Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today, I am happy to congratulate Rebecca and Ben Mustian of Columbia, South Carolina, on the birth of their beautiful baby girl. Emily Quinn Mustian was born on September 29, 2005 at 12:01 PM, weighing 7 pounds, 4 ounces and measuring 19 inches long. Emily has been born into a loving home, where she will be raised by parents who are devoted to her well-being and bright future. Her birth is a blessing.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to announce that BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, BCBSSC, ably led by President Ed Sellers, is now offering a valuable service in doctors' offices throughout our State.

Recently, The Wall Street Journal reported that BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina has begun to offer physician offices a swipe-card reader that will immediately inform members ``how much the insurer will pay and what the patient owes.''

Physicians can lease the swipe-card readers from Companion Technologies, a subsidiary of BCBSSC; the health insurer plans to send members a card that they can swipe through the readers, which will connect to the BCBSSC system through a broadband Internet line. The swipe-card readers will have the ability to process debit and credit card payments and provide information about eligibility and claims information.

Companion officials said they hope other health insurers will integrate the swipecard readers into their systems. Companion President Harvey Galloway said, ``Many doctors lose significant dollars because patients don't treat doctor's office payments like they do their Visa bills.'' He added, ``The advantage to the doctor's office is knowing, while they have the patient in front of them, how much the patient liability is, and not having to go after them after they leave the office.''

I am hopeful that this new benefit will prove to be helpful to patients and physicians throughout South Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay).

Congressman Tom DeLay has been one of the most effective leaders in the history of the House of Representatives. Under his leadership, over 4 million Americans have found new jobs, Medicare beneficiaries have gained prescription drug coverage, and U.S. troops have received unprecedented support to protect American families. I am proud of his accomplishments and grateful for his service.

While Congressman DeLay's effectiveness has greatly helped American families, it has unfortunately motivated his critics. By issuing an indictment yesterday against Mr. DeLay, liberal Democrat Ronnie Earle is demonstrating politics at its worst by politicizing his position as prosecutor and is continuing his personal vendetta against Republican leaders.

In 1994, Earle indicted U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, and his charges were proved false. I am confident that Congressman DeLay will also be vindicated from this blatant partisan attack.

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

Mr. Speaker, Iraqi security forces and coalition soldiers this week delivered a striking blow to al Qaeda terrorists in Iraq. By killing Abu Azzam, a top aide to Abu al-Zarqawi, our troops have achieved yet another critical victory in the war on terrorism.

Azzam led the largest group of al Qaeda in Iraq fighters in Fallujah during autumn 2004 and directed current terrorist activity and operations in Baghdad. As a leader of the Iraq terrorist network, he served as the brains behind numerous attacks on our troops and Iraqi citizens. Not anymore.

The recent victory demonstrates that American soldiers are skilled, focused

and dedicated to finding the cowards who continue to attack democracy and take the lives of innocent civilians. As co-chair of the Victory in Iraq Caucus, I am extremely proud of their success. By capturing and killing terrorists in Iraq, our troops are protecting American families from terrorists who threaten our freedoms and our way of life.

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

Mr. Speaker, although some war cynics continue to call for a ``retreat and defeat policy,'' Prime Minister Tony Blair has proven that he is committed to finishing the mission in Iraq.

Two weeks ago, Prime Minister Blair gave a scorching speech at the United Nations confirming U.S. and British intent to win the global war on terrorism.

According to The Post and Courier of Charleston, South Carolina, ``Mr. Blair's eloquence secured unanimous backing of the Security Council for a British resolution outlawing incitement to commit acts of terrorism.''

Prime Minister Blair clearly dismissed the argument that U.S. and British intervention in Iraq had spawned terrorism. As he said, Iraq is a pretext as the cause of terrorism, which actually is the doctrine of fanaticism.

``Terrorism won't be defeated until our determination is as complete as theirs; our defense of freedom as resolute as their fanaticism, our passion for democracy as great as their passion for tyranny,'' said Mr. Blair.

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

Mr. Speaker, today, I am happy to congratulate Persis and Kapil Sharma of Alexandria, Virginia, on the birth of their new baby boy. Rohan Kapil Sharma was born on September 15, 2005, at 12:50 a.m., weighing 6 pounds, 3 ounces and measuring 19 inches long. Rohan 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. As a fellow graduate of Washington and Lee University I am particularly happy for the Kap Sharma family.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize our Gold Star Mothers, a special group of American women who have lost either a son or daughter through service to our country.

Although these mothers have experienced a parent's greatest fear, they remain dedicated to supporting our military. By helping the men and women who serve in our Armed Forces, they are honoring their child's service in a positive way. Gold Star Mothers volunteer in our military hospitals, show compassion to our veterans, and care for the families of servicemembers. Their selflessness and generosity is an inspiration to all of us.

As the father of three sons who are currently serving in the military, I would like to express my appreciation for their support. Gold Star Mothers are making a difference in the lives of thousands of people.

On Sunday, I would like to encourage all Americans to take a moment to observe Gold Star Mothers Day in their communities.

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

Mr. Speaker, today, I am happy to congratulate Kari and Wesley Denton of Burke, Virginia, formerly of Beaufort, South Carolina, on the birth of their beautiful baby girl. Grace Anne Denton was born on September 20, 2005 at 6:58 p.m., weighing 8 pounds, 14 ounces and measuring 21 inches long. Grace has been born into a loving home, where she will be raised by parents who are devoted to her well-being and bright future. Her birth is a blessing.

Madam Speaker, our Nation has been appreciative of the tremendous outpouring of support from other nations for the survivors of Hurricane Katrina.

After playing a critical role in the tsunami relief efforts earlier this year, the Republic of Singapore was one of the first countries that understood the devastation in our Nation and immediately reached out to help those left in Katrina's wake.

In the beginning of September, Singapore's Air Force deployed four Chinook helicopters to Fort Polk, Louisiana, to assist in relief operations. As they worked side by side with members of the Texas Army National Guard, Singapore's airmen flew more than 80 sorties to transport over 800 evacuees and security personnel. They also flew more than 540 tons of equipment, humanitarian supplies, and sand to help

fix the breaches in the levees of New Orleans.

Ambassador Chan Heng Chee's leadership and support has been particularly helpful during this time of crisis. As our nations continue to work together, America remains grateful for its strong friendship with Singapore as allies in the war on terrorism.

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

Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, September 14, 2005, the people of South Carolina endured a tragic loss in an auto accident killing Circuit Judge Marc Westbrook and his law clerk, Randall Davis, Jr. The following obituaries are from The State newspaper of Columbia, South Carolina, on September 16, 2005. South Carolina will always cherish their memories.

Judge Marc H. Westbrook

Services for Judge Marc H. Westbrook, 58, of West Columbia,

South Carolina, will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, September 18,

2005, at Springdale Baptist Church, officiated by

Rev. Tommy McGill. Burial will follow in Southland Memorial

Gardens. Former law clerks who served with Judge Westbrook

will act as pallbearers including Kelly Shull Cannon, Sara

Cobb, Eric Dell, John Frick, Cary Goings, Tasha Stringer

Grinnell, Carson M. Henderson, Candace Jackson, Brian

Jeffcoat, Lynn Seithel Jekel, Michelle Lupton, Ervin Maye,

Daun Steigner, Jane Waters and Alan Wilson. Members of the

South Carolina Judiciary will serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Saturday,

September 17, at Lexington County Judicial Center, 205 E.

Main St., Lexington. Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington is

handling arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Springdale Baptist Church, 357

Wattling Road, West Columbia, SC 29169.

Judge Westbrook died Wednesday, September 14, 2005. He was

born on October 3, 1946, in Charleston, South Carolina, to

T.H. Westbrook and the late Margaret Virginia Wynn Westbrook.

Judge Westbrook was graduated from T.L. Hanna High School in

Anderson in 1964, Anderson Junior College in 1966, the

University of South Carolina in 1969, and the University of

South Carolina School of Law in 1973. He was active in

numerous activities in undergraduate school, and in law

school he participated in the National Moot Court

Competition.

He was in private practice from 1973-1983. During that

time, he was active in local community affairs. He served as

President of the Heart Association; P.T.A. President and

Executive Committeeman; Director for the Council on Child

Abuse and Neglect; and President and coach for Dixie Youth

and Dixie Boys Baseball.

Judge Westbrook was a charter member of the West Metro

Rotary Club, and former member of the Jaycees, Lions' Club,

Sertoma, Woodmen of the World, and the Masons. He also served

on the Central Midlands Regional Planning Council; the

Governor's Advisory Committee on Intergovernmental Relations;

the Lexington County Hospital Advisory Board; the Anderson

College Board of Directors; and was an Anderson College

Distinguished Young Alumnus.

Judge Westbrook was chairman of the Chief Justice's

Committee on Circuit Court Technology and the High School

Mock Trial sub-committee for the South Carolina Bar. He was a

member of the Joint Commission on ADR (1997-2003), presided

over Lexington County Drug Court, and served as chairman of

the Planning Committee for the Lexington County Judicial

Center Building Project.

Judge Westbrook was a member of Springdale Baptist Church

since 1973. During that time he had served as a Deacon and

was currently serving as the church's interim Music Director.

Judge Westbrook also served as Music Director for several

other local churches. He participated with the Lexington

Baptist Association as Music Director and as a member of the

Executive Committee, and was a former member of the Palmetto

Mastersingers.

Prior to taking the bench, Judge Westbrook was elected in

1976 as the youngest member of Lexington County Council, and

is still the youngest person to serve as Chairman of that

body. In 1978, he was elected to the South Carolina House of

Representatives from Lexington County, where he served until

his appointment as a Family Court Judge in 1983. Judge

Westbrook was elected to the Circuit Court in 1994. On

February 22, 2005, the main courtroom in the newly

constructed Lexington County Judicial Center was named in

honor of Judge Westbrook.

Surviving, in addition to his father, T.H. Westbrook of

Cayce, are his wife, Linda Lawhon Westbrook of West Columbia;

sons and daughter-in-law, Thad H. and Christy Westbrook of

Irmo, Richard N. Westbrook of Hilton Head Island; sisters and

brothers-in-law, Dottie W. and Mark Luyster of Lexington,

Anna W. and Cotton McLeod of West Columbia; brothers and

sisters-in-law, The Rev. Dr. Charles Norris and Jane

Westbrook, currently of Thailand, Neal Randal and Laura

Westbrook of Asheville, NC; granddaughter, Abigail Caroline

Westbrook; a number of nieces and nephews; and several great

nieces and nephews. Judge Westbrook was predeceased by a

brother, James Timothy Westbrook.

Randall Davis, Jr.

Services for James Randall Davis, Jr., 27, of Lexington,

SC, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 17, 2005,

at St. Peter's Catholic Church, officiated by Msgr. Leigh A.

Lehocky. Burial will follow in Woodridge Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be James E. Barfield, Nikki G. Setzler,

Timothy G. Driggers, Erik Hoffman, Matt McMahon and Eric

Shell. Honorary pallbearers will be George S. Nicholson, Jr.,

Patrick J. Frawley, Jeff M. Anderson, Carey M. Ayer, John F.

Fisher, Judith Callison Fisher, Lisa Lee Smith and John J.

McCauley. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m.

Friday at Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington. Memorials may

be made to St. Peter's Catholic Church Parish Life Center;

the American Heart Association; or to the University of South

Carolina Law School Scholarship Fund.

Mr. Davis died Wednesday, September 14, 2005. Born in

Columbia, SC, he was the son of James Randall Davis, Sr. and

the late Anita Eleanor Kozlowski Davis. He was a graduate of

Lexington High School and the University of South Carolina.

Mr. Davis was a third year law student at Thomas Cooley Law

School in Michigan. He was a law clerk for Circuit Judge Marc

Westbrook, the Nicholson Law Firm in Lexington, and the

Nexsen-Pruet Law Firm in Charleston. Mr. Davis served as a

page for four years in the S.C. Senate for Senator Nikki

Setzler. He also worked for the National Advocacy Center in

Columbia. Mr. Davis was a member of St. Peter's Catholic

Church.

Randall loved his family and was especially devoted to his

grandparents. He enjoyed the beach and dearly loved his

animals. He always had a smile for everyone he met.

Surviving, in addition to his father, Randy Davis of

Lexington, are his sister, Julie Davis of Lexington; maternal

grandmother, Louise Kozlowski of Springdale; uncles and

aunts, Terry and Susan Darby, Kenneth and Chris Davis;

cousins, Claire Darby, Elizabeth and Kenny Davis; and

numerous relatives in South Carolina, New York, and Germany.

Mr. Davis was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents,

Kenneth L. and Mildred C. Davis; and his maternal

grandfather, Stanley V. Kozlowski.

Madam Speaker, Sunday's elections in Afghanistan are another example of progress in the global war on terrorism.

Millions of Afghans bravely defied terrorists, just as Iraqi voters did in January when they cast their ballots in the first free parliamentary elections in history. They are developing a civil society which will prevent the spread of terrorism and help protect American families. Due to the strong resolve of President Bush and our troops, a spirit of freedom and democracy are spreading throughout the world.

Libya has terminated its nuclear weapons programs. Lebanon has resumed its democracy with the withdrawal of Syria. Indonesia has had its first free presidential elections. Egypt began multi-candidate elections. Pakistan has strengthened its ability to stop cross-border terrorism, and Kuwait now allows women to vote. Free elections in Ukraine.

Recently, leading terrorists were killed or captured in Algeria, Saudi Arabia, and even here in California. Over 20 years ago, Ronald Reagan advanced the idea of peace through strength. As we now witness the greatest spread of freedom in the history of the world, his vision is reality.

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

Mr. Speaker, today, I am happy to congratulate Jenni and Paul Callahan, natives of Greenville, South Carolina, on the birth of their beautiful baby girl. Charlotte Riley Callahan was born in Alexandria, Virginia, on September 15, 2005 at 8:36 a.m., weighing 7 pounds, 14 ounces and measuring 21.5 inches long. She has been born into a loving home, where she will be raised by parents who are devoted to her well-being and bright future.

Her father Paul serves as a Legislative Correspondent in my office and is a tremendous asset to the Second District of South Carolina. His strong work ethic, attention to detail, and pleasant personality make him a treasured member of my staff. Today, I am pleased to congratulate the Callahan family on Charlotte's birth.

Mr. Speaker, South Carolina has lost a judicial statesman with the death of Judge Marc Westbrook. In dedicating the Lexington County Courthouse main courtroom in his honor, Marc was fondly recognized as a loving father, devoted husband, dedicated son, conscientious legislator and brilliant judge. These accolades are truer today than ever before.

Judge Westbrook is a role model and mentor of integrity and competence for young lawyers who served as clerks, such as my son Alan and my Chief of Staff Eric Dell. In addition to his passing, we give tribute to his law clerk Randall Davis, Junior, who also sadly was killed in yesterday's traffic accident.

The Wilson family, especially our oldest son Alan, who considered the judge an uncle, extends its deepest sympathies to his wife, Linda; his sons, Thad and Richard; his father, Herb; his sister, Dottie; his beloved granddaughter, Abby; and his additional family members. We also express our deepest sympathies to the Davis family and his father Randy and sister Julie.

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

Mr. Speaker, today, I am happy to congratulate Shannon and Courtney Nurse on the birth of their new baby boy. Osiris Christopher Earl Nurse was born on September 13, 2005, at 10:24 p.m., weighing 6 pounds, 2.4 ounces, and measuring 19.5 inches long. Osiris 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 Courtney is a tremendous help to my staff and countless other people throughout Capitol Hill. Today, we are pleased to celebrate Osiris' healthy birth and welcome him to Washington.

Mr. Speaker, today I am happy to congratulate Amy Rose and Steve LaPierre of Fairfax, Virginia, on the birth of their beautiful baby girl. Elizabeth Rose LaPierre was born on September 14, 2005, at 1:50 p.m., weighing 7 pounds and 12 ounces. She has been born into a loving home, where she will be raised by parents who are devoted to her well-being and bright future. Her birth is a blessing.