Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, yesterday morning the National Intelligence Estimate report was released outlining threats to the United States over the next several years. I am grateful that since September the 11th counterterrorism efforts have stopped terrorists from additional attacks on American soil.

The report confirms that the threat to America is real, and al Qaeda has intensified efforts to attack the United States. I appreciate the brave men and women worldwide in the fight in the global war on terrorism so that we do not face another attack here at home. They are fighting to protect American families, and their presence in Iraq and Afghanistan is vital to this effort which al Qaeda has identified as the central front.

The report reiterates the threat to the United States and the significance of our mission in Iraq. We must remain on the offense everywhere and remember that the threat to our Nation is real. Al Qaeda is like a cancer which must be stopped at all sources or it will spread.

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

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. 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, I rise today to remind my colleagues that we are engaged in what truly is a global war on terrorism. The war in which we are fighting does not have borders. It is not contained to Iraq and Afghanistan. Again last week the United Kingdom reported that up to eight police officers and several public officials were uncovered with ties to extremist groups, including al Qaeda, who may have also attended terror training camps in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Everyone should be concerned about the recent series of suicide bombings in northwest Pakistan. Al Qaeda has established safe havens in the border areas of Pakistan, a nuclear armed nation. The tribal area of North Waziristan announced on Sunday that they are ending a 10-month ceasefire with the government. These terrorist attacks follow last week's mass murder of police officers in Algeria, and the beheading of 10 Army personnel in the Philippines. Americans must face the threat that modern civilization is under attack worldwide.

I am proud of our brave men and women in uniform who fight daily to ensure that American families are protected.

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

Madam Chairman, I rise today in support of the amendment introduced by my friend Mr. Kline of Minnesota, a dedicated U.S. Marine veteran, which restores much needed funding to the Office of Labor Management Standards (OLMS). I applaud Representative Kline's continued efforts to draw attention and support to this very important issue, and I appreciate his dedicated leadership in this area.

This straightforward amendment would add $2 million to the current legislation and restore funding for OLMS to its fiscal year 2007 levels. This addition would also enable the agency to hire 13 full-time employees.

The Office of Labor Management Standards plays a vital role in administering and enforcing provisions of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959, LMRDA. This bipartisan law was enacted by Congress to ensure standards of democracy and fiscal responsibility in labor organizations representing employees in private industry.

When enacting the LMRDA, Congress expressed that union members and the general public would benefit by having access to information about labor unions. As a result, each union subject to LMRDA is required to submit annual financial reports to OLMS. This public accountability is achieved through the filing of LM-2 forms. Millions of working Americans have a portion of their paychecks given to labor organizations, and they deserve to know where their hard-earned money is going.

According to a September 2006 Wall Street Journal article, up to 60 percent of labor organizations' budgets are going to PAC contributions and lobbying activities. In one instance, only 36 percent of the funds actually went to representing union members in labor negotiations.

There is a high level of demand for this information. In fact, between May 2006 and May 2007, there were 767,908 hits on OLMS's website. That's an average of about 64,000 per month and over 2,100 per day.

Again, I am pleased to recognize the important work of the Office of Labor Management Standards, and I urge members to support this amendment.

Madam Speaker, America's National Guard is taking a crucial role in the global war on terrorism. They make up a vital part of our deployed forces, serving our country to stop terrorism overseas, protecting American families. I am proud the National Guard exceeded its recruitment goals for the month of June, which reflects the new greatest generation.

Through the month of May, the National Guard has 351,400 troops. Numbers have not been this high since November 2001. As a 31-year veteran of the Army National Guard, I understand the importance of their mission as explained by Captain James Smith.

I am particularly grateful my former unit, the 218th Brigade, is serving in Afghanistan, where they're actively working to train the Afghani police and army.

As the father of four sons in the military, I am grateful for each and every American who decides to serve. Our all-volunteer Armed Forces are making the ultimate sacrifice, and today democracy is more widespread throughout the world than any time in history protecting American families.

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

Mr. Speaker, in the past weeks terrorists with possible al Qaeda ties have attempted car bombings in London. Following these failed attempts, terrorists struck the Glasgow, Scotland airport. This attack by two doctors in a flaming Jeep Cherokee, doctors who have been sworn to protect life, were arrested for attempting mass murder by incineration of innocent civilians.

In addition, terrorists held children captive in a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan; and an al Qaeda homicide bomber in Yemen murdered seven Spanish tourists and two Yemeni guides while they were visiting a temple of the ancient Queen of Sheba.

Recent events such as this should alert Americans that the global war on terrorism is a worldwide threat and that Iraq and Afghanistan remain the central front of the battle as claimed by bin Laden's spokesman Zawahiri.

Instead of practicing party politics, Congress should rely on the leadership of our military leaders such as General David Petraeus. By stopping terrorists overseas, our troops are protecting America's families at home.

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

Thank you, Congressman Hunter. Thank you for your leadership on behalf of our troops. And I appreciate that your son, Duncan, Jr., has served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Mr. Speaker, just today we received President Bush's report to Congress on progress in Iraq. I find it sad for American families that on the same day the House is considering legislation that sets arbitrary deadlines and timelines for retreat, the provisions of H.R. 2956 mandate a hasty troop withdrawal starting within 120 days.

Additionally, the bill states that this withdrawal would be conducted in a safe and orderly way. Logistically, it would be impossible to remove our troops safely from Iraq in this short time line. Such rapid retreat would embolden the enemy, leaving American forces subject to ambushes, rockets and IED attacks.

As a 31-year veteran of the Army National Guard, and as a father of four sons in the military, my oldest an Iraq veteran, I especially understand the threats to our troops. In my seven visits to Iraq and three to Afghanistan, I've been continually inspired by the competence of our military leaders and the dedicated troops.

In today's edition of the Washington Post, the lead editorial makes the case against arbitrary withdrawal. It states, ``The generals who have devised a new strategy believe they are making faithful progress. Before Congress begins managing rotation schedules and ordering withdrawals, it should at least give those generals the months they ask for to see whether their strategy can offer some new hope.''

Additionally, al Qaeda has stated that Iraq is the central front in the global war on terrorism. And I believe to withdraw our troops before their mission is complete would invite future attacks at home. The Washington Post editorial states, ``Advocates of withdrawal would like to believe that Afghanistan is now a central front in the war on terror, but Iraq is not; believing that doesn't make sense.''

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

I urge defeat of H.R. 2956.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 2669 and in support of the McKeon alternative. As the father of three college graduates and a college sophomore, I understand the financial burden higher education poses on families and students. That is why I am proud of Republican efforts, particularly those of Representatives Buck McKeon and Ric Keller to expand college access and increase affordability.

As lawmakers, our number one education priority should be to ensure that college is affordable for any student. Unfortunately, H.R. 2669 pits the Federal Family Education Loan program against the Direct Loan Program and creates an imbalance in the student loan industry. Instead of helping students, the Democrat entitlement bill would require student borrowers to pay thousands more for a college education. H.R. 2669 creates nine new entitlement programs, placing the interests of colleges and universities above the needs of low-income students, and does nothing to expand college access and affordability for middle- class families.

Congress should not be playing politics with college educations. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the McKeon alternative.

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

Madam Speaker, during the past week the Midlands of South Carolina was in mourning due to the tragic drowning of Austin Whetsell. On Sunday, July 8, the following tribute was placed in the service program at Lexington Presbyterian Church with the service conducted by Dr. David Sinclair:

Austin Pierce Whetsell, born April 1, 1992 died while on a missions trip with his church in Zihuatanejo, Mexico on Sunday, July 1, 2007. Austin was the beloved son of Walter G. Jr. and Kimberly Taylor Whetsell, and the devoted elder brother of Taylor, Trace and Emma Whetsell of Lexington. He was a loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. Austin was an alumnus of Heritage Christian Academy and had just finished his

first year of home school. He was a diligent student who consistently made straight A's and had recently won Second Place for Biology in a school Science Fair. Although he was an avid reader, Austin also enjoyed being outside boating, swimming and fishing with his family and friends.

His great enjoyment of sports began at an early age. He was an avid Gamecocks fan and enjoyed playing baseball, tennis and basketball. Most recently, Austin was selected as an All-Star with the Lexington Dixie Majors. His zeal for doing his best and winning never overshadowed his respect for his opponents and having a godly attitude on the field.

Austin was also an apprentice to his father in his political consulting business and was instrumental in implementing various aspects of the family's direct mail business. Austin's life's goal was to live for God and glorify him. This devotion to his family and friends, as well as his commitment to serve in his church gave evidence to his conviction that his life belonged to God. In preparing for this, his first missions trip, Austin had taken Spanish at the Midlands Home School Resource Center. He wrote that his reasons for going on this trip were to serve the Lord, and to show others what it means to truly be a Christian.

He finished well and his life gives testimony to Missionary Jim Elliot's quotation ``. . . he is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.''

Madam Speaker, Sunday marked the 80th birthday of James Burroughs Edwards of Mount Pleasant, SC, who was instrumental in the Reagan Revolution which transformed the political system of South Carolina.

I learned firsthand his competence and integrity when I served as his assistant to organize the Charleston County Republican Party in 1964, when he selected me for the State Development Board in 1975, when he appointed me Congressional District chair for Gov. Ronald Reagan for President in 1976, and when he asked me to serve as Deputy General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Energy in 1981.

I will always be grateful for the positive impact he has had for me, my family, and our region. This appreciation is evidenced by a birthday tribute by Ron Brinson published June 24 in the Post and Courier, of Charleston, SC.

[From the Post and Courier, June 24, 2007]

Former Governor Should Write a Book That Defines His Legacy

(By Ron Brinson)

So I'm biased, but the facts speak for themselves. Jim

Edwards was a darn good governor and is a genuine public

leader with a knack for aligning principles and intellect to

the congeniality of a very nice man.

Edwards celebrates his 80th birthday today, and, Governor,

I have a suggestion, sort of a reverse birthday gift--write

us a book. Your career and personal life include notable

public achievements. It's a story that offers life-lesson

insights about political patriotism and the values of

civility. Your memoirs could provide inspiration and

encouragement to others who might consider the path you took

to public service. It would define your legacy and serve to

control the rascals of revisionism in future generations. And

if you write it in your usual communicative style, it will be

an entertaining read about important stuff with many humorous

anecdotes. Please don't leave out the stories about the rock

barges and bootleggers.

Jim Edwards could write several interesting books that

would link his Depression-era childhood, his World War II

service as a merchant seaman, his high-achieving college and

medical school days, a thriving oral surgery practice, and

then a public service career that included some unusual stops

and challenges. And, as he would quickly point out, along the

way he ``married well,'' and he and Ann Darlington Edwards

built a home, restored another and nurtured a comfortable

family life with their two children.

Edwards assumed personal risks and economic sacrifices when

he answered the call of the political stage, and failure at

any point would have squandered his sacrifice. In practice,

his affability and humanism bracketed a huge intellect and

driving determination to accomplish the right objectives the

right ways. In political life, Jim Edwards didn't always win,

but folks who disagreed with him often walked away wondering

why.

In the late sixties, he carved time from his busy

Charleston practice for leadership roles in the resurging

South Carolina Republican Party. He was elected to the state

Senate, then in a quirky stream of political drama in 1974,

he became South Carolina's first Republican governor since

Reconstruction. In 1981, he became U.S. Secretary of Energy

and did some heavy lifting--and took some political body

blows from The Washington Post--directing President Reagan's

ill-fated idea to eliminate the Department of Energy. In

1982, he returned to Charleston and began a 17-year tenure as

president of the Medical University of South Carolina.

An important chapter in the Edwards book would be his

answer to the question, what motivates a highly successful

surgeon approaching middle age and with a growing family

toward the political arena? Political scientists would be

interested and future generations would find his motivations

relevant and inspirational.

Think about just a few of the possible chapter topics in

the Edwards political career.

An oral surgeon and raw rookie state senator, he defeated

Gen. William Westmoreland in 1974 for the Republican

gubernatorial nomination. The drama was only beginning. State

Democrats figured Edwards was simply the next token general

election candidate. Only 35,000 South Carolinians had voted

in the 1974 GOP primary; 341,000 cast ballots in the

Democratic primary runoff that nominated Charles ``Pug''

Ravenel.

After residency challenges eliminated Ravenel, Dr. Edwards

polled 266,100 votes and defeated Rep. William Jennings Bryan

Dorn by three percentage points. In a swirl of political

theater, Dr. Edwards suddenly became Gov. Edwards. Would Jim

Edwards have defeated Ravenel? It's hard to say, but Dr.

Edwards polled 79,000 more votes in the general election than

Ravenel did when he defeated Dorn in the Democratic runoff.

As governor, Edwards and the small handful of Republicans

serving in the General Assembly got along well with the

Democrats who controlled the legislative process. Maybe they

had no choice, but there was a nurtured mutual respect and

civility even when their many disagreements were aired. In

contrast, these days, it seems, Republicans who control just

about every part of state government often have trouble

getting along with themselves.

In 1975, Gov. Edwards vetoed appropriations for 1,600 new

state jobs. Many agencies through their heads and their

boards lobbied strongly. The veto was overridden. The nice-

man governor struck back and with the support of Democratic

Sens. Marion Gressette and Rembert Dennis, and the Budget and

Control Board, Edwards pushed legislation that would prohibit

state employees to lobby the legislature.

Edwards' marketing performance as governor has been grossly

under-appreciated. There were many successes, including

attracting the Bosch and Michelin operations to South

Carolina. Many believe these two industrial giants provided

the threshold for the BMW plant in Greer.

In 1980, Edwards supported Texan John Connelly for

president, then ended up in President Reagan's Cabinet. It

seems like the citizen politician had turned master

politician. How did that happen? And was Reagan serious about

abolishing the Energy Department, and was Budget Director

David Stockman really as officious and bull-headed as many

working in Washington back then thought?

At MUSC from 1982-1999, Edwards presided over dramatic

growth. The school's budget increased from $148.3 million to

$845.6 million. Dr. Edwards emphasized the school's

enterprise operations and the state subsidy dropped from 45

percent in 1982 to 15 percent in 1999. The school's image

soared and grant support increased nine-fold. The MUSC Health

Services Foundation assets grew from $6.8 million to $152

million. That's impressive management in the dynamic universe

of health care.

These days Jim Edwards promotes Mitt Romney's presidential

campaign and tends to a variety of civic activities.

Occasionally, he works from a MUSC office area shared with

former Sen. Fritz Hollings. Imagine the fly-on-the-wall

entertainment when the governor and senator share their

experiences.

All that and more would make an excellent book, Governor,

and maybe even a good movie. Too bad John Wayne is not

available as leading man. But you should be sure to include a

mini-chapter about the night you and Mrs. Edwards dined with

the Duke. Remember? He didn't eat his asparagus.

Madam Speaker, as we approach the Fourth of July, I want to thank our troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and across the world. It is because of their service that we are able to celebrate our freedom.

In my seven visits to Iraq and three to Afghanistan, I have seen firsthand the new greatest generation. Our coalition forces are stopping the terrorists overseas to protect American families at home. Osama bin Laden's right-hand man and al Qaeda spokesman Zawahiri has proclaimed that Iraq and Afghanistan are the central fronts in the global war on terrorism.

I look forward to honoring the sacrifices of our troops this Fourth of July weekend at the Celebration of Liberty service with Pastor Wendell Estep of First Baptist Church in Columbia.

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

Mr. Speaker, this past weekend I had the opportunity to meet with council president Jim Smith and vice president Ted Brice, as well as other members of the Hilton Head Island Council of the Navy League.

The Navy League was formed in 1902 with the objective and purpose of educating and motivating the American people to support our maritime capabilities, services and personnel. One of their main focuses is on maintaining a strong maritime component to our national defense.

As a member of the Subcommittee on Sea Power and Expeditionary Forces and a member of the Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus, I have seen firsthand that the decline in our Naval ships is a threat to our national security. In the past 20 years, the U.S. Naval fleet has been cut in half to its lowest numbers since World War I. We need to push to increase our Nation's shipbuilding capability from our current average of six ships a year to a minimum of 10 so that we can be able to meet America's global security needs.

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

Mr. Speaker, yesterday I had the pleasure of joining Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter on tours of the Marine Corps air station at Beaufort and the Marine Corps recruit depot at Parris Island. I was honored to have the Sergeant Major of the Marines Corps, Carlton W. Kent, join us as well. The mission at Parris Island became crystal clear as we had breakfast with the dedicated drill instructors followed by a briefing led by its commanding officer, Brigadier General Paul Lefebvre. It was inspiring to see the determined recruits in action as they practiced firing the SAW M249, learned swimming, and participated in pugle sticks. Lieutenant Colonel William Ferrell welcomed the Secretary to the air station. After visiting with the Secretary and community leaders, I am more confident than ever that the air station is uniquely suited to take on F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. County Council Chairman Weston Newton, Council Military Liaison Skeet Von Harten, Beaufort Mayor Bill Rauch, Port Royal Mayor Sam Murray, along with other chamber and civic leaders expressed support for the Marine and Navy installations.

I'd like to thank the Secretary, the Sergeant Major, Lieutenant Phil MacNaughton and their staffs for making this visit so possible.

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

Madam Speaker, since July of last year, Kim Olive has served as the communications director for the Second Congressional District of South Carolina. I am grateful to say that she has done an excellent job serving on the staff. Kim has consistently been innovative in doing her duties, and her creativity, dedication and tenacity will be difficult to replace.

Kim began her time in Washington, DC, interning for Cassidy & Associates. She then came to Capitol Hill and interned for Congressman Roy Blunt and worked for Senator Richard Shelby and Congressman Spencer Bachus, both of Alabama, Kim's home State. After serving the people of the Second Congressional District for nearly a year, Kim will be leaving for the west coast to work in California.

An honors graduate of the University of Alabama, Kim is one of two children of Larry and Norene Olive of Florence, Alabama. She is a credit to the people of South Carolina and Alabama, and I wish her Godspeed.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition and appreciation of Rob Portman and his service to our great Nation, first, as a fellow Member of the House; then as United States Trade Representative; and, most recently, as Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

Rob has proven to be an outstanding public servant. I know that Jim Nussle will be a competent successor and carry on in Rob's footsteps for the taxpayers. I am grateful my Republican colleagues and I had the opportunity a few minutes ago to thank Rob and wish him well.

Rob was the featured guest for our weekly Theme Team meeting. I appreciate Theme Team chairman Jack Kingston and Krista Cole on his staff for bringing a top-notch speaker every week. I wish Rob, his wife, Jane, and their three children, Jed, Will, and Sally, all the best in the future.

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