Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, last week, al Qaeda-linked terrorists savagely attacked the Australian embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia. The blast killed nine and wounded more than 180 innocent people, most of whom were Muslims. Australian Prime Minister John Howard properly responded by saying, ``This is not a nation that is going to be intimidated by acts of terrorism. We are a robust, strong democracy.''

Indeed, he is exactly correct. Free nations must never be intimidated by hate-filled extremists which will only lead them to commit more murderous acts. The only proper response to terror is to aggressively go on the offense as President Bush and coalition partners have done for the past 3 years. Instead of waiting for another attack, we need to bring justice to the terrorists wherever they are and hold terror- supporting regimes accountable.

Australia, Spain, Russia, Israel, America and many others have been attacked in a war started by radicals against the civilized world. Yet this campaign of fear will fail as nations who value freedom will continue to fight together to win the war on terror.

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

Mr. Speaker, tomorrow I will join with many other South Carolinians to celebrate the 90th birthday of a Palmetto State legend, Mr. Austin Cunningham. In 1998, my predecessor Congressman Floyd Spence; made the following remarks before Congress describing the life of Austin Cunningham:

As a young man, Austin Cunningham, went to work to help

support his family when his father died. He worked during the

day and went to both high school and college at night,

earning a law degree from the University of Virginia in 1940.

During his business career, Mr. Cunningham has been the

president of five companies and he has owned two

manufacturing plants in South Carolina. President Reagan

recognized Mr. Cunningham for his work with the Jobs Tax

Credit Program and he has been involved with the

administrations of former Governor Carroll Campbell and

Governor David Beasley in improving race relations in our

State. He has also contributed his time and efforts in the

Orangeburg area on behalf of: Crime Watch, Crime Stoppers,

the People's Assault on Drugs (PAD), as well as the

collaboration between South Carolina State University and the

South Carolina Philharmonic, which has resulted in an annual

three concert satellite series.

As Congressman Spence rightfully pointed out, Austin Cunningham has been active in public service and community leadership throughout his life. He continues to make a large impact on South Carolina through his regular newspaper columns that are featured in newspapers such as the Orangeburg Times & Democrat and The State.

I am honored to have been able to call Austin a close friend for many years, and I have learned so much from him. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Austin Cunningham a happy 90th birthday, and thank him for his years of service to others.

Mr. Speaker, today, homeownership in America is at an all-time high. Republicans should be proud of this achievement, as we have worked along with President George W. Bush to make it easier for all families to afford their own home.

We passed tax cuts for all Americans allowing them to keep more of their own money. We passed the American

Dream Down Payment Act to help thousands of low-income families make the down payment on their first home. Minority homeownership has climbed to record levels of over 50 percent. Housing starts in 2003 were at the highest level in 25 years, and home sales were the highest ever.

As a former real estate attorney, I know firsthand the joy of buyers and sellers. I know the jobs created for the construction workers, landscapers, and suppliers. I appreciate the success of Realtors, and this builds the local tax base for better schools.

While Democrats continue to try to talk down the economy with pessimism, American families living in their own home know that our economy is strong and growing.

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

Mr. Speaker, last week the world watched in horror as militant terrorists murdered hundreds of Russian schoolchildren. No one can doubt that we are in a full-scale global war on terror. Since September 11, the terrorists have attacked in Tunis, Karachi, Bali, Jakarta, Casablanca, Bombay, Mombassa, Najaf, Riyadh, Baghdad, Istanbul, Madrid, and continued the campaign of terror against Israel.

As British Prime Minister Tony Blair has stated, the world was transformed on September 11. We can no longer simply grieve for the victims of these evil acts; we must join together and defeat the terrorists before they can strike again. This is why President George W. Bush has brought together allies to liberate millions from terrorist-sponsoring regimes in Afghanistan and Iraq. Together with our allies, we are making major arrests of terrorists throughout the world, cutting off their financial assets, and increasing our intelligence capabilities.

We must realize that this war cannot be won overnight. It requires perseverance and steadfastness. Yet, in the end, freedom and liberty will triumph over extremist hatred.

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

Mr. Speaker, I offer my warmest congratulation, to the people of India and the Indian Diaspora as we approach India's Independence Day on August 15.

On that day in 1947, India marched forward into a future of uncertainty. With a struggling economy and high illiteracy and poverty rates, many challenges lay in India's path. Now many of these challenges have been overcome and greater economic opportunities have been created every day for the people of India.

More importantly, India is our ally and a democratic friend. America is

the world's oldest democracy and India is the world's largest democracy. We are increasing bilateral trade and increasing military ties through military exercises. We face the same threat from joint terrorists who are targeting innocent civilians unable to defend themselves. Terrorists attacked an Indian airlines plane in 1999 and stabbed an Indian passenger to death, and this same network of terrorists have beheaded innocent people who have tried to help the people of the Middle East. This shows we are allies in the global war on terror and we must work together to eradicate this menace to civilization.

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

Mr. Speaker, yesterday's New York Times front page surprisingly detailed some of the progress being made daily in Iraq. The article described dozens of small-scale construction initiatives or microprojects that have been under way throughout Iraq. This includes digging wells to supply water to hundreds in small towns and helping to restore historic sites that are essential to the local culture.

This is only a grudging glimpse of the good news that has been taking place in Iraq since the American military and coalition forces liberated the nation from Saddam Hussein's tyrannical regime. I have seen firsthand the positive progress being made in Iraq to build a civil society which fights terrorist training to protect Iraqi and American families.

I am encouraged that media outlets, such as the New York Times that for too long ignored the good news in Iraq in favor of police-blotter journalism, are now showing limited signs of balanced reporting.

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

Mr. Speaker, since 1956, residents of South Carolina's low country have gathered around the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park in Beaufort for a Southern celebration. This year's 49th Annual Beaufort Water Festival will attract people from all over the world to come and enjoy sailboat races, sport tournaments, arts, crafts, music and other events which display the best of South Carolina's culture.

Beaufort is South Carolina's second oldest city, is a picturesque port town with a rich history. Its beautiful views of waterways bordered by oak trees with Spanish moss and pre-Revolutionary homes have been featured in countless motion pictures and have made Beaufort a world-class vacation destination.

I look forward to joining Beaufortonians this weekend in the Water Festival Parade, which moves along historic Bay Street.

I ask all of my colleagues to join me in thanking this year's commodore, Marvin Morrison, and his team of coordinators for their efforts in making the 49th Beaufort Water Festival a great success.

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

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 359, 360, 361, and 362 on Monday July 12, 2004, I was unavoidably detained due to inclement weather and delayed air service at Columbia Metropolitan Airport, and unable to cast my vote.

Had I been present, I would have voted the following:

Rollcall 359, the Holt amendment to H.R. 4755, I would have voted ``no.''

Rollcall 360, the Hefley amendment to H.R. 4755, I would have voted ``yea.''

Rollcall 361, the motion to recommit H.R. 4755, I would have voted ``no.''

Rollcall 362, final passage of H.R. 4755, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I along with my colleague, Mr. Barrett of South Carolina, would like to take this opportunity to commemorate the completion of Phase One of the John N. Hardee Airport Expressway. This will be announced to the people of South Carolina at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, July 12. The completion of this 2.8 mile expressway will provide easy and direct access to the Columbia Metropolitan Airport.

This expressway, which widened Airport Road from Airport Boulevard to Platt Springs Road, will make a vast difference in the way South Carolinians and visitors commute to the airport. We are looking forward to the next and final phase of the project, which is currently under design and should begin construction in 2006. This will provide for a new four-lane road extending Airport Road to Interstate 26. Coupled with the success of the John N. Hardee Expressway, these two new roadways will reduce traffic and provide direct access to the growing Columbia Metropolitan Airport by passenger and cargo vehicles, removing some 25,000 vehicles each year from the local network surrounding the airport.

We would like to thank the people at the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) for all of their hard work in completing this important project. Mrs. Elizabeth Mabry, Executive Director of SCDOT, and Mr. John Hardee, SCDOT Second District Commissioner for whom the expressway is named, thank you for your tireless dedication in getting this phase of the project completed. This expressway will be helpful to the people of the entire state of South Carolina, and for this you are appreciated.

Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the impressive gains made by the Indian American Republican Council since its founding 2 years ago. Under the outstanding leadership of Chairman Dr. Raghavendra Vijayanagar, there are 11 independent IARC state affiliates, eight Indian Americans are delegates at the Republican National Convention, and President George W. Bush has appointed 14 Indian Americans to his administration, more than any other President.

In particular, I commend the delegates attending the Republican National Convention: from Florida, Dr. Vijay, Dr. Zach Zachariah, Dr. George Thomas, and Dr. Akshay Desai; from Georgia, Mr. Narender Reddy; from Mississippi, Dr. Sampat Shivangi; from Maryland, Dr. Shambu Banik; and from Virginia, Shayam Menon, a prominent graduate of Washington and Lee University.

The IARC has become a nationally respected organization due to the energy, commitment, and dedication shown by its board of directors lead by Dr. Vijay. I look forward to working with the IARC to further the growing ties between Indian Americans and the Republican Party based on the shared values of promoting families and limited government.

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

Mr. Speaker, despite the constant partisan sniping that seeks to use the ups and downs of war to political advantage, President Bush was absolutely right to end Saddam Hussein's sadistic regime, and he did it at the right time.

After September 11, we can no longer wait until threats fully materialize before we take action to protect American families.

We are truly winning the global war on terror with coalition victories in Iraq and Afghanistan, the dismantling of Libya's weapons programs, the killing of al Qaeda leaders in Saudi Arabia and Algeria, and the capture of terror cells in England, Spain, Turkey, Pakistan, and Jordan. Bin Laden terrorist leader Abu Makki surrendered yesterday in Saudi Arabia.

As President Bush said this week at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, ``Three years ago, the world was very different. Terrorists planned attacks with little fear of discovery or reckoning. Outlaw regimes supported terrorists and defied the civilized world, without shame and with few consequences. The world changed on September the 11th, and since that day we have changed the world. We are leading a steady, confident, systematic campaign against the dangers of our time.''

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

Mr. Speaker, leave it to the former head of the KGB to inject a little common sense into the American political race, and leave it to the partisan American media to ignore it.

During the recent G-8 Summit in Georgia, Russian President Vladimir Putin said to a gathering news media: ``I am deeply convinced that President Bush's political adversaries have no moral right to attack him over Iraq.'' I did not find this quote in the New York Times or The Washington Post because they refused to report it. I did not find it broadcast on CBS, NBC, or ABC News either. I found this quote in China Daily, straight from Beijing.

We could have found the same quote in some Russian publications as well, including Pravda and the British-based Reuters News Service. But we could not find that quote in the American media except for one outlet, CBN.

It is a sorry day for American journalism when they find themselves out-balanced by their counterparts in Communist China and Russia. It is a new low for partisan media bias.

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

Mr. Speaker, this week South Carolina learned the sad news that a U.S. Marine, Private Rodericka Antwan Youmans from Allendale, S.C., was killed by terrorists while serving in Iraq.

Pvt. Youmans will be remembered for making the ultimate sacrifice to protect American families in the War on Terror. The thoughts and prayers of the entire Wilson family are with his friends and family.

I ask all of my colleagues to join me in expressing our deepest sympathies to Pvt. Youman's two children, fiance, brother and parents.

I request that the following article from The State be added to the Record.

[From The State, July 8, 2004]

Allendale Marine Dies in Iraq

(By Chuck Crumbo)

A bomb attack by Iraqi insurgents has killed a 22-year-old

Marine from Allendale, the man's family said Wednesday.

Pvt. Rodericka Antwan Youmans was one of four Marines who

died Tuesday near Fallujah in Iraq's Al-Anbar province, said

his father, Johnny Youmans.

The elder Youmans said Marine Corps officials notified him

of his son's death Tuesday.

``I was coming home, and I saw a government truck in front

of the house. I knew it was nothing good,'' said Youmans, a

29-year military veteran.

The Marines had not released by late Wednesday the name of

Pvt. Youmans as one of the fallen Leathernecks. The Marines

said only that the troops were conducting security operations

in the province.

Three Marines died Monday in a similar incident in An-

Anbar.

Twenty-one other members of the armed services with ties to

South Carolina have died in the Iraq war. He is the second

casualty from Allendale County.

Marine casualty officers notified the family of his son's

death about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Youmans said.

The Marines first broke the news to Youmans' wife,

Amanderlene. As he approached the house, his 17-year-old

daughter, Sholanda, came out and told him Rodericka was dead,

Johnny Youmans said.

Johnny Youmans, a staff sergeant in 163rd Support Battalion

of the S.C. Army National Guard, has been on active duty for

1\1/2\ years. He is serving on a security detail at Seymour-

Johnson Air Force Base, N.C.

Youmans said his son called home last week to say he was

doing fine and that ``he loved all of us.''

On Monday, Rodericka Youmans called his 20-year-old

fiancee, Stephanie Cuthbertson of Allendale.

They were planning to marry in September when his unit was

scheduled to return to Camp LeJeune, Cuthbertson said.

``I loved everything about him. His sense of humor and the

way he treated me. He was very sweet and very giving,'' she

said.

Rodericka Youmans, a graduate of Allendale-Fairfax High

School, joined the Marines about a year ago and went through

boot camp at Parris Island, Youmans said.

``He was almost 21 when he joined. He couldn't find a job

and when he did, he'd get laid off because the economy was so

bad. He had two kids (ages 4 and 1) and needed to support

them.''

Rodericka quickly fell in love with the Marines and wanted

to make a career out of the military, Youmans said.

``He liked the respect that he received. It changed his

whole life. He wanted to do the right thing.''

Other survivors include his children, A-Miyah, 4, and

Mekhi, 1; and a brother, Johnny Youmans Jr., 24.

Cave Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Speaker, today the conservative movement in America stands on the shoulders of giants: men such as Edmund Burke, T.S. Elliot, F.A. Hayek, Whittaker Chambers, and William F. Buckley, Jr. Of all these theorists, no one has made a deeper and more profound impression on my life than William F. Buckley, Jr.

Since attending high school, I have read National Review, the magazine founded by Mr. Buckley in 1955. Through his stewardship of conservatism's flagship magazine, he was able to direct our visions and coherently communicate our positive philosophy. Indeed, Mr. Buckley defined the conservative movement as one that promotes a strong national defense to defeat communism and terrorism and for limited government, lower taxation, personal responsibility, individual freedom.

These principles are still the basis of conservatism today, and the National Review after nearly 50 years is still our guidebook.

Last week, Mr. Buckley turned over his ownership of National Review and ended a special era in American history. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in thanking William F. Buckley, Jr., for his service to the American political dialogue.

In conclusion, may God bless our troops and we will not forget September 11.

Mr. Speaker, I along with my colleague, Mr. Barrett of South Carolina, would like to take this opportunity to commemorate the completion of Phase One of the John N. Hardee Airport Expressway. This will be announced to the people of South Carolina at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, July 10. The completion of this 2.8 mile expressway will provide easy and direct access to the Columbia Metropolitan Airport.

This expressway, which widened Airport Road from Airport Boulevard in Cayce to Platt Springs Road in Springdale, will make a vast difference in the way South Carolinians and visitors commute to the airport. We are looking forward to the next and final phase of the project, which is currently under design and should begin construction in 2006. This will provide for a new four-lane road extending Airport Road to Interstate 26. Coupled with the success of the John N. Hardee Expressway, these two new roadways will reduce traffic and provide direct access to the growing Columbia Metropolitan Airport by passenger and cargo vehicles, removing some 25,000 vehicles each year from the local network surrounding the airport.

We would like to thank the people at the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) for all of their hard work in completing this important project. Mrs. Elizabeth Mabry, Executive Director of SCDOT, and Mr. John Hardee, SCDOT Second District Commissioner for whom the expressway is named, thank you for your tireless dedication in getting this phase of the project completed. This expressway will be helpful to the people of the entire state of South Carolina, and for this you are appreciated.