Floor Statements

Thank you, Mr. Hunter, for your leadership, your military service, and your son's military service.

Mr. Speaker, complete discussion regarding the way forward in Iraq is certainly appropriate. In fact, it's our duty as elected public officials. It is sad that the resolution before us offers no solutions. It is contradictory to say in one paragraph that we support the troops and in the next paragraph oppose reinforcements for them. As the parent of a son who served proudly in Iraq and three others in the military, I want to fully support the troops.

Al Qaeda spokesman Zawahiri has made it clear that Iraq is the central front in the global war on terrorism. In a January 22, 2007 transcript, Zawahiri boasted, ``The backing of the jihad in Afghanistan and Iraq today is to back the most important battlefields.'' The enemy know Iraq is the central front of the global war on terrorism.

We must put our trust in the commanders on the ground who are living the situations we are merely debating. General David Petraeus in Baghdad is an accomplished general with a proven record of success. He has expressed his confidence that victory in Iraq can be achieved-- provided he has the personnel required to do so. General

Petraeus has just been unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate to lead our troops in Iraq. We need to support him with reinforcements.

In my six visits to Iraq, I have gone to encourage our troops, but each time it is them who have encouraged me. They know firsthand that the enemies fighting us today in Iraq want to fight in the streets of America tomorrow. We must face them today to protect American families.

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

Mr. Speaker, as we continue the debate of opposing reinforcements for American forces in the global war on terrorism, I am reminded of how crucial it is that we achieve victory to protect American families.

The current situation in Iraq reminds me of a smoldering fire in an urban area. Proper equipment and a sufficient number of professional firefighters are brought in to put out the fire. To sit back, overlook the seriousness or leave the scene of the fire only enables the fire to grow, become more intense and spread throughout the neighborhood.

This analogy is applicable to Iraq. As Secretary of Defense Robert Gates said recently, the violence in Iraq, if unchecked, could spread outside its borders and draw other states into a regional conflagration. Just as we know our fire chiefs would call up additional firefighters to contain a spreading fire, we must give our troops in Baghdad the chance to suppress violence and stabilize the region, which protects American families.

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

Thank you, Congressman Deal, for coordinating this tribute to a patriot.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute and remembrance of my dear friend and our colleague Charlie Norwood. Upon my election 5 years ago, two of the first people to offer guidance to me were Charlie and Gloria Norwood. As a Member of Congress from an adjoining district, I learned firsthand of Charlie's dedication to the public and his love of America. Gloria has been a model First Lady for the district, enthusiastically assisting Charlie in his life of public service.

Charlie was a committed health care practitioner, a loving family man and a passionate public servant. He spent his entire life fighting for the people of his beloved Georgia.

True to his character, Charlie fought to the end, despite debilitating health conditions. He was always in good spirits, even though we knew he was exerting extraordinary efforts to fully represent his constituents. He reminded me so much of my predecessor, the late Congressman Floyd Spence, a fellow courageous lung transplant recipient.

I had the pleasure of serving with Charlie on the Education and Workforce Committee. I am honored to, this

year, be the Republican ranking member on the Workforce Protection Subcommittee, which Charlie ably chaired for three terms.

In Congress, Charlie was an ardent advocate for health care reform and patients' rights. He was a good friend and strong supporter of the employees of the Savannah River Nuclear Laboratory. I was proud to work closely with him in our efforts to create a MOX facility for the transformation of plutonium waste at the Savannah River site.

Charlie is survived by his wife Gloria; his two sons, Charles and Carlton; and four grandchildren. Roxanne and I join with his colleagues in mourning his passing and send our prayers to his family, staff and constituents. May God bless the Norwood family at this time, and may they know that he made a significant and positive difference for America.

Thank you, Congressman Hunter, for your leadership for our troops and for your son's service in Iraq.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of our men and women serving in the United States Armed Forces and in opposition to House Concurrent Resolution 63, a resolution that claims to support the troops but opposes reinforcements. To truly support our troops, we must provide the equipment and sufficient personnel requested by their commander, General David Petraeus.

I believe that we must triumph in the global war on terrorism, that victory in Iraq is the only option, and that America's survival is at stake. My convictions are deeply derived from personal experience and from historical perspective.

My concerns have been developed as a member of the Armed Services Committee, through which I have visited Iraq six times, as a 31-year veteran of the Army Reserves and Army National Guard, and as the proud parent of an Iraq veteran.

Less than a year after the war in Iraq began, my eldest son, Captain Alan Wilson, was deployed across Iraq, where he served honorably for 1 year. Alan worked for young girls to be able to attend schools. He has been a trusted military advisor to me regarding life on the front lines in Iraq. Alan today continues to serve in the South Carolina Army National Guard.

In addition to Alan, my younger three sons are also in the military. My wife Roxanne and I appreciate their dedication to protecting American families.

The decision to support continued efforts in Iraq is not one I made lightly. In the end, however, it is the only viable solution. Retreat is not an option.

Defeat is not an option. There is no end but victory.

I was truly transformed by September 11th, and I live with its ramifications every day. I sincerely believe we are faced with fighting the terrorists overseas today, or we will face them in the streets of America tomorrow.

The attacks of September 11th were not isolated, random events. Our enemy is highly intelligent, well financed, and committed to the destruction of our freedoms.

Terrorists have declared war on the American people. We have a choice of opposing them overseas or fighting them again here in America. The concept that America's retreat in Iraq will bring an end to sectarian violence and terrorist activity in the region ignores history. Premature retreat will embolden the enemy and make us more vulnerable to attacks.

We have seen it happen before. Withdrawals from Beirut and Mogadishu led to the 1993 World Trade Center attack, the 1998 embassy bombings across Africa, the 2000 bombings of the USS Cole and ultimately September 11, 2001.

Al Qaeda has openly stated Iraq is the central front in the war on terrorism. Osama bin Laden himself has said, ``The issue is big and the misfortune is momentous. The most important and serious issue today for the whole world is this third world war. I say to you that the war will be won either by us or by you. If it's the former, loss and disgrace will be your lot for all eternity, and, Allah be praised, this is the way the wind is blowing. If it is the latter, you should read the history books. We are a nation that does not remain silent over injustice, and we will seek blood vengeance all lifelong. Not many days and nights will pass before we take blood vengeance, like we did on 9/ 11,'' end of quote of Osama bin Laden.

We ignore bin Laden's words to the peril of American families.

All of this is not to say that Members of Congress do not have an obligation to question foreign policy. As elected public officials, it is our duty to do so. If by conscience one disagrees with our direction, he or she has a responsibility to put forth an alternative plan.

An alternative plan, however, is not what we are debating today. Instead, the Democrat leadership has put aside 36 hours of debate for a resolution that provides no substantive solutions.

Our men and women in uniform deserve better. Their families deserve better. These men and women deserve to know that America supports them, that Congress will provide requested equipment and personnel, and that we are all committed to their victory.

There is no magic bullet, no cure-all pill, but the fact remains that we must endure. The stakes are too high, the consequences of defeat too catastrophic. As men and women elected to represent our constituencies and provide for their well-being, it is our responsibility to look out for the safety of American families.

In conclusion, God bless our troops. We will never forget September 11. Our thoughts and prayers are with the late Congressman Charlie Norwood, his wife, Gloria, his family, his staff and his constituents.

Madam Speaker, I am happy to congratulate Ian and Carolyn Leslie of Beaufort, South Carolina, on the birth of their new baby boy. Isaac Richard Leslie was born in Beaufort on February 7, 2007, at 4:06 p.m., weighing 8 pounds and 3 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.

His father, Ian Leslie, serves as City Editor for The Beaufort Gazette, one of the biggest and most historic newspapers in South Carolina. His mother, Carolyn Leslie, is a teacher at the E C Montessori School in Beaufort. They are both natives of New York, but have chosen South Carolina as their new home. I congratulate the Leslie family on Isaac's birth.

Mr. Speaker, sadly, many people try to separate the current Iraq conflict from the attacks of September 11 and the Global War on Terrorism; it is impossible to do so. The attacks of September 11 were not isolated, random events. Al Qaeda has openly stated Iraq is the central front in the war on terror. And our enemy is highly intelligent, well financed and committed to the destruction of freedoms.

The concept that America's retreat in Iraq will bring an end to sectarian violence and terrorist activity in the region ignores history. Premature retreat will embolden the enemy and make us more vulnerable to attacks. Withdrawals from Beirut and Mogadishu led to the 1993 World Trade Center attack, the 1998 embassy bombings across Africa, the 2000 bombing of the USS Cole, and then September 11. Osama bin Laden has characterized the struggle in Iraq as the third world war. We ignore this claim at our peril, which threatens American families.

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

Mr. Speaker, last month the low country director of the office of South Carolina's Second Congressional District departed. Ted Felder, who has served the Second District since my election in 2001, has been named Economic Development Director for the City of Hardeeville, which will be one of the fastest growing cities in America in the next decade.

As a native of St. Matthews, Ted graduated from the University of South Carolina. He and his wife, Beth, have a 9-month-old son, John Goodwin. As a longtime friend of Ted's parents, John and Jane Felder, I have known Ted since he was a small child. I have also had the honor of serving with John in the general assembly.

I appreciate Ted's dedication to the low country and the needs of its constituents. I know he will bring the same commitment to the residents of Hardeeville. He has trained his successor, Allen Aimar, to be accessible and accountable, with office manager Deanna Conners.

In conclusion, God bless our troops. We will never forget September 11. Our prayers are with Congressman Charlie Norwood, his wife, Gloria, and his family.

Mr. Speaker, as debate continues surrounding President Bush's new way forward in Iraq, I hope all sides are heard.

I am a 31-year veteran of the South Carolina Army National Guard. I have four sons serving in the military, the eldest of whom served for a year in Iraq. I sit on the Armed Services Committee, and I have visited Iraq six times and Afghanistan twice. I am committed to my family and our Nation's survival and prosperity, all of which will be threatened should we not triumph in the global war on terrorism.

As elected public officials, Members of Congress have an obligation to debate war strategy and exercise congressional oversight. If by conscience they disagree with the President's direction, they have a responsibility to put forth an alternative plan.

Political posturing in the form of nonbinding resolutions, however, brings nothing to the debate regarding the protection of American families.

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

Mr. Speaker, the Chicago Bears and the Indianapolis Colts were not the only teams hungry for victory last night. Reverend Brad Smith of the Spring Valley Presbyterian Church in Columbia, South Carolina, founded the Souper Bowl of Caring 16 years ago. This youth-led non-profit collects money on Super Bowl Sunday to feed the hungry in their communities.

Since its beginning, the group has raised $33 million. Nearly 103,000 youth groups have participated, and more than 18,000 charity organizations nationwide have benefited from its work.

The coordination of the Souper Bowl of Caring with the NFL Super Bowl has not gone unnoticed. Five NFL team owners, including two with South Carolina connections, have made significant financial contributions to fund the organization. Specifically, I would like to recognize USC graduate Bob McNair, and his wife, Columbia College graduate Janice McNair, with the Houston Texans.

The Souper Bowl of Caring is making a positive difference alleviating hunger, and all Americans appreciate its efforts.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of a true American hero. Colonel Paul Kelly, of Stafford, Virginia, and a former member of the South Carolina Army National Guard, died in Baghdad when the Black Hawk helicopter he was in crashed.

Colonel Kelly served as a South Carolina guardsmen from April 1986 until June 2001. During his tenure, he held key leadership and staff positions within the aviation program rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Colonel Kelly later transferred to the Virginia Army National Guard, with which he was serving at the time of his death. To date Col. Kelly is the most senior officer to die in the Iraqi theater of war. He was a mentor to many coming up through the ranks of military service.

Colonel Kelly would have celebrated his 46th birthday today. According to the Dayton Daily News, Colonel Kelly was nicknamed ``the Senator'' because he was always shaking soldier's hands, no matter their rank.

Colonel Kelly is survived by his loving wife Maria, his two sons, Paul and John, his parents, John and Mary Rose, and his five siblings. Colonel Kelly honorably served America and his family. My thoughts and prayers are with them all.

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

Madam Speaker, at a Fatah party rally on January 11, 2007, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas reportedly said that Palestinians ``have a legitimate right to direct our guns against the occupation [Israel]'' and that Fatah's ``fighting'' stance is a ``model for liberation.''

I find it disheartening and deeply troubling that Abbas would sanction violence against Israel instead of calling upon his people to support peaceful compromise with Israel.

Palestinian leaders must understand that they can no longer support peace when speaking to Western audiences while advocating violence against Israel when addressing their people. Abbas' statements suggest that he is not the ``moderate'' Palestinian leader that many claim he is. Unless he renounces violence once and for all and takes steps to disarm terrorists, Abbas may not deserve additional U.S. aid.

Mr. Speaker, this weekend I participated in the American University in Bulgaria's Board of Trustees meetings. I am honored to serve on the board which promotes world-class education for students throughout Eastern Europe.

This September marks the university's 16th year. The first American- style undergraduate liberal arts educational institution in Eastern Europe, AUBG has more than quadrupled in size since its opening. University President Michael Easton, Provost Ann Ferren, and Chairman of the Board David Glanagan are to be commended for their dedication to AUBG and their vision for its future.

As the people of Bulgaria continue their democratic transformation, AUBG's mission statement best exemplifies the institution's commitment to Bulgaria's prosperity, The mission of the American University in Bulgaria is to educate future leaders committed to serving the needs of the region by promoting the values of an open, democratic society.

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

Mr. Speaker, today I will reintroduce the National Right to Work Act. This bill seeks to end compulsory union dues and return to American workers their unalienable freedom of choice.

As ranking member of the Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, this is an issue with which I am actively involved. No American should be forced to pay union dues to get or keep a job. Ironically, even proponents of compulsory unionism acknowledge that coercion is the central pillar of our current Federal labor law.

By simply repealing certain provisions of the National Labor Relations Act and the Railway Labor Act, we can abolish forced union dues.

I am pleased to introduce this bill with 51 of our colleagues, and I urge you to join us in increasing the freedom and prosperity of American workers.

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

Mr. Speaker, last week, I introduced a bill that will make permanent the $10,000 adoption tax credit which is set to expire in 2010.

As the father of an adopted son, as a former attorney handling adoptions, and as a member of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption, I know firsthand the challenges and rewards adoption brings.

The adoption process can be mentally and procedurally exhausting. Families should not be overwhelmed with financial burdens as well. We should offer incentives, not penalties, to those making this commitment.

I am proud to sponsor this bill and pleased that 46 of our colleagues, including Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles Rangel, have joined me as co-sponsors. This legislation is necessary to promote adoption and foster the creation of happy homes.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 29, which celebrates mentors who are positively impacting the lives of young people and highlights the need for additional mentors to make themselves available to America's youth.

I applaud Representative Susan Davis' continued efforts to draw attention and support to this very important issue, and I appreciate her dedicated leadership in this area.

Mentors give their time and energy to improve the lives of American young people who increasingly spend less time with concerned adult role models. According to the National Mentoring Institute, young people with mentors are roughly half as likely as those without mentors to begin using illegal drugs, 27 percent less likely to begin using alcohol, and 50 percent less prone to absenteeism from school. The positive effects of mentoring also include the improvement of academic achievement, a reduction in violent behavior, and a higher self-esteem.

In December 2006, President Bush proclaimed January 2007 as National Mentoring Month, giving public recognition to mentors who serve as role models and provide quality involvement and interaction in the lives of America's youth.

As the President said, ``Through friendship and encouragement, mentors can help prepare young Americans for a hopeful future.''

By honoring mentors and mentoring programs, we recognize the importance of mentoring programs implemented in our local schools and communities. We also draw attention to the components of a quality program, including appropriate screening of potential mentors and careful matching of youth with adults who have a genuine interest in providing guidance and being exemplary role models.

Mentoring programs are varied and unique. They can be school-based or faith-based, and they may be established through community organizations or corporate initiatives. I encourage people across the country to take the time to discover what mentoring programs exist in their communities and see what they can do to help. Many volunteers are needed to meet the growing demand for mentors.

Again, I am pleased to recognize the important work of mentors and the quality mentoring programs, and I urge Members to support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, there are no further speakers.

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