Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize 2024 Army Congressional Fellow, Major ``JJ'' Joshua Jackson, for his service to the country and the Second District of South Carolina.

Throughout his congressional tenure, JJ has been a valued team member working on military and veterans' issues, including today, the NDAA, the National Defense Authorization Act.

As an air defense artillery officer, JJ has held numerous positions with a distinguished career, including tours in valued allies, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. He most recently served the Pentagon as a legislative liaison with the Department of the Army.

A Georgia native, JJ graduated from West Point where he was a starter on the Army football team.

We wish JJ and his young daughters, Amaya and Noah, the best of continued success.

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

America celebrates its first ally, France, with yesterday the historic 200th anniversary of the address to Congress by the Marquis de Lafayette with his portrait here in the Chamber along with the portrait of George Washington, the only two portraits here in the Chamber.

Mr. Speaker, I am very grateful to support the National Defense Authorization Act. I appreciate so much the leadership of Chairman Mike Rogers and Ranking Member Adam Smith for their diligent work for providing this crucial National Defense Authorization Act for peace through strength.

This is a bipartisan legislation including critical provisions for the Palmetto State, including its military bases and critical missions at the Savannah River site.

As a 31-year veteran of the Army National Guard, myself along with three sons who have served in Iraq, Egypt, and Afghanistan, I especially appreciate this legislation which supports the deployment of the National Guard to the southern border, cuts inefficient programs and bureaucracy, and guts programs at the Department of Defense.

It reaffirms congressional support for our allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific by countering Chinese Communist Party influence, by fully funding military information operations assistance to the region.

It also ensures Israel has adequate stocks of air defense interceptors to defend itself against the regime in Tehran. War criminal Putin and dictators like Assad must be deterred from invasions.

Additionally, the NDAA fully supports and requires plutonium pit production at the Savannah River Site and Los Alamos National Laboratory. It is clear that the National Nuclear Security Administration must do everything possible to restore this vital capability as quickly as possible and without delay for peace through strength.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the NDAA.

Mr. Speaker, the military protects the freedom of all American families, and we must provide adequate support to retain our ability to have peace through strength.

Tomorrow, the House will consider the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act to improve the lives of servicemembers and their families and strengthen national security with the energetic leadership of Chairman Mike Rogers.

This bill supports the deployment of the National Guard to the southern border, deters the Chinese Communist Party, combats anti- Semitism, blocks war criminal Putin, supports Israel, cuts inefficient programs, and guts woke programs at the Department of Defense.

The legislation improves the quality of life of servicemembers with housing upgrades, pay raises, lower healthcare wait times, better access to childcare, employment support for spouses, and more.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Open borders for dictators put all American families at risk of imminent 9/11 attacks, as warned by the FBI.

Trump will reinstitute existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength. I congratulate Chairman-elect Brian Mast.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, on Truth Social, President-elect Donald Trump correctly identified that: ``Assad is gone''. . . . ``His protector, Russia, Russia, Russia, led by Vladimir Putin . . . because of Ukraine, where close to 600,000 Russian soldiers lay wounded or dead . . . forever.

Russia and Iran ``are in a weakened state right now, one because of Ukraine and a bad economy, the other because of Israel and its fighting success.''

Courageous Ukrainians, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, have determined Israelis, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have made an achievement for freedom and democracy for the world. With maximum pressure by President Donald Trump, peace through strength will become a reality. Americans should read National Review's ``The Morning Jolt'' with Jim Geraghty today ``The World's Most Murderous Ophthalmologist Calls It Quits.''

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, and our sympathy and prayers to beloved Congressman Mike Burgess on the passing of his daughter Christine Burgess.

Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, there are over 500 schools in the United States that are subverted with Chinese Communist Party propaganda. The endorsement of communism in American classrooms has led to a disgusting 28 percent of young adults who have a favorable opinion of communism, and another 19 percent believe that a dictatorship is the best political system.

American families must stand up against Communist atrocities and support democracy, which is why this week House Republicans will consider the Crucial Communism Teaching Act, introduced by the courageous Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar. This bill will provide truthful curriculum to students about the failures of communism and totalitarianism.

House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, will safeguard democracy and not allow communist infiltration.

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 reinstate existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength.

Madam Speaker, small businesses are vital to America. In fact, more than 99 percent of American businesses are considered small, employing nearly 62 million people across the United States. Last year, in South Carolina alone, there were 479,000 small businesses employing over 840,000 people.

To promote existing rules to protect small businesses for jobs, this week House Republicans will consider the Prove It Act.

This bill requires transparency from agencies on regulatory decisions and empowers small businesses to petition the Small Business Administration to review proposed regulations. To actually promote decentralized democracy, President Trump, in his first term, deleted eight regulations for any new regulation, with real power to the people.

President-elect Trump and Republicans are committed to putting small businesses before red tape.

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.

Mr. Speaker, sadly, there are currently 46 Americans around the world wrongfully detained or held hostage. The unbearable trauma on their families is made even worse as the Internal Revenue Service currently charges late fees and penalties for overdue tax payments.

Currently, tax codes do not provide relief beyond 1 year for detainees. This must be corrected.

This week, House Republicans will consider the Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act to prevent the IRS from imposing charges and allow the affected families to focus on their safe return.

This bill also revokes the tax-exempt status of American nonprofit organizations that provide financial or material support to terrorist groups, such as Hamas and others.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Open borders for dictators puts all American families at risk of more 9/11 attacks imminent, as warned by the FBI. Trump will re-institute existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength.

Mr. Speaker, American families have suffered under disastrous Biden-Harris energy policies, including regulatory attacks, destroying jobs, and increasing prices. Biden- Harris halted sales for liquefied natural gas, financing war criminal Putin, and the murderous Iranian regime, hurting allies purchasing American energy.

Since Biden, Americans have lost over $4,400 in higher energy costs. Gas prices reached a historic high of over $5 a gallon and reduced the American strategic stockpile to a 40-year low. House Republicans support energy independence this week with the Committing Leases for Energy Access Now Act to increase geothermal leases.

President Donald Trump has nominated Chris Wright as Secretary of Energy, and as a former Reagan Energy Department alumnus myself representing the Savannah River Site, I know his background will lead to the development of small modular nuclear reactors.

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 existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength.

Mr. Speaker, the failure of border security under Biden-Harris has endangered every American family. President Donald Trump and House Republicans will secure the border and restore safety to American families.

The final 2024 U.S. Customs and Border Protection report showed that since Biden, up to 16 million illegal aliens have entered America, as cited by Speaker Mike Johnson.

Border czar Harris has put Americans at risk by failing to remove 99 percent of illegal aliens released into the United States and allowing 300,000 illegal crossings in December 2023, the highest month in history. There have been 14,000 convicted murderers who entered into the United States. American families have spoken.

President Donald Trump has nominated a proven border czar, Tom Homan, to work and serve with Governor Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security. The Homan-Noem team means safety for American families.

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 existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength.

Mr. Speaker, the irresponsible policies of Biden and Harris have cost American families $13,000 a year.

However, with the return of President Donald Trump partnered with Speaker Mike Johnson and Senator leader John Thune, Republicans will drive down prices and increase jobs for American families.

Due to Kamalaflation, prices have risen over 20 percent--22 percent in South Carolina alone. Americans are spending more on everyday necessities compared to President Trump just 3 years ago. Eggs are up 69 percent. Gasoline is up 38 percent or more. Baby food and formula is up 31 percent. Chicken is up 25 percent.

Leading the Trump-Vance innovations will be the talented Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy co-leading the newly created Department of Government Efficiency.

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 reinstate the existing laws to protect American families with peace through strength.

Mr. Speaker, the people spoke and Donald Trump and J.D. Vance achieved the most historic political comeback in American history, while also naming extraordinary patriots to his cabinet: Elise Stefanik as U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Tom Homan as the border czar, Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, Kristi Noem as Homeland Security Secretary, Mike Waltz as National Security Advisor, Lee Zeldin as Environmental Protection Agency Administrator, Governor Mike Huckabee as U.S. Ambassador to Jerusalem, and the extraordinary Susie Wiles as Chief of Staff, working with the deputy chief of staff for policy, Stephen Miller.

The Trump mandate is a recognition of his policy achievements, which I submitted to the Congressional Record, January 21, 2021, pages E60- E62, and achievements to the First Lady, Melania Trump, on January 21, 2021, pages E52-E53.

As chairman of the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia Subcommittee and chairman of the Helsinki Commission, I especially appreciate Donald Trump, who will achieve peace through strength.

Without equivocation, he stood with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, clearly stating Iran must not secure a nuclear weapon, threatening our Arab allies from Kuwait to UAE to Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, along with NATO member Turkiye.

Trump stood with Ukraine against war criminal Putin, supplying Volodymyr Zelenskyy Javelin missiles, placing troops in Poland, and stopping the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, which financed Putin's murderous atrocities.

Trump stood with Taiwan, supplying defensive weapons to deter the Chinese Communist Party from an invasion threatening the Korean and Japanese shipping lanes, along with the shipping capabilities of our great ally, India.

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.

Mr. Speaker, congratulations to Speaker

Mike Johnson for his achievements of the passage of critical legislation in the House and his leadership in maintaining the Republican majority.

``We flipped blue seats red . . . and we kept this majority,'' said the Speaker today on the Capitol steps with the proven leaders Steve Scalise, Tom Emmer, and Richard Hudson.

The Speaker heard from the American people and has given them voice and change that Americans deserve.

Families have suffered high prices for everyday items, dangerously open borders, and national security in jeopardy. Speaker Johnson has pledged: ``We are going to raise the America First banner over this place.''

I was grateful in July to be with the Speaker in Milwaukee to lead the applause for his statement of being a Reaganite for peace through strength. In October at Lake Como, Italy, I was there as he represented America so well. Last month at Mar-a-Lago, I was grateful to be present as he confirmed the Trump-Johnson partnership.

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.

Mr. Speaker, the obituary of George Constantine Shissias clearly presents a loving review of his meaningful achievements for the citizens of the Midlands of South Carolina. In addition to the successes listed, he was a co-founder of the First Tuesday Republican Club of Richland and Lexington Counties, which worked to provide a low-cost Rotary-like opportunity for political involvement. Having lasted for over 50 years, it is now the longest surviving political luncheon in South Carolina.

At the memorial service, Governor Henry McMaster provided heartfelt appreciation of the dynamic couple, George and his wife, State Representative June Shissias. The Governor cited the success of electing Charlie Boineau to the State House in August 1961 as the first Republican legislator of the Twentieth Century. This achievement led to now super Republican majorities in the State House and Senate with all statewide offices, and eight of nine Federal offices held by Republicans.

The following obituary was published upon his death:

George Constantine Shissias, of Columbia, died October 13,

2024. A memorial service will be held at Eastminster

Presbyterian Church on Sunday, October 20 at 2:00 pm, with a

reception to follow. There will be a private interment at

Fort Jackson Military Cemetery. Born in Camden, NJ, to

immigrant parents, George graduated from Cornell University

in 1957 with a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. He

served in the Army and was honorably discharged as first

lieutenant, having run an Officers Club during his military

service where he met his future wife June. In 1959 he began

his career in hospitality management by accepting a position

as manager of Forest Lake Country Club in Columbia. He held

that position for 42 years until his retirement in 2001.

George was one of the founders of the Richland County

Republican Party. In 1961, George was instrumental in the

election of the first Republican candidate to the South

Carolina State House of Representatives since Reconstruction.

In the early years, victories were few, but George never gave

up and worked tirelessly on behalf of Republican candidates

to build a two-party system in South Carolina. It was

George's grit and determination that contributed to the

growth of the Republican Party to dominance in South

Carolina, all while managing one of the finest clubs in South

Carolina. He was a charter member of the Forest Acres Rotary

Club which he served faithfully since 1968.

George was born June 20, 1936 in Camden, NJ, to the late

Constantine N. Shissias and the late Alexandra (Kazantzis).

He is survived by his wife of 63 years June (Strother),

brother Nick Shissias and his wife Sophia, and many wonderful

nieces and nephews. Surviving also are sons Charles and his

wife Marlo Smith, Alexander and his wife Anne (Abercrombie),

and beloved grandchildren Hunter Alexander Shissias, Charles

Logan Shissias and Janna Shissias.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to The Tunnels to

Towers Foundation or MPN Research Foundation.

Mr. Speaker, South Carolina will always recognize and cherish the dedicated service of Dr. Barbara Nielsen. She heroically was the first Republican elected State Superintendent in 125 years, in addition to being the first woman. During her service as a member of the State Senate Education Committee, I know of her relentless devotion that all students can achieve.

Below is the obituary of the historic Sauls Funeral Home recounting her life of December 2, 1942, to September 3, 2024. She and Dennis are noted for their beautiful Moss Creek home in Bluffton, highlighted by 500-year-old oak trees at the entrance of U.S. Highway 278, which they saved when the highway was widened to eight lanes.

Dr. Barbara Nielsen of Hilton Head Island, SC, passed away

on Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Dr. Nielsen was a shining

light in the field of education. Dr. Nielsen believed

fiercely in the God-given potential of every student and

dedicated her life to equipping them to reach it. She never

lost faith in the belief of what a great education can bring.

Dr. Barbara Nielsen was the first woman to ever be elected as

South Carolina's Superintendent of Education and served two

consecutive terms from 1991 to 1999.

During her tenure as superintendent, Dr. Nielsen campaigned

for significant legislation on education reform. Most

noteworthy among these were the state's 1998 Education

Accountability Act, the law that made possible the state's

first full-day kindergarten program, and the legislation that

paved the way for the establishment of charter schools in

South Carolina.

Prior to her role as superintendent, Dr. Nielsen's career

in education spanned three decades as an administrator, an

educational consultant, and as a teacher in Louisville, KY

and Beaufort, SC. She held a doctorate degree in educational

administration and planning and a master's degree in guidance

and counseling from the University of Louisville, and an

undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton. A

multitude of accolades and tributes continue to pour in,

reflecting the widespread respect and admiration she garnered

over the years. Among her highest awards were The South

Carolina Order of the Palmetto, and she was Commissioned as A

Kentucky Colonel.

Even after her retirement, Dr. Nielsen never ceased her

efforts in advocacy for students and teachers alike. In 2023,

she notably chaired the state's 17-member Teacher Recruitment

and Retention Task Force, a panel dedicated to finding

innovative ways to recruit and retain quality educators

within the state.

Governor Henry McMaster called Nielsen's death ``a profound

loss'' for the state and hailed her as ``a true pioneer and

an inspiration to many.'' He said, ``Her commitment to

modernizing and reforming our education system transformed

the lives of thousands upon thousands of our children.''

Her passion and devotion to family were most important to

her. She was especially proud of her grandchildren and loved

every moment she had with them. Left to cherish our memories

of Barbara are her Husband: Dr. Dennis J. Nielsen; her

Daughters: Michelle Preli (Evan Sklar) of Brooklyn, NY and

Tina Beck (Jamison Beck) of Charleston, SC; her Brothers:

Larry Stock (Linn) of Cincinnati, OH, Dennis Stock (Carolyn)

of Cincinnati, OH, Tony Stock (Sally) of Cincinnati, OH, and

Mike Stock (Becky) of Cincinnati, OH; her Sisters: Judy

Forrester of Cincinnati, OH and Patti Reilly (Tim) of

Cincinnati, OH, and her Grandchildren: Emmitt Sklar, Ava

Sklar, and Jacob Beck.

In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Jude's Hospital would

be appreciated.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Dr. Barbara

Stock (Stock) Nielsen, please visit our Tree Store (https:// www.saulsfh.com/obituary/DrBarbaraNielsen/1068742/memorial- tree).

Madam Speaker, illegal aliens are voting in America. This actually subverts democracy.

It is basic that registration confirms citizenship and voting-- confirm photo identification to preserve democracy for all political parties.

Elon Musk suggests a leftwing strategy with the lack of citizenship enforcement, saying: ``If Dems win President, House, and Senate . . . they'll grant citizenship to all illegals, and America will become a permanent one-party deep socialist state.''

House Republicans passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act to protect and preserve the right of

American citizens to vote. This should not be partisan. The bill requires States to obtain proof of citizenship in person when registering and requires States to remove noncitizens from existing voter rolls, as correctly promoted by President Donald Trump.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. We do not need new border laws. We need to enforce existing laws. Harris shamefully opens the borders for dictators as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent, as repeatedly, sadly, warned by the FBI.