Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Resolution 1385, to recognize and honor the courage and sacrifice of the members of the Armed Forces and of the veterans of our wars. Next week, we will be celebrating Memorial Day, and it is fitting that we take time to remember all those who have served this Nation in uniform so honorably and selflessly.

I look forward to being with the Navy League of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, at the Veterans Memorial Park next Monday. Last year, I was inspired to be with fellow members of the American Legion in Hampton, South Carolina.

We stand here today enjoying the fruits of freedom because good men and women from the Revolutionary War to present day have put the support of America and the ideals for which she stands above personal desires and preferences.

While estimates vary, it is certain that more than 1 million Americans have died in defense of this Nation. You may have known some of them. If you did, you should count yourself among the privileged. I hope you were as touched by their sacrifices as I have been by those I have known, people like Marine Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Trane McCloud--a military fellow in the congressional office I represent. He was killed in Iraq on December 3, 2006.

To Lieutenant Colonel Trane McCloud and to so many others like him over the years of our history, we owe so much. It is a debt that we can never really repay to extraordinary military families and widows, such as Maggie McCloud.

The only way I know how to even begin to express our thanks is to continue to support to the fullest extent possible those who now serve, to step forward and to publicly acknowledge their dedication and sacrifices for America. We should recognize and be grateful that, due to the sacrifices of American servicemembers, there is a broader spread of democracy and freedom today than in the history of the world, with dozens of new democracies, upon the defeat of Communism in the Cold War, from Poland to Mongolia and Bulgaria to Cambodia. Iraq and Afghanistan have been liberated from totalitarian despots in the global war on terrorism.

That's why what we are doing in this resolution and what we will do next week on Memorial Day is so important.

As the son of a World War II Flying Tiger who served in China, as a 31-year veteran of the Army Reserve and the Army National Guard, and as one with four sons currently serving in the military, I especially appreciate military service.

I want to thank Armed Services Committee Chairman Ike Skelton and Ranking Member Buck McKeon for cosponsoring this resolution, and I urge my colleagues to support it.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 1258, acknowledging the month of May as National Mental Health Month because it has helped raise awareness in our communities, which has contributed to removing the stigma associated with mental illness.

I would like to express my thanks to the organizations working to promote awareness of mental health and to educate families affected by mental illness. As a former president myself of the Mid Carolina Mental Health Association, I know firsthand of its success and significance.

I also appreciate my oldest son, Alan Wilson, has served on the Mental Health Association State Board. Your work is critical to increasing the quality of life for those with mental illness.

I am grateful to also work with Hidden Wounds, founded by Ann Bigham, a volunteer organization in Columbia, South Carolina, which provides services for our military and veterans who are successfully defeating terrorism overseas.

I would like to thank the author of the resolution, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano of California, for her leadership in helping Americans' well-being and addressing mental disorders.

I encourage all of my colleagues to vote in favor of this resolution.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, as we are recognizing Mental Health Month, I would also like to commend the National Alliance for Mentally Ill, NAMI. I was honored earlier this month to participate in the Mental Health Walk at the Riverwalk in West Columbia in the Midlands of south Carolina. The walk itself was organized by Buddy Wier. It was amazing to see hundreds of persons participate. There was competition between different businesses and the businesses participating. It was just really heartwarming to see such an outpouring of community support.

I look forward in October. The Mental Health Walk by NAMI will be on the beaches at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; and I look forward to participating at that time, again raising awareness of mental health issues and how communities and civic organizations and individuals can help persons who have mental health issues.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 1258, acknowledging the month of May as National Mental Health Month because it has helped raise awareness in our communities, which has contributed to removing the stigma associated with mental illness.

I would like to express my thanks to the organizations working to promote awareness of mental health and to educate families affected by mental illness. As a former president myself of the Mid Carolina Mental Health Association, I know firsthand of its success and significance.

I also appreciate my oldest son, Alan Wilson, has served on the Mental Health Association State Board. Your work is critical to increasing the quality of life for those with mental illness.

I am grateful to also work with Hidden Wounds, founded by Ann Bigham, a volunteer organization in Columbia, South Carolina, which provides services for our military and veterans who are successfully defeating terrorism overseas.

I would like to thank the author of the resolution, Congresswoman Grace Napolitano of California, for her leadership in helping Americans' well-being and addressing mental disorders.

I encourage all of my colleagues to vote in favor of this resolution.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, as we are recognizing Mental Health Month, I would also like to commend the National Alliance for Mentally Ill, NAMI. I was honored earlier this month to participate in the Mental Health Walk at the Riverwalk in West Columbia in the Midlands of south Carolina. The walk itself was organized by Buddy Wier. It was amazing to see hundreds of persons participate. There was competition between different businesses and the businesses participating. It was just really heartwarming to see such an outpouring of community support.

I look forward in October. The Mental Health Walk by NAMI will be on the beaches at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina; and I look forward to participating at that time, again raising awareness of mental health issues and how communities and civic organizations and individuals can help persons who have mental health issues.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, it is clear the American people are tired of business as usual in Washington, particularly when it comes to out-of-control spending. The images of the riots in Greece caused in part by overspending that led to an economic collapse should concern every single American. Between the $1 trillion government health care takeover, the $789 billion so-called stimulus, and the bankrupt cash-for-clunkers programs, America could be headed down the same path.

There is clearly no better time to get serious about the spending spree in Washington. I applaud Republican Whip Eric Cantor for launching YouCut, an easy, interactive way for all Americans to vote, both online and via cell phone on spending cuts they want Congress to enact. In the first week of this program, over 280,000 people cast their votes to cut the new Non-Reformed Welfare Program that cost $2.5 billion a year.

Please visit JoeWilson.house.gov or RepublicanWhip.house.gov to see this week's new options and cast your votes.

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

Madam Speaker, it is clear the American people are tired of business as usual in Washington, particularly when it comes to out-of-control spending. The images of the riots in Greece caused in part by overspending that led to an economic collapse should concern every single American. Between the $1 trillion government health care takeover, the $789 billion so-called stimulus, and the bankrupt cash-for-clunkers programs, America could be headed down the same path.

There is clearly no better time to get serious about the spending spree in Washington. I applaud Republican Whip Eric Cantor for launching YouCut, an easy, interactive way for all Americans to vote, both online and via cell phone on spending cuts they want Congress to enact. In the first week of this program, over 280,000 people cast their votes to cut the new Non-Reformed Welfare Program that cost $2.5 billion a year.

Please visit JoeWilson.house.gov or RepublicanWhip.house.gov to see this week's new options and cast your votes.

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

Madam Speaker, today I rise in support of House Resolution 584, recognizing the importance of manufactured and modular housing in the United States.

Manufactured housing is a good source of affordable housing in this country not only for home ownership but for rental housing as well. Currently, the manufactured housing and modular housing industries generate over $6 billion in annual revenues and employ over 70,000 people. As a result of this extensive industry, approximately 18 million people in the United States, representing all segments of the population, live in manufactured or modular homes.

I was educated on the importance of manufactured housing in South Carolina by Tom Lloyd of the Manufactured Housing Association. I know firsthand of the housing opportunities made possible by Leonard Sanford in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Manufactured and modular housing provides a critical solution to our country's supply of affordable housing. And due to the factory production process involved, manufactured and modular housing brings technological advances, value, and customization options for consumers seeking quality housing and sustainable home ownership.

The legislation before us recognizes and fully supports the goals and ideals of Manufactured Housing Week, and I urge my colleagues to support the resolution.

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, today I rise in support of House Resolution 584, recognizing the importance of manufactured and modular housing in the United States.

Manufactured housing is a good source of affordable housing in this country not only for home ownership but for rental housing as well. Currently, the manufactured housing and modular housing industries generate over $6 billion in annual revenues and employ over 70,000 people. As a result of this extensive industry, approximately 18 million people in the United States, representing all segments of the population, live in manufactured or modular homes.

I was educated on the importance of manufactured housing in South Carolina by Tom Lloyd of the Manufactured Housing Association. I know firsthand of the housing opportunities made possible by Leonard Sanford in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Manufactured and modular housing provides a critical solution to our country's supply of affordable housing. And due to the factory production process involved, manufactured and modular housing brings technological advances, value, and customization options for consumers seeking quality housing and sustainable home ownership.

The legislation before us recognizes and fully supports the goals and ideals of Manufactured Housing Week, and I urge my colleagues to support the resolution.

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

House Concurrent Resolution 137 expresses the sense of Congress regarding adequate housing options for persons with HIV-AIDS. Studies show that the rates of HIV infection are 3 to 16 times higher among persons who are homeless or unstably housed, and 70 percent of all persons living with HIV-AIDS report a lifetime experience of homelessness.

Currently, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, through its Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS, HOPWA, provides grants to eligible States and cities to provide housing assistance and related supportive services to meet the housing needs of low-income persons with HIV-AIDS and their families.

I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

House Concurrent Resolution 137 expresses the sense of Congress regarding adequate housing options for persons with HIV-AIDS. Studies show that the rates of HIV infection are 3 to 16 times higher among persons who are homeless or unstably housed, and 70 percent of all persons living with HIV-AIDS report a lifetime experience of homelessness.

Currently, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, through its Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS, HOPWA, provides grants to eligible States and cities to provide housing assistance and related supportive services to meet the housing needs of low-income persons with HIV-AIDS and their families.

I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, last night, members of the House Armed Services Committee completed the markup of the 2011 National Defense Authorization Act. I want to thank Chairman Ike Skelton and Ranking Member Buck McKeon for working to ensure America's heroes and military families are recognized for their service.

I am grateful for the ``Defend America Plan'' comprised of several amendments that include: labeling the Fort Hood and Little Rock shootings as part of the Global War on Terrorism; preventing the transfer of detainees from Guantanamo Bay; and demanding strategies to deal with Iran's missile and nuclear threat.

I want to thank my colleagues for supporting my amendment to ensure TRICARE is protected from the health care takeover. Their support is also appreciated on my Yucca Mountain amendment to help examine the reckless decision to close the waste repository and my amendment to promote the State Guard.

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

Mr. Speaker, I applaud the National Federation of Independent Business, better known as NFIB, for standing up for small businesses in the State of South Carolina, like OCS Doors of Beaufort, led by Jay Halloway, and the Sunset Grill of West Columbia, established by Betty Jackson. Employees at small businesses like these all across America are concerned about the impact of the job-killing mandates of the government health care takeover. The NFIB estimates the takeover will kill 1.6 million jobs. The NFIB stood up for small business employees last week when they joined 20 States, including South Carolina, in a lawsuit to overturn this government monstrosity. There are health care alternatives that Congress should consider, like the SWAP Act, which continues to cover preexisting conditions but will repeal the tax hikes and unaffordable mandates on individuals and small business owners.

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

Madam Speaker, more costly disclosures continue to come out about the government health care takeover. And why should we be surprised, when Speaker Pelosi told the American people that we need to--and I quote--``pass the bill so we can find out what is in it''?

The more we find out, the worse it looks. The latest analysis by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office reveals that the health care takeover will cost at least $115 billion more than originally estimated. This follows last month's CMS report that highlighted health care costs will increase by $311 billion over the next 10 years, and will force millions of seniors off their current Medicare coverage.

Washington must stop promising one thing and delivering another, particularly when it comes to price tags. If Congress continues to drag its feet, runaway deficits and unsustainable debt are sure to cripple our economy and would lead us down the same path as Greece.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism. My sympathy to the family of Betty Jackson Mack of Gaston, South Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, first there was a government scheme that offered financial incentives to upgrade to more energy efficient cars--Cash for Clunkers--and that program came in over budget--by 300 percent. Now Congress is trying to do the same thing again with Cash for Caulkers, a program designed to encourage you to make your home more energy efficient.

I support the bill's intent to encourage energy efficiency, but I believe there are other ways to achieve our energy goals without borrowing money we can't afford. This is the people's money, not the government's money. Almost $5 billion has already been spent on weatherization programs in the spending bill, and there is plenty of evidence that the funds have not been spent as they should. Despite the evidence, Congress decided last week to pile on another $6.6 billion at a time when Washington must get serious about spending.

The American people cannot afford for Congress to pass another multibillion-dollar bill we can't afford. Tough choices are needed to curb Washington's spending habits and Cash for Caulkers is one such easy choice to forgo.

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

Madam Speaker, while they are courageously serving our great Nation overseas, America's brave men and women in uniform are receiving sweet treats from South Carolina's Ms. Janet Cram, the Cookie Lady.

Ms. Cram, a Hilton Head Island resident, has organized Treat the Troops, a baking program to send delicious cookies to troops in harm's way.

She doesn't act alone in this endeavor. Her friends, also known as Crumbs, help her prepare the packages and batter. Baking over 2 million cookies for our troops, Jeanette and her Crumbs started this process in 1990 during the gulf war.

America is in a new era in which our soldiers are working around the world protecting American families at home by preventing additional acts of terrorism. It is uplifting to know that individuals like Jeanette and her Crumbs are doing their part to help our troops and sweeten their days.

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

Congratulations on the success of the National Day of Prayer. Welcome, Franklin Graham, to Capitol Hill.

Mr. Speaker, Congress should be considering job creation policies to get America's economy rolling once again. A proven method has been the research and development tax credit to stay competitive in the global marketplace and to keep high value research and development jobs.

This tax credit is only available for certain qualified research performed in the United States, and 70 percent or more of the benefits will go straight to the salaries of workers performing U.S.-based research. In South Carolina alone, more than 600 firms participate in research and development activity, spending more than $1.3 billion a year.

If Congress will increase the rate from 14 percent to 20 percent, we can promote more R&D jobs in the United States and ensure that South Carolina and America remain competitive for research-intensive companies. The United States now ranks 17th in the world when compared to incentives for private sector research, and I urge Congress to offer more support.

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