Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, yesterday, cowardly homicide bombers murdered over 100 people in two car bombs in Baghdad, the deadliest mass slaughter in 2 years. The enemies of freedom in Iraq show they intend to continue to kill innocent civilians to threaten stability in the region and American families.

President Obama correctly praised the courage and resilience of the Iraqi people and their determination to build strong institutions. Secretary of State Clinton made it clear that these terrorists would ``not deter Iraqis from administering justice based on the rule of law and carrying out their legitimate responsibilities in governing Baghdad.'' And Prime Minister Maliki underlined the need to fight the enemy of Iraq and America, recognizing al Qaeda as perpetrators of this heinous atrocity.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. We appreciate the Kurdish Regional Government delegation, a dynamic part of Iraq, visiting Washington today.

Mr. Speaker, President Obama was correct when he stated as a candidate for President last year, ``Our troops and our NATO allies are performing heroically in Afghanistan, but I have argued for years that we lack the resources to finish the job . . . And that is why, as President, I will make the fight against al Qaeda the top priority that it should be. This is a war we have to win.''

Our President has chosen CENTCOM Commander David Petraeus and General Stanley McChrystal to implement a strategy in Afghanistan that would train Afghani security forces, destroy terrorist elements, prevent the Taliban from providing safe haven to terrorists, and promote political and civil development in Afghanistan.

Moving forward, we must provide the reinforcements that General McChrystal has requested. Indecision will only endanger our soldiers and empower our enemies.

I agree with Vice President Dick Cheney: The President is dithering. Democrats and Republicans should join, as President Obama said in his Democratic acceptance speech, to finish the fight against the terrorists.

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

Madam Speaker, I am honored to submit the following poem written by Ms. Taylor Catherine Feda of Columbia, South Carolina. Taylor sadly passed away on July 6, 2007. She is remembered as a kind and generous daughter and friend as well as an excellent student at Dutch Fork High School where she excelled in writing poetry.

Her parents, Jim and Michelin Feda of Irmo, were so kind to share the following poem penned by Taylor and included in the 2008 Dutch Fork High School literary magazine Revelations.

Monster

What do you find in the truth,

but something in it's most pure original form.

Something you must accept and respect on its own terms.

People can never really accept the truth,

They want to hide it with their own shades,

Or betray it as something more ideal for their needs and

wants.

But maybe the truth is what we need,

And once we accept its purity,

Maybe it's exactly everything we want?

I'm sick of seeing the ones I care about leap over the truth

and jump right off the ledge of thinking straight,

or hoping things will change.

I'd like them to view things as I do,

With the glass half-full,

give or take a few sips of confidence in what the outcome

will be either way.

The truth is about acceptance, and betrayal,

love and hopeless mistakes of reading the road signs that

lead the other direction,

those road signs possibly leading to ditches of deception or

a simple glimpse of happiness.

The truth is a monster that hurts people,

but somehow heals their vision of thinking things are

perfect and surreal.

Let's accept it,

Embrace it,

Defy it.

Mr. Speaker, over the weekend, I hosted the first congressional town halls ever held at Barnwell High School for Barnwell and Aiken Counties; at North High School for Orangeburg, Calhoun and Southern Lexington Counties; and at Wade Hampton High School in Varnville for Hampton, Allendale and Jasper Counties.

At each town hall, I was inspired by the enthusiastic and concerned citizens who support health insurance reform such as H.R. 3400, but they oppose a big government health care takeover. They see the administration's efforts as an attack on senior citizens and small businesses. They are shocked at bills that would kill jobs in communities with record unemployment.

I am grateful for the historic record-setting turnouts at town halls across the Second Congressional District in Columbia, Lexington, Beaufort, and Hilton Head. I look forward to the town hall this Saturday at Oakwood-Windsor Elementary School for citizens of Aiken County.

Town hall participation is making a difference, limiting government. And expanding freedoms.

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

Mr. Speaker, Democrat policies in Washington are creating uncertainty across America. This uncertainty is chilling job creation, and small businesses have to wait and see when the next tax increase or government mandate is going to arrive. Whether it is more government intrusion into the financial sector, a national energy tax, devaluation of their dollar, a Big Government health care takeover, small businesses see a Democrat agenda that is out of touch with their needs.

Further promoting this uncertainty is the Democrats' refusal to provide the transparency they promised. Long gone are the plans to draft a health care bill in public. Now those decisions are made behind closed doors. The Democrat leadership is even refusing to hold a vote on a proposal to have all legislation available online for 72 hours.

We need to say ``yes'' on H.R. 3400, health insurance reform. Republicans have a bill for access and affordability, and I urge my Democrat colleagues to consider H.R. 3400.

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

Madam Speaker, small businesses are doing all they can to create jobs and bring our economy back to life. Unfortunately in Washington, Democrats have decided to scheme new taxes and mandates as a part of their Big Government takeover of the health care system. With 263,000 more jobs lost last month, it is shocking that Democrats believe now is the time to punish small business that creates the majority of jobs in America.

The National Federation of Independent Business has revealed the Big Government Democrat health takeover would cost 1.6 million jobs in the United States. Destroying jobs will make it harder, not easier, for individuals to afford health care.

We need H.R. 3400 to target reforms to our health insurance system, like shopping for plans across State lines, association health plans for small businesses, and tax credits for individuals to purchase insurance.

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

Madam Speaker, The U.S. News and World Report, in their publication titled ``America's Best Colleges 2010'', recently named The Citadel as the No. 1 best value among master's degree-granting colleges in the South. This is a tremendous recognition for the cadets, students, faculty, and administration of this esteemed South Carolina institution. In addition to being the best value, The Citadel was also named the No. 2 best public institution that offers a master's degree in the South and the No. 5 among all master's degree- granting colleges and universities in the South that offers a master's degree.

Born and raised in Charleston, I have been a longtime admirer and supporter of The Citadel. For 167 years, it has educated and built strong leaders in our military and civilian communities. It remains an important part of South Carolina's heritage of service. I know firsthand of its benefits with three brothers-in-law and two nephews who are graduates of The Citadel. I never cease to be amazed at the achievements of Citadel graduates, such as Brigadier General Larry Nicholson who I met in Helmand Province of Afghanistan where he is leading our courageous Marines.

I am grateful to have known so many graduates such as Congressman J. Gresham Barrett and Congressman Steve Buyer of this important institution and will continue to be a proud supporter. Under the leadership of its President, LTG John W. Rosa, The Citadel is a valued national institution.

Mr. Speaker, more Americans are looking for jobs, families are in crisis and facing the tragedy of foreclosure.

Yet in Washington, Democrats continue to push their out-of-touch agenda, which will eliminate jobs and tax families and small businesses. Under the Democrat national energy tax, prices will skyrocket to heat and cool homes, drive cars and shop for food.

Under the Democrat Big Government health care takeover, senior citizens are under attack. Families and small businesses will pay more taxes as they are forced to navigate a sea of new regulations and mandates from a health czar.

In the meantime, Democrats are scheming new ways to borrow taxpayer dollars to top this year's record $1.4 trillion deficit. Such actions will only increase the catastrophe of high unemployment.

We need to end this attack on senior citizens and small businesses. Both parties should work helping our small businesses get families back to work.

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

Mr. Speaker, as the Senate Finance Committee votes on their version of the health care takeover, the American people see business as usual in Washington--more spending, more government, and more taxes.

The American people are more and more shocked with these big government schemes. They understand that we need a set of reforms that will not hurt small businesses or families through tax penalties and unintelligible government mandates. We do not need thousands of more pages of regulations controlled by a health czar, the most powerful and all-wise person on Earth.

Republicans continue to offer solutions that promote potential of our proven free market system. We can help families and small businesses secure affordable health care regardless of preexisting conditions and ensure choice. We must protect the doctor-patient relationship for senior citizens and protect jobs.

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

Madam Speaker, I wish to express my deepest sympathies for the people of India and Afghanistan after a cowardly homicide bomb attack outside the Indian Embassy in Kabul this morning. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families who have lost loved ones. As the former co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on India and Indian Americans and current co-chair of the Afghanistan Caucus, I am personally concerned.

These bloodthirsty attacks are a clear sign that we face a determined enemy. But our fight in Afghanistan not just against terrorist elements like Al Qaeda who murdered Americans on September 11. We face a larger threat to the people and to the stability of the entire region especially our longtime partner Pakistan.

We need to heed the advice of our commanders on the ground who are requesting more reinforcements and more resources. We need to implement a strategy that will capture or kill those responsible for terrorist acts as well as destroy their financial and logistical networks. We must ensure they will not find a safe haven anywhere from which to plot. I join with Republican Whip Eric Cantor to urge Democrats and Republicans to uphold President Barack Obama's campaign pledge to protect American families by defeating terrorists in Afghanistan.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 2 minutes.

(Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, the conference report increases active and reserve component end-strengths; provides a 3.4 percent pay raise; prohibits increases in TRICARE Prime and Standard cost shares; improves the ability of servicemembers to vote and have their votes counted; and provides numerous improvements to assist wounded warriors.

As a veteran myself and father of four sons serving in the military, I know this is an important bill. However, this conference report falls short of what should be done on behalf of our military and our military families. I am disappointed that the conference report fails to adopt a House provision to allow for concurrent receipt of military disability retired pay and veterans' disability compensation for all disability retirees regardless of disability rating percentage or years of service.

There are numerous explanations for why we did not adopt this paid- for provision, including that the President did not provide the proper offsets, or that the Senate objected to the proposed offsets for the mandatory spending.

In my view, these reasons do not justify inaction on this issue. It sends the wrong message to our military and veterans that this provision was kept out of the conference report.

It is past time we stop talking about support for concurrent receipt and repeals of the offset in the Survivor Benefit Plan-Dependency Indemnity Compensation SBP-DIC offset, the tragic widow's tax. It is time for action to do the right thing now to remove these unfair burdens on widows and disabled military veterans. Sadly, billions of dollars for Cash for Clunkers but lack of consideration for widows and disabled veterans.

Mr. Speaker, the conference report on H.R. 2647, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010, has many provisions that improve the strengths and quality of life of active duty and reserve personnel and their families. It increases active and reserve component end-strengths; provides a 3.4% pay raise; prohibits increases in TRICARE Prime and Standard cost shares; improves the ability of service members to vote and have their votes be counted; and provides numerous improvements to assist wounded service members. As a veteran myself, and a father of four sons today in the military, I know this is an important bill. I am the ranking Republican serving on the Military Personnel Subcommittee led by Chairwoman Susan Davis who I know is devoted to our troops and families.

There are, however, areas where this conference report falls short of what should be done on behalf of our military and their families. I am disappointed that the conference report fails to adopt a House provision, based on the President's proposal, to allow for concurrent receipt of military disability retired pay and veterans' disability compensation for all Chapter 61 disability retirees regardless of disability rating percentage or years of service.

There are numerous explanations for why we did not adopt this paid- for provision, including that the President did not provide the proper offsets, or that the Senate objected to the proposed offsets for the mandatory spending. There are also concerns that the Senate could not muster enough votes on this veterans' issue to overcome a budget point of order against the provision on the floor.

In my view, all these reasons do not justify inaction on this issue. It appears that if this provision had been given the level of priority it demands, leadership both in the House and in the Senate would have found a way to adopt it in the conference report. Just as they found $3 billion of borrowed money for cash for clunkers in a matter of hours.

The House proposal, based on President Obama's budget request, was paid for, even though it was a flawed proposal to start with. It provided only nine months of concurrent receipt benefits which means they would have expired before the House and Senate could have completed another defense authorization bill to extend the benefit.

If the House Democratic leadership had wanted to, it could have found the funding necessary to offset a fully funded benefit ($5.2B over 10 years), or, as a minimum, to fund at least 12 to 18 months of benefit to ensure Congress had time to act again.

It sends the wrong message to our military and veterans that this provision was kept out of the conference report. It sends the wrong message in particular when the objection is a procedural matter--a budgetary point of order--that has been ignored by the Senate in previous instances. In fact, the last time it did arise was when we passed TRICARE for Life and there were votes necessary to defeat the budget point of order.

It should be noted that we had avenues that could have been pursued to address this budgetary concern--namely allowing House repeal of the deepwater drilling to stand as a spending offset. Unfortunately, that option and this opportunity to take action on this issue were not supported.

The bottom line is this. The failure to adopt this provision sends the wrong message to our disabled military veterans that we would not take a modest first step in providing concurrent receipt for all disabled military personnel.

It is past time we stop talking about support for concurrent receipt and repeals of the offset in the Survivor Benefit Plan--Dependency Indemnity Compensation, (SBP-DIC offset) the so-called tragic widow's tax. It is time for action to do the right thing to remove these unfair burdens on widows and disabled military veterans. Sadly, billions for cash for clunkers, but lack of consideration for widows.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Turner), the former mayor of Dayton, Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to Congressman Wittman who represents America's historic First District of Virginia.

(Mr. WITTMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gohmert).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton).

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully reserve my time on behalf of the Republican leader who will be here shortly.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time for the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), the Republican leader, for when he arrives.

We are reserving our full time for the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner) as soon as he arrives.

Mr. Speaker, as we close on the Republican side, indeed, this is such an important bill for the military of our country. As has been indicated by so many of my colleagues, with the highest regard that we have for the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, there is great distress over the additional language that should not have been added to this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, the Internet has been a profound tool and resource of advanced knowledge to connect families and friends around the world. Internet users and providers have improved upon and utilized a free marketplace. However, there is a real concern that the new proposed ``net neutrality'' regulations may undermine or stifle innovation.

There is a time and a place for government to promote transparency in the pursuit of good business practices. However, the government and bureaucratic agencies should not needlessly impose regulations when the cause for concern is not justified. Before we move forward with new regulations on the Internet, we must weigh the consequences. We need to ensure we do not disrupt the necessary flexibility that has led to a vibrant marketplace, one which continues to foster new technology around the world, helping liberate people of Afghanistan, Iraq, and Iran.

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

Madam Speaker, the American people are not in favor of a government takeover of their health care. They have a real and legitimate concern about giving Washington power over something so personal.

The American people are not just concerned about Big Government intrusion; they're concerned that the government has already grown too big, too powerful, and too costly. Senior citizens will be squeezed, and the National Federation of Independent Business--the voice of small business--warns 1.6 million jobs will be lost. There remains a massive and growing debt threatening to devalue the dollar as it is kicked to future generations.

We must not sacrifice another part of our society to the control of government. Let's pursue targeted reforms to make health insurance portable, affordable, and available across State lines for families and small businesses regardless of preexisting conditions.

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

I thank you for your leadership, Mr. Petri. I am very honored to be here.

And, Madam Speaker, I appreciate the hard work of my long-time friend, Congressman Bill Pascrell of New Jersey. His efforts will save lives. I am also particularly grateful to be here because I know of his hard work, of a lifetime of service. I know of his persistence since youth. He and my oldest son's father-in-law, Dennis Miskewicz, of Fairfield, New Jersey, were bag boys together at an A&P food store, so I already know what a hardworking person Bill Pascrell is. And truly, he is making a difference.

I know those of us in South Carolina particularly appreciate his efforts because our State still mourns the loss of students from the University of South Carolina and Clemson at the very tragic fire at Ocean Isle, North Carolina. And as we are discussing the issue of fire safety on campus, we also should emphasize fire safety at vacation homes, rental homes, second homes, the importance of acquiring battery- operated fire detectors, fire alarms. That can make a difference, whether they are homes in the beaches or mountains.

I rise today in support of this resolution to bring needed attention to campus fire safety. I am honored to join again with the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell) in supporting H. Res. 167, a resolution which supports the goals and ideals of Campus Fire Safety Month.

Last year, 33 States issued proclamations declaring September as Campus Fire Safety Month because it gives our communities an opportunity to raise national awareness of campus fire safety. We have an obligation to ensure students all across the country understand the danger posed by fires both on and off campus and what they can do to stay safe. The resolution supports the goals and ideals of Campus Fire Safety Month by encouraging administrators and municipalities across the country to provide educational programs to all students during September and throughout the year. It encourages our colleges and universities to evaluate the level of fire safety on and off campus at their institutions and to take the necessary steps to create a safe learning environment.

We want to encourage the use of fire suppression and detection systems and help our universities and colleges develop and enforce proper safety measures.

As I am sure all of my colleagues would agree, a child's safety is every parent's number one concern. Having sent four children to college, I know firsthand the pride we have in their achievements. We want the best for our children and we want to know they are safe. No family should have to face the tragedy of losing a daughter or son to a fire, and we should do all we can to provide families, students, teachers, and school administrators with every tool available to keep children safe.

I appreciate the opportunity to work with my colleagues on this issue. I encourage my colleagues to vote ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, on September 29, 2009, The New York Times reported that ``Europe's Socialists Suffering Even in Downturn.'' This comes on the heels of the September 27th elections in Germany where the socialist parties faired poorly receiving only 23 percent of the vote--their worst result since World War II.

I want to congratulate Chancellor Angela Merkel on her re-election to the position of chancellor and commend her on her capable and strong leadership for the German people and in the world community. She now leads a coalition made up of the Christian Democrats and Free Democrats who received 33.8 percent and 15 percent of the vote respectively.

Following her original election, Merkel was the first person from the former East Germany to assume the post of chancellor of the unified Germany. This is a tremendous achievement since she grew up under the communism of East Germany.

With a center-right majority, Chancellor Merkel will continue to lead with conservative principles towards greater prosperity. Germany will continue to be a vital member of NATO promoting peace through strength.

I am grateful for my German heritage which German Ambassador Klaus Scharioth substantiated for me this year. My ancester Daniel Weisiger was born in Frankfort in 1709 and immigrated in 1731, from Rotterdam, the Netherlands, to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He settled in Chesterfield County, Virginia. I am proud to continue my German heritage with my first name being Addison, even though my nickname is Joe. My second son and first grandson now continue the name Addison.