Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I am profoundly disappointed in some of the rhetoric from Democrats in this election year debate. As we have all heard a few weeks ago, Terry McAullife, the chairman of the Democratic National Committee, said that President Bush had served in the National Guard but, quote, ``never served in our military and our country,'' end of quote.

This is a double slander of the President and the National Guard. To imply that the National Guard is not a military service, Chairman McAullife dismisses the sacrifices of tens of thousands of National Guardsmen and women presently serving, and is a slap to the face of their service and their families.

As a retired National Guard member myself with 31 years service, with two sons in the Guard, one of whom was deployed to Iraq this week, America deserves an apology and the Democrats should find better leadership.

Terry McAullife's comments were wrong and they were offensive to me, my family, to the thousands of South Carolina National Guard members fighting in the war on terrorism today. Apparently Chairman McAullife is unaware of the distinguished history of the National Guard, which is America's oldest military service.

The South Carolina National Guard dates back over 300 years to 1670 when colonists united to defend their homeland against Spanish invasion. In fact, the valor of those early guardsmen has been enshrined in the South Carolina State flag when they defended the Carolina coast with a fort built of palmetto trees during the Revolutionary War.

Perhaps Mr. McAullife is simply unaware that guardsmen fought on the front lines of World War I, World War II, the Cold War, the war in Vietnam, the Korean War, the Gulf War, and now the war on terrorism. And on the morning of September 11, when we were not sure how many planes had been hijacked or how many sites had been targeted, the President ordered the Air National Guard to fly combat patrols over Washington, D.C. and New York.

Thank you to the Guard's 119th Fighter Wing whose F-16s defended the skies over Washington that morning and to the Air National Guard 102nd Fighter Wing whose F-15s rose to the defense of New York City. At a time of great peril and uncertainty they were America's first line of defense and we will never forget it.

Right now there are more than 193,000 National Guard members and reservists currently serving our country in the war on terror. They are steadfast servants to our country, who have given up their own civilian occupations and left their homes and families to ensure liberty for others. Some of these men and women are on the front lines who serve as the wedge between terrorism and freedom. They are serving our country.

I find Chairman McAuliffe's characterization insulting and demeaning. Terry McAuliffe disgraces himself and insults the National Guard by saying it is not military service. His baseless insinuation diminishes the National Guard as an institution, and he owes an apology to the guardsmen and -women in uniform serving our country and protecting their fellow Americans.

Chairman McAuliffe has a right to speak freely. But it is shameful that in one statement he dishonors some of America's bravest service members.

Chairman McAullife's comments represent the worst of election year politics. President Bush has been talking about the issues that matter to Americans: strong national defense, tax relief to promote job creation, and quality education for our children. Yet the Democratic leader has chosen to engage in personal partisan attacks and reckless comments that insult our men and women in uniform and the families supporting them.

It is a sad day for the Democratic Party whose leader publicly denounces, degrades, and dishonors a fighting force that at that moment is fighting for freedom and democracy and have devoted their lives to fighting terrorists around the world.

It is a time for truth. It is a time to raise the level of public debate in this country. It is a time for accountability. It is a time for honesty. It is past time for an apology, and it is time for the Democratic Party to find new leadership.

Mr. Speaker, as I conclude, I would like to offer, again, God bless our troops. We will never forget September 11.

Mr. Speaker, 1 year ago this Friday the historic liberation of the Iraqi people from Saddam Hussein's vicious tyranny began. Thanks to the leadership of President George W. Bush and the courage of our military with coalition partners, Iraqis no longer fear Saddam's torture chambers and executions. Instead, millions enjoy the hope of freedom and democracy.

Today, Iraqi women have the freedom to participate in government and children are going to newly renovated schools. Decades of neglect by Saddam are being reversed in record time as health clinics, water sources, electricity and sanitation are being restored throughout the country.

Most importantly, the world no longer lives under the constant threat of a madman who harbored and supported terrorists.

After World War II, we helped rebuild Germany to assist it from becoming a breeding ground for communists, and we were successful. Today we are rebuilding Iraq to assist it from being a breeding ground for terrorists, and we will be successful in protecting American families.

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

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me this time.

Mr. Speaker, thanks to the leadership of President George W. Bush, the valor of the American military and the courage of our coalition partners, 1 year ago this week the liberation of Iraq started marking the beginning of the end of Saddam Hussein's brutal regime.

My gratitude for this historic success is as a Member of Congress. I had the opportunity to go with the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) and visit our troops in Iraq. Additionally, I am grateful as a veteran myself. I retired last July after 31 years of service with the Army National Guard, and I am so proud of what our active Guard and Reserve forces have done. But additionally, I am proud and grateful as a parent. I have three sons who are in the military of the United States, and one of my sons began his deployment in Iraq this week. We are very proud in the Wilson family of our contribution and the success of the American military.

Some today have incorrectly accused the administration of saying Iraq was in imminent threat. In reality, the case for the war with Iraq was made precisely because Iraq was not yet an imminent threat. After the hard lesson of September 11, we can no longer wait until our enemies grow stronger and more deadly before we take decisive action to prevent future tragedies.

Saddam Hussein posed a unique danger to the people of the United States and the world. He ignored 17 United Nations resolutions for over a decade, harbored and supported terrorists, and had used biological and chemical weapons on his own people, had a history of violent aggression against his neighboring countries, and attempted to assassinate a President of the United States.

Today, Saddam Hussein's regime of terror has ended and the world is a safer place for it; yet we know the war of terrorism is not over. We need to remain vigilant to protect America's families by promoting this resolution today, and I urge its support. In conclusion, God bless our troops. We will never forget September 11.

Mr. Speaker, America awoke this morning to learn the tragic news that at least 170 people were massacred and over 600 wounded in terrorist attacks on the public transit system in Madrid, Spain. The Basque terrorist group, ETA, is believed to be responsible for these murderous bombings.

This is only the latest in a global campaign of terror that seeks to undermine freedom and democracy throughout the world by taking the lives of innocent civilians. Since the terrorist attacks of September 11 here in America, there have been deadly attacks from Morocco to Indonesia and from India to Turkey and Russia, along with assaults in Iraq and Saudi Arabia.

As British Prime Minister Tony Blair has rightly said this morning, ``This terrible attack underlines the threat that we all continue to face from terrorism in many countries and why we must all work together internationally to safeguard our peoples against such attacks and defeat terrorism.''

Our allies in Spain, led ably by the courageous prime minister, Jose Maria Aznar, should know that Americans mourn with them today. America is committed to stand by Spain to defeat global terrorism, as we are grateful for the Spanish heritage of America.

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

Mr. Speaker, America was thrust into war on September 11, 2001, when our Nation was viciously attacked by terrorists who seek to destroy American freedoms. Since that event, the U.S. military has been winning the war on terrorism, guided by the courageous leadership of President George W. Bush.

Recognizing the true threat posed by the global network of terrorism who work closely with outlaw regimes, President Bush laid out a bold and decisive plan. America will not wait for another September 11 to occur before we take action to defend the American people.

In the past 2\1/2\ years, our men and women in uniform, backed by dozens of coalition allies, have ended the oppressive terrorist supporting regimes of the Taliban in Afghanistan and Saddam Hussein in Iraq. This protects American families.

Americans can be assured that, thanks to the commitment of President Bush and the valor of American military, that we will continue to win the war on terrorism, despite more attacks worldwide.

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

Madam Speaker, I am honored to speak today as the co-chair of the Caucus on India and Indian Americans, the largest country caucus on Capitol Hill with 183 members. I am grateful for the leadership of the prior co-chairman, the gentleman from California (Mr. Royce). I support this truly historic resolution which praises India's firm commitment to democratic principles.

On January 26, 1950, after a long struggle for freedom led by Mahatma Gandhi, India began its formal existence as a parliamentary democracy. Republic Day is the second most important national holiday in India after Independence Day, which is celebrated on August 15.

India modelled its constitution after America's and both our nations believe that the freedoms enshrined in the constitution are universal for all human beings.

India's national elections occur next month, a historic occasion with more than the 600 million that voted in the last election expected to vote next month. The last national elections in 1999 had the largest voter participation of any election in world history.

India's creation and adherence to a national constitution can serve as an example to newly liberated countries like Iraq of how much can be gained by creating a constitution supported by the people and respected by democratic institutions.

India's struggles and success can be a source of inspiration to the people of Iraq. Since independence, India has struggled with high poverty and illiteracy rates, maintained a socialist economy, endured numerous conflicts with Pakistan, and sometimes even experienced internal conflicts between various religious and ethnic groups in India. Yet India has risen to the challenge every time, showing the rest of the world that a nation of more than a billion people can consistently adhere to elections at the local, state, and national levels and overcome challenges in its path.

India has dramatically reduced its poverty and illiteracy rates and recently opened its economy to the world, experiencing nearly an 8 percent economic growth during the last fiscal year. India and Pakistan have begun a composite dialogue with the prospect of a negotiated agreement to the Kashmir dispute on the horizon. And India continues to make improvements to its economic infrastructure, judicial system, and electoral process to ensure that the freedoms outlined in the constitution are truly protected for all of India's people. India is most deserving of today's congressional recognition of this faithful adherence to democracy for more than 50 years.

America and India have entered into a new era of friendship with victory in the Cold War. India as the world's largest democracy and America as the world's oldest democracy are realizing more every day that we have shared values.

I want to commend President George W. Bush for his leadership in bringing America and India closer together as allies with his vision of a new strategic partnership.

In conclusion, I would like to thank both the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Leach), chairman of the Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Hyde), chairman of the Committee on International Relations, for allowing the committee to consider and pass this historic and important resolution. I urge my colleagues to support House Concurrent Resolution 15.

Mr. Speaker, one of my life goals in public service has been to promote democracy and freedom throughout the world. A leading proponent of this goal is the International Republican Institute, widely revered as IRI. Founded in 1983, this visionary nonprofit organization responded to President Ronald Reagan's call in 1982 that ``we must be staunch in our conviction that freedom is not the sole prerogative of a lucky few, but the inalienable and universal right of all human beings.''

IRI has advanced the march of freedom by teaching nations recovering from Communist and authoritarian totalitarian regimes how to self- govern through the rule of law. IRI adheres to the fundamental American principles of individual freedom, equal opportunity, and entrepreneurial spirit that foster economic development.

I have seen IRI's success firsthand in Bulgaria, as I joined a delegation to observe their first free elections since victory in the Cold War. They have democracy efforts in 56 countries, including Iraq, Afghanistan, China, Slovakia, and Russia.

I want to personally thank IRI's president, George A. Folsom, for his commitment to bringing the hope of freedom to people all over the world.

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

Mr. Speaker, President Bush took office 3 years ago facing the challenge of managing a recession that began under the prior administration. Soon other factors bogged down our economy, including the attacks of September 11, corporate scandals and the ensuing stock market decline. Despite all of these negative events, President Bush and the Republican Congress have worked together to strengthen the economy in America. Due to the President's policies of tax relief, we have seen an increase of 366,000 jobs. And, according to the American Shareholders Association, the stock market is on pace to generate an astonishing $6.3 trillion of new resources since October 2002 for America's families. Additionally, unemployment has fallen below the average of each of the last three decades.

However, more work is needed which the President has outlined. We must make tax relief for all taxpayers permanent, reduce regulation, ensure affordable health care for families and small businesses, and enact a sound national energy policy.

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

Madam Speaker, this past Friday, I had the opportunity to make presentations about the improvements made to Medicare with medical students at the University of South Carolina Medical School led by Mark Versnick and with seniors in the Low Country, where Darren Katz of the Health Leadership Council joined me. I informed them that last year the Republican-led Congress passed a historic bill that finally provides prescription drug coverage for our seniors through Medicare. This was a central issue of recent campaigns, and Republican lawmakers and President George W. Bush have proven that their promises are trustworthy.

The seniors I met with near Sun City at Hardeeville, South Carolina, were happy to learn that their benefits have not changed. Today's Medicare is better for seniors, meeting their needs while keeping costs sustainable. The new voluntary prescription drug benefit allows seniors to lead healthier lives, while preventing disease and avoiding unnecessary hospital visits that will keep costs down.

I am proud of the work we have done to improve Medicare, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to build on this historic success.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend a South Carolinian who has been a model of public service for the last 35 years. Eric Thompson of North Augusta, South Carolina, retired this January from his post as executive director of the Lower Savannah Council of Governments, where he had worked since 1981.

The Council is a regional planning and development organization serving 6 counties and 45 incorporated municipalities.

Mr. Thompson has helped the Lower Savannah Council secure nearly $172 million in State and Federal grants for cities and counties in the region, which includes Aiken, Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Calhoun, and Orangeburg Counties. He has worked previously as part of planning commissions for Aiken and Brunswick-Glynn County, and currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Development Organizations, where he has served as president.

South Carolina is so thankful for Eric Thompson's dedication to our State, and I ask all of my colleagues to join me in commending him for his commitment to public service.

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

Mr. Speaker, when Americans watch the nightly news images of U.S. troops on

duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, they see them carrying out their most difficult duties, using the finest small arms in the world. Those weapons are proudly made in South Carolina's Second Congressional District by FNMI, FN Manufacturing, Incorporated, in Columbia, South Carolina.

Since the mid-1980s, FNMI has been building the M-16 rifle, the M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon, and the M-240 Medium Machine Gun for the U.S. Armed Forces. In other words, FNMI is the principal supplier of small arms to the military. These arms are universally recognized as the finest infantry weapons in the world, perhaps the finest ever made. They are known for their ruggedness, reliability, and effectiveness and are on duty everywhere American troops are deployed in the war on terror, as I have seen first hand in Iraq.

Additionally, FNMI is one of the largest defense industries in South Carolina, employing approximately 450 dedicated personnel.

I ask all of my colleagues to join me in thanking the professional employees of FNMI Manufacturing, as their work makes it possible for our brave men and women to protect us in the war on terrorism.

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

Mr. Speaker, I received an inspiring letter from Jim Miles of Columbia, South Carolina, describing the valor of his grandfather, James Hanna and his five granduncles. Incredibly, these six coal-mining brothers from West Virginia served at the same time in World War II.

Roy Hanna, U.S. Army, 10th Mountain Division, fought in Italy and Germany, receiving two bronze stars. Fred Hanna, U.S. Army, 1st Armored Division, was captured at Tunisia and then lost 90 pounds through torture and imprisonment, until he was liberated by British troops. Bert Hanna, U.S. Army, Armored Division, fought at Okinawa. Carl Hanna, U.S. Army Air Corps, 9th Air Force, fought in Europe as part of the anti-aircraft battalion. John Hanna, U.S. Army Air Corps, 8th Air Force, fought in Germany. James Hanna, U.S. Marines, 6th Marine Division, fought in Okinawa as part of a mortar crew, but was quickly recruited as a sniper when battle commenced.

The Hanna brothers returned to Fort Jackson in South Carolina after the war, and John and James stayed to start their families in the Palmetto State. Even though all six brothers have passed away, their service will always be remembered as an enduring symbol of patriotism and duty. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the Hanna brothers for their brave service.

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

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 6 and 7 on Tuesday, January 27, 2004, I was unable to cast my vote due to inclement weather, being detained Charleston International Airport with multiple day-long delays and cancellations.

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

Rollcall 6, to extend the provision of title 39, United States Code, under which the United States Postal Service is authorized to issue a special postage stamp to benefit breast cancer research, I would have voted ``yea''.

Rollcall 7, Medical Devices Technical Corrections Act, I would have voted ``yea''.

Mr. Speaker, last week history was made in the South Carolina State Senate when the Reverend George Elias Meetze presented the prayer for opening the Senate First Day of the Second Session of the 115th General Assembly on January 13. This marked the 55th year of service by the enthusiastic Dr. Meetze as chaplain of the Senate. He holds the historic record of being the longest-serving chaplain of a legislative body in the world. Every day, as he leads the Senate in prayer, he establishes a new record of devotion to the people of South Carolina.

Dr. Meetze is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, New York Theological Seminary, and Lutheran Southern Seminary. He is the retired pastor of the Lutheran Church of the Incarnation of Columbia from 1942 to 1974. Dr. Meetze and his late wife, Margarete Allen, have two sons, George Allen Meetze and William Dagnall Meetze.

In every way, Dr. Meetze is a vital participant of the Midlands community, never missing Rotary, promoting the Salvation Army, and serving the American Cancer Society.

I urge my colleagues to commend Dr. George Meetze for his historic service as he begins a new session.

In conclusion, God bless our troops. We will always remember September 11.

Mr. Speaker, I move that the message of the President be referred to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered printed.