Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, American families are concerned that the failed solutions they see coming out of Washington all have the same themes: more government, more taxes, more borrowing, and more spending.

At a time when our government is heavily in debt and when our economy is losing jobs, more spending and more taxes are not strategies that will produce jobs or that will protect the value of our currency.

With health insurance reform, we need solutions that are built on strengthening individual choice and on protecting the doctor-patient relationship. We need to expand competition in the health insurance market by letting individuals shop for plans across State lines. Rather than a plan that empowers the government, we can empower individuals and small businesses to band together to secure affordable health care.

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

God bless Benjamin Netanyahu as a leader of the free world.

Madam Speaker, I submit to the Record the following remarks regarding my absence from a vote which occurred on September 25. I was in a meeting with constituents and unable to make the vote. Listed below is how I would have voted if I had been present.

H.R. 2918--On Agreeing to the Conference Report for Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, FY 2010 (Roll no. 739)--``nay.''

Madam Speaker, on Tuesday, September 22, 2009, Irina Bokova, Bulgaria's Ambassador to France, was elected the director general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). As the first female director of UNESCO, Ambassador Bokova brings her diplomatic and cultural knowledge as a former foreign minister of Bulgaria and her work in helping to bring Bulgaria into the European Union and the North American Treaty Organization (NATO).

As co-chair of the Congressional Bulgaria Caucus, I want to congratulate the people of Bulgaria and Ambassador Bokova for her success. Having visited Bulgaria first as an International Republican Institute election observer in June 1990 and since, I have seen firsthand this young democracy emerge from

the oppression of Communism to being one of the most dynamic democracies of Europe. On my multiple visits over the years to Bulgaria, I have always been inspired by the extraordinary people who have overcome totalitarianism for liberty and freedom. Bulgaria is a cherished partner of America, and we want the best for this nation of historic treasures.

Madam Speaker, I wish to recognize the life and work of Irving Kristol who died on September 18, 2009. An icon of the conservative movement, Kristol brought his intellect and enthusiasm to the many debates that spanned the nearly nine decades of his life. The Kristol Family has made a difference for America.

Stephen Miller of the Wall Street Journal penned the following tribute to Mr. Kristol on September 19, 2009.

Neoconservative Pioneer Paved Way for Reagan

(By Stephen Miller)

Irving Kristol, who died Friday at 89, was an editor,

political essayist and provocateur universally known as the

``Godfather of Neoconservatism.''

In a six-decade career, Mr. Kristol's politics evolved

ever-rightward, most markedly in reaction to the Great

Society programs of the 1960s. As his opposition to what he

saw as excesses of the welfare state crystallized, he helped

provide the intellectual underpinnings of the Republican

resurgence that began with the 1980 election of President

Ronald Reagan.

Neoconservatism became a Washington byword for supply-side

economics, defense-budget increases and entitlement cuts. The

neoconservative framework came to the fore again under

President George W. Bush, who awarded Mr. Kristol the

Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2002.

``America has lost one of its finest thinkers and greatest

patriots,'' House Minority Leader John Boehner (R., Ohio)

said in a statement Friday. ``Irving Kristol added

intellectual rigor and heft to the conservative movement by

redefining how we apply the values and principles our nation

was founded on to the challenges of the modern era.''

Mr. Kristol was appointed an editor of Commentary magazine

in his 20s. But it was in his own tart essays and as an

editor of literary-political journals that he helped found,

including Encounter in Britain and the Public Interest in the

U.S., that he fostered his reputation as a public

intellectual.

Later, he was a professor at New York University, an

executive vice president at Basic Books and a longtime

contributor to The Wall Street Journal's editorial page.

Mr. Kristol at first resisted the label

``neoconservative,'' but later accepted it. As much an avatar

as a progenitor of neoconservatism, Mr. Kristol once

described the credo as that of ``a liberal who has been

mugged by reality.''

Mr. Kristol grew up in Brooklyn, N.Y. His father was in the

garment trade and Mr. Kristol, like many of his bright

contemporaries, attended City College of New York, then a

hotbed of student radicalism.

He was a self-described student ``Trotskyist,'' but soon

after graduation rejected that label. Of his youthful

leanings Mr. Kristol later wrote, ``It was a useful

inoculation that rendered me not only immune, but positively

indifferent to the ideological chatter around me.''

Any remaining faith in the masses was obliterated by his

experience serving in the Army during World War II alongside

``thugs or near-thugs.''

``Again and again, and to my surprise, I found reasons to

think better of the Army and less well of my fellow enlisted

men,'' he wrote in 1993. ``The Army may have radicalized

Norman Mailer; it successfully de-radicalized me. It caused

me to cease being a socialist.''

Energized by the writings of Lionel Trilling and Reinhold

Niebuhr--self-described liberals both, but thinkers critical

of the human capacity for perfection--Mr. Kristol became

managing editor of Commentary in 1947.

In 1952, he left Commentary and traveled to England to

found Encounter with the British poet Stephen Spender, as a

counterblast to left-wing intellectual publications.

He returned to the U.S., and in 1965 founded the Public

Interest, a quarterly journal he edited with Daniel Bell, a

sociologist and friend from his City College days. The

journal was hardly a bastion of right-wing thought, and Mr.

Kristol identified himself more as a moderate than as a

conservative.

In his 1972 book ``On the Democratic Idea in America,'' he

wrote, ``I regard the exaggerated hopes we attach to politics

as the curse of our age, just as I regard moderation as one

of our vanishing virtues.''

Later, though, his positions hardened. By 1993, he wrote,

``What is wrong with liberalism is liberalism--a metaphysics

and a mythology that is woefully blind to human and political

reality.''

Paul Wolfowitz, former deputy defense secretary, said Mr.

Kristol infused policy debates with a practical, ``more fact-

based'' approach and showed thinkers that ``it's not enough

just to have a sense of what's right and what's wrong, you

also have to have a sense of how the world works.''

Nathan Glazer, another of the founders of the Public

Interest, said Mr. Kristol had ``a wonderful way of

formulating things'' and that his Trotskyist years had helped

shape his work. ``I think his conservatism is clearly

inflected by where he came from and how he came to it,'' Mr.

Glazer said.

Mr. Kristol is survived by his wife, Gertrude Himmelfarb, a

noted historian often identified with the neoconservative

movement, and his son, William Kristol, a former chief of

staff for Vice President Dan Quayle and editor of the journal

the Weekly Standard.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday's Washington Post editorial was correct when they stated that President Obama's goals in Afghanistan, as he outlined in March, were essential to preventing another attack on the United States by al Qaeda and its extremist allies. Indeed, there is much at stake in Afghanistan in establishing security and stability throughout the region. President Obama's original strategy is vital to ensuring that terrorist organizations do not reestablish safe havens or return the Taliban to power.

Our military commanders and troops on the ground are doing extraordinary work. We need to ensure they have the resources to complete their mission: to defeat the terrorists and to help provide, as President Obama mentioned in March, stability in the region.

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

Madam Speaker, our military men and women are fighting in Afghanistan to defeat terrorists overseas and protect families here at home. Having visited my former unit, the 218th Brigade of the South Carolina Army National Guard, during their year- long deployment, I know firsthand that our servicemembers in Afghanistan are doing incredible work along with the Afghani police and army units they train.

In March, when President Obama announced his strategy for Afghanistan, I commended the President for moving forward with the plan based on the counsel of military leadership on the ground. In light of the recent reports that General Stanley McChrystal has requested additional forces, I hope we continue to heed the advice of our commanders in Afghanistan. We must provide the level of force and resources necessary to help our brave military complete their mission. We cannot allow the terrorists to establish a safe haven from which to attack America and our allies.

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

Madam Speaker, I am humbled and grateful for the overwhelming support by the people of South Carolina.

House Republicans have been developing commonsense reforms for our health care system. The Republican Study Committee, led by Dr. Tom Price of Georgia, has introduced H.R. 3400, a bill to make health insurance accessible, affordable, and portable. The bill gives small businesses the tools to provide coverage for their employees, it covers preexisting conditions, and promotes wellness and a healthy lifestyle.

The Republican plan does not impose taxes on individuals and small businesses, which will cost jobs. It does not add billions more to our Nation's debt. The American people have spoken, and their voices must not be ignored. We can work together for health insurance reform.

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

Mr. Speaker, during the August recess, I held four of the largest townhalls in the history of South Carolina: 1,700 in Columbia; 1,500 in Lexington; 1,500 in Beaufort; and 1,200 in Hilton Head. These were passionate events, full of honest patriots, and nearly 95 percent want us to work together for health insurance reform but not for a government takeover. During these events, I explained two health care bill amendments which were adopted.

The first was to exempt and protect TRICARE from the proposed mandates already included in the bill. TRICARE serves 9.4 million active duty members, National Guard and Reserve members, veterans, their families, and survivors. The second amendment urges Members of Congress who vote in favor of a government-run option to enroll in the program themselves. If it's good enough for the American people, it's good enough for Congress.

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

Thank you, Mr. Leader. I appreciate your service for America, and I further respect the majority leader, Mr. Hoyer.

Mr. Speaker, I am humbled and grateful for the support and prayers of my wife, Roxanne, my four sons, my staff, the people of South Carolina, my colleagues, and the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I think it is clear to the American people that there are far more important issues facing this Nation than what we are addressing right now.

The President said, ``The time for games is over.'' I agree with the President. He graciously accepted my apology, and the issue is over.

However, this action today will have done nothing for the taxpayers to rein in the growing cost and size of the Federal Government. It will not help more Americans secure jobs, promote better education, ensure retirement, or reform health insurance.

It is the Democrat leadership, in their rush to pass a very bad government health care plan, that is bad medicine for America. It has muzzled the voices we represent and provoked partisanship.

When we are done here today, we will not have taken any steps closer to helping more American families afford health insurance or helping small businesses create new jobs.

The challenges our Nation faces are far bigger than any one Member of this House. It is time that we move forward and get to work for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, during the August recess, I was honored to host the largest congressional townhalls in the history of South Carolina: 1,700 people in Columbia; 1,500 in Lexington; 1,500 in Beaufort; and 1,200 in Hilton Head. During my 25 years of serving the public in the State Senate and Congress, I have not seen such passionate events full of patriots, 95 percent of whom support health insurance reform, but not a government takeover.

I presented my concerns in a handout with a government-run health care plan: $1.6 trillion in costs, 100 million people losing their current coverage, $818 billion in taxes, 1.6 million jobs lost, according to the National Federation of Independent Businesses, and rationing of care.

I presented a better way, the Empowering Patients First Act, introduced by the Republican Study Committee led by Dr. Tom Price. It provides for portability, keeping current coverage, tax incentives to purchase insurance, lower costs through competition, and bars government-funded abortions.

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

Mr. Speaker, the President continues to try to sell the false myth that the health care debate is only between the Democrat bill or the status quo. This is completely inaccurate.

Republicans have offered different solutions and legislation to fix what is wrong with our health insurance system. Unfortunately, Democrats are unwilling to acknowledge that there may be other proposals, reforms that do not add billions to the national debt, cost millions of jobs or expand the size and powers of the Federal Government. Republicans believe we can make health insurance more affordable by giving Americans more of their own tax dollars to purchase insurance, shop for plans across State lines, and association health plans for small businesses.

The debate should be built on the honest exchange over what proposals are best to expand health insurance coverage, not on the false effort that we enact a big government takeover or do nothing.

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

Madam Speaker, on August 8, 2009, Richard ``Preacher'' Church Whitner and his wife Myrna Allen Whitner celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. In 1959, they were married in Moncks Corner, South Carolina--Myrna's hometown. Preacher hails from Rock Hill, South Carolina.

As long time friends, I want to congratulate Preacher and Myrna of Indigo Run on Hilton Head Island on five decades of marriage and wish them many more years of health and happiness.

Madam Speaker, during August, people all across America stood up to have their voices heard on the issue of health care.

In South Carolina, I was grateful to host four townhalls with the largest turnout in the history of our State. We had 1,700 people at Keenan High School in Columbia, 1,500 people at Lexington High School, 1,500 people at Beaufort High School, and 1,200 people at Hilton Head High School. The discussions were lively, but respectful, with over 95 percent of constituents opposed to the government takeover of the health care system. They want to see health insurance reform.

Every quarter during my 25-year service in the State Senate and Congress I have hosted townhalls, but this August the turnout was absolutely historic. It is important to share with the American people that there is another choice for reform. Republicans offered positive reforms, including the Empowering Patients First Act, H.R. 3400. This will fix what is failing in our health care system while protecting the doctor-patient relationship. We want to expand affordability and accessibility without adding billions to our Nation's debt and eliminating 1.6 million jobs, as cited by the NFIB.

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

Madam Speaker, on July 29th, South Carolina and Lexington County lost a long time friend and leader with the passing of Jay Criscione. Our community has been enhanced as world- class due to his vision on behalf of young people and our senior citizens.

Joey Holleman of The State newspaper in South Carolina has thoughtfully penned the following tribute to Mr. Criscione.

[From the State]

Lexington Recreation Leader Dies

(By Joey Holleman)

Jay Criscione, who directed the Lexington County Recreation

and Aging Commission through more than two decades of rapid

growth, died Wednesday after a battle with cancer. He was 61.

Criscione started with the recreation agency in 1973, soon

after he graduated from Clemson. He took over as executive

director in 1986.

Criscione steered the agency toward projects that drew from

large geographic areas--the four leisure centers, the Oak

Grove and Pine Grove softball complexes, and a national-

caliber tennis center. He reasoned that the softball and

tennis projects would give the county double benefits. Local

players could use the facilities, and local businesses would

benefit from regional and national tournaments held at the

venues.

``He was a pioneer in the softball craze of bringing in

national tournaments,'' said Jim Headley, director of the

S.C. Recreation and Parks Association. ``What he did with Oak

Grove and then Pine Grove inspired Rock Hill, Florence and

Aiken to enter the softball market. He saw sports tourism as

an economic engine.''

Adept at working every financing angle, Criscione landed

state grants that paid most of the construction cost for a

horse arena in South Congaree and multiple senior centers. He

also helped convince County Council to approve multimillion-

dollar construction bonds.

``He had a vision for the county,'' said Larry Mack,

longtime chairman of the recreation commission. ``He worked

real hard to supply the needs of the people for recreation.''

In recent years, Criscione had been slowed by multiple

bouts with various cancers. He is survived by his mother,

Juanita R. Criscione of Chester, a daughter and son-in-law,

Ramsey and Trent Goodman of Lexington, a sister, Paulette

Criscione of Lexington, and two grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I wish to recognize Jim Hamilton of Columbia, South Carolina, for his 46 years of service as airport manager of the Columbia Owens Downtown Airport.

Jim has been an active member of our community--participating in many diverse organizations and working to educate the community on aviation, the dangers of drug abuse, and supporting efforts to transport children with disabilities and those suffering from severe burns to Shrine hospitals throughout the country. He has even volunteered his time as an emergency standby pilot for flights to transport transplant candidates and critically ill patients.

For 13 years, Jim has driven a bus each Wednesday morning to bring elderly individuals to shop for groceries and even successfully convinced some of his fellow citizens to contribute refreshments for the bus ride. On behalf of the Columbia Owens Downtown Airport, Jim has fought to secure funding for a reconstruction and redesign of the airport as well as safety upgrades.

In recognition of his tireless service to the community, Jim has been honored twice with the Order of the Palmetto by two separate governors--the state's highest civilian honor--as well as numerous other honors and awards.

I commend Jim Hamilton for his service to our community and his dedication to his fellow citizens.