Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, 250 years ago, on June 14th, the United States Army was founded.

Established by the Second Continental Congress, this marked the first American national military force a year before signing the Declaration of Independence.

The Army transitioned from a horse-mounted cavalry to a modernized force of over 940,000 Active-Duty, Reserve, and National Guard soldiers.

I was inspired by my father, First Lieutenant Hugh Wilson, who served with the Flying Tigers in the Army Air Corps, defending India and liberating China. I am grateful to have 31 years in the Army, with three sons who have served: Alan in Iraq, Julian in Egypt, and Hunter in Afghanistan.

Aptly summarized by the Army itself, ``Older than the Nation it defends,'' the U.S. Army has made a difference in history.

While protecting the homeland and keeping wars foreign, the U.S. Army has liberated more countries from oppression than any other Army in world history.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues.

Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin's lies, insulting Trump and demeaning Trump with today's attack of over 500 drones to murder civilians in the largest drone attack in warfare history.

Mr. Speaker, the Civil Georgia News of Tbilisi reports the corrupt, anti-American Georgian Dream party released a statement against democracy that said: ``every single politician . . . who makes anti-Georgian statements . . . is a member of the `deep state' network.'' And that: ``Joe Wilson is one of the most serious manifestations. . . .''

The Georgia Dream prime minister has condemned Donald Trump with untrue charges. America stands with the Georgian people and the legitimate President Salome Zourabichvili, supporting free actions.

America supported the MEGOBARI Act with a vote of 349-42. That is 90 percent of Congress for the people of Georgia. That provides a choice to abandon the dictator Ivanishvili.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin's lies, insulting Trump and defaming Trump, with murderous rocket attacks on Ukrainian civilians again today.

Congratulations to the people of Georgia and all the people of Germany for German Chancellor Merz's success meeting with President Trump this week.

Mr. Speaker, historically, 81 years ago tomorrow, June 6, 1944, 160,000 Allied troops surprised war criminal Hitler with Operation Overlord along the beaches of Normandy, France. This began the drive to liberate Europe with victory of good over evil to end World War II.

More than 10,000 Americans and Allies were killed or wounded on D- day, all in the name of freedom, courageously led by General Dwight D. Eisenhower.

President Ronald Reagan clarified peace through strength at his Normandy address on the 40th anniversary of D-day, and it is now more true than ever: ``It is better to be here ready to protect the peace than to take blind shelter across the sea, rushing to respond only after freedom is lost.''

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength, revealing law criminal Putin with a phone call threatening to murder civilians in Ukraine and defending Iran's nuclear capability to develop a weapon for death to Israel, death to America.

Mr. Speaker, on October 19, 2023, I gave a 1-minute speech which is, sadly, more true today than ever, with all deaths in Gaza being solely responsible to Hamas with the invasion and then using of children as human shields as directed by Iran, which must not have a nuclear weapon.

The enemies of civilization are gruesomely clear in their murderous intentions, as detailed in the Hamas Covenant of August 18, 1988, article 7: ``The Day of Judgment will not come about until Muslims fight Jews and kill them. Then, the Jews will hide behind rocks and trees. . . . `There is a Jew hiding behind me. Come and kill him.' ''

The goal of Hamas, financed by Iran, is to murder all Jews worldwide. It is fake news that they care about the Palestinian people. Suffering by the Hamas-suppressed people of Gaza is solely Hamas dictated, which uses Palestinians as human shields to be murdered.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Donald Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting and mocking Trump with record drone attacks, murdering civilians. Now, 4,000 Soviet-built tanks have been destroyed by talented Ukrainians--20 years of production.

Mr. Speaker, President Harry Truman proposed in 1950 the Savannah River Site for the development of nuclear weapons in support of American defense.

Succeeding in the goal of peace through strength with victory over communism, the end of the Cold War resulted in a drawdown of nuclear weapon processing, shifting focus to missions and environmental cleanup.

Mr. Speaker, 75 years later, South Carolina recognizes the positive impact the Savannah River Site has made for American national security and families, creating jobs.

I am grateful the Savannah River Site is ensuring national security and communities are safe. I wish them a happy 75th anniversary.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting and mocking Trump with record drone attacks, murdering civilians as the Putin incompetent Air Force is destroyed by talented Ukrainians.

Mr. Speaker, in my service on the Foreign Affairs Committee, I have had the opportunity to meet talented citizens of the Kurdish Region of Iraq including visiting it's vibrant capital of Erbil, the oldest continually inhabited city in the world, of 8,000 years.

With historic changes for democracy being achieved, new President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria, the new government of Lebanon, and President Donald Trump's extraordinary success confirming our alliance with dynamic Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, there is opportunity to appreciate the Kurdistan Region of Iraq as it resists Tehran's subversion of Baghdad.

I include in the Record an excellent analysis of opportunity which was presented by the great American patriot, former Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, on May 20, 2025. ``The Kurds Deserve Better'' op-ed in the New York Post:

The Kurds Deserve Better

They've proven themselves to be one of America's most

reliable partners in the Middle East--but the Kurdish people

still have no real homeland of their own. As Masrour Barzani,

the prime minister of Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan

Regional Government, visits Washington this week, these

friends deserve better. Other regional actors offer

rhetorical friendship, but the Kurds demonstrate theirs

through action and sacrifice.

What's more, they provide a critical bulwark against

Iranian influence in a region that has been thoroughly

penetrated by the Islamic Republic--including in Iraq, which

has become an Iranian cat's-paw. Kurdish ambitions for

greater autonomy are not only righteous, they align with

America's own critical interests. As Secretary of State and

CIA director in President Trump's first term, I witnessed

their unwavering commitment to our shared objectives

firsthand.

Kurdish fighters have consistently battled America's worst

enemies--jihadist groups like ISIS, al Qaeda and others--

sparing American blood and treasure. Unlike many other

partners in the region, the Kurds never engaged in anti-

American terrorism, never cost American lives and never

wavered in their friendship. Their loyalty has delivered

exceptional returns on a modest investment, compared to the

trillions spent in other Middle Eastern conflicts.

The Kurdish regions possess substantial natural resources,

positioning them for economic self-sufficiency. The KRG alone

contains an estimated 45 billion barrels of oil--roughly a

third of Iraq's total reserves--plus significant natural gas

fields.

Kurdish territories also contain valuable mineral deposits,

largely untapped due to political constraints. The KRG has

demonstrated effective governance despite Baghdad's

restrictions, building a functioning economy and attracting

international investment. Given economic freedom, Kurdistan

would rapidly develop into a self-sufficient partner that

strengthens America's strategic position without draining our

resources.

In my diplomatic engagement throughout the Middle East,

I've seen what makes the Kurds exceptional: In a region

dominated by authoritarianism and extremism, Kurdish-governed

areas stand out as islands of relative tolerance and

pluralism. Kurdish communities have rejected the anti-

American and antisemitic ideologies that poison much of the

region. And like Americans, they yearn for self-determination

and representative government; they have no wish to become a

vassal state of an American adversary.

For too long, the United States has neglected the strategic

potential that would be unlocked by supporting Kurdistan--out

of fear of regional repercussions and, in some cases, sheer

inertia. At this critical juncture in America's engagement in

the Middle East, we should incorporate the Kurds into our

regional strategy.

First, America must forcefully counter regional efforts to

undermine Kurdish self-governance. When Iran's Revolutionary

Guards launch missiles at Kurdish sites, as they did last

year, Washington should respond with consequences. No

regional power should be able to operate with impunity

against our partners. To successfully project American power,

the US must establish and enforce red lines that protect our

allies from systematic abuse.

We must also keep Kurdish regions from being economically

strangled as punishment for their autonomy. Baghdad has

repeatedly withheld funds and blocked oil exports--tactics

encouraged by Tehran to force Kurdish submission.

Washington should leverage its substantial influence with

the Iraqi government to lift export blocks. This will both

allow the Kurds to thrive and increase the global oil supply,

strengthening energy security.

America should respect the legitimacy of the 2017 Kurdish

independence referendum, in which 93% of Iraqi Kurds chose

independence. Instead of honoring this democratic process,

Baghdad (with Iran's backing) sent tanks and militias to

punish the Kurds and impose a blockade. At that time, the

United States chose to place Iraq's artificial stability over

Kurdish aspirations--a mistake we should now rectify.

Recognizing the referendum's validity by supporting Kurdish

autonomy means respecting the democratic will of a people who

have earned the right to determine their future.

Finally, the United States should work with the Kurds

toward a peaceful, negotiated pathway to greater autonomy and

independence. This long-term objective must be pursued

through diplomatic channels to avoid triggering new

conflicts, but it's a goal worth pursuing to advance American

interests in the region. America should encourage Baghdad and

Erbil to establish a legal framework for greater Kurdish

sovereignty that addresses both Kurdish aspirations and Iraqi

concerns.

Similarly, we should engage Turkey--which contains its own

large Kurdish population--by emphasizing the strategic

benefits of a more independent Kurdistan and an end to their

perpetual insurgency.

In my years of service, I've learned that America is

strongest when we stand firmly with those who share our

values and consistently advance our interests. Prime Minister

Barzani should receive a strong welcome in the United States

as we explore ways to jointly advance peace and prosperity.

Mike Pompeo served as director of the Central Intelligence

Agency, 2017-18, and Secretary of State, 2018-21.

https://nypost.com/2025/05/20/opinion/kurds-deserve-better- how-us-can-support-an-allys-freedom/.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Dennis Carr, President and CEO at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), upon retirement after 44 years of dedicated work and service.

Before being named President and CEO, Dennis served as the SRNS Executive Vice President and NNSA Chief Operations Officer. He also has years of experience in various areas, including serving as the Site Project Director and President of Fluor-BWXT Portsmouth.

SRNS is responsible for the safe, effective, and efficient management of the Savannah River Site (SRS). SRS is one of the Department of Energy's largest production sites and performs actives ranging from environmental cleanup and protection to nuclear materials storage and disposition.

Dennis achieved a critical role in providing vision, leadership, mission growth, technological advancement, and a safe, secure working environment. He established the strong partnerships that he helped build with the local community of Aiken, and SRNS.

Best wishes for a wonderful retirement. All he has done for South Carolina is appreciated.

Mr. Speaker, I send my sympathies to the people of Virginia on the passing of Congressman Gerry Connolly.

Mr. Speaker, 237 years ago, on May 23, South Carolina became the eighth State to enter the Union. With the first permanent English settlement at Charleston in 1670, the Palmetto State has grown into a prosperous, wonderful home to 5.5 million people and 138,000 businesses.

During his 2025 State of the State address in January, Governor Henry McMaster recognized the success of South Carolina achieving a historic year with $8 billion in capital investments and 5,500 new jobs created.

A leader in manufacturing, South Carolina is number one in America for exporting vehicles and number one in the manufacture and export of tires, along with Boeing Dreamliners, which President Trump promoted last week in Qatar.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin's lies, insulting Trump. Putin responded to the ceasefire with 400 armed drones last weekend, murdering Ukrainian civilians, the largest drone attack on a city in world history.

Mr. Speaker, the American people extend their congratulations to President-Elect Nicusor Dan on decisively winning the runoff election, as an independent, to become the President of Romania held on May 18, 2025.

The President-elect's political career as the leader of the Save Romania Union (USR) party began in 2016, during his service in the Romanian Chamber of Deputies, then in 2020, went on to become the Mayor of Bucharest.

His strong priorities of strengthening cooperation with the United States and the European Union demonstrates his suitability to be the right leader for the people of Romania. I have a personal appreciation for Romania with visits since 1997 where Cluj-Napoca was adopted as sister city of Columbia, South Carolina. I have visited numerous parts of the country with troops from South Carolina stationed at NATO facilities enduring the warm friendship of Americans for Romanians.

There is a deep appreciation for President-Elect Dan and his commitment to promoting both academic and civil engagement in Romania, which dates back to his co-founding of the Scoala Normala Superioara Bucuresti, in 2001, modeled after the French Ecole Normale Superieure. Aiming to cultivate academic excellence in Romania, his commitment to furthering academic excellence in Romania, combined with his efforts to eliminate corruption and encourage fiscal reform nationwide, cements the strong policy foundation he will take with him as he enters office.

My appreciation for the people of Romania is personal as I have seen firsthand how they have flourished since being liberated from the tyranny of the failed Soviet empire. As war criminal Putin attempts to rebuild the former Soviet Empire, I am grateful that Romania has taken a stand against them, siding with the democratic Rule of Law, which will always triumph over the authoritarian Rule of Gun.

We cannot allow war criminal Putin to rebuild the failed former Soviet empire and nations like Romania will help us maintain Peace Through Strength across Europe and the rest of the world.

This election is a powerful testament to democratic resilience in the face of neighboring warfare and criminal electoral manipulation.

Romania continues to be a strong local supporter of the people of Ukraine in their struggle against the illegal invasion of woke war criminal Putin. I am eager for the United States to work with President-Elect Dan. In November of last year, Romania almost fell into the Russian sphere of influence, again, as the Kremlin instructed domestic actors to influence the first round of elections, which would have led to the rise of the Anti-American far-right.

Thankfully, the Constitutional Court of Romania upheld the Rule of Law and ordered the election to be held once more with more integrity safeguards to be put into place. I commend the Court for ensuring that malign foreign influence, particularly from Russia, does

not determine leadership in a reliable and important democratic ally to the United States.

The Kremlin's attempts to subvert Romania's democracy are part of a broader campaign to weaken transatlantic cohesion. The United States unequivocally condemns these actions and supports coordinated sanctions and countermeasures to counter these criminal maneuvers.

I look forward to President-Elect Dan being sworn-in during the coming weeks. The United States is proud to stand with the President- Elect as a vital NATO ally and a democratic anchor on NATO's eastern flank.

Romania's electoral course correction can serve as a blueprint for othel democracies under pressure from Russian tyranny, from Georgia to Ukraine. President-elect Dan's victory reaffirms that the democratic spirit cannot be extinguished by external sabotage or internal division. We wish him the best as he enters office and forms a government and counters the moves by our common enemy.

Mr. Speaker, the United States wishes President-Elect Dan a warm congratulations and best of luck, or felicitari si mult noroc.

Mr. Speaker, history indicates President Donald Trump would have prevented the invasion of Ukraine by war criminal Putin as part of the Putin scheme to resurrect the failed Soviet Union by annexing Belarus, occupying Moldova, invading Georgia and then Ukraine, supported by the Chinese Communist Party and the Iranian terrorists.

In his first term, Trump deterred mass murder by providing Javelin missiles to Ukraine, troops to Poland, and stopping Nord Stream 2 funding of the Putin war machine.

America has correctly provided $185 billion to stop the mass murder by Putin. Funds have been monitored by 29 inspectors general with a Trump executive order resulting this week in a report of the most accountable aid ever for the people of Ukraine.

The vast majority of defense spending of Ukraine has been in the United States. With Trump encouragement, Europe has provided $199 billion for Ukraine to successfully defend itself. As a percent of GDP, 19 European countries exceed the American GDP spent on Ukraine.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength, revealing that Putin lies, insulting Trump with massive drone attacks Saturday and Sunday before the Monday phone call with Putin as Putin continues murdering civilians of Ukraine.

Mr. Speaker, South Carolina, this week, will recognize the newest recipient of the Order of the Palmetto, extraordinarily proven Community Visionary Jake Moore, awarded by Governor Henry McMaster.

S. Jahue ``Jake'' Moore was born September 8, 1951. His family is from near Lake City, South Carolina, though he grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. Jake was raised in humble circumstances but received a gift through which he was able to attend Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, where he graduated in 1973.

Jake was then admitted to the University of South Carolina School of Law where he graduated with a Juris Doctorate in 1976.

While studying at the USC School of Law, Jake worked as a law clerk for the firm Kirkland, Taylor, and Wilson in West Columbia--hired by Joe Wilson who co-signed a bank note for him to upgrade his wardrobe for professionalism. In the next generation, Jake hired my son Alan, as a law firm runner leading to Alan being elected the youngest state Attorney General in America in 2010.

When he graduated, he was employed permanently at the firm and later became a partner. The firm now bears his name as Moore Bradley Myers Law Firm, P.A.

Even though an ardent Democrat in a Republican community, he represented Republicans tirelessly in election disputes. As Republicans visited his office, I advised them not to comment on his office picture of Al Gore which would result in an hour soliloquy which they would be billed for Jake's defense of Al.

Jake's practice is a general litigation practice. He has tried hundreds of cases during his almost fifty-year career. These include criminal cases in which he has defended people accused of crimes ranging from driving under the influence of alcohol to murder. He has also prosecuted cases on behalf of the Town of Irmo which he has represented for many years. Jake also practices both plaintiff and defense civil law.

Jake has been hired by many large organizations to defend cases. He also brings cases on behalf of injured people, establishing professional law enforcement and stopping predatory Columbia annexation. He has represented the Town of Irmo for many years while representing Lexington County School District Two.

Jake has been a guest lecturer at the University of South Carolina School of Law classes on trial advocacy and has also taught Continuing Legal Education classes on trial advocacy and spoken to numerous groups regarding the legal profession.

Jake is a founding member of Ashland United Methodist Church in the St. Andrews community of Lexington County. He and his wife Becky were original members of the Church from a mission in 1978. He has taught high school Sunday School classes and adult Sunday School classes at Ashland Methodist Church since that time.

Jake served four years on the Board of Visitors for the University of South Carolina and served as chairman on the Board of Visitors. During his time on the Board of Visitors, he advocated for beautification of the campus by the planting of trees.

Jake founded the Irmo Arbor Day Committee which has been responsible for millions of dollars of landscaping work in the Irmo/St. Andrews area including landscaping for churches and five schools. He was also instrumental in creating a Veteran's Park in the Irmo area and a public park in that area at very low costs to the Town through securing donations. Jake was also a founding chairman of the West Columbia Beautification Commission and has spearheaded many beautification and landscaping projects in West Columbia, especially Sunset Boulevard, through securing donations for the improvement of the area.

Jake has served as a member of the South Carolina Legislative Audit Council and was named Ambassador of the Year by the Irmo Chamber of Commerce and Citizen of the Year by the West Columbia Chamber of Commerce.

He has received the Golden Acorn Award from the South Carolina Forestry Association and the Leadership Award from the Mid-Carolina Cooperative Lexington Soil Conservation District. He and his wife Becky have established a scholarship fund at Presbyterian College.

Jake and his daughter Katherine wrote the children's book ``Bruce the Moose.'' He has given copies of this book to many children and classes in the area as well as visiting elementary classrooms to read the book. He has been significantly involved in the Family Promise Ministry which is an ecumenical project dedicated to lifting working homeless families out of poverty.

Professionally, Jake has tried hundreds of jury trials both criminal and civil. He has been recognized for his trial excellence by the American Board of Trial Advocates, an invitation only society dedicated to the practice of jury trials. He is a member of the South Carolina Association of Justice, the South Carolina Bar and the Lexington County Bar. Jake has also been recognized by Super Lawyers as an outstanding lawyer and holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubble, a lawyer rating service.

Jake and his wife Becky have three children--Jake Moore, Jr., John Moore, and Katherine Moore-Merrel, with six grandchildren--Callahan Moore, Jake Moore, Josh Moore, Ben Moore, Mary Dawkins Merrell, and Sam Merrell.

Mr. Speaker, South Carolinians are grateful that the Kimberly-Clark Corporation is expanding within the Second District of South Carolina. As a producer of personal care products, Kimberly-Clark produces well-known brands such as Cottonelle, Huggies, Kleenex, Scott, and more.

Since its establishment in 1968, the Beech Island facility, with the leadership of plant manager, Jeff Hutter, has grown to become the company's largest manufacturing site globally. The planned addition of 1.1 million square feet in 2027 will further expand its capabilities and impact.

The $200 million investment will create more than 150 new jobs, strengthen the local economy, and enhance career opportunities across the state. The expansion will also incorporate advanced robotics, artificial intelligence powered logistics systems, and high-density automated storage to improve operation efficiencies.

With a workforce of over 40,000 and a presence in more than 175 countries, Kimberly-Clark continues to demonstrate a commitment to innovation and growth. I appreciate the dedication and leadership of President Russ Torres.

Best wishes to Kimberly-Clark for success in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, for too long American workers have shouldered the burden of trade policies that reward the Chinese Communist Party billionaires, destroying American jobs.

Mr. Speaker, 3.8 million American jobs were lost to China from 2001 through early 2023, including 60,000 jobs in South Carolina.

Reliance on the Chinese Communist Party jeopardizes American national security.

Overall, China is the largest source for the manufacture of cell phones, toys, computers, and other products. President Donald Trump has long recognized this problem. Last week, one-on-one discussions between America and China produced agreements to dramatically reduce tariffs, while establishing a path forward to manage the China challenge.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin's lies, violating NATO airspace and insulting Trump last Tuesday with a Russian jet over the Gulf of Finland escorting a shadow ship, threatening Estonia, our NATO ally.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to welcome Techo-Bloc to the Second District of South Carolina. In the fall of 2026, Lexington County will be the home of the company's first South Carolina operation.

With an investment of $45 million, more than 40 new jobs will be created contributing to the growth of opportunities within the state. I appreciate the courageous leadership of their President, Charles Ciccarello.

Techo-Bloc specializes in manufacturing high-quality hardscape products such as pavers, slabs, and retaining walls for residential and commercial outdoor spaces.

With more than 850 employees, Techo-Bloc distributes products to over 900 stores across the United States and Canada.

Best wishes to Techo-Bloc for success in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday President Donald Trump and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar signed a historic $1.2 trillion trade agreement, including the purchase of $96 billion of South Carolina-made Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

As the manufacturing home of 787 Dreamliners, this creates thousands of Boeing jobs in South Carolina and also creates jobs for 200 suppliers throughout the Palmetto State, including AGY of Aiken, Zeus of Orangeburg, and Prysmian of Lexington.

I congratulate Boeing President Kelly Ortberg and the Boeing team.

President Trump is delivering on his promise to bring back Made in America, promoting stability in the Middle East, and liberating Syria.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, and yesterday Putin threatening Estonia with Russian overflights in the Baltic Sea, verified today by European Parliamentarian Rihards Kols of Latvia.