Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, this August during an annual district bus tour, I will have the opportunity to read aloud to children participating in the Reach Out and Read program.

Reach Out and Read is a nonprofit organization that partners with medical institutions to promote a partnership between early childhood literacy and pediatric care. The organization trains doctors and nurses in the importance of early literacy. During checkups, each child age 6 months to 5 years is given a new book, and parents are encouraged to read aloud to them. As of June 2006, there were nearly 3,000 Reach Out and Read programs nationwide, benefiting 2.5 million children annually.

As a member of the Education and the Workforce Committee, ably led by Chairman Buck McKeon, I am all too aware of the school readiness issues facing our Nation. Organizations such as Reach Out and Read are to be commended for their efforts to prepare better our Nation's children for success at school and in life.

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

Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, July 19, I learned of the death of MGT. Eston Marchant, Jr., and made the following statement:

It is with great sadness to learn of the death of Major

General T. Eston Marchant. One of the highlights of my life

was for him to help recruit me into the Army National Guard

and I will always be grateful for the opportunity to serve

for 29 years.

General Marchant was a model of military professionalism

who established South Carolina's Army and Air Guard as among

the most competent in the world's best military. They are now

proving themselves by protecting American families in the

Global War on Terrorism.

The Wilson Family extends its deepest sympathy to the

Marchant Family.

The following obituary was published in The State newspaper of Columbia, SC, on July 20, 2006:

Major General Trelawney Eston Marchant, (Ret.), died

Wednesday, July 19, 2006. He was 85. General Marchant was

born December 9, 1920, a son of the late Brig. General T.

Eston Marchant and Lila Cave Marchant.

General Marchant grew up in Columbia and received both his

undergraduate and law degrees from the University of South

Carolina. He enlisted in the Marines when the United States

entered World War II, and fought in the Pacific Theater,

rising to the rank of Captain. When he returned home he

practiced law and began a long career in the S.C. National

Guard. He was elected to the University of South Carolina

Board of Trustees in 1965, and was elected Chairman of the

Board in 1970, serving continuously thereafter until 1978,

when he was elected Adjutant General of South Carolina.

General Marchant served four terms as Adjutant General,

retiring in 1994. The S.C. National Guard Headquarters and

Complex in Columbia is named in his honor.

General Marchant was active in state and community affairs,

serving as a municipal judge, President of the Richland

County Bar Association, member of The Citadel Board of

Visitors, and President of The Columbia Cotillion, among many

other activities. He received honorary degrees from both

U.S.C. and The Citadel. General Marchant was National

President of the Adjutant Generals Association of the United

States and, in 1990, he was named South Carolinian of the

Year by WIS-TV. He was awarded the Order of the Palmetto by

then-Governor John West and again by then-Governor Carroll

Campbell.

General Marchant was a member of First Presbyterian Church

of Columbia.

General Marchant is survived by his wife of 54 years,

Caroline Bristow Marchant; children, T. Eston Marchant III

and his wife, Emilie Marchant, of Clinton, Bristow Marchant

and his wife, Betsy Marchant,

Caroline Marchant Borucki and her husband, Dr. Robert

Borucki, Nancy Marchant Harris and her husband, Gregory

Harris; nine grandchildren, all of Columbia. He is also

survived by his brother, Julian M. Marchant, and by his

sister, Nancy Marchant McIlvaine.

General Marchant was a warm, loving husband, father, and

grandfather, and will be dearly missed by all of his family

and many friends.

The family would also like to offer special thanks to Mr.

John House, who provided care and comfort to General Marchant

in his final months.

The family will receive visitors at the home of Dr. and

Mrs. Borucki, 181 Aspen Trail, in Gregg Park, Columbia,

Thursday, July 20, from 5 until 7 p.m.

The funeral will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 1324

Marion Street in Columbia, Friday, July 21, 2006, at 11 a.m.

with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the T. Eston

and Caroline B. Marchant Endowed Scholarship, University of

South Carolina, Attn. Daria Smith, 1600 Hampton Street,

Columbia, SC 29208 or to the National Guard Association of

South Carolina Scholarship Foundation, 2001 Assembly Street,

Suite 204, Columbia, SC 29201.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is in charge.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as a supporter and chief sponsor of H.R. 5057, the ``Brigadier General Francis Marion Memorial Act.'' General Marion, more commonly known as The Swamp Fox, was a renowned patriot who represented my State of South Carolina and our fledgling Nation well with his brave service in the Revolutionary War. As a South Carolinian, I am proud his legacy has been honored with a memorial park here in Washington. This particularly is meaningful to me as General Marion and I share the heritage of French Hugenots who have contributed so much to American history. I am grateful that a statue of the Swamp Fox will be erected on its premises as an inspiration for our citizens. Passage of this bill is a crucial first step in making this dream a reality.

I would specifically like to thank Ken Driggers and Nancy Stone- Collum of the Palmetto Conservation Foundation, which serves as a conduit for the fundraising part of this process. Additionally, I would like to thank the South Carolina Humanities Council for supporting John McCabe, the enthusiastic histories who originally had the vision to honor the ``Swamp Fox.'' John created the Francis Marion Park Project to assist in the fundraising

and planning efforts, and I cannot be more pleased with the progress that has taken place. Also, the National Park Service deserves recognition for their guidance through this important process.

The entire South Carolina delegation, as well as Chairman Richard Pombo, have lent their support to this project. As such, I am confident our efforts will be successful.

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

Mr. Speaker, for more than 5 years, we have been honored to have Norman Mineta serve as Secretary of Transportation, selected by President Bush, to be the longest-serving Secretary in American history.

Secretary Mineta served as an intelligence officer in the U.S. Army in both Japan and Korea. He was the 59th mayor of San Jose, California, and served as a Member of Congress for 20 years. He was the first Asian American elected mayor of a major city, and the first to hold a Cabinet position when he served as Secretary of Commerce from 2000 to 2001.

As the Secretary of Transportation, Norman Mineta oversaw an agency with almost 60,000 employees and a $62 billion budget. Created in 1967, the department brought under one umbrella air, maritime, and surface transportation missions. Today, I honor his service to the American people and wish him and his wife, Deni, the best in their future endeavors.

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

Madam Speaker, on June 25, Hamas terrorists from Gaza carried out a cross-border attack into Israel, killing two soldiers and kidnapping a third. Shortly thereafter, Hezbollah terrorists from Lebanon attacked Israeli soldiers, killing three and capturing two. Just yesterday, Hezbollah fired missiles into Israel at a rate of one per minute for a full hour. Rather than using diplomacy to deescalate the situation, Iranian President Ahmadinejad falsely claimed Israel was trying to reoccupy Lebanon and, once again, denied the existence of the Holocaust.

I agree with President Bush when he said yesterday ``The root cause of the problem is Hezbollah.'' President Bush further said that Israel has a right ``to defend herself from terrorist attacks.'' The kidnapped Israeli soldiers need to be released. Hamas and Hezbollah need to turn away from the current path of terror, violence and intimidation. We must stand with Israel in her fight against misguided religious extremism and those who glorify death over life. We must stand with Middle Eastern allies to establish peace.

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

Mr. Speaker, with the continuity of a congressional session, there is a normal shuffling of staff positions. Today, it is with mixed emotions that I announce the departure of Emily Lawrimore.

For the past year and a half, Emily has held one of the most difficult jobs on Capitol Hill, serving as the communications director in the office of the Second Congressional District of South Carolina.

Emily has handled her position with professionalism, grace and integrity. Her dedication and work ethic will be difficult to replace.

Emily began her career in Washington as a staff member of Congressman Charlie Norwood. She left the halls of Congress last Friday to become assistant press secretary for President George W. Bush. I am confident that Emily will be a welcome addition to the President's press office.

As a graduate of Clemson University, Emily Lawrimore is one of two children of Marshall and Cindy Lawrimore of Columbus, Georgia. She is a credit to the people of South Carolina and Georgia, and I wish her godspeed.

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

Mr. Speaker, with the continuity of a Congressional session, there is a normal shuffling of staff positions. Today, it is with mixed emotions that I announce the departure of Emily Lawrimore.

For the past year and a half, Emily has held one of the most difficult jobs on Capitol Hill--serving as the Communications Director for the Second Congressional District. Emily has handled her position with professionalism, grace, and integrity. Her dedication and work ethic will be difficult to replace.

Emily began her career in Washington as a member of Congressman Charlie Norwood's staff. She leaves the halls of Congress tomorrow to become Assistant Press Secretary for President George W. Bush. I am confident that Emily will be a welcome addition to the President's press office.

A graduate of Clemson University, Emily Lawrimore is one of two children of Marshall and Cindy Lawrimore of Columbus, Georgia. She is a credit to the people of South Carolina and Georgia, and I wish her Godspeed.

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

Mr. Speaker, I find it extremely ironic that on the same day Washington Police Chief Charles Ramsey declared a crime emergency, The Washington Post has published another misguided editorial promoting the failed efforts of gun control.

The editorial attacked Members of Congress for failing to further restrict Americans' second amendment rights. The Post specifically criticized my statement that ``responsible and law-abiding citizens do not need the government to tell them to be safe.''

Perhaps they forgot, while the District of Columbia has some of the most restrictive gun laws in our country, it also has one of the highest murder rates in the Nation. Thirteen people have been killed in Washington in only the past 12 days.

Instead of petitioning Congress to place additional restrictions upon law-abiding citizens, perhaps The Post should push for tougher laws to help keep criminals off the streets of America.

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

Mr. Speaker, as Americans celebrated their liberties on the Fourth of July, the dictator of North Korea threatened the peace and stability of free nations throughout the world. I visited Pyongyang with Congressman Jeff Miller, and I know that by test launching seven missiles into the Sea of Japan, Kim Jong- Il and his regime clearly disregarded North Korea's prior agreements.

As our country continues to fight the global war on terrorism, our allies cannot allow an unpredictable rogue leader to proceed with his quest for nuclear weapons. We must continue to work for a peaceful solution to this conflict, and we must hold North Korea accountable to their nonproliferation agreements.

I strongly support President Bush's efforts of diplomacy and an antiballistic missile defense system to protect the American people. As President Reagan said over 20 years ago, we must achieve peace through strength.

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

Madam Speaker, in a rare display of accuracy, today the New York Times highlighted how the Bush tax cuts are helping tremendously reduce the Federal deficit. As the drive-by paper reported, an unexpected steep rise in tax revenues from corporations and the wealthy is driving down the projected deficit this year. On Friday, the Congressional Budget Office reported that corporate tax receipts for the 9 months ending in June hit $250 billion, nearly 26 percent higher than the same time last year, and that overall revenues were $206 billion higher than at this point in 2005.

This incredible increase in tax receipts demonstrates that Republican policies are truly benefiting all sectors of the American economy. By reducing taxes, we have helped American businesses create jobs and, in turn, contribute larger amounts, reducing the Federal deficit. House Republicans will continue to work to make these effective tax cuts permanent.

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

Mr. Speaker, House Republicans are committed to strengthening America's energy policies and lowering gas prices for families throughout our country. From supporting legislation to build more refineries to approving environmentally safe energy production, we have proposed commonsense initiatives that will provide a long-term solution to our energy crisis.

While Democrats may demagogue about any positive proposals, House Republicans continue to act on real reforms that will increase America's energy independence. Tomorrow, the House will consider the Deep Ocean Energy Resources Act, introduced by Congressman Bobby Jindal, which empowers States to protect their coastlines by restricting energy production to the deep seas more than 100 miles away from our shore. Additionally, this bill allows more of America's massive energy resources to be produced on the Outer Continental Shelf.

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

Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank Congresswoman Musgrave for her leadership on this amendment, which would prohibit any funds in the appropriations bill being used to enforce the mandatory trigger lock provisions, essentially a tax on citizens who purchase a handgun.

It is my view that the new trigger lock bill is bad public policy. The new bill provides, or the law is a tax on citizens who purchase firearms. Responsible and law-abiding gun owners do not need the government to tell them to be safe. Responsible gun owners will take protective steps without the government mandating trigger locks.

Responsible users who will use a provided lock would also be using safer and more secure methods, such as a lockbox, quick-action safes or full gun safes. I would like to thank Congresswoman Musgrave for her leadership in understanding there can be unintended consequences.

It is my view that many people who in good faith are working for restrictions on the use of weapons are actually not achieving what they meant. My experience with this, I worked in the State of South Carolina in the State senate. To provide concealed weapons permits, we were warned that if persons who were law-abiding citizens could apply for a concealed weapons permit, it would lead to the shoot-out at OK Corral. The exact opposite has occurred. There has been a reduction in gun violence, a reduction in crime, almost 50,000 people in my home State now have a concealed weapons permit.

And people who were opposing our bill now tell me that it works. And so I would like to commend Congresswoman Musgrave on her vision to protect the people of the United States.

Mr. Speaker, although the recent death of Zarqawi did not end terrorism in Iraq, it delivered a devastating blow to the al Qaeda network. Since June 4th coalition and Iraqi forces have killed 11 other leaders of the organization.

As progress continues in Iraq, a critical debate continues throughout the halls of Congress. We cannot afford to abandon our mission simply because certain politicians believe that waving a white flag of surrender will magically deliver peace. While a timeline for withdrawal might be politically popular, it is not a strategy for victory.

As Senate Democrats attempt to gain support for their latest proposal of retreat and defeat in Iraq, U.S. troops and Iraqi Security Forces remain committed to fighting terrorists who threaten the lives of American and Iraqi citizens.

Republicans will continue to support policies that enable these brave troops to complete their mission protecting American families.

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

Mr. Speaker, The Columbia Star reported on June 16, 2006 an article highlighting the 100 year Birthday Bash to celebrate 100 years of St. Peter's Catholic Church in Columbia, South Carolina, occupying its present building on Assembly Street. Jennifer Miskewicz, an anchor from WIS News 10 and member of St. Peter's, presided over the day's events.

St. Peter's Church is the Mother Church of the Midlands of South Carolina being established in 1821.

A brief history of the church is a testamonial to the importance of the church to the citizens of South Carolina.

The earliest record of Catholics in Columbia, South Carolina, is in association with Father James Wallace who in the early 1800's became Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy at the newly-formed South Carolina College. It is said that during his tenure Fr. Wallace celebrated Mass for the small but growing community of Catholics in the Midlands. (He is buried in St. Peter's churchyard.)

In 1820 the Diocese of Charleston was established. It included all of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Early in 1821 the newly- appointed Bishop John England sent Father Dennis Corkery to pastor and attend the welfare of a group of Irish immigrants working on the Columbia Canal. This was the beginning of St. Peter's Parish. By 1824 work began on a small brick church designed by renowned architect Robert Mills. The cornerstone of that building can still be seen in the vestibule of the present church.

Since it was the only parish in the Midlands and Upstate in those early years, the pastors of St. Peter's traveled by horseback to serve small groups of Catholics throughout that vast territory. For the most part, Catholics in the South at that time were of humble circumstances, many operating small farms, some retail stores and a fraction of them employed at some of the developing state institutions. Few commanded positions of influence. This changed gradually, and by 1852, the construction of the State House and other public buildings brought additional Catholics to Columbia. Among these was John R. Niernsee, a native of Austria who became the architect for the State House. (He is buried in St. Peter's churchyard.)

An Educational Mission

As Columbia established itself, St. Peter's Parish grew and began to focus attention and energy on an educational ministry. In 1848 Father Jeremiah O'Connell became pastor of St. Peter's and soon founded St. Mary's College for young men and the Academy of the Immaculate Conception for young women. In 1859 the Ursuline sisters began teaching in these institutions. That same year, the church was renovated and enlarged to almost twice its original size.

The Civil War quickly put a halt to this progress, and on February 17, 1865, Union troops entered the city. Fire then destroyed not only much of Columbia but also the college and academy, along with the rectory and parish records. The church was damaged but not destroyed. The schools continued in operation from various locations initially through the efforts of General William T. Sherman and later through the hospitality of other churches and residents of Columbia. A rectory was evenutally provided through the aid of the newly established Catholic Association of Columbia. In 1872 St. Peter's Cemetary was begun on land donated near the public cemetery on Elmwood Avenue. The parish then remained in steady operation to the end of the nineteenth century despite the difficulties associated with the years of the Reconstruction Era.

A New Building and Growth

The beginning of the twentieth century found the old church in such deterioated condition that the parishioners decided to build a new and enlarged one. Frank P. Milburn, a prominent architect working at the time on the construction of the State House dome, was engaged to design and oversee the project. The cornerstone for a new English Gothic style church was laid in 1906. It was dedicated by Bishop Northrup on January 17, 1909. The total cost of the church including all its furnishings was $60,506.64. The pastor, Father Thomas Hegarty, inspired and guided the community throughout the project. (He is buried in a side chapel in the vestibule of the church.) That same building continues to serve the community as its place of worship now into the twenty-first century.

In 1911, a lot on the corner of Assembly and Taylor Streets was purchased and a new rectory was built. With the assistance of the Knights of Columbus a new school building was erected in 1919. In 1920, St. Peter's helped establish a new parish in the Shandon area first known as St. Francis de Sales, later renamed St. Joseph. Monsignor Martin Murphy, a beloved pastor for over a quarter of the last century, helped found St. Martin de Porres Parish, Providence Hospital, and St. Patrick's Chapel.

Toward a New Century

In 1964 the parish received its first American-born pastor, Monsignor William Croghan. During those same years many of the reforms initiated by the Second Vatican Council were introduced and implemented in the parish. St. Peter's witnessed increased lay involvement in the parish. St. Peter's witnessed increased lay involvement in the work of the church, particularly in ecumenical activties, outready projects for the poor, and efforts for justice and peace. The interior of the church was remodeled during these years, but its more modern design proved to be inconsistent with the architectural style of the building. In later years it was again restored.

Since 1985 Monsignor Leigh Lehocky has been pastor of St. Peter's. On September 11, 1987, the parish had the great privilege of receiving Pope John Paul II where he greated over 550 representatives from parishes throughout the diocese. The Pope's visit to Columbia also included an ecumenical dialogue with leaders from some twenty-six other Christian churches. Monsignor Lehocky, as diocesan Vicard for Ecumenism, has continued the spirit of the Pope, involving the parish in the work for Christian unity. On January 14, 1996, St. Peter's welcomed Cardinal Joseph Bernardin of Chicago, himself a child of the parish, to celebrate its 175th anniversary. In 1992, Bishop David Thompson dedicated the new parish school.

The history of Catholic Christians at St. Peter's touches into three centuries. Its life in Christ Jesus makes it ever ancient and yet always new.

Mr. Speaker, the Census Bureau estimates that more than 36 million Americans are over the age of 65, making them members of the fastest growing age group in our country. Under the able leadership of Chairman Buck McKeon, House Republicans are working to ensure the quality and effectiveness of Federal programs designed to help America's elderly.

Today, I am proud to speak in support of the Senior Independence Act of 2006, which proposes several necessary reforms to help older individuals avoid institutional care, improve their health services, and have access to employment-based training programs. By reviewing and modernizing programs established over 50 years ago, we are helping to ensure that America's government programs actually address the needs of today's seniors.

This bill will help ensure America's seniors live healthier and happier lives.

In conclusion, our sympathies are with the families of Private Thomas Tucker and Private Kristian Menchaca. God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.