Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, Governor Henry McMaster just gave the South Carolina State of the State address. I am grateful that under his leadership, the Palmetto State has achieved a historic year, with over $8 billion in capital investment creating 5,500 new jobs.

Additionally, his goal 3 years ago to drop the State personal income tax rate has exceeded expectations. The tax rate continues to be reduced, helping taxpayers.

I am appreciative to be working with Governor McMaster and the Republican supermajorities, for the first time in 150 years, in the State senate led by President Thomas Alexander; in the house with Speaker Murrell Smith; my colleagues in the Republican Congress; and President Donald Trump are all working to 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 is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength.

I thank President Trump for removing the academy boards to restore duty, honor, and country.

Mr. Speaker, Pakistan is an appreciated partner for 70 years of the United States, and our relationship with them is strongest when Pakistan embraces democratic principles and rule of law.

Sadly, Pakistan's military has undermined democracy by jailing former Prime Minister Imran Khan.

There are strong disagreements with Mr. Khan, including his weak policies towards war criminal Putin and the Chinese Communist Party, but political opponents should be defeated in democratic elections and not jailed on fabricated political charges.

President Donald Trump survived a corrupt judicial system and persecuting political opponents, and he knows the danger of persecution.

Pakistan should release Imran Khan, restoring democracy. Free Imran Khan.

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 is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength.

Best wishes to President Salome Zourabichvili of Georgia and President

Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine for defending democracy.

Mr. Speaker, American families are still suffering from the disastrous Biden-Harris ignorant war on fossil fuels, attacking domestic producers, destroying jobs, increasing prices.

President Donald Trump and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright will unleash American energy by ending policies of climate alarmism, replacing them by streamlining permits and having realistic regulations.

Republicans are working to lower energy costs and to provide for all- of-the-above energy capabilities, including nuclear power, with such leadership as the new chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, David Wright.

This week, House Republicans will vote on the Protecting Energy Production Act, led by Congressman August Pfluger. This bill ensures that States maintain control over fracking regulation and energy production.

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, South Carolinians will always be grateful and appreciative for the life of John David Baker. The following obituary from the program of a Service Celebrating the Life of John David Baker of February 4, 2025, assisted by Shives Funeral Home, so thoughtfully highlights his achievements for the community.

As the personal Congressman for John, and Republican Co-Chairman of the Israel Caucus, I especially appreciate his devotion with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee for the existence of Israel. John promoted AIPAC continuing the family tradition of his father David who was so appreciated by my predecessor, Armed Services Committee Chairman, Floyd Spence.

John David Baker, a lifelong Columbia resident, devoted

philanthropist, and visionary leader in business and

community service, passed away on February 2, 2025, at the

age of 69 due to complications from Parkinson's disease. His

life was defined by an unwavering commitment to family,

faith, and the city he loved. He leaves behind an

extraordinary legacy of leadership, generosity, and

dedication to improving the lives of others.

Born in Columbia, South Carolina, on July 5, 1955, John was

the son of JoAnn and David Baker and one of five siblings. He

attended the University of South Florida before earning a

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Finance

from the University of

South Carolina in 1977. Following in his father's footsteps,

John spent over four decades shaping Columbia's landscape as

a Managing Partner of Baker Commercial Properties (formerly

Baker & Baker), where he played a pivotal role in the city's

economic and commercial development until his retirement in

2021.

John's true passion, however, was giving back. His

commitment to philanthropy started early; in high school, he

started volunteering for the March of Dimes and served as

Teenage Chair for the Richland County chapter. What began as

collecting donations on Columbia street corners evolved into

a lifetime of leadership, earning him the Elaine Whitelaw

Volunteer Service Award in 2005, the highest honor bestowed

by the March of Dimes.

John was a driving force behind major initiatives in

education, literacy, healthcare, and Jewish causes. He served

two terms as Chairman of the Richland County Public Library

Board of Trustees, and following his tenure, RCPL was named

Library of the Year (2001) by the American Library

Association. In 1999, he founded Step Into Reading, a

statewide effort that provided more than 250,000 books to

children in need, and he was deeply involved with the

Richland County Public Library Foundation, the Richland

School District Two Foundation, and the Forest Lake

Educational Foundation.

His humanitarian efforts extended through his work with

United Way of the Midlands, where he served as Chairman in

2003 and was named Humanitarian of the Year in 2011 for his

leadership in early childhood education. He was also involved

in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the American

Cancer Society, and the American Heart Association.

John's civic engagement in Columbia included leadership

roles with the Lexington Medical Center Foundation, the

Township Auditorium Board of Trustees, the Federation Center

of the Blind, the South Carolina Council on Economic

Education, the Columbia Action Council, Columbia Jaycees,

Columbia Sertoma Club, and the Central Carolina Community

Foundation Board.

John's efforts were recognized with South Carolina's

highest civilian honor, the Order of the Palmetto in 2002.

His advocacy for Israel was equally significant. He served

on the National Campaign Cabinet for Israel Bonds, leading

South Carolina's first-ever $10 million Israel bond purchase

in 2002 and securing millions more in subsequent years. John

was honored with the Ben Gurion Award (2002) and Yitzhak

Rabin Award (2018) from Israel Bonds. He also served on the

National Council of the Amencan Israel Public Affairs

Committee (AIPAC).

John was a pillar of Columbia's Jewish community, serving

as President of Tree of Life Congregation, an active member

of Beth Shalom Synagogue, and an early supporter of Chabad of

South Carolina and the Columbia Jewish Day School. He served

as Columbia Community Co-Chair of the Jewish National Fund

and was active in Jewish Federations of North America.

Anyone who met John knew that his love of baseball and jazz

music were as much a part of him as his philanthropic work.

In the mid-1980's, he helped organize the annual trip by the

Atlanta Braves Caravan where players would visit children in

area hospitals and raise money for local charities. A devoted

Braves fan and avid collector of baseball memorabilia, he was

a longtime supporter of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in

Cooperstown, New York, where a donated portrait of his dear

friend, Hall of Fame pitcher Phil Niekro, remains on display.

His passion for jazz music led him to become a radio DJ later

in life, hosting ``Jazz in the City with John Baker'' on 92.1

FM, where he shared his deep knowledge and appreciation for

the genre with listeners across the Midlands.

In 2006, John was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, yet

he never let it diminish his spirit, humor, or generosity. He

continued working, mentoring, and giving back, inspiring all

who knew him with his resilience.

John is survived by his wife of 34 years, Marcie Stern

Baker, and their daughter, Gabbi Baker, of New York. He is

also survived by his siblings Kenny Baker (Sharon), Frank

Baker (Melanie), and Dale Baker, his sister- and brother-in-

law Beryle and Pierre Jaffe, and many beloved nieces and

nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, JoAnn and

David Baker, and his sister, Debbie Brookshire.

John's family wishes to express their deep gratitude to his

longtime caregivers: John House, Leonard Bailey, Marvin

Goodly, Darian Moorer, Chuck Baltimore, and John Hartley,

whose unwavering support brought him comfort and dignity in

his final years.

John's impact on Columbia and beyond will be felt for

generations; not only in the buildings he developed, the

institutions he supported, and the programs he helped build,

but in the countless lives he touched through his kindness,

generosity, and unwavering belief in the power of giving

back.

Mr. Speaker, Tunisia's inspiring Arab Spring revolution in 2011 made the country a symbol of courageous democratic patriots. Sadly, in 2021, Tunisia's dictator, Kais Saied, sabotaged the successful democracy.

Tunisia has been corrupted into a dictatorship enforced by rule of gun. The Constitution and elected parliament are suspended. In rigged elections last October, dictator Saied fabricated over 90 percent of the votes, jailed opponents and parliament members, including the former Prime Minister and parliament speaker who were illegally sentenced today, and coordinated with war criminal Putin, the Chinese Communist Party, and the terrorist regime in Tehran.

Aid to Tunisia should be suspended and sanctions imposed until democracy is restored. I urge support for the Tunisian Democracy Restoration Act.

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

Mr. Speaker, we welcome Prime Minister Netanyahu to America. We appreciate his success for Middle East peace and prosperity, deterring a nuclear Iran.

Mr. Speaker, Donald Trump has been President only 2 weeks, and he is delivering on his Promises Made, Promises Kept on behalf of the American people. I know firsthand of his courage, as I led the House delegation for the opening of the American Embassy in 2018 in Jerusalem.

The failed policies of Biden-Harris have left American families in danger of illegal aliens bringing in lethal drugs, including fentanyl.

Yesterday, President Trump announced a deal that the Mexican Government will deploy thousands of Mexican troops to the border. Canada is implementing new protective commitments. House Republicans are taking action, voting on the HALT Fentanyl Act, led by Congressmen Morgan Griffith and Bob Latta.

Sadly, the regime in Tehran is defiant, having sent assassins to murder Donald Trump as war criminal Putin has ignored peace initiatives with record rocket attacks on civilians in Ukraine, and Putin state television has shamefully broadcast nude pictures of America's First Lady, Melania Trump, who is so beloved.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength.

Mr. Speaker, As Chairman of the Congressional UK Caucus alongside Co-Chairs David Rouzer (NC-07), Jim Himes (CT-04), and Gabe Amo (RI-01), we include in the Record the following to honor Her Excellency Dame Karen Elizabeth Pierce, Lady Roxburgh, DCMG and her tenure as Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to the United States of America.

We are grateful to extend deep gratitude to Dame Karen Pierce, DCMG for her exemplary service as His Britannic Majesty's Ambassador to the United States. Throughout her tenure, Dame Pierce demonstrated exceptional diplomacy, fostering a spirit of collaboration and friendship between our two Nations. Her steadfast commitment to the Special Relationship has not only upheld but strengthened the deep historical ties that unite the United States and the United Kingdom.

As key liaison to the United Kingdom, Dame Pierce has facilitated meetings with Congressional members and all levels of the British Government, from Prime Ministers to Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, and members of the Royal Family. Dame Pierce's tenure was marked by her unwavering professionalism, strategic insight, and tireless advocacy for shared values, including democracy, human rights, and international security. Her ability to navigate complex geopolitical challenges with grace and determination set an inspiring example for diplomats around the world. Dame Pierce has remained steadfast in her ability to ensure the highest levels of diplomatic channels between our two Nations remain open and well used.

As Dame Pierce concludes her role as Ambassador, we appreciate her for her remarkable contributions to our bilateral relationship. Her leadership and dedication will be long remembered and appreciated by both Nations. On behalf of this body and the American people, we extend our best wishes to Dame Pierce in her future endeavors and express our sincere gratitude for her distinguished service.

I was born with appreciation of British heritage in the most British city of North America, Charleston, South Carolina. Founded in 1670, named for Charles I as Charles Town. Surviving the American Civil War, the beautiful, elegant homes of the early seventeenth century have been preserved and restored forever to recognize our valued British heritage.

Mr. Speaker, Iraq has been oppressed by kleptocrats who support Iranian terrorism. Sadly, Iran-backed militias, the Badr Organization, are part of the Iraqi Government, including the national security adviser. Badr was armed by terrorist Soleimani.

Iran-backed militias in Iraq should be designated as terrorists, as Congressman Greg Steube and the Republican Study Committee have proposed. There must be sanctions on kleptocrat politicians complicit with Iran, such as former Prime Minister al-Maliki.

Any aid to Iraq should be conditioned on not going to terrorists. Brett McGurk's policy of replacing ISIS with Iran has failed. President Donald Trump will reinstitute policies of maximum pressure on Iran, stopping Iraq's

purchase of Iranian electricity as he responds to the Tehran regime plot to assassinate him while they were shouting: ``Death to Israel, death to America.''

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Open borders for dictators puts all Americans at risk of more attacks as warned by the FBI. Trump is protecting American families.

Americans opposed rigged elections in Georgia and support the legitimate President Salome Zourabichvili of Georgia as protests build for free and fair elections in the nation of Georgia.

Mr. Speaker, this week, President Donald Trump became the 47th President of the United States. He has immediately fulfilled his promises made promises kept on behalf of the American people with executive orders restoring common sense.

Led by the President, Speaker Mike Johnson, and Senate Majority Leader, John Thune, Republicans are delivering an opportunity and a freedom agenda by putting America first again by working to cut taxes and ensure Americans keep more money in their pockets by creating jobs, secure the border to make American families safe again, unleash all-of- the-above-energy for American energy independence, and to provide for peace through strength with the American military.

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 existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength.

Americans appreciate the people of Venezuela standing up to the Maduro dictatorship.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday Donald Trump was sworn in as President of the United States, and there is a feeling of patriotic renewal among Americans.

Don Feder with the Washington Times wrote an appropriate editorial yesterday titled, ``Trump's presidency heralds a patriotic renewal in America,'' stating: ``The most iconic image of the 2024 campaign came from the . . . Pennsylvania rally, where President-elect Donald Trump stood with blood on his face . . . shouting `Fight'. . . . The moment seems to symbolize the patriotic renewal thanks to the [now] President.''

``Mr. Trump is perfectly positioned to lead a patriotic renewal. While others talk about patriotism, he acts.''

Mr. Trump understands that national security hinges on patriotic renewal. Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth, a combat veteran, agrees.

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 will reinstate and is reinstating existing laws to promote American families with peace through strength.

Mr. Speaker, the nation of Georgia and America are valued partners. Georgians served with Americans in the global war on terrorism. Sadly, Georgia faces a threat to its freedom.

In October, a scheming dictator, backed by war criminal Putin, the Chinese Communist Party, and the Iranian regime, rigged an election.

Salome Zourabichvili, the legitimate President of Georgia, is courageously standing with protesters and peacefully demanding free and fair elections.

I reintroduced the bipartisan MEGOBARI Act to sanction those attacking freedom.

Additionally, there is legislation to prohibit recognizing the illegitimate regime.

I am grateful that at my invitation, President Zourabichvili will attend the inauguration of President Donald Trump.

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 will reinstitute existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength.

Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Senator Marco Rubio on prevailing at the confirmation hearing yesterday I attended, which was so positively conducted by Chairman Jim Risch and Ranking Member Jeanne Shaheen.

Mr. Speaker, the Midlands of South Carolina is humbled to remember President Chuck Larsen of the Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce. With his leadership, the Chamber has been so effective promoting small businesses for creating jobs and opportunities, now led by President Kerry Powers.

I especially appreciate his achievements as a member of the Chamber evolving from the Irmo Business and Professional Association. In 2001, I was grateful to be selected as the first Irmo Chamber Ambassador of the Year with my predecessor Armed Services Committee Chairman Floyd Spence attending.

Celebrating the life of Chuck Larsen, services were conducted by Reverend Andrew Davis of the St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at Dunbar Funeral Home of Irmo with a thoughtful eulogy by Don Gilbert of Chapin and a musical remembrance of ``Danny Boy'' by Ted Lightle.

The program of the services featured an inspiring obituary,

``Charles ``Chuck'' Larsen, Sr., 96, passed away January 5,

2024. Chuck was born in 1928 in Pensacola, Florida to Karl

and Alma Bishop Larsen.

At an early age, Chuck had a radio show where he performed,

sang, and tap danced. This was the start of his lifetime love

of music and dance. In Chuck's early twenties, in the big

band era, he started the Chuck Larsen Band in Pensacola,

Florida which toured in the west Florida area.

Chuck attended Pensacola Junior College and Furman

University before serving in the Navy and was an Air Force

veteran of the Korean War.

Chuck had a varied career in business and politics working

for Monsanto in South Carolina and various politicians

including South Carolina senators and governors. He received

numerous awards and commendations from the South Carolina

Senate and House of Representatives for his service to the

state including the South Carolina Order of the Palmetto.

Chuck was instrumental in the formation of the Greater Irmo

Chamber of Commerce and worked with the Chamber for over 20

years. Chuck served as the President and Executive Director

of the Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce and retired at the

age of 80. Chuck was well known in Irmo through his work with

the Greater Irmo Chamber of Commerce, Okra Strut Festival,

and Miss Irmo pageants. Chuck was commonly known as ``Mr.

Irmo.'' He picked this up due to his active support of the

Chamber as well as all the activities in Irmo.

Chuck was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years Merlyne

``Mert'' Thornton Larsen; daughter-in-law Sharon Renee Baker

Larsen; and great-grandson Kage Archer Larsen. He is survived

by sons Charles Lars Larsen, Jr. (Jamie) and James Karl

Larsen; grandchildren Karl (Heather), Kevin (Kristin),

Jessica Mitchum (Chase), Kyle (Courtney) and Justin (Maggie);

and great-grandchildren June Mitchum and Rheese Larsen.

A viewing will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 pm on

Thursday, January 9 at Dunbar Funeral Home in Irmo, South

Carolina. A funeral service will be held Friday, January 10,

2025 at 2 p.m. at the Dunbar Funeral Home Dutch Fork Chapel

in Imo, South Carolina, 7600 Woodrow Street.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Tunnel

to Towers Foundation or the local Irmo based charity of your

choice.''

Mr. Speaker, the rule of gun axis of invasion continues murderous conduct. Sadly, war criminal Putin, the Iranian regime, and the Cuban Communist dictatorship are working to destabilize West Africa with the terrorist Polisario Front, a murderous threat to the Kingdom of Morocco, an American partner for 250 years.

Records of the deposed Assad Syrian dictatorship confirm Polisario sent militias for training. Last week, the Polisario invited PKK terrorists to a summit, threatening our valued NATO ally Turkiye. President Donald Trump stood with Morocco, recognizing Western Sahara as Moroccan. I appreciate chairing the Morocco Friendship Caucus.

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.

Best wishes to Pete Hegseth. I was grateful to attend the hearing where he qualified for Secretary of Defense, ably conducted by Chairman Roger Wicker.

Mr. Speaker, the Greatest Generation of survivors of the Great Depression and victors of World War II and the Cold War over communism is passing and another American Patriot to recognize is Captain John C. Wilson, USMC (Ret), of Jackson, South Carolina.

His loving obituary has been published by the Aiken Standard:

Retired Capt. John C. Wilson, U.S. Marine Corps, 93,

beloved husband of Mrs. Sharon ``Sam'' Woodruff Wilson and a

true patriot and hero, entered into rest on Monday, January

7, 2025, in the comfort of his home. He was preceded in death

by a daughter, Johnna Lisa Wilson.

The family will greet friends on Monday, January 13, 2025,

at Matlock Baptist Church, 980 Main Street, Jackson, SC

29831, beginning at 1 o'clock, followed by a Celebration of

Life Service at 2 o'clock with Pastor Dale Reeves

officiating. The interment with full military honors accorded

by the United States Marine Corps Honor Guard will follow in

Jackson Memorial Park, Jackson, South Carolina. James L.

Hammons Marine Corps League Detachment #939 members will be

honorary pallbearers.

John enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at the

tender age of sixteen. Following boot camp, his first

deployment, at seventeen, was to China to attempt to keep

peace between the communists in the North and the free people

of the South. The United States soon realized this was

impossible and removed the Marines from China.

His second deployment was to Korea, where he fought in the

famous ``Chosin Reservoir Battle'' for three weeks in subzero

temperatures. Following a brief assignment back in the

States, he was again deployed to Korea. During this

deployment, he was wounded and received the Purple Heart

Medal for his sacrifice and service to our country.

In 1967, John served his first deployment to Vietnam.

During this assignment, for his leadership, he received a

Battlefield Commission to 2nd Lt. He was wounded during the

Battle of Plains. For this action, he received his second

purple heart. His last deployment in 1968 was back to Nam

again, where he fought in the famous Battle of Khe Sanh.

John's lifelong desire was to be a Company Commander, and he

was promoted to Captain to fill that empty position. During

the Khe Sanh Battle, he was wounded and was awarded his third

Purple Heart.

After twenty-five years of honorable service to our

country, John retired from the United States Marine Corps in

1973. Our country is forever grateful for men like John

Wilson, where valor and sacrifice are a common virtue.

Following his retirement from the USMC, John retired from

Kimberly-Clark, Beech Island, SC, after twenty-four years of

service.

Capt. Wilson is a life member of Matlock Baptist Church,

Jackson, South Carolina, the James L. Hammons Marine Corps

League 939, the CPL Matthew Vincent Dillon Memorial Purple

Heart Chapter 2005, the Military Order of the Purple Heart,

and the Military Officers Association, MOAA.

Left to cherish John's memory with his wife, Sam, are a

daughter, Terry Lynch, Monroe, NC; a grandson, Justin Cane

Jarrett, Jackson, SC; stepchildren, Tonya Marie Eisenhower,

Aiken, SC, and Lori Lee Mixon, Walterboro, SC; and several

step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Matlock Baptist Church, 980 Main

Street, Jackson, SC 29831.

Mr. Speaker, according to a report released by the House Committee on Homeland Security, more than 125,000 illegal alien crossings took place in October alone, bringing the total number of illegal alien crossings since Biden-Harris of over 11 million nationwide, with Speaker Mike Johnson warning of over 16 million illegal aliens.

Dangerously, these catastrophic border crossing figures do not account for the illegal got-aways, including drug smugglers and identified terrorists who threaten every American family.

Sadly, with the duplicitous policies of Biden-Harris, among those illegal transgressors are unaccompanied children who are suffering at the hands of cartel smugglers.

Additionally, after meeting with President Donald Trump this weekend on Sunday at Mar-a-Lago, I know he is committed to securing the borders and protecting families and making 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.