Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, families continue to suffer from the disastrous decisions of the Biden-Harris administration, which led to outrageous energy prices.

Republicans passed bills this week to correct regulations of Biden and lower costs, including:

Reversing the rule on energy standards, which overregulates standards for consumer products and commercial equipment, led by Congressman Andrew Clyde.

Reversing the rule on national emission standards, which imposes limits on tire manufacturers, led by Congressman Morgan Griffith. This legislation supports tire manufacturers, such as Michelin and Bridgestone, in South Carolina, which now is the leading State manufacturer and exporter of tires in America, creating jobs.

Reversing the rule requiring archeological reports for oil and gas exploration or development plans on the Outer Continental Shelf, led by Senator John Kennedy.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Open borders for dictators put all Americans at risk of more 9/11 attacks imminent, as warned by the FBI. President Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength.

Mr. Speaker, on February 19th, America lost a true hero and distinguished alumnus of The Citadel of Charleston, South Carolina. I am grateful for his service to the country and my thoughts and prayers go to his wife, Ann Randolph Hurst, children, family, and friends.

The following is the obituary of Colonel Myron Charles Harrington, Jr. from the Stuhr Funeral Home of Charleston:

``Retired United States Marine Corps officer, community

leader and academic administrator, Colonel Myron Charles

Harrington, Jr., formerly of Charleston, South Carolina,

passed away peacefully at his home in Charlotte, North

Carolina, on February 19, 2025. Colonel Harrington was a

highly decorated combat veteran who was revered in retirement

for his dedication to the Lowcountry. He will be greatly

missed by those he both inspired and served in his 86 years.

Colonel Harrington was born on August 13, 1938 in Augusta,

Georgia, to Myron Charles Harrington and Stella Irene Craig

Harrington. He graduated from Decatur High School class of

1956, and was a graduate of The Citadel, class of 1960. In

1961, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, USMC. His

education continued at the Army War College, Carlisle,

Pennsylvania and he received a Master of Science in Public

Administration from Shippensburg State College.

His distinguished Marine Corps career included: Company

Commander Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines Republic

of Viet Nam 1968 in The Battle of Hue City, Tet Offensive;

Assistant Naval Attache, American Embassy Canberra,

Australia; Commanding Officer 3rd Recruit Training Battalion,

Parris Island, SC; Commanding Officer, 24th Marine Amphibious

Unit, Beirut, Lebanon; Operations Officer Fleet Marine Forces

Atlantic; Chief of Staff Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, NC.

After being called upon during countless times of crisis

throughout his distinguished military career in Vietnam,

Beirut and Grenada, Colonel Harrington retired from the

Marine Corps as the Professor of Naval Science and Commanding

Officer of the Naval Reserve Officers' Training Corps, The

Citadel, in 1991.

Colonel Harrington's personal decorations include: The Navy

Cross, Silver Star, Legion of Merit with two Gold Stars in

lieu of second and third award, Navy Commendation Medal with

combat ``V'' and Gold Star in lieu of second award,

Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star, and the

Vietnamese Staff Honor Medal First Class.

After retiring from the Marine Corps in 1992, Colonel

Harrington, joined the staff at Trident Academy as

Headmaster. He was active in the South Carolina Independent

Schools Association, Past President of the Palmetto

Association of Independent Schools and was the recipient of

the Dr. Charles Almar Award for Education Leadership. Upon

retirement from Trident, he was designated Headmaster

Emeritus.

Colonel Harrington served not only his country, but the

State of South Carolina, and the city of Charleston. He

received the State of South Carolina's highest civilian

honor, the Order of the Palmetto in 2010. He was involved in

many philanthropic and historical societies and was the first

South Carolinian elected Governor General of the General

Society of Colonial Wars. He served as a board member and

Historian of the Washington Light Infantry, Honorary member

of the Society of the Cincinnati State of South Carolina,

Legion of Valor, German Friendly Society the Charleston Club,

Kappa Alpha Order, Order of St. John, the Clergy Society,

Rotary Club of Charleston, and the Carolina Yacht Club. He

was also recognized by the National Society of the Daughters

of the American Revolution with their highest award, the DAR

Medal of Honor, stating, ``He has demonstrated through ethos

and action the ideals of servant leadership.''

The Citadel commanded his unwavering allegiance. He served

as Secretary, Alumni Elected Member, Vice-Chairman and

Chairman of the Board of Visitors respectively from 2006 to

2021. In 2023, he received an Honorary Doctor of Leadership

in recognition of his lifetime of service to both the

country, community, and the Citadel. The core values of The

Citadel: Honor, Duty, and Respect were fully embodied in

Colonel Harrington allowing him to fulfill The Citadel's

mission to become a leader in all walks of life.

A devout Christian, Colonel Harrington was dedicated to his

beloved church home, St. Philips Church of Charleston. He

served in the lay ministry as a Chalice Bearer, participated

in Bible Studies, and shared his testimony with men in the

community. He also served on the Vestry, finishing his term

as Senior Warden.

Colonel Harrington is survived by his beloved family: his

devoted and supportive wife of more than 60 years, Ann

Randolph Hurst, and their children, Ann Hunley and Mike

(Kathleen) Harrington, grandchildren; Emma Grace, Lily,

William, Charlotte, Forbes, and Ryan, sisters, Sara (Miller)

Byne of Charlotte, NC, Ann (Ernest) Dinkins of Augusta GA,

and close cousins, Craig (Martha Ann) Wardlaw of Charlotte,

NC and Barbara Sims of Augusta, GA.

A Memorial Service will be held at the Summerall Chapel on

the Citadel Campus on Thursday, March 6th, at 10:00 am.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 5th, 4:00-6:00 p.m. at

the J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Mt. Pleasant Chapel, 1494 Mathis

Ferry Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC. The Service will be

livestreamed. Colonel Harrington will be laid to rest at

Arlington National Cemetery on a future date to be

announced.''

Mr. Speaker, congratulations and best wishes to Mrs. Myrtle Evans of Columbia, South Carolina, on the occasion of her 100th birthday.

Myrtle Irene Evans was born in Gainesville, Georgia, on March 27, 1925. She married Ralph Joseph Evans who was in the Navy for three years before joining the Army as a machinist. As a result of his service, the Evans family traveled all over the United States. Her family finally settled in Leesville, South Carolina. Myrtle attended Hulon Church in Batesburg, South Carolina for many years, along with her husband and five children: Diane, Judy, Doris, Carol, and Gary. Myrtle has seven beautiful grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

For the past ten years she has called The Pines at Columbia home, where she is an integral part of the community. Myrtle is quite active, despite being 100 years of age. In September 2024, she participated in The Pines Senior Games and loves to participate in all the activities the community offers.

Her smile is contagious, and she shares her love, laughter, and sense of humor with the people around her every day. Wishing a Happy Birthday to Myrtle, and many more years of health, joy, and blessings.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate President Donald Trump for an inspiring speech to the Nation last night.

Welcoming Mary Blythe Thomas

Madam Speaker, last Wednesday, on February 26, Lexington County, South Carolina, grew by one as Byron and Rebecca Thomas joyfully welcomed their beautiful daughter, Mary Blythe Thomas, into the world.

Born at 5:07 p.m., weighing 7 pounds, 14 ounces, and measuring 21 inches long, Mary Blythe entered a loving and nurturing home and community.

I am grateful for her father, Byron, a dedicated, long-term staff member of the Second Congressional District's Midlands office, serving as director of outreach. He simultaneously serves as a city of Cayce councilmember.

Mary Blythe is blessed to be born into a home that will foster and guide her to a bright and fulfilling future, including her five wonderful grandparents, Jeff and Vickey Thomas, Lana Thomas, and Bruce and Nancy Pope.

On behalf of my wife, Roxanne, and our entire family and staff, best wishes and warmest regards to Byron, Rebecca, and Mary Blythe. May the years ahead be filled with joy, love, and blessings.

Honoring Lincoln Diaz-Balart

Madam Speaker, I rise to offer sympathy to the family of Congressman Lincoln Diaz-Balart. America has been blessed with the service of the extended Diaz-Balart family to the people of the United States.

Mr. Speaker, President Donald Trump will deliver his first address tonight before a joint session of Congress since his historic mandate reelection.

Reversing damage caused by the policies of the Biden-Harris administration in order to make America secure and competitive, President Trump is already delivering major wins for American families, reducing illegal border crossings by 98 percent.

President Trump is restoring peace through strength; rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars; and securing tremendous savings for taxpayers.

Led by Speaker Mike Johnson, House Republicans are standing by President Trump to get America back on track, including through the passage of a single bill on the Trump agenda by providing a secure border, unleashing American energy, preventing the largest tax hike in history, creating jobs, and bringing common sense back with limited government, returning power to the people.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Open borders for dictators put all Americans at risk of more 9/11 attacks imminent, as warned by the FBI. President Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength.

Mr. Speaker, I was otherwise detained off the floor. Had I been present I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 56.

Stated against:

Mr. Speaker, the December collapse of the dictatorial and murderous Assad regime in Syria is a cause of celebration for the Syrian people and the world.

As the Syrian people decide their path forward, an encouraging sign was reported by NPR of Jewish officials being invited by the current Syrian Government for the Jewish community to help rebuild the country. Nearly all of the more than 30,000 Syrian Jews fled the country in the 1990s.

War criminal Putin's murderous puppet, Assad, fled to Moscow as mass graves were discovered of innocent civilians. Syrians will never forget the Russian-supported mass murders destroying Aleppo, and Russian bases should be expelled from Syria.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Open borders for dictators put all Americans at risk of more 9/11 attacks imminent, as warned by the FBI. Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength.

Congratulating Republic of Bulgaria

Mr. Speaker, on the National Day of the Republic of Bulgaria, I congratulate and appreciate Ambassador Georgi Panayotov and our valued NATO partner of Bulgaria. A dynamic member of the European Union is the beautiful Republic of Bulgaria.

Mr. Speaker, I attended the Munich Security Conference last week where Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen correctly identified the Ukrainian war as the Russian war in Ukraine.

In maniacal, murderous efforts to resurrect the failed Soviet Union, war criminal Putin has oppressed the people of Russia, invaded Ukraine, maintained occupation of Moldovan Transnistria, invaded Ukrainian Crimea, seized South Ossetia and Abkhazia of Georgia, and rigged the Georgian Parliamentary election, which was won by the courageous Salome Zourabichvili. He virtually annexed Belarus by rigging a Presidential election won by Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya and then invaded Ukraine twice, where Ukraine, successfully armed with Javelin missiles by President Donald Trump, has resisted.

Desperate war criminal Putin has confirmed his failing attempt to resurrect the failed Soviet Union, threatening the Baltic Republics and even Poland.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Open borders for dictators put all Americans at risk of more 9/11 attacks imminent, as warned by the FBI. President Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength.

Our sympathy to the family of the legendary Roberta Flack, who will always be cherished for her loving connection to the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I thank and very much appreciate Republican Vice Chairman Blake Moore of Utah for holding this Special Order hour.

Last Monday, February 17 marked 500 days since the heinous attack in Israel where drug-induced Iranian puppet Hamas launched the most cowardly, murderous assault against Israel and the Jewish community since the Holocaust. The world will not forget the mass slaughter of 1,200 innocent lives by Hamas and the 240 civilians taken hostage, including Americans.

It is a remarkable achievement that under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that a ceasefire agreement was reached and led to the release of many hostages, though many remain.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has been successful in eliminating the leadership of Hamas and Hezbollah. He will face the nuclear threat of Tehran.

Americans will continue to reaffirm our unwavering support for Israel and the right of its citizens and Jewish people to live in peace. With the leadership of President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Ambassador Mike Huckabee, Americans will not stop until we bring home every hostage and achieve victory over the Iranian regime and its puppets.

The people of Iran can be inspired by the courageous patriots of Syria who liberated Damascus on December 8. Additionally, the new government in Beirut is positive for the people of Lebanon.

With the courageous patriots such as Ahmed Albasheer in Iraq, the people of Iraq will free themselves from Iranian domination for independence, achieving stability with prosperity.

Dictators around the world are losing in the war of dictators with rule of gun invading democracies with rule of law. War criminal Putin is failing in Ukraine with Ukrainians inspired by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

In Georgia, the legitimate president, Salome Zourabichvili, is respected worldwide.

In Belarus, the legitimate president of Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, has been warmly welcomed at the Munich Security Conference, supporting freedom for the people of Belarus.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Open borders for dictators put all Americans at risk of more 9/11 attacks imminent as warned by the FBI. Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday marked the tragic third anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine by war criminal Putin concealed as a 30-day special mission, misleading his troops into bringing dress uniforms for fictional victory parades in his quest to resurrect the failed Soviet Union.

Thanks to President Donald Trump, the Putin invasion convoy was destroyed by Javelin missiles he previously provided Ukraine. The Ukrainian people courageously and valiantly fought back with war criminal Putin importing Iranian drones and sacrificing North Korean troops, confirming this is a war of dictators in Moscow, Tehran, Pyongyang, and Beijing.

President Donald Trump is achieving peace through strength with an empowered Ukraine and a now-liberated Syria because Putin was not able to save dictator Assad, as Trump praises Turkiye's and Saudi Arabia's success.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Open borders for dictators put all Americans at risk of more 9/11 attacks imminent, as warned by the FBI. Trump is building peace through strength.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for the opportunity.

Under the Biden-Harris administration, America experienced wasteful spending, harming families and destroying jobs.

Tonight, in a very historic vote that we just completed; in order to combat those destructive impacts, House Republicans have voted to establish the congressional budget for the United States Government for 2025 and set forth the appropriate budgetary levels for 2026 through 2034.

Introduced by the very capable House Budget Committee Chairman Jodey Arrington, this bill will pave the way for the passage of a single comprehensive bill which will deliver on the agenda of President Donald Trump. Again, it is Donald Trump promises made promises kept.

This budget resolution provides a framework for Congress to secure the border, unleash American energy, prevent the largest tax hike in history, create jobs, and bring common sense back to the government. Unnecessary and wasteful government spending will be eliminated, putting the American people first.

I am grateful for the leadership of Speaker Mike Johnson working closely with President Donald Trump for economic opportunity in jobs for all American families.

The Trump tax cuts have been proven to energize small businesses and to create jobs across the United States. The National Federation of Independent Business, NFIB, has made a difference in working with the administration for this progress tonight.

Additionally, large companies have expanded in my home State of South Carolina, anticipating the tax cuts which provide for citizens to have more money which they can use to improve their lives.

In the district I represent, I am very grateful that Michelin Tire Corporation of Lexington is the largest facility in the world, and this facility is producing tires for energy production across North America. President Trump has provided for an all-of-the-above energy policy which will create jobs.

It is also encouraging that Boeing Aircraft Company in Charleston is doubling its size. It has already been announced that there was the sale of $39 billion of 787-10 jets to Saudi, Arabia, as Saudi Arabia is developing a new airline, Riyadh Airways, which we know will be successful for our friends and allies of Saudi Arabia.

It is additionally encouraging, and I am grateful, that we have BMW success in South Carolina with the largest BMW manufacturing facility in the world along with Volvo in Summerville. It makes South Carolina the leading exporter of tires and automobiles of any State in the Union.

In addition to Michelin, we have Continental Tire, which is obviously German. We are grateful for their investment in Bridgestone, which is very important, and Japanese investment in the district I represent along with GITI of Singapore.

So over and over we have investments that are being made because of, I believe, significant anticipation of the vote that just occurred tonight.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues while the people of Ukraine continue to successfully stop war criminal Putin who is trying to resurrect the failed Soviet Union, killing so many people in Ukraine, additionally in Georgia, and threatening the people of Moldova. We know what war criminal Putin has done to oppress the people of Belarus and to address and try to disrupt the elections in Romania and the Republic of Georgia.

Open borders for dictators puts all Americans at risk of more 9/11 attacks imminent as warned by the FBI. President Donald Trump is reinstituting existing laws which are successfully securing our border to protect American families with peace through strength.

Today also marks the 100th day of the inspiring protest in Tbilisi, the capital of the Republic of Georgia, where the people are protesting the rigged election that occurred on October 26 where war criminal Putin interfered in the elections and provided for, sadly, the institution of a new government which is not legitimate.

The legitimate government of Georgia led by President Salome Zourabichvili is so important to recognize as she courageously stands as a patriot for the people of Georgia.

Mr. Speaker, sadly, too many Americans have lost their lives due to illegal aliens engaging in high-speed chases.

This week highlights the Agent Raul Gonzalez Officer Safety Act led by Congressman Juan Ciscomani. This bill creates criminal offenses when driving a vehicle within 100 miles of the southern border, while fleeing from Border Patrol. Consequences include severe jail time with prohibition from receiving legal status.

Under the leadership of President Trump, Republicans are sending a clear message. When Americans are at risk, they will be protected.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Open borders for dictators puts all Americans at risk of more 9/11 attacks imminent, as warned by the FBI. Trump is reinstituting laws to protect American families with peace through strength.

The world is inspired by the patriots demonstrating in Tbilisi, Republic of Georgia for fair and free elections. Legitimate President Salome Zourabichvili is tireless for the people of Georgia opposing the rigged elections for President in Georgia.

Mr. Speaker, just recently, Karoline Leavitt gave her welcomed first press conference as White House Press Secretary serving with President Donald Trump.

As a 2019 graduate from Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire, Karoline is the youngest person to hold this critical position as the public voice of the President.

Initially working as an intern in the first Trump administration, she later rose to assistant press secretary, followed by communications director for the greatly talented Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, soon to be the American Ambassador to the United Nations.

Karoline most recently was the National Press Secretary on the Trump re-election campaign, gaining the trust of the President, where he stated, ``Karoline is smart, tough, and . . . a highly effective communicator. I have the utmost confidence she will . . . help deliver our message to the American people as we Make America Great Again.''

In conclusion, God Bless Our Troops as the Global War on Terrorism continues. Open borders for dictators put all Americans at risk of more 9/11 attacks imminent as warned by the FBI. Trump will reinstitute existing laws to protect American families with Peace Through Strength.

I am grateful to have hosted legitimate President Salome Zourabichvili of the nation of Georgia for the Trump Inauguration as she protests the rigged election of president in that country.

Mr. Speaker, during the failed Biden- Harris administration, Federal agencies were allowed to drastically expand power, undermining the legislative authority of Congress.

Currently, the process for Congress to pass resolutions on an agency policy it disapproves of slows the ability of Congress to block destructive regulations, destroying jobs.

This week, House Republicans will vote on the Midnight Rules Relief Act, led by Congressman Andy Biggs. The bill allows Congress to disapprove of multiple policies through one resolution when those rules were issued during the last year of a Presidential term.

Ultimately, the bill will provide Congress with the necessary tools to reject regulations, protecting democracy and creating jobs.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Open borders for dictators put all Americans at risk of more 9/11 attacks as warned by the FBI. Trump will reinstitute existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength.

I thank legitimate President Salome Zourabichvili of Georgia for protesting the rigged presidential election in Georgia.

Mr. Speaker, in October, the Putinist Georgian Dream regime in the country of Georgia rigged an election. This regime seeks to steal the future of the Georgian people and sell it to war criminal Putin, the Iranian regime, and the Chinese Communist Party.

The brave Georgian people are still on the streets for 76 days of consecutive protests. Eighty percent of Georgians want to be close friends with America and part of the EU and NATO, but the regime is responding with violence and arbitrary arrests.

The regime has given the Black Sea port to the Chinese Communist Party and has visited the regime in Teheran as Iran sends its assassins to murder President Donald Trump.

Legitimate Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, who attended the Trump inauguration, is courageously standing for free and fair elections.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Open borders for dictators put all Americans at risk of more 9/11 attacks imminent as warned by the FBI. Mr. Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength.