

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

I thank the gentleman from California for yielding.

As the ranking member of the Military Personnel Subcommittee, there are a few issues I would like to highlight with regard to this year's National Defense Authorization Act.

I am pleased the act adopted the Military Personnel Subcommittee mark in full and adopted some important amendments. Of note in the mark was a 1.9 percent basic pay raise for the military, as proposed in my bill,

Mr. Speaker, Republicans are leading the charge on creative interactive initiatives that give the American people a seat in Congress. Hardworking taxpayers are rightfully frustrated by business as usual in Washington, particularly when it comes to liberals dragging their feet on job creation bills while continuing to rack up government spending.

AmericaSpeakingOut.com, launched yesterday by Chief Deputy Whip Kevin McCarthy, will provide a forum for concerned Americans to make their

voices heard and share policy concepts. I believe that this online forum will have more job creation proposals and more concepts on how to cut spending in just 1 day than the Washington liberals have presented all year.

I encourage South Carolina residents and Americans across the country to go to AmericaSpeakingOut.com to amplify your proposals on fiscal accountability, national security, American jobs, and values. It is time for you to speak out and speak up.

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

When it comes to addressing the budget, competition is key. This principle applies to everything from produce to clothing items to defense procurement.

As the House considers the National Defense Authorization Act this week and an amendment impeding competition between fighter engines, it is important that we keep the merits of this principle in mind in order to continue to protect thousands of jobs and save taxpayers billions of dollars. History shows that competing fighter engines significantly reduce program costs while improving safety, reliability, and contractor responsiveness.

Controlling costs, spurring innovation, and accelerating weapons systems readiness and performance are just a few major reasons why we must continue the F-136 program. Without competition, we would rely on a single engine, which could lead to unnecessary

operational risk and the potential for grounding of the entire fleet if a glitch is found. The F-136 prevents this troubling scenario.

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