Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish a fond farewell to a member of the Second Congressional District staff, Allen Aimar.

Allen first served as a field representative in our Beaufort Lowcountry office before coming to Washington as military legislative assistant. Allen is leaving Washington behind for his law school career at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. He will be joined by his wife, Amber, who previously served on the staff of the Second District and as staff to Dr. Phil Roe.

Allen has been vital in helping constituents, particularly on military issues. He has brought his own experience and knowledge as a veteran of the Army National Guard in Iraq. He appreciates our servicemembers, their families and veterans.

Allen is the son of Allen and Deborah Aimar of Johnson City, Tennessee, and of Greg and Marian Erickson of Beaufort, South Carolina, and is brother to Adam Aimar.

We are all tremendously proud of Allen and Amber, and we wish them and their young son, Alexander Jacob Aimar, all the best in the years to come. Godspeed to the Aimar family.

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

Mr. Speaker, here are a few thoughts on the Democrat health tax bill by Democrats:

``This bill . . . does not strike the balance between preserving what works in our current system and fixing what does not work.''

Another: ``To try to pay for health care reform on the backs of small businesses, I can't support that.''

Finally: ``The (House) bill being presented, with a poorly defined public option, is a Trojan horse leading to government-controlled health care, and it is not in the best interests of the public.''

These are the words and concerns of some of our Democrat colleagues. The Democrat plan raises taxes and mandates on small businesses, killing jobs. It creates a government takeover of health care that will knock millions of Americans, including senior citizens on Medicare, off their current plans.

There is a better way to help Americans afford health care, and it starts with empowering the people, not Big Government.

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

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3326--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010.

Requesting Member: Congressman Joe Wilson

Bill Number: H.R. 3326--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: Other Procurement, Air Force

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: South Carolina Air National Guard

Address of Requesting Entity: McEntire JNGB, 1325 South Carolina Rd., Eastover, SC 29044

Description of Request: I have secured $1,500,000 for the South Carolina Air National Guard Eagle Vision Upgrade. Eagle Vision (EV) is a USAF mobile satellite imagery collection and processing system assigned to the SC ANG that will be used as a war time resource in the war on terrorism as well as a counter drug and Homeland Security asset in the United States. Funding would upgrade the EV system at McEntire JNGB to include a 1 meter infrared capability. Emergency planners and responders would be able to look through clouds and smoke with infrared enabling them to plan responses during an emergency instead of reacting afterward. Matching funds are not applicable. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.

Requesting Member: Congressman Joe Wilson

Bill Number: H.R. 3326--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Army

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: South Carolina Research Authority

Address of Requesting Entity: 1330 Lady Street, # 503, Columbia, SC 29201

Description of Request: I have secured $2,500,000 for the South Carolina Research Authority's Highly Integrated Production for Expediting Reset (HIPER). The funding will drive downstream efficiencies in manufacturing and quality inspection by enabling the utilization of laser scanning technology to significantly shorten the time and lower the cost for resetting and modernizing the military's small arms and crew-served weapons. HIPER will implement a program which ensures the provision of the best and safest weaponry to the warfighter and in the quickest and most efficient way, by replacing parts and resetting weapons more quickly and at reduced cost. This will help keep our troops safe and fully equipped with the optimum defense mechanisms they need to effectively complete their

missions, while using cutting-edge technology to reduce costs and lower wait times. To achieve this goal SCRA will be relying on industry and government partners in numerous states, resulting in employment sustained and created via manufacturing and research requirements. Matching funds are not applicable. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.

Requesting Member: Congressman Joe Wilson

Bill Number: H.R. 3326--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Army

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Lifeblood Medical

Address of Requesting Entity: 10120 Two Notch Road, Suite 2, Columbia, South Carolina 29223

Description of Request: I have secured $2,000,000 for the Lifeblood Medical's Human Organ and Tissue Preservation Technology (HOTPT). Funding will be used to continue and advance studies for Oxygen Therapeutics and Extending Room Temperature Organ Preservation so that the technology can be brought to FDA for approval. The use of funds is justified due to the potential of finding the first approved oxygen therapeutics which will solve the world issue of a lack of donated blood for trauma, military and casualty use. The use of funds is justified so that the supply of organs for transplantation can adequately meet the demand through extending the preservation time at room temperature. Large animal studies have proven successful in both oxygen therapeutics and organ preservation. Prior DoD funds have also proven that the Lifeblood technology can reverse cell damage and render organs that are labeled untransplantable into an acceptable organ for donation and transplantation. Matching funds will be provided by cash on hand, licensing fee revenues, and product sales. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.

Requesting Member: Congressman Joe Wilson

Bill Number: H.R. 3326--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: Procurement, Defense Wide

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: FN Manufacturing, LLC

Address of Requesting Entity: 797 Old Clemson Road, Columbia, SC 29229-4203

Description of Request: I have secured $2,500,000 for FN Manufacturing to continue production of the Special Operations Combat Assault Rifle (SCAR). The SCAR was selected after a full and open competition. It meets validated US SOCOM requirements for a 21st Century modular battle rifle available in 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm, and with Close Quarter Battle, Long-Range, and Sniper variants. Federal/taxpayer funding of the SCAR program will provide US Special Operations Forces with a far more effective and reliable combat rifle than the current M- 4/M-16 family of rifles. In its various modular configurations, the SCAR will replace five different rifles now in use, greatly reducing the need for maintenance and logistics support and associated costs. Matching funds are not applicable. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.

Requesting Member: Congressman Joe Wilson

Bill Number: H.R. 3326--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Army

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Advanced Technology Institute

Address of Requesting Entity: 5300 International Blvd., North Charleston, SC 29418

Description of Request: I have secured $3,000,000 for Advanced Technology Institute to continue the Vanadium Technology Program. The Vanadium Technology Program funds the research, development and prototype-testing necessary to implement vanadium alloyed steel into warfighter protection and mobility. This funding builds on successes accomplished previously which include: reductions in weight, fabrication cost, and welding costs of 21%, 10%, and 53% respectively, leading to a smaller, higher-performing vanadium steel trailer design for the Army/Marine Joint Light Tactical Vehicle System; a longer span temporary bridge, designed by the Army Corps of Engineers and the University of South Carolina, to bridge road gaps in combat regions like Iraq; and, a new class of lighter, longer span trusses and joists, based on vanadium hot rolled steel angle shapes, have been developed and laboratory tested. Matching funds are not applicable. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.

Requesting Member: Congressman Joe Wilson

Bill Number: H.R. 3326--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: Aircraft Procurement, Army

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: South Carolina Army National Guard

Address of Requesting Entity: 1 National Guard Rd, Columbia, SC 29201

Description of Request: I have secured $3,000,000 for the South Carolina Army National Guard Vibration Management Enhancement Program (VMEP). This funding will continue fielding this proven capability on the Army National Guard's AH-64, CH-47, and UH-60 helicopter fleets. VMEP collects and utilizes information derived from onboard sensors to indicate the state and health of the helicopter drive system and rotational components. VMEP enabled the SCARNG to realize a total savings in parts costs over a 12-month period of $1.4 million, as well as an increase in mission capable rates. These funds would ensure that the South Carolina Army National Guard aviation program stays in the forefront of embedded technology doctrine. Matching funds are not applicable. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.

Requesting Member: Congressman Joe Wilson

Bill Number: H.R. 3326--Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation, Defense Wide

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Two Stroke International

Address of Requesting Entity: 8 Schein Loop, Beaufort, SC 29906

Description of Request: I have secured $1,900,000 for the Non- Gasoline Burning Outboard Engine. The Navy SEAL's currently use a 30 hp and 55 hp engine on their Combat Rubber Raiding Crafts. This effort is focused on the 30 hp engine. The program name for this outboard motor project is ``Phoenix.'' The team broke down the existing motor to multiple elements; ignition system; carburetion; exhaust and intake silencing, lower unit, control apparatus, and enclosure cover. The goal of this effort is to provide the SEAL's with an advanced outboard reconnaissance engine that would burn multiple fuels (JP grades, gas, diesel, alcohol). It will be quiet for stealthy operations, have an extended fuel range using a microwave ignition system currently in development, and a lower unit that allows it to go through mud and kelp without harming the engine. Additionally the engine will take advantage of the newest technology to be resistant to salt water that make the engines last longer, decrease weight and increase range. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.

Mr. Speaker, as Democrats push for a government takeover of health care, I hope they will abide by a very simple standard: if a government-run health plan is good enough for the American people, it's good enough for Congress.

During consideration of the over 1,000-page bill in the Education and Labor Committee, I successfully got an amendment passed that would provide that Congress Members who vote in favor of government-run health care would enroll in the plan themselves. The American people should monitor that this provision is kept in the bill.

I want to commend Congressman John Fleming, a physician, for originally promoting this concept of fairness. I urge my Democrat colleagues to adopt this standard if they insist on dragging a Big Government bureaucracy between patients and doctors. The American people deserve better to protect jobs.

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

Madam Speaker, on Saturday, July 25th Iraqi Kurds went to the polls to elect a new Parliament. The election was a success garnering nearly 80 percent participation from eligible voters. This was an important benchmark for the people of Iraq's Kurdistan Region as they continue to build a democracy both in their own region and Iraq as a whole.

Congratulations to the people of the Kurdish Region for their courage and determination to promote democracy within a federated Iraq.

I commend and congratulate Kurdish regional President Massoud Barzani on his reelection. President Barzani's leadership will be vital as the local Kurdish population works with their fellow countrymen in Baghdad to resolve certain outstanding issues including oil production and revenue-sharing as well as territory disputes.

Moving forward, I know that the people of Iraqi Kurdistan will work together with the United States to bring peace and prosperity to that region and to the nation of Iraq.

Mr. Speaker, the House Democrat leadership remains opposed to working in a bipartisan effort to cure what ails our health care system. This is unfortunate because this has caused bipartisan opposition to their Big Government, job-killing, debt-producing, tax-hike health care plan. The American people deserve better to create jobs.

The American people know better than to believe that the government is best to run our Nation's health care system or keep costs down. The Democrat plan does not lower the cost of health care. It just raises taxes on small businesses and cuts Medicare by half a trillion dollars. Those tax increases and Medicare cuts do not even cover the costs producing an estimated $239 billion more added to the deficit. Taxing small businesses and knocking seniors off their current health care plan is no way to reform health care.

Republicans stand ready to work with our Democrat colleagues to develop commonsense reform.

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

Mr. Speaker, there is bipartisan concern in Congress and across America that the House Democrat leadership's health bill will drive up short-term deficits and long- term debt, ration care with waiting lists, and destroy jobs. Some estimates range from 1.6 million by the NFIB to 4.7 million jobs lost due to this legislation.

There is a better, more positive way to approach health care reform, and it starts by sitting down in a bipartisan way to build a consensus. We all believe the status quo is unacceptable, that we must work to make health care more affordable, accessible and of the highest quality.

Republicans have offered a set of proposals we feel can expand accessibility for individuals and small businesses while preserving the doctor-patient relationship. We should promote health care reform, but we should not sacrifice quality and choice just for an arbitrary timeline.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself so much time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Joint Resolution 44, honoring the noncommissioned officers in the United States Army. I thank Congressman Ike Skelton, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, for introducing this legislation.

No one has better expressed the reason for this resolution than the current Sergeant Major of the Army, Kenneth Preston. In his view, ``Today's NCO Corps is a standard bearer of one of the Army's greatest success stories, the All-Volunteer Force, and serves as a role model for armies of the world to emulate.''

I fully agree with the Sergeant Major's statement. Along with my colleague, Mr. Marshall of Georgia, I, too, am an Army veteran, and in my own 31-year experience in the Army National Guard and Reserve, noncommissioned officers were indispensable to the accomplishment of the missions we undertook. This is true of NCOs across all branches of the military.

One of my four sons serving today in the military, a Navy doctor, has been so impressed by the leadership and professionalism exhibited by the NCOs with whom he serves that he recommended that I invite one of their children to work as an intern in our office, who is present with us today. Todd O'Brien is the son of Master Chief Petty Officer Tadeo O'Brien. Master Chief O'Brien supports the U.S. Navy SEALs as an independent duty corpsman in the Naval Special Warfare Logistical Support Medical Group 2 at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia.

While he serves in a different military branch, he shares the values of service, honor, integrity, and courage common to all professional noncommissioned officers.

The Army is adaptable and successful on the battlefield because the corporals and sergeants have the training, education, professionalism, and operational and strategic awareness to interpret and issue orders as necessary within their duties and in the absence of commissioned officers.

The all-volunteer Army has been able to sustain itself through 8 years of war in two fronts because of corporals and sergeants who have made great personal sacrifices in the global war against terrorism.

Moreover, the noncommissioned officers of the Army have not only trained future leaders, both officer and enlisted, but they have also gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure the welfare of junior enlisted personnel and their families.

In recognition of the current and historical contributions, sacrifices, leadership, and professionalism of its noncommissioned officers, the Army has designated 2009 as the ``Year of the NCO.'' This resolution is part of that effort to honor the corporals and sergeants who are the backbone of the Army.

I would urge all Members to vote ``yes'' on this resolution as one way of expressing their deepest appreciation for the NCOs who are serving and have served.

I would also urge that each one of us, as we go home to our districts and meet with our constituents, take the time to explain what a magnificent Army this Nation has, especially because of the men and women who call themselves NCOs.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, it is an honor for me to be on the floor today with Congressman Marshall, with Delegate Faleomavaega, two veterans themselves who could tell firsthand heartfelt indication of their appreciation of NCOs.

I come from the State of South Carolina. The State flag of South Carolina is a recognition of the significance of the NCOs to our independence and freedom. This flag of South Carolina has a palmetto tree on the flag. It recognizes the Battle of Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island. The British fleet attacked the fort. The soft palmetto logs, the cannonballs hit the logs and bounced off or absorbed. At the same time, they did knock down the American flag. And at that time Sergeant William Jasper had the courage to raise the flag back up, indicating to the British that they were not going to be successful. The British fleet withdrew.

The flag of South Carolina has a palmetto tree. It also has a crescent. The crescent indicated the rank of a sergeant during the American Revolution on the helmet. So we, the State of South Carolina, are forever grateful for what NCOs have meant, and forever in perpetuity we appreciate what H.J. Res. 44 means.

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

Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, the President says incorrectly that if you like your health care coverage you can keep it under his plan. This has been refuted by many sources, including the White House, which has admitted that the President's rhetoric should not be taken literally. Unfortunately, with the mandates and new taxes on small businesses included in the Democrat bill, the question should be: if you like your job, can you keep it?

With estimates ranging from 1.6 million to 4.7 million jobs lost under the Democrat scheme, it is clear this plan will destroy jobs and weaken our economy. You cannot make health care

more affordable for Americans if you destroy jobs.

Republicans want to give the American people a leg up through tax relief and resources for small businesses to provide quality health care coverage. We have solutions that do not rely on tax hikes, mandates, and Big Government bureaucrats which lead to waiting lists and rationing.

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

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, 2010.

Requesting Member: Congressman Joe Wilson

Bill Number: HR 3288--Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations, 2010

Account: Transportation and Community and System Preservation

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Town of Lexington, South Carolina

Address of Requesting Entity: 111 Maiden Lane, Lexington, SC 29072

Description of Request: I have secured $500,000 for the Town of Lexington. This will fund construction of improvements to the intersections along U.S. Route 378 (Columbia Avenue) at Route S-127 (Park Road), U.S. Route 1 (W. Main) and Route S-131 (W. Butler Street). The purpose of the project is to relieve congestion along this continually developing corridor as well as improve traffic flow. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.

Requesting Member: Congressman Joe Wilson

Bill Number: HR 3288--Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations, 2010

Account: Transportation and Community and System Preservation

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Town of Hardeeville, South Carolina

Address of Requesting Entity: 205 East Main Street, Hardeeville, SC 29927

Description of Request: I have secured $500,000 for the Town of Hardeeville. Funding will construct a new 4 lane divided highway from U.S. 170 to Interstate 95 and provide alternative hurricane evacuation route. Includes new interchange on I-95 at Mile Marker 3. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.

Madam Speaker, small businesses face challenging economic threats. Those who can afford to are struggling to provide health care to their employees.

The last thing small businesses need--and we've had 2.6 million jobs lost since the new President came in office--are more mandates and tax hikes that will destroy jobs. Unfortunately, under their health care tax, Democrats are proposing just that.

They believe small businesses should abide by government mandates and provide health care that meets a bureaucratic code or suffer an 8 percent tax and fines up to $500,000. This is no way to treat the most prolific job-creating engine of our economy.

Republicans have solutions for affordable, accessible, and portable health care without tax hikes on families and small businesses. We reject the rationing of health care and government intrusion and propose flexibility for small businesses to band together for affordable health care.

Republicans have solutions that will empower individuals, not Big Government. We will promote new jobs.

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

Mr. Speaker, Republicans agree we need to reform the health care system. Yet the Democrat leadership hide behind closed doors. They've chosen to go it alone; and as a result, they have a scheme of proposals that adds to the deficit, spends over $1 trillion, enacts a government takeover of health care, and has garnered bipartisan opposition.

Democrats should sit down at the table with Republicans and work on a bipartisan plan of reform. Republicans have commonsense solutions that will help Americans afford insurance, regardless of preexisting conditions. We want to provide small businesses the resources and freedom to offer and keep insurance for their employees.

House Republicans and the American people do not believe we need to let Big Government take over our health care, ration out the taxpayer- subsidized care, and raise taxes on small businesses that will, according to the National Federation of Independent Businesses, cost 1.6 million jobs lost, in addition to the 2.6 million jobs lost since January.

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

Mr. Speaker, Democrats have painted a target on the backs of America's small businesses. As unemployment rises, 2.6 million jobs have been lost since January. Democrats continue to propose policies that will kill jobs.

First there was cap-and-tax, which will skyrocket electric bills, gas prices and food prices, and make American businesses less competitive. Now they have a government-run health care full of tax hikes and mandates on small businesses, which the NFIB estimates will cost 1.6 million more jobs lost.

Small businesses create the majority of jobs in this country. They are doing the best they can in this tough economy, but all they hear from Democrats is pay higher taxes. Democrats should stop feeding Big Government and start providing relief to small businesses.

Where are the jobs? We need health care reforms that help more Americans regardless of their preexisting conditions, help small businesses provide insurance for their employees, and keep in place an innovative side of our health care system.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a poetic tribute penned by Albert Carey Caswell in honor of the Apollo 11 astronauts and the fortieth anniversary of the landing of a man on the moon. I asked that this be placed in the Record in honor of all of those dedicated and most heroic Americans who have over the years in the space program made it all possible, as Mars looms next.

Forty Years Ago This Day . . .

Forty years ago this day . . .

Three brave hearts hurdling through outer space . . .

To walk upon the moon . . .

A moonlit sky . . .

As upon her are placed all eyes . . .

All in wonder, all in such grace and awe . . .

As throughout time such dreams were made . . .

But, since the very dawn . . .

To walk on the moon, this rhyme . . .

For as long as woman and mankind . . .

Have looked up upon these Sea of Skies . . .

To find . . .

To find that enchanting moon, all in time . . .

This dream has grown . . .

To walk upon the Moon . . .

Lover's all in embrace . . .

On starlite nights, up there their souls are placed . . .

Such thoughts of fancy, all in hearts have raced . . .

To walk upon the Moon . . .

As a dream as old as time, has swooned . . .

As it was but forty years ago this day . . .

As three lone men, three lone souls led the way . . .

Hurdling through outer space, all out there own their own . .

.

As to the moon they would go . . .

But riding on the very edge of death . . .

As their most heroic of all hearts would crest . . .

All in that historic quest, to walk upon the Moon . . .

While, upon crude primitive machines of mankind their fine

lives were pledged . . .

``One step for man, one giant leap for mankind'' as said . .

.

Walking On The Moon!

As generation after generation . . .

But, dreamed of solving this equation . . .

Of walking on the Moon . . .

Until, a bright star named Kennedy . . .

Into a future this torch he'd seed . . .

To walk upon the Moon to succeed . . .

As launch by launch . . . mission by mission . . .

As was set a trajectory, a course of action all in his vision

. . .

By all of those, who now so lie in such soft cold quiet

graves . . .

All so we could be here . . .

Walking on the Moon . . .

To them we say, God Bless you all!

And to all of those families who've lived without . . .

We pray with such thanks and gratitude, no doubt . . .

For your loved ones sacrifice, this world has blessed . . .

As those final moments passed . . .

Which now lie etched, all in our hearts to last . . .

For we will long remember, these true pioneers of space . . .

Early explorers, who would not wait

As into grave danger their fine lives they placed . . .

Armstrong, Aldrin, and Collins who stood fast . . .

Walking on the Moon . . .

For all great explorers have so met that test . . .

With a journey begun . . .

A star lite night . . .

As two lovers gaze up in sight . . .

Up upon those skies so bright . . .

But, where dreams are made . . .

For as long as courageous quests live on . . .

All carried in hearts of men and women of faith so strong . .

.

They such magnificent dreams will live on . . .

Can but Mars be far behind?

Forty Years Ago This Day!

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.

Requesting Member: Congressman Joe Wilson

Bill Number: H.R. 3183--the Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: Corps of Engineers

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Address of Requesting Entity: 69A Hagood Avenue, Charleston, SC 29403

Description of Request: I have secured $2,500,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. This will fund the Army Corps of Engineers Charleston office to maintain 210 miles of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in South Carolina, from the North Carolina-South Carolina state line above Little River Inlet to Port Royal Sound near Hilton Head. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.