Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010.

Requesting Member: Congressman Joe Wilson

Bill Number: H.R. 2647--National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010

Account: Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Army

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of South Carolina

Address of Requesting Entity: 208 Osborne Building--Pendleton Street, Columbia, SC 29208

Description of Request: I have secured $6,000,000 for the Brain Injury Recovery Clinic at the University of South Carolina. Soldiers returning home from Iraq and Afghanistan are experiencing an increased number of head injuries related to blasts and explosions compared to soldiers of previous conflicts. It is therefore important for us to understand blast injury, its pathophysiology, methods for detecting traumatic brain injury, and how these soldiers can be best treated. Mechanisms of brain injury in war are unlike those of most injuries encountered in civilian life. The University of South Carolina has established a priority focus area on the study of brain injury and developed novel treatment possibilities to treat head injuries. This funding will establish a brain injury recovery clinic for returning soldiers at the University of South Carolina and study better and more efficient ways to treat blast-related head injuries. This research clinic will also provide jobs for the economically depressed Columbia, SC region. Matching funding ($6M) from the State of South Carolina is available by housing this Brain Injury Recovery Clinic in the newly constructed Discovery 1 research building. This new research building is located in the Innovista portion of the University of South Carolina campus. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.

Requesting Member: Congressman Joe Wilson

Bill Number: H.R. 2647--National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 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 $2,000,000 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 wartime 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. 2647--National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010

Account: Other Procurement, Army

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Trenton Plastics

Address of Requesting Entity: 601 E Wise Street, Trenton, SC 29847

Description of Request: I have secured $5,000,000 for Trenton Plastics for the High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV). The appropriation of $5,000,000 for fire suppression kits (fuel tank fire suppression FIRE Panels) will be applied to existing HMMWVs and new production HMMWVs or ECV2s. The FIRE Panel product is applied to fuel tanks and mitigates the fire and secondary explosions that occur when unprotected fuel tanks are attacked by Improvised Explosive Devices, Rocket Propelled Grenades or Explosively Formed Penetrators. FIRE Panels consist of a hard, durable plastic shell (blow molded by Trenton Plastics) that are then filled with ``Black Widow'', a highly effective dry chemical fire suppression agent. These FIRE Panels can be formed/blow molded to fit any style of fuel tank. Insurgents, over

the past several years, consistently target fuel tanks on vehicles because of the large secondary fires and explosions that they cause. These fires and secondary explosions have increased the number of solider and marine related deaths due to the fires, increased the number of soldiers and marines with severe burn injuries and cause the destruction and total loss of vehicles. By installing FIRE Panels on HMMWVs the Army will experience fewer losses of lives, reduce medical costs for transport, acute care and long term care related to burn injuries and save vehicles. 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. 2647--National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010

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

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: South Carolina Research Authority

Address of Requesting Entity: 1330 Lady Street, No. 503, Columbia, SC 29201

Description of Request: I have secured $8,200,000 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. 2647--National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 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 $3,000,000 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. 2647--National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010

Account: Military Construction, Air National Guard

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: South Carolina Air National Guard, McEntire JNGB

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

Description of Request: I have secured $1,300,000 for the Joint Use Headquarters Building at McEntire Joint National Guard Base. This is the SC Air National Guard portion of the construction money for the SCNG Joint Use Headquarters Building currently funded as part of the FY10 FYDP. Number One on the Chief of the National Guard Bureau's ``Essential 10'' capabilities list, the Joint Forces Headquarters is the most critical transformation the National Guard has undergone since 2001. What used to be the State Area Command (STARC) and Air Guard State Headquarters, administrative organizations for peacetime control of units, has developed into a sophisticated headquarters and communications node capable of assuming command and control of units from all services and components when responding to a domestic emergency. Tested and proven during multiple National Security Events in 2004, these headquarters were further validated by hurricanes Katrina and Rita. However, the ANG and ARNG state headquarters functions and the TAG Joint Staff are inefficiently dispersed currently. Consolidation in one location will optimize operations and ensure critical Operational and Communications Security. 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. 2647--National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010

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

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: AGY Holding Corporation

Address of Requesting Entity: 2556 Wagener Rd., Aiken, SC 29801

Description of Request: I have secured $3,300,000 for the AGY Holding Corporation's Next Generation High Strength Glass Fibers for Ballistic Armor Applications. This program accelerates the development of next generation high strength glass fibers used in composite armoring materials. This means lighter, stronger composite vehicle armor without sacrificing the ballistic protection needed to maximize soldier survivability. Additionally, this program supports the domestic industrial base for armor materials production. Some of the glass fiber used in composite vehicle armors is manufactured outside the U.S. Developing the next generation high strength glass fibers at AGY will reduce dependency on foreign sources for a critical material, and also save U.S. jobs. Next generation high strength glass fibers can also be utilized by the commercial sector to lighten and improve armoring used on law enforcement vehicles and armored bank cars, resulting in better protection for personnel, improved fuel economy, and reduced emissions. 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. 2647--National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010

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

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: EngenuitySC

Address of Requesting Entity: 1201 Main Street, Suite 250, Columbia,

Yesterday, South Carolina lost a longtime friend and leader of our state, Colonel Warren H. Abernathy. A native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, Mr. Abernathy will always be revered as the right-hand confidant of the late Senator Strom Thurmond. I learned firsthand as a Thurmond intern in 1967 of his devotion and loyalty to Senator Thurmond.

The eulogy below was thoughtfully written by JasonSpencer in today's Spartanburg Herald-Journal:

Thurmond's Right-Hand Man Dies in Spartanburg

South Carolina lost a keen mind, public servant and power

broker in state and national politics early Monday with the

death of Warren H. Abernathy. He was 85.

Abernathy, of 111 Hillbrook Drive, is often described as

the late Sen. Strom Thurmond's right-hand man, someone who

worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

The dynamic between the two was that they were of one mind.

Thurmond was the public face; Abernathy, the private man. He

stood in the background almost any time a newspaper

photographer was around. He turned down offers to write

books, or to be the subject of one.

``He was the man in the shadow. And he liked that,'' said

daughter Marcia Duncan of Gaffney. ``He never wanted to run

for political office. He said he liked what he was doing, and

that he was supporting someone who could make a difference in

South Carolina.''

Thurmond, while governor in the 1940s, hired a young

Abernathy after the late S.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice

Bruce Littlejohn introduced them. He would later serve as

Thurmond's state manager, overseeing four offices, and as

secretary-treasurer of the Strom Thurmond Foundation.

He worked with Thurmond for nearly half a century.

Thurmond, in 1997, described Abernathy as having

``excellent leadership skills and a quick intellect.''

But up until his death, Abernathy never referred to

Thurmond by his first name. He always called him ``the

senator,'' Duncan said.

Abernathy was one of nine children who grew up during the

Depression in the family's home on Edwards Avenue, where they

would walk to Southside Baptist Church each Sunday. The

Spartanburg High graduate attended several area colleges, and

was drafted into the Army during World War II. He would later

join the Army Reserves and retire a colonel.

Attorney John B. White Jr., whose family has been long-time

friends with the Abernathys, called Warren, ``a distinct

individual who was gifted at approaching people, reading

people and dealing with people. And he dealt with them with

wisdom, kindness, humor, passion and encouragement.''

He added: ``One of the most important lessons I learned

from Mr. Abernathy was loyalty. He was an individual who . .

. I don't want to say he demanded loyalty, but he certainly

expected loyalty from the people who were lucky enough to say

they were friends of his. His word was his bond.''

Abernathy died early Monday at Spartanburg Regional Medical

Center, after battling pneumonia and a heart attack on June

15.

A very self-effacing individual

Abernathy developed a talent and a reputation for being

politically savvy and offering sound judgment.

``Many people who were seeking higher office over the years

asked his opinion about their chances,'' said former S.C.

Republican Party Chairman Barry Wynn of Spartanburg. ``The

General Assembly, when legislation was being considered,

trusted his judgment and considered his opinions . . . His

influence was making sure people considered the facts and

looked at the consequences of what they were doing, whether

it was legislative or judicial appointments.''

But Abernathy never overestimated his political power--he

once told his daughter he didn't have power, ``just a few

good friends''--and, by all accounts, always remained wholly

loyal to Thurmond. The number listed in the phone book for

the senator's office in Spartanburg was Abernathy's home.

``The reason Strom Thurmond was so popular was because of

constituent services, and Warren was the key constituent

person in this part of the state,'' said former Congresswoman

Liz Patterson, whose father, Olin Johnson, defeated Thurmond

in a 1950 Senate race.

Several people interviewed for this article said Abernathy

was able to recognize opportunities for South Carolina, form

a consensus about how to approach them, and then, with the

help of Thurmond's seniority, get things done.

Wynn said Abernathy shares in Thurmond's legacy.

Thurmond ran unsuccessfully for president on a

segregationist platform in 1948, but later changed his view

on race--though he never publicly apologized for it. Thurmond

was the first Southern senator to hire a senior black aide--

Thomas Moss of Orangeburg--and he eventually would support

making Martin Luther King Jr. Day a federal holiday.

``There's two chapters in Strom Thurmond's life, and in

that second chapter, Senator Thurmond really reached out to

the minority community and did everything he could to repair

any ill will--and I think Warren Abernathy was a big part of

that second chapter,'' Wynn said.

Former U.S. Commerce Secretary Fred Dent of Spartanburg

added, ``I don't know that any outsider knew how he

contributed to the senator. He was not the kind to brag that

he had done this or that. He gave advice to the senator, and

that was it. He was a very self-effacing individual and was

extremely well versed in political issues.''

A Strom Thurmond Independent

Thurmond, Abernathy and Moss together determined that they

would make amends for the past, Duncan said.

``Daddy encouraged him (Thurmond). That was his way of

trying to help the senator bring the state together,'' she

said. ``They probably decided it together, because they did

everything together. They were each other's confidant.''

Abernathy, however, was more than just the man behind the

senator.

Ernest Finney, the first black chief justice of the S.C.

Supreme Court, said Abernathy was one of the people he met

with when seeking that position. He called Abernathy the

``doorkeeper'' for Thurmond.

``He was straightforward. He looked you in the eye. He

talked to you,'' Finney said. ``He didn't give you a song and

dance.''

State Sen. John Courson, a Richland County Republican who

will be pallbearer at Abernathy's funeral, met Abernathy in

1972. Over time, their relationship grew to the point where

they'd meet weekly over lunch or dinner.

``He talked in riddles,'' Courson said. ``I remember, when

Lee Atwater had gone to work for President Reagan, we were

having these lunches and dinners and (Abernathy) would say

things like, `the pool-hall crowd says this.' I thought, this

guy is a devout Southern Baptist. Why is he talking about the

pool-hall crowd? Lee explained that was a euphemism for the

man-on-the-street. It took me awhile to learn the nuances of

his English.''

Courson said he last talked with Abernathy less than two

weeks ago. Abernathy always liked to hear the latest Columbia

gossip, and the two mused on the upcoming gubernatorial and

Senate races. Courson said Abernathy was ``like a second

father.''

``Honestly, I still don't know whether he was a Democrat or

Republican,'' he said. ``I think Warren Abernathy was a Strom

Thurmond Independent.''

Never cheat the world

Despite the politics, the people who knew Abernathy best

concentrated Monday on his spirit of camaraderie, his

devotion to his church and his words of wisdom.

For more than 50 years, the Whites and Abernathys have held

annual Christmas breakfasts. In 2007, the firm sponsoring the

event sent out just more than 3,000 invitations.

Abernathy enjoyed spending Saturday mornings at Ike's

Korner Grille. When he got too old to drive, friends would

come by and pick him up.

And throughout his life, he made financial contributions to

churches, schools and other organizations often, if not

exclusively, to be used to help those less fortunate.

``He always said to me, whenever he gave me money, `Never

cheat the world.' How about that? And he always told me, `The

world is round . . . anything you do will come back around,'

'' Duncan said.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday at

Southside Baptist Church, and burial with military honors

will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.

Former state Supreme Court Justice E.C. Burnett, a

Spartanburg native, said he learned the value of patience and

to not take things at face value from Abernathy.

``He was a man who loved South Carolina and loved this

country like few in today's politics. That's a very brazen

thing to say. But I say it unreservedly. There will never be

another Warren Abernathy. He will be greatly missed.''

Mr. Speaker, Democrats have announced they plan to actually use pay-as-you-go budgetary rules. You may remember how House Democrats have often cited PAYGO, while simultaneously finding any and every opportunity to disregard it. The zeal to spend taxpayer dollars is just too much. This would account for the fact that since Democrats have assumed control of Congress, the annual budgets deficits have ballooned over 11 times, from $160 billion to $1.8 trillion.

It is clear that PAYGO, as proposed by our Democrat colleagues, is not so much about limiting the size of government as it is paying for a larger and more intrusive big government. This is entirely against the fiscal spirit of responsibility because it means Congress can continue to spend recklessly, as long as they find new and burdensome ways to tax more American families. Under this administration and their allies in Congress, pay-as-you-go should be more correctly called tax-as-they- spend.

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

Mr. Speaker, Democrats tell the American people that only government can save America's health care system. I am not sure what gives them assurances that big government is uniquely qualified to raise the level of health care in this Nation, or any nation for that matter.

Nevertheless, Republicans are not giving up on the American people's right and ability to decide for themselves what level of quality they desire. We believe in a commonsense set of health care reforms that ensures accessibility, protects the doctor-patient relationship, and promotes healthy lifestyles.

The American people do not need big government. They need more freedom and opportunity to make the choices that will promote their health and well-being. Our set of reforms will expand that freedom to Americans who have not had affordable health care, while preserving the quality of health care millions of Americans currently enjoy.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th and 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 FY 2010 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.

Requesting Member: Congressman Joe Wilson

Bill Number: H.R. 2487--the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010

Account: COPS, Law Enforcement Technology

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: City of West Columbia

Address of Requesting Entity: 200 North 12th Street, West Columbia,

Mr. Speaker, President Obama and his Democrat allies in Congress have said that they want those who currently like their health care plans to keep them. Then they publicly endorse a government-run health care insurance plan that would crowd out and eliminate the private insurance plans millions of Americans currently enjoy. They cannot have it both ways.

The Democrat big government proposals claim to increase access and affordability by letting government determine what will and will not be paid for. As the only game in town, a government insurance plan would be the sole provider and decider of the quality of health care available. Conversely, Republicans have long argued that health care reform should focus on expanding access so more Americans can afford a higher quality of care.

We should be focused on empowering more individuals and families to afford the level of care they want. If Congress chooses to empower the government and itself in crafting a new government-run insurance plan, it will directly undermine the doctor-patient relationship that is the foundation of quality American health care.

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

Madam Speaker, Republicans are committed to health care reform, and we have and will continue to offer positive solutions to achieve accessible, affordable health care for all Americans. Unfortunately, as Democrats sat behind closed doors to develop their plan, it appears they have failed to answer some troubling concerns about what seems quite likely to be an unwarranted government takeover of the health care system.

So in the spirit of honest debate, I ask my Democrat colleagues how they expect to pay for a government insurance plan without raising taxes or driving up the national debt. How will a government-run health plan not lead to the same rationing of care that we have seen in other countries? How will a government-run health plan protect the doctor- patient relationship, when Washington will now be empowered to pick and choose what procedures and treatments are, in their opinion, cost beneficial?

Before we turn congressional offices into waiting rooms, I hope my Democrat colleagues will answer these questions.

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

Mr. Speaker, the commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics has admitted there is no way to actually substantiate the number of jobs saved in this economy. Yet the White House continues to rely on this talking point to divert attention away from job losses. They should put this political rhetoric to bed and work with Republicans on proven bipartisan solutions to encourage job creation and economic growth.

House Republicans have long advocated that we keep more money in the economy by not taking it out in the first place. Presidents Kennedy and Reagan understood this. They supported relief for American families and small businesses as the engine of job creation and general prosperity. We should learn a lesson from history.

I am confident our economy will recover, but it will do so because of the hard work and perseverance of Americans. Conversely, filtering billions of borrowed dollars through a bureaucratic maze will be, as we have seen, slow and inefficient.

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

Madam Speaker, I wish to congratulate National Assemblyman Saad Hariri and his March 14 coalition on their victory in yesterday's elections in Lebanon. In December, I participated on a delegation to Beirut meeting with Saad Hariri and his colleagues who were bravely campaigning to promote a free market democracy. At their campaign headquarters, I was, inspired by the large number of portraits of assassinated parliamentarians. Saad Hariri is upholding the tradition of dedication established by his martyred father. Following the American-led coalition liberation of Iraq, Syria withdrew from Lebanon giving new hopes for the spread of democracy across the Middle East.

I would like to submit the following portions of an article entitled ``Hezbollah loses Lebanon vote'' that ran in today's Washington Times reporting on the success of Mr. Hariri and his coalition:

``Lebanon's pro-Western coalition claimed victory Sunday

night after an election that appeared to douse fears of a

militant Islamist takeover in the tiny nation known for

sectarian conflict and as a proxy for Iranian and Syrian

interests . . .

``Hezbollah, labeled a terrorist group by the United States

and European Union, appeared to suffer from a high voter

turnout that exceeded 50 percent--the largest since the end

of Lebanon's 1975-91 civil war.

``The outcome appeared to avoid a crisis with the United

States and Europe, where some analysts had feared that the

Hezbollah-led coalition would win and force the United States

and European Union to reconsider foreign aid, especially for

the Lebanese army. The army is a key institution in a country

that transcends sectarian divisions.

`` `This is a big lay in the history of democratic

Lebanon,' Saad Hariri, leader of the pro-Western March 14

coalition, told cheering supporters.

`` `Congratulations to you, congratulations to freedom,

congratulations to democracy,' said Mr. Hariri, the son of

slain former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri . . .

``Analysts said the next government would have to work with

the opposition to prevent instability and fighting from a

year ago, when Shi'ite Hezbollah-led forces briefly seized

control of Sunni-dominated West Beirut.

``Hezbollah is a longtime ally of Iran and Syria. It

opposed a 2005 agreement in which Syrian troops withdrew from

Lebanon, ending a 29-year occupation.''

Mr. Speaker, the Democrat leadership continues to push forward with their national energy tax.

Despite the financial pain this would place on American families, despite the fact that this cap-and-trade scheme would have little or no impact on the global environment, despite the fact that we can achieve a cleaner energy future without taking more money from hardworking American families, our Democrat colleagues are intent on raising gas prices and home utility costs by more than $3,000 on each family each year.

There is a better way to a clean energy future, and it begins with supporting an all-of-the-above strategy. I am grateful to be part of a bipartisan effort that would allow for the production of American oil and natural gas, invest in alternative sources, and promote conservation. The American Conservation and Clean Energy Independence Act is a plan for a stronger energy future, and it would not raise energy prices, taxes, or cost jobs.

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

Madam Speaker, as an original cosponsor, I would like to convey my support for H. Res. 356, a resolution expressing support for the designation of February 8, 2010 as ``Boy Scouts of America Day'' and for this organization that has given so much to the well-being and development of young men for generations. I am humbled to be selected as the Honorary Chairman for the hundredth anniversary of Scouting for the Indian Waters Council of South Carolina.

As the grateful father of four Eagle Scouts, I know firsthand the tremendous opportunities and benefits that come with participation in the Boy Scouts. This is an organization that has been a positive influence in our communities for nearly a century--teaching millions the importance of a strong character and a commitment to citizenship.

I am particularly grateful that the Boy Scouts have always focused on a greater appreciation and understanding of the outdoors. In 1999 and 2003, I served as an adult volunteer with my younger sons Julian and Hunter for backpacking treks at the Philmont Scout Ranch at Cimarron, New Mexico. The 100 and 75 mile hikes were an awesome introduction to me of the beauty of the American West.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to have this opportunity to recognize the life and service of Frederick Paul Siedentopf. A 31-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Mr. Siedentopf passed away on May 25th, Memorial Day. He served with honor and distinction as an avionics technician throughout the later part of the 20th Century including active roles during the Vietnam War and the Cold War. His service and commitment to this Nation earned him broad respect by his fellow Marines as well as the Good Conduct Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal.

Following his retirement as a Master Gunnery Sergeant in 1990, Siedentopf was determined to continue to give back to his country. He remained active in numerous community organizations as well as being an avid contributor to local newspapers with his frequent letters to the editor. The people of Beaufort, South Carolina were honored to have had an individual of Siedentopf's character as part of their community for several years.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Judy, their two daughters, Cindy and Debra, two grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. As we paused to recognize the service and sacrifice of so many brave Americans on Memorial Day, it is fitting that we remember the lifetime of service by Frederick Paul Siedentopf. Our Nation is blessed to have men and women of such commitment and love for their country.

Madam Speaker, I submit to the Record the following remarks regarding my absence from votes which occurred on June 2nd. Due to inclement weather that caused my connecting flight from Charlotte, North Carolina to Washington on Tuesday, June 2 to be delayed, I missed a series of votes that were held. Listed below is how I would have voted if I had been present.

H. Res. 421--recognizing and commending the Great Smoky Mountains National Park on its 75th year anniversary (Roll no. 292)--Aye

H.J. Res. 40--to honor the achievements and contributions of Native Americans to the United States, and for other purposes (Roll no. 293)-- Aye

H. Res. 489--recognizing the twentieth anniversary of the suppression of protesters and citizens in and around Tiananmen Square in Beijing, People's Republic of China, on June 3 and 4, 1989 and expressing sympathy to the families of those killed, tortured, and imprisoned in connection with the democracy protests in Tiananmen Square and other parts of China on June 3 and 4, 1989 and thereafter (Roll no. 294)--Aye

Madam Speaker, on May 27th, South Carolina lost a long time friend and leader with the passing of Hal Eberle. Hal spent a lifetime in service to his nation and his community. As a young man, he served as a pilot, navigator, bombardier, and radar observer during World War II. In Washington, he worked as an Administrative Assistant to the late Congressmen Robert J. Corbett of Pennsylvania and Victor V. Veysey of California from 1961 to 1972. From 1972 to 1973, he served as Congressional Relations Chief of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. From 1973 to 1974, he was Congressional Relations Chief of the Office of Management and Budget. From 1975 to 1977, he served President Ford as Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Legislative Affairs.

After retiring, Hal traveled the world visiting numerous nations including the former Soviet Union, Bulgaria, Australia, Africa, and South America. He was known for taking great enjoyment in sailing along the Atlantic Coast and down to the Bahamas. In 1988, he became Executive Vice President of the South Carolina Policy Council serving with President Ed McMullen.

The South Carolina Policy Council, founded by the legendary Tom Roe, has transformed the political landscape of South Carolina. Hal was the author and editor of the Policy Council Scorecards of the State Senate and State House votes. His rankings of conservative/liberal ratings were crucial to promote accountability in the State House. For the first time, recorded votes were required on all crucial issues promoting extraordinary reforms of state government. Hal was tireless in his monitoring of the State Senate from the gallery, and during votes, the question was respectively asked ``What is the Policy Council position?'' Hal advanced the ideals of limited government and expanded freedom promoting the Reagan Revolution on the state level.

Hal was buried on June 2nd at the Fort Jackson National Cemetery in South Carolina. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family including his son Mark and sister Betty.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our friend and colleague, John McHugh, who was nominated by President Obama to be the next Secretary of the Army.

I have had the pleasure to work with John on a number of different issues pertaining to our military and their families. I have always been grateful for his leadership on the House Armed Services Committee and, in particular, his role as the ranking member on the committee promoting military personnel.

John brings a lifetime of military knowledge and experience which will serve him, our soldiers, and our Nation well. He is committed fully to our servicemembers, and he understands how particularly vital the families of our military are to ensuring a strong national defense.

I know John will be passionate as an advocate for our military families as Secretary of the Army, as he has been in Congress for the last 16 years. I saw firsthand his appreciation of our troops when he toured Fort Jackson, South Carolina, last year.

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