Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, when Members of Congress propose ways to spend American tax dollars, we should be held publicly accountable for our requests. This week, House Republicans will take another important step to eliminate excessive spending from the Federal budget process.

Congress has a strong leader for fiscal responsibility with Congressman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, who has proposed a positive way to bring increased transparency and accountability to our budget process. By granting President Bush the authority to single out individual spending items in the legislation, the Legislative Line Item Veto Act will help target wasteful and unnecessary spending. This legislation would enable the President to strike spending from a piece of legislation and would require Congress to hold an up-or-down vote on the spending within 14 legislative days.

Passing this bill will send a strong statement that the power of the purse does not provide permission for pork barrel spending.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful Cantor Sheldon Feinberg of Beaufort, South Carolina, has informed me that the years 2006-2010 mark the same period in Jerusalem--100 years ago--that a 12-year-old red-headed boy, Moshe Nathanson, wrote a song that continues to inspire the Jewish people and citizens throughout the world. His song ``Hava Nagila'' means ``Let Us Rejoice'' and conveys a tremendous message of optimism being recognized as the world's most famous song of joy.

Moshe Nathanson immigrated to the United States in his early adulthood, and over a period of 60 years added to the richness of American culture, as a cantor, concert artist, teacher, and composer.

The inspiring story of the song and its composer is told in the book Hava Nagila edited by Cantor Sheldon Feinberg.

Mr. President, I rise today to commemorate the anniversary of this special song, and the remarkable work of Moshe Nathanson.

Mr. Speaker, as a former journalist, I am saddened that much of the American media continues to play politics with the global war on terrorism, blame America, unfairly criticize our military, and bash President Bush.

By accident, the driveby the New York Times on Saturday published a front-page picture of a mosque bombing which reveals details that the newspaper frequently fails to explain. Troops are identified as Iraqi commandos, verifying Iraqis are capable and equipped. The shoe bomber was a coward, mass-murdering innocent Iraqi worshipers, and not promoting a just insurgency. The homicide bomber attacked an easy target of convenience, prevented by Iraqi and coalition troops from murdering in the streets of America.

From this picture, we can learn we must face the evil enemy overseas with our Iraqi allies, or American families will be more at risk at home. The only path to peace is victory in Iraq as the central front in the global war on terrorism.

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

Mr. Speaker, today is another significant day in the global war on terrorism, as the House will adopt the resolution supporting our troops to achieve victory over terrorism, to protect American families.

I know firsthand of the capabilities and competence of our troops, as a veteran with 31 years, service with the Army Reserves and National Guard. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I have visited our troops eight times in Kuwait, Iraq and Afghanistan. I know especially firsthand of the progress from my oldest son, who served with the National Guard for a year in Iraq, and this year I will have four sons in the military keeping me informed.

Today we can join with the Senate's 93-6 vote for success in Iraq, and I urge my colleagues to put aside partisanship to stand with our troops promoting freedom.

I want to especially commend Chairman Henry Hyde for the clarity and vision of the resolution. As cochairman of the Victory in Iraq Caucus, I believe our choice is to defeat terrorism overseas, or we will face them again on the streets of America.

The only way to achieve peace is through victory. In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.

Mr. Speaker, in only 3 years, the world has watched the nation of Iraq transform from a brutal dictatorship to a promising democracy. Saddam's torture chambers and mass graves have been replaced with democracy's voting booths and legislative referendums.

Today Iraqi citizens are working tirelessly to secure their freedoms. By participating in the election of the transitional assembly in January of 2005, the drafting of an approval of the Constitution by October and the national elections in December, they have demonstrated that they refuse to allow terrorists to determine the fate of their country. Last month, Iraqis achieved another historic victory when they announced their new unity government.

U.S. troops, coalition forces and Iraqi citizens continue to face challenges in establishing a civil society in Iraq, which protects American families by destroying terrorist training camps in the central front of the global war on terrorism.

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

Mr. Speaker, today I am happy to congratulate Captain and Mrs. Brian Albon, USMC, of Jacksonville, North Carolina, on the birth of their new baby son. Joshua William Albon was born on June 10, 2006, at 7:42 a.m., weighing 6 pounds and 13 ounces. Joshua 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 birth is a blessing.

Mr. Speaker, throughout the past 3 years, U.S. troops have built an elaborate counterterrorism network that has enabled coalition forces to capture or kill hundreds of terrorists in Iraq.

Their skilled persistence and dedication are saving the lives of countless Iraqi citizens and American families. Last Wednesday evening, the safe houses of terrorist Zarqawi became the final destination of two 500-pound bombs dropped by a single F-16C aircraft. Although this tremendous military achievement occurred within moments, it was actually the work of a coordinated counterterrorism operation involving U.S. troops, Iraqi security forces, coalition troops and Iraqi citizens.

In the wake of this historic event, we must continue to support our troops as they work to achieve victory in Iraq. House Republicans are committed to fulfilling this mission to ensure that our troops sharpen their intelligence capabilities on the battlefields of Iraq instead of the streets of America, protecting American families.

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

Mr. Speaker, as the House prepares to consider a resolution for victory in the global war on terrorism, I would like to congratulate U.S. troops and coalition forces for training Iraqi security forces.

In 3 years, coalition troops have transformed hundreds of thousands of Iraqi volunteers into battle-tested Iraqi security forces. The Defense Department's quarterly report recently stated that there are more than 263,400 trained and equipped Iraqi security forces. Additionally, the Iraqi Army now controls 30,000 square miles of territory, an area roughly the size of my home State of South Carolina. Nearly two-thirds of combat operations are now conducted by Iraqis alone or jointly with coalition forces.

Day by day, Iraqis are defeating terrorists and gaining control over their country. Progress in Iraq is helping to ensure security in America, and we must remain committed to completing this critical mission protecting American families.

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

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Troy McCurry, a native of Augusta, GA, and a graduate of the University of Georgia. Throughout the past 3 years, Troy has helped me serve the Second Congressional District. From working with legislative aides on special projects to helping communicate with citizens throughout South Carolina, he has been an important part of our team. I have truly appreciated his service and his commitment.

A graduate of Catholic University Law School, Troy recently accepted a position with the Republican Governors Association. I am confident that he will bring the same level of professionalism and commitment to his new job. As Troy begins the next stage of his career, I would like to sincerely thank him for his efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to be amazed that House Democrats always manage to find doom and gloom in the face of success on the battlefield and at home. Last week, the Department of Labor announced that over 75,000 Americans had achieved jobs, created in May, and that the unemployment rate dropped to 4.6 percent.

Mr. Speaker, while most people would celebrate this economic growth, Minority Leader Pelosi actually said this was proof that the Bush economic policies continue to go in the wrong direction. Can she seriously believe that over 33 consecutive months of economic growth, and the creation of 5.2 million American jobs hurts our country?

Additionally, Pelosi promised that House Democrats have a plan to take America in a new direction. After witnessing 181 House Democrats vote against tax reductions, I am confident they will rely upon their old same tax-and-spend strategies to chart their course.

American voters recognize that Democrats impose higher taxes and have demonstrated their trust in Republican economic policies this week by electing Republican Brian Bilbray to Congress.

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

Mr. Speaker, last night the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces, with Iraqi security forces, delivered a major victory in the global war on terrorism.

Because of their tremendous patience, courage and skill, the most wanted terrorist in Iraq is now dead. And as President Bush has said, there is justice in Iraq.

As the operational commander of the terrorist movement in Iraq, al- Zarqawi delighted in the devastation of Iraq and the destruction of life. As the mastermind behind countless car bombings, mass murders and assassinations, he was responsible for the brutal deaths of many Americans and thousands of innocent Iraqis.

Today's victory in Iraq is a testament to the tremendous talent of the United States military. By risking their lives to kill terrorists in Iraq, these brave men and women are protecting the lives of American families and making our country safer.

As we celebrate this incredible milestone, I rise to express my sincere gratitude to our brave troops and our Iraqi allies.

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

Mr. Speaker, every day, U.S. troops risk their lives in Iraq to perform a mission which improves the national security of our country. Their sacrifices are immeasurable and these brave men and women remain dedicated to facing terrorists on the streets of Iraq so that we do not have to face them at home.

Last week, I had the fortunate opportunity to visit Iraq for the sixth time. While visiting with military leaders, Iraqi government officials and U.S. troops, I was inspired to learn of the tremendous progress occurring throughout this new democracy. Iraqi security forces continue to gain greater control over their country. In only 7 months, these forces have expanded from two brigades and 19 battalions to 14 brigades and 57 battalions.

As American troops and Iraqi security forces demonstrate strength on the battlefields of Iraq, we must also demonstrate our unwavering confidence in their mission for victory in the global war on terrorism.

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

Mr. Speaker, today I am happy to congratulate LCDR and Mrs. Charles Stickney USN of Prattville, Alabama, on the birth of their new baby son. Zachary Charles Stickney was born on April 15, 2006, at 8:00 a.m., weighing 7 pounds and 11 ounces. He has been born into a loving home, where he will be raised by parents who are devoted to his well-being and bright future. His birth is a blessing.

Mr. Speaker, during my service, I have worked with my colleagues from South Carolina and Georgia, especially Gresham Barrett and Charlie Norwood and our four U.S. Senators, to ensure a mixed oxide facility is built at the Savannah River Site. Two weeks ago, we were grateful when 396 Members of Congress voted for the defense authorization bill and approved a measure which funds and delinks the U.S.-Russia MOX programs.

After celebrating this tremendous victory, we were extremely disappointed to learn that there is an effort to eliminate all funding for the MOX program. While I respect my colleagues, I strongly disagree with their decision and will continue to fight for this critical funding to be restored in the coming weeks.

I believe the MOX program is the most viable way for America to reduce its excess plutonium supply, and we must move forward with our nonproliferation commitments as we end future storage in South Carolina.

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

Mr. Speaker, 3 years ago, I visited the White House and witnessed President Bush sign several historic tax cuts into law. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi predicted that none of these cuts would create jobs, but we have actually seen 5.2 million American jobs created in only 2\1/2\ years. Additionally, our country has the lowest average unemployment rate in over four decades.

By decreasing income taxes, doubling the child tax credit, reducing the marriage penalty, and creating new incentives for small businesses, Republicans have delivered tremendous economic opportunities throughout our country.

Last week I was proud to visit the White House again to watch President Bush sign another law to help prevent tax increases upon American families. While Democrats have proposed to increase taxes by $772 billion, House Republicans will always fight to ensure that American families keep more of their own hard-earned income.

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