Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, small businesses are the heart and soul of the American economy. When small businesses are in trouble, our economy is in trouble. When taxes are raised on small businesses and on American families, you reduce job creation, and you burden an already troubled economy.

So what is next on the Democrat agenda? A massive new national energy tax. This is not a recipe for economic growth. This will hurt small businesses and job creation. It raises the price of doing business. It raises the prices of consumer goods and home utility costs. It puts America and the small businesses that create the majority of our jobs at a disadvantage in the global economy.

As we recognize the 46th annual National Small Business Week, we should be spending our time developing policies that promote growth, not burden it. We should be fighting to give tax relief to the American people and these small businesses that employ them.

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

Mr. Speaker, it is troubling that with so many other strategies to move our country to a cleaner energy future, there are still some advocating that we impose a national energy tax. This tax will attack the budgets of American families, costing an extra $3,000 each year. And it will drive businesses and the jobs they create overseas.

The administration and Democratic Congress who claim to be opposed to offshoring of American jobs are encouraging companies to leave America. This Nation does not need to impose new taxes on its citizens to achieve the common goal of a clean energy future. We have the natural resources here that can provide the revenue and the bridge to that future. We have the scientists and entrepreneurs that will create the next generation of energy resources. And we have the citizens who understand the benefit to their lives and to their budgets of commonsense conservation. We should explore, innovate and conserve, not tax and eliminate jobs.

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

Madam Speaker, I want to commend the people of India on their successful election concluded Saturday. I want to congratulate Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his United Progressive Alliance for winning the most seats, 262, in what is a month long voting process with as many as 700 million eligible voters.

Prime Minister Singh has been instrumental in forging a stronger alliance between India, the world's largest democracy, and the United States, the world's oldest democracy--including the U.S.-India civilian nuclear agreement which will mean jobs and cleaner energy for both our nations. As evidenced by the vibrant success of Indian Americans in American commerce and society, the shared values of our two nations are stronger than ever before.

I have met Prime Minister Singh in New Delhi and Washington, and I wish him and the people of India much success moving forward. There are tremendous challenges in that region, but I know that working together with their neighbors and allies, India can have a bright future.

Madam Speaker, today I am happy to congratulate Aris and Gibson McMahon of Alexandria, Virginia, on the birth of their new baby boy. John Pate McMahon was born on May 6, 2009, weighing 8 pounds and 11 ounces. He has been born into a loving home, where he will be raised by parents who are devoted to his well-being and bright future.

On behalf of my wife Roxanne, and our entire family, we want to wish Aris, Gibson, and John all the best.

Madam Speaker, I am grateful to recognize the South Carolina Army National Guard's 218th Brigade Combat Team who was recently honored with the Joint Meritorious Unit Award. Presented by the Department of Defense's Joint Chiefs of Staff, this award is given to units that have achieved distinction in their duties and is the second highest award given to a military unit.

The 218th, led by Major General Bob Livingston, served for a year in Afghanistan as part of Task Force Phoenix advising and training Afghan police and army forces. As a result of their heroic and dedicated service, Afghanistan has doubled the size of its army to 52,000 troops, and the number of Afghan police officers killed in action each month has been cut dramatically.

As a 28 year veteran of the 218th, I want to extend my gratitude and that of the entire nation to Major General Stan Spears, commander of the South Carolina National Guard, Major General Livingston, his brave soldiers and their families for their tremendous commitment to protecting American families by defeating terrorists overseas.

Mr. Speaker, President Obama last week told a town hall audience that ``we are mortgaging our children's future with more and more debt.'' He talked about how borrowing would lead to higher interest rates. I appreciate the President acknowledging these dangers. Unfortunately, it is his budget and his allies in Congress that will produce more debt in the next decade than all previous administrations combined. They are his policies that are borrowing too much, spending too much and taxing too much.

On the other hand, Republicans continue to offer a better way forward. Our policies would help small businesses and entrepreneurs have the capital and freedom to innovate and create jobs.

At some point, the President's actions need to match his words. American families cannot afford for President Obama to try to have it both ways.

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

Madam Speaker, on May 6th, the community of Lexington County lost a long time leader and friend with the passing of Bill Rowell. As a fellow Republican growing up in South Carolina in the 1960s, I admired Bill and counted him as both a mentor and a friend. His dedication and contribution to the communities he served was an example to all those who will follow in his footsteps. He and his first wife, Bobbe, were founders of the modern Lexington Republican Party and his second wife, Dee, was an inspiration for his public service.

Tim Flach of The State newspaper has thoughtfully penned the following fitting tribute to Mr. Rowell.

[From The State, May 9, 2009]

Former Treasurer Remembered for Care, Principles

(By Tim Flach)

Friends remember Bill Rowell as a soft-spoken, progressive

leader who helped make Republicans the political power in

Lexington County.

Rowell, county treasurer from 1992-2007, died Wednesday at

age 76 after a long illness. A funeral service for Rowell is

set for 11 today at Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church in

Lexington.

``He was quiet but he was firm,'' county Coroner Harry

Harman said. ``He stuck by the way he felt.''

Friends credit him with investment improvements and

modernizing operations that benefited taxpayers.

``He laid a foundation that we are building on,'' current

Treasurer Jim Eckstrom said. ``I'm going forward on his

shoulders.''

Rowell was in real estate sales before becoming treasurer.

He was a leader of the resurgence of local Republicans in the

1960s and was active in several civic groups.

County political leaders called him an adviser who

preferred to work mostly out of the limelight.

``He was a lot like a father figure to me,'' Sheriff James

R. Metts said. ``He was a guy you could go to talk to, who

had quite an insight on things. I'm going to miss him as a

person I can contact and bounce things off of.''

Rowell was commemorated for his courtesy, even to those who

strongly disagreed with him.

``He reminded me a lot of the Southern gentleman,'' county

public safety director Bruce Rucker said. ``As a public

official, he was always customer service first.''

Others said he took time to talk with taxpayers frustrated

with bills and rules.

``He often took the blunt of ire for things others had

done,'' county Councilman Smokey Davis of Lexington said.

``He had the patience to explain things again and again and

turn people around.''

Away from politics, Rowell appeared in musical revues

during the early days of the Lexington County Arts

Association 30 years ago. He also was a fan of local theater.

Madam Speaker, I am grateful that despite all the debate over our Nation's energy future, there's a general consensus that America should be the world's leader in the development of the next generation of cleaner, affordable, and renewable energy.

America has a grand tradition of innovation. We have been at the forefront of great technological advances throughout our short history because we have attracted and promoted scientists and entrepreneurs. We have dreamed big and succeeded.

As the debate over a comprehensive strategy for energy moves forward, we must ensure public and private support for strong renewable energy industry. The Congressional Renewable Energy Caucus, which I'm proud to be a member of, will continue to be a part of that support by raising awareness among our colleagues about the enormous potential of renewable energy.

With the threat of rising gas prices and utility costs, the time to promote renewable energy is now.

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

Madam Speaker, I am grateful to be part of a bipartisan group in Congress that is putting forward new and innovative solutions to our energy needs.

The American Conservation and Clean Energy Independence Act introduced this week is spearheaded by Congressmen Tim Murphy and Neil Abercrombie. It is legislation that would promote the energy sector to start creating jobs immediately. It does not raise taxes on American families.

This strategy promotes the development of cleaner energy and more efficiency. It encourages conservation. It utilizes the vast proven natural resources we have here in America to not only help address our current energy needs but help fund the development of the next generation of energy resources.

High gas prices and home heating costs threaten the budgets of American families. With this comprehensive strategy, we address those high costs and our environmental concerns while creating jobs.

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

Madam Speaker, the recently passed budget and the upcoming climate change legislation take a direct shot at the strained budgets of South Carolina families. Under an ill- advised cap-and-tax proposal, families will see their electricity bills, gas bills and grocery bills go up.

Meanwhile, South Carolina is the leader in the production of clean, viable and safe alternative nuclear energy. For over 30 years, South Carolina has benefited with over 50 percent of electrical generation by nuclear energy.

President Obama's own Secretary of Energy, Dr. Steven Chu, agrees that nuclear energy ``is going to be an important part of our energy mix.'' Unfortunately, some in Washington still continue to ignore this proven technology.

I hope my colleagues in Congress will listen to Secretary Chu. In the meantime, South Carolina families and citizens throughout our Nation cannot afford a spike in their utility bills, their gas bills or their food budgets.

I am grateful that Santee Cooper and SCE&G are proceeding with two new reactors at Jenkinsville, South Carolina, which will produce clean energy.

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

Madam Speaker, on April 15, 2009, a delegation of World War II veterans, family members, and volunteers from South Carolina, coordinated by Bill Dukes, gathered at the National World War II Memorial in Washington to recognize the service and sacrifice of our World War II veterans and honor the memory of five veterans. These five members of the Greatest Generation had sadly passed away before they could travel with Honor Flight--an organization that brings World War II veterans to visit the memorial erected in their honor. Five American and South Carolina flags were dedicated in the memory of: Allen C. Hart, James Adkins, Robert Atkinson, John Lachenmeyer, Harold C. Reynolds.

Our liberty is not guaranteed. It must forever be defended by the courageous men and women of our military. I am honored to recognize these brave American heroes.

Mr. Speaker, families in South Carolina are fed up with reckless Washington spending. They are fed up with the massive borrowing that threatens their children's future, their own retirements, and Social Security. They are concerned about future tax increases on American families and small businesses destroying jobs.

If we are to restore fiscal sanity to Washington, then Congress needs to listen to the American people because they get it. They have had to make tough decisions to balance their budgets, and it is past time that Congress put the taxpayers' checkbook down and make some tough choices too.

House Republicans have and will continue to offer our set of bold and fiscally responsible proposals to encourage job creation, limit growth in government, and help American families rebuild their savings. We stand ready to work with anyone who believes, as the American people do, that we cannot simply continue to throw money at the challenges we face.

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

Madam Speaker, I wish to take this opportunity to recognize and honor the service and sacrifice of the Sexton family. Thirteen Sextons have served bravely in our Armed Forces since World War II--several having served on the front lines in both the Atlantic and Pacific Theatres. This tradition of service and dedication to the United States of America has earned them due recognition and appreciation. I submit their names here for the Record:

Hugo ``Doc'' Sexton--served with U.S. Navy--WWII Veteran (1908-1982);

James Edward ``Tad'' Sexton--served with U.S. Army (1911-1945);

Harbon ``Whitey'' Sexton--served with the 30th Infantry Division; killed in action in France (1915-1944);

Joseph Howard ``Tut'' Sexton--served with 1st Infantry Division--WWII Veteran (1918-1983);

Jeff Jackson ``Jodie'' Sexton--served with 90th Infantry Division-- WWII Veteran (1920-2003);

Willard ``Pistol'' Sexton--served with 1106th Combat Engineers--WWII Veteran (1922-2009);

Elurd Preston ``Pete'' Sexton--served with U.S. Navy--WWII Veteran;

John Daniel Sexton--U.S. Air Force Veteran (1930- 2008);

Jim Sherman Sexton--retired from the U.S. Air Force;

Ernest Norman ``Snag'' Sexton--retired from the U.S. Air Force;

Robert Charles ``Bobo'' Sexton--retired from the U.S. Army (1937- 1991);

Luther Madison ``Luke'' Sexton--retired from the U.S. Air Force;

Jonah Clark ``Buster'' Sexton--retired from the U.S. Air Force.

Hugo served in the Pacific Theatre. James entered the Army but was medically discharged shortly after he began service. Harbon, Joseph, Jeff, and Willard all landed in France as part of the American forces fighting in the Atlantic Theatre. Harbon was killed in action near Isigny, France, while the others fought throughout Europe until the end of the war. Joseph also landed with the 1st Infantry division in North Africa.

Pete was stationed in the Pacific after joining the Navy prior to the end of the war. John was on active duty just prior to the Korean War. The remaining Sextons, Jim, Ernest, Robert, Luther, and Jonah all spent more then 20 years each on active duty before retiring from their respective branches. At three different times between 1942 and 1968, there were five Sexton brothers wearing the Uniform of the United States Armed Forces at the same time.

During the recess, I was grateful to visit for the 10th time with troops in Iraq, and my eighth visit with troops in Afghanistan. As our delegation met with servicemembers of our home States, it is inspiring to see the commitment to protecting American families at home by defeating terrorists overseas.

We learned in Baghdad that terrorist attacks have been reduced by over 90 percent from 2007 due to the success of the surge. The next day, when President Obama spoke, he stated, ``You have given Iraq the opportunity to stand on its own as a democratic country. That is an extraordinary achievement.''

As the father of two sons who have served in Iraq, I am especially appreciative of military families. In Afghanistan, it was explained that extensive plans are underway to expand the Afghan National Army, the Afghan police, and the Afghan border police. I know firsthand of the success of local forces as my former National Guard unit, the 218th Brigade, completed a year of service at Camp Phoenix last year promoting a civil society.

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

Madam Speaker, yesterday, The Post and Courier, of Charleston, S.C., reviewed the intervention of government in the management of General Motors. I share the editorial opinion that dismissal of business executives is not a proper function of government personnel.

Editorial

President Obama fired General Motors Chief Executive

Officer Rick Wagoner over the weekend, ostensibly due to his

failure to come up with a ``plan'' acceptable to the

administration. If he hadn't cleaned out his desk and

surrendered his key to the executive washroom, he was told

there would be no more taxpayer dollars to keep GM afloat.

CEOs of other corporations taking federal bailout money

surely have taken note. The stock market certainly did when

the news hit.

If you are not worried by the Obama administration's

audacious grab for the commanding heights of the U.S.

economy--the banks, the insurance industry, the giant too-

big-to-fail manufacturers--you should be. Treasury Secretary

Tim Geithner even suggests that government takeover of

private corporations that have not accepted federal loans

would be warranted, if considered necessary to rescue the

overall economy.

The question boils down to this: Would it have been better

to let well-established bankruptcy law apply to GM (and other

failing corporate giants) rather than suffer Washington's

continued exertions on its behalf.

Or, to put it another way, would you like your next car

designed in Washington rather than in Detroit?