Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, as founder and co-chair of the Bulgaria Caucus, I am grateful to congratulate Bulgaria on winning its first ever Eurovision Song Contest.

Ever since my service as an election observer in Bulgaria, 36 years ago today, I have been inspired by the talented people of Bulgaria with its extraordinary history from the time of ancient Thrace.

I have seen firsthand brave Bulgarians emerge from communist oppression to achieve dynamic EU and NATO membership.

Eurovision 2026 marked the 70th edition of this celebrated competition, showcasing musical talent from nations across the continent. Held from May 10 through May 16, the contest brought together 35 nations competing for the prestigious Crystal Microphone at the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, Austria.

Choreographed by Fredrik Rydman and Keisha von Arnold, the winning display was as dominant as it was energetic as they became the first team in nearly a decade to win the televote and jury vote.

The winning song, ``Bangaranga,'' was performed by Darina Nikolaeva Yotova, known as ``Dara,'' and written by Anne Judith Wik, Cristian Tarcea, and Dimitris Kontopoulos.

This win is the culmination of hard work by the team of performers, writers, and choreographers. I congratulate Bulgaria on their victory and I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, President Donald Trump has overhauled workforce training, creating high-paying jobs without crushing debt. Trump means jobs.

The Working Families Tax Cuts Act expanded savings for training in plumbing, electrical work, welding, and cosmetology, covering expenses for tuition and books. This initiative creates jobs.

Today is primary day in South Carolina, and in every election, I have stood in front of a polling location to thank voters for participating. With the close votes we are having here today, I am remaining in Washington, appreciating my Republican colleagues and being loyal to Trump policies.

In the Governor's race, Donald Trump will be a winner with all talented candidates, Trump supporters Nancy Mace, Ralph Norman, Rom Reddy, and Alan Wilson. Trump loyalists urge President Trump to endorse both runoff candidates in the upcoming runoff, 2 weeks from today, as Trump will be a winner.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and Trump is reinstating peace through strength, creating and revealing war criminal Putin lies, as war criminal Putin talks lovely in the morning and war criminal Putin mass murders in the evening.

Our prayers for American patriot Butch Wallace at the Lexington Medical Center.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Brian Mast for being so perceptive.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7668, the Countering China's Control of the Caucasus Act, to reassert, as the speaker expressed earlier, to support freedom and prosperity in the South Caucasus region of Asia.

President Donald Trump has presented a historic opportunity to expand economic prosperity in Central Asia, benefiting the region and America. Georgia has been a courageous, longtime ally of the United States with a population that overwhelmingly supports a strong relationship with the West.

Congressman Bera is correct that the House has already passed the MEGOBARI Act which provides for the strengthening relationship with the people of Georgia 349-42 and to support the people of Georgia.

The illegitimate Georgian Dream regime is in the process of selling out the country to the Chinese Communist Party and, indeed the chairman is correct, war criminal Putin and Iran, against the wishes of the Georgian people and the interests of the United States.

The election was rigged in Georgia. With this, they have peddled the vilest anti-American propaganda and constantly insult President Trump, accusing him of acting as an agent of the ``deep state.''

In fact, we also note that the legitimate President, Salome Zourabichvili, has been a valued guest for the inauguration of President Donald Trump, and almost daily, there are demonstrations in Tbilisi where people carry giant posters of President Donald Trump, expressing their love and affection for President Trump and the United States.

The puppet Georgian Dream Prime Minister just last week accused our Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, of lying. The behavior of this rogue regime threatens all that President Trump has accomplished in the South Caucasus, and it must change.

The sea route to the Middle Corridor must run through Georgia and the Communist Chinese Party is set, as the chairman has identified, to own and control the strategic deep seaport in the region, the Anaklia Port on the Black Sea.

Congratulations to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan in neighboring Armenia on his astounding election victory yesterday. Unlike Georgian Dream, Pashinyan is working with the United States and with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan to remove Russian influence from the region and normalize relations with the very valued and appreciated NATO ally, Turkiye.

This is a once in a 3,000 year opportunity for stability, peace, and prosperity in the region. I am grateful for President Trump orchestrating the peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Georgian Dream nightmare regime with fair and free elections must abandon its anti-American course, release political prisoners, end politically motivated prosecutions, ensure a fair election environment, revoke draconian laws that are suffocating U.S. businesses, and seek to end the repression of free speech.

The Countering China's Control of the Caucasus Act ensures that Chinese and Russian covert operations in the country are brought to light and that the United States strongly considers whether Georgia should remain a top recipient of aid while it attacks America in its propaganda on an almost daily basis.

Georgian troops have fought bravely with Americans in Afghanistan and Iraq, along with our chairman. We know that Georgia has been a close partner and ally of the United States.

We must reestablish the strong relationship that has been between the United States and Georgia. It will not be able to normalize unless we have fair and free elections.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that under the leadership of Speaker Mike Johnson, House Republicans are eliminating wasteful spending, exposing fraud, and keeping taxpayer dollars for the American families.

House Republicans are supporting President Donald Trump, passing the Rescissions Act of 2025, cutting wasteful spending, stopping the funding of radical agendas, holding agencies accountable, and implementing congressional oversight.

Being loyal to President Trump, I am here tonight and tomorrow and not present at the South Carolina Republican primary that I have always attended with voters who I so appreciate for their support.

I am here because I am loyal to President Donald Trump, and I request loyalty reciprocal. Attorney General Alan Wilson and the Wilson family, Roxanne and myself, have been loyal to Donald Trump since 2015, and we are urging that there be a coendorsement in the upcoming election, which will be the runoff of June 23 for Governor of South Carolina.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump, mocking Trump, with war criminal Putin murdering children with a tax on civilian population.

Mr. Speaker, today, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Pawel Kowal, hand delivered a Resolution from the Parliament of Poland to Armed Services Committee Chairman, Mike Rogers, and Helsinki Commission Chairman, Joe Wilson, reaffirming solidarity of Poland and the United States. Friendship between the people of America with the people of Poland has never been stronger with the bonds of 8.3 million Polish-Americans in all states and territories. I include in the Record the following Resolution:

Resolution of the Semj of the Republic of Poland of May 29, 2026 On

Polish-American relations and the commemoration of the 250th

anniversary of the founding of the United States of America

Two hundred and fifty years ago, on July 4, 1776, the

American Congress adopted the Unanimous Declaration of the

Thirteen United States of America, commonly known as the

Declaration of Independence. Since the very beginnings of the

history of the United States, close ties between Americans

and Poles also began to develop. The Declaration of

Independence, together with the United States Constitution,

adopted in later years, embodied the political ideals of the

Enlightenment and enshrined values that have continued to

inspire many nations around the world to this day--the ideas

of freedom, equality, human rights, as well as the separation

and balance of powers. Above all, these documents solidified

the conviction that power derives from the nation. Similar

tendencies and ideals led to the adoption of the Constitution

of 3 May in Poland in 1791--the second constitution in the

world and the first modern constitution in Europe.

The Sejm of the Republic of Poland emphasizes that a

profound love of freedom and a shared understanding of

democratic ideals impelled the heroes of Poland's quest for

independence to engage in the American Revolution and in the

fight for the independence of the United States of America.

Through their many initiatives, Tadeusz Kosciuszko and

Kazimierz Pulaski helped defend the independence of the

nascent American state. In the years that followed, the

Polish-American bond forged in battle was put to the test on

numerous occasions and was sealed in blood by the sacrifices

made by soldiers of both nations during joint combat

missions.

The Sejm of the Republic of Poland expresses its

appreciation for the role of the Polish diaspora in the

United States. For generations, Poles emigrated to America

and--through their labor--contributed to the economic success

of the United States, whilst at the same time preserving the

memory of their homeland in their hearts and cultivating the

traditions of their ancestors. In many cases they prepared

themselves to fight for Poland's independence and for the

rebuilding of the state once freedom had been regained.

The Sejm of the Republic of Poland recalls with respect and

gratitude the role of the United States in restoring Poland's

independence after First World War. The position taken by the

United States effectively contributed to achieving the goal

pursued by several generations of Poles.

The Sejm of the Republic of Poland further emphasizes that

the United States made a special contribution to the

liberation of Poland from the communist regime, the

restoration of its independence, and to advancing the process

of systemic transformation initiated in 1989. The support of

the United States for Poland's accession to NATO in 1999 was

crucial to ensuring the security of a free Poland and its

place within the Euro-Atlantic community.

The Sejm of the Republic of Poland acknowledges the

importance of the contemporary parliamentary relations with

the Congress of the United States. We emphasize that the

Polish-American relations, grounded in the pursuit of shared

ideals, are fundamental to the security of our state. Poland

is an important ally of the United States, especially within

the context of the eastern flank of the North Atlantic Treaty

Organization. This is demonstrated by the permanent presence

of the United States Armed Forces troops in Poland.

The Sejm of the Republic of Poland underscores that the

Polish-American friendship is important to Polish society and

is recognized as such across political lines. On the special

occasion of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the

United States of America and of the relations that have

developed between our nations, we wish the American people

prosperity in the spirit of the ideals that have shaped the

public life of the United States.

Mr. Speaker, the full-scale, murderous attacks on Ukrainian civilians by war criminal Putin have continued since February 2022. Many thousands of civilians have been mercilessly killed, including children.

It is inspiring there is an effort to protect these innocent children ``sounding off.''

The Sound of Life is a humanitarian awareness campaign launched by Trident Group Ukraine with the support of Ambassador Olha Stefanishyna of the Embassy of Ukraine to the United States.

In Ukraine, parents place whistles around the necks of their children before bedtime--so rescuers can find them if their homes collapse under missile strikes.

What should be a toy has become a lifeline. After the missiles, the greatest danger is silence or an inability to rescue survivors.

Continued American support is essential. Air defense saves lives by stopping missiles and drones before they reach targeted homes, schools, churches, and hospitals.

Courageous Ukrainians will be victorious for sovereignty, defeating war criminal Putin.

In conclusion, God Bless Our Troops as the Global War on Terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting Peace Through Strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump with murderous attacks on civilians across Ukraine.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to cherish Chairman Greg Shorey, an historic patriot in South Carolina as the first modern Republican State Party Chairman. His competence, integrity, and vision were crucial beginning in 1958, when no elected officials in South Carolina were Republican throughout the Twentieth Century; to 2026, when all statewide officials in South Carolina are Republicans and massive majorities in local offices and the General Assembly. He is an inspiration. I include in the Record the following obituary, which has been provided by Mackey Funerals of Greenville:

Gregory Day Shorey, Jr.

It is with profound sorrow and deep respect that we

announce the passing of Gregory Day Shorey Jr., a beloved

father, grandfather, great-grandfather, esteemed businessman,

and devoted community leader. Greg departed this world

peacefully on May 18, 2026, at the age of 101. Born on June

27, 1924, in Belmont, Massachusetts, he embodied a century of

wisdom, love, and service.

Greg was a man who lived his life with unwavering

dedication and compassion. He proudly served his country in

the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1943 to 1945, and

later in the Navy Reserve until 1947. Following his military

service, he pursued higher education and graduated from the

Boston University School of Public Relations in 1948. Armed

with both knowledge and determination, he ventured into the

business world, founding Style Crafters Inc. in 1951. This

company, renowned for its marine safety and water sports

equipment under the brand Aqua Float, became a testament to

his entrepreneurial spirit. After selling the company in

1969, Greg established Shorey and Associates Marketing and

Communications, passing the torch to his son, Gregory Day

Shorey III, upon his retirement in 1990.

Greg's commitment to his community was evident through his

active participation in the South Carolina Republican Party,

where he served as Party Chairman from 1958 to 1961. His

leadership extended to national platforms as a delegate to

the Republican National Convention in 1956 and 1964. Greg's

passion for public service saw him appointed to the South

Carolina Dairy Commission and the Beaufort County Board of

Elections, among numerous advisory roles.

Beyond his professional and civic engagements, Greg was a

devoted family man. He was predeceased by his cherished

wives, Betty Young Shorey, with whom he shared 66 beautiful

years raising four children, and Jill Irvine, his loving

partner of 8 years. He also faced the heartache of losing his

daughter, Pamela Shorey Jahns, and grandson, Justin Tyler

Millwood. Yet, the legacy of love continues through his

surviving children, Gregory Day Shorey III (Patty), Cynthia

Shorey White (Steve), and Amy Shorey Grace. His spirit lives

on in his grandchildren, Leia Jahns Herring, Jeffery D.

White, Taylor D. Shorey, Michael G. White, and seven great-

grandchildren who brought him endless joy.

An avid golfer, Greg enjoyed the fairways well into his

late 90s, and he found peace boating on Lake Adger, NC, and

off the coast of Beaufort, SC. These pursuits reflected his

zest for life and his appreciation for the simple pleasures.

In honoring Greg's wishes, a private funeral ceremony will

be held. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests

donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a cause

dear to Greg's heart.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the

compassionate staff at Patriot Hospice and Palliative Care,

Angel Heart Caregivers Services, and Linville Court at The

Cascades for their unwavering support and care.

Greg Shorey Jr.'s life was a tapestry of love, service, and

integrity. His legacy will continue to inspire all who had

the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace, forever

cherished and remembered.

Mr. Speaker, veterans have courageously served America to protect the freedoms we enjoy. They deserve the respect of American families and must never be forgotten.

This week, House Republicans will vote on multiple bills to protect the constitutional rights of veterans and expand access to benefits they have earned through service.

House Republicans believe that veterans deserve better--care they can access; veterans' benefits delivered on time; a Veterans Administration that works for veterans; real support for mental health, housing, education, and employment.

Memorial Day on Monday is a solemn day of remembrance for the Americans who have given their lives in service for our country, liberating dozens of countries from socialism and communism.

In conclusion, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump as the Chinese Communist Party trains Putin troops to murder Ukrainian civilians where Ukrainian parents provide whistles at night to children to be heard as Putin attacks civilian apartment buildings.

Mr. Speaker, America is grateful for the life and extraordinary career of The Honorable William Joseph ``Bill'' Posey. The Congressman selflessly served the people of Florida and our Nation for 16 years in the United States House of Representatives. His warm smile will always be cherished.

I appreciate his dedication and commitment to America. I include in the Record the following obituary provided by the Funeral Solutions SM:

Former United States Congressman William Joseph ``Bill''

Posey passed away on May 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving

family. Bill dedicated his life to serving the people of

Florida and our nation with integrity, humility, and an

unwavering commitment to public service. His passing marks

the end of a remarkable career that spanned decades of

leadership at the local, state, and federal levels. He

approached public office not as a path to personal

recognition but as a solemn responsibility to serve others

honorably, faithfully, and effectively.

His legacy will endure through the countless lives he

touched, the communities he strengthened, and the values he

championed throughout his years of service. Those who knew

Bill personally understood that beyond the titles and

accomplishments was a kind, grounded, and deeply loyal man

who loved his family above all else.

Congressman Posey represented Florida in the United States

House of Representatives from 2009 to 2025, following

distinguished service in both the Florida House of

Representatives and the Florida Senate. Throughout his

career, he earned a reputation as a principled conservative,

a steadfast advocate for fiscal responsibility and government

transparency, and a tireless supporter of America's space

program and the communities he proudly represented along

Florida's Space Coast.

Bill will be remembered with gratitude, admiration, and

profound respect. His dedication to public service, his love

for Florida, and his steadfast belief in the promise of

America will never be forgotten.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and

Beatrice Posey, brother, Bob, and nephew, Robbie. He is

survived by his wife, Katie, brother, Wayne (Liza),

daughters, Pam Persse (Mike), Cathi Householder (Jeff), God-

daughter Melissa Dietel (Warren), grandchildren, Billy Carson

(Sarah Grace), Clarke Henry (Curtis), Katie Leyte-Vidal

(Daniel), Hunter Persse, Tanner Dietel, and five great-

grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to include in the Record the following proclamation on behalf of the National Garden Club, and their President Donna Donnelly of South Carolina, in honor of Memorial Day. I especially appreciate the significance of Garden Club as my mother, Wray Wilson, was an active member of the Garden Club of Charleston and was Garden Editor of The News and Courier.

Whereas, on July 4, 1776, the United States of America was

founded upon the enduring principles of liberty, self-

governance, and the inherent dignity of all people; and

Whereas, for 250 years, the American nation has stood as a

beacon of hope, inspiring free peoples around the world to

pursue democracy, justice, and peace; and

Whereas the alliance between the United States of America

and the French Republic is among the oldest and most

cherished in modern history, forged in the cause of

independence and strengthened in the shared defense of

freedom; and

Whereas, during the Second World War, the soil of Normandy

became hallowed ground through the courageous sacrifice of

American servicemen who crossed an ocean to liberate Europe

from tyranny; and

Whereas, on June 6, 1944, the Allied forces, including

brave Americans, embarked upon the largest amphibious

invasion in history, forever altering the course of the war

and ensuring the restoration of liberty to the continent; and

Whereas the Normandy American Cemetery stands as a solemn

testament to the valor, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of

those who gave their lives in service to a cause greater than

themselves; and

Whereas, Memorial Day in the United States is a sacred

occasion to remember and honor those who made the ultimate

sacrifice in defense of our freedoms, both at home and

abroad; and

Whereas the year 2026 marks the Semiquincentennial of the

United States, a moment to reflect upon our shared history,

reaffirm our principles, and honor the enduring bonds of

friendship with our allies;

Now, therefore, I, Joe Wilson, Member of Congress of the

United States and a member of the House Armed Services

Committee, do hereby offer this proclamation in solemn

tribute:

That on this hallowed ground at Omaha Beach, we honor not

only the fallen heroes of June 6, 1944, but all those who

have borne the burden of defending liberty across

generations;

That we express, with profound gratitude, the enduring

friendship between the people of the United States and the

people of France, whose shared sacrifices have secured peace

and freedom for countless millions;

That as we commemorate 250 years of American independence,

we recommit ourselves to the ideals for which these brave

souls fought and died--freedom, justice, and the unyielding

pursuit of peace;

And that we pledge to carry forward this sacred legacy,

ensuring that the bonds of alliance between our nations

remain strong, and that the sacrifices of the past shall

never be forgotten.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand on this

Memorial Day, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-

six.

Mr. Speaker, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly has graciously agreed to host its 2027 annual session in Charleston. The conference in America will be the first since 2005.

The assembly of the OSCE will bring over 300 parliamentarians with hundreds of support staff and worldwide media from 57 countries to Charleston to draft, debate, and vote on resolutions. This conference will reinforce American leadership, with President Donald Trump achieving historic unity of allies in the Western Hemisphere, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

As co-chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, the U.S. Helsinki Commission, I look forward to working in my birthplace of Charleston with Mayor William Cogswell. Charleston is recognized as the most British city in America.

Mr. Speaker, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength through revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump, as last night Putin murdered Ukrainian civilians with attacks, and Putin provides targeting intelligence to Iran to murder American troops.

Mr. Speaker, in recognition of National Police Week, Americans appreciate all officers while honoring those who were wounded or lost their lives in the line of duty.

This year, we honor the following officers of South Carolina, who were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial wall: F. Devin Mason, Nathaniel M. Ansay, Will G. Durant, Michael Charles Wood, Dennis D. Ricks, Jr., and Mark S. Reynolds. They all served in the tradition of the late Greg Alia of Forest Acres.

House Republicans stand alongside these courageous heroes. This week, there is legislation of commitment to those who serve our country, and we must restore law and order.

Mr. Speaker, I respect my hometown police chief, Andrew ``Bear'' Richbourg of Springdale.

God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump, shamefully breaking the victory day cease-fire.

As war criminal Putin bombs civilian homes, Ukrainian parents provide their children at night with whistles to assist in recovery as Putin attacks their homes and murders children.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that President Donald Trump has achieved deregulation, created jobs, and strengthened opportunities for American families and new graduates.

In the first 100 days, President Trump achieved his goal by reducing regulations. This goal continues as, last month, House Republicans, led by Speaker Mike Johnson, passed two bills that refocused on deregulation, improved infrastructure, lowering costs for families, and choosing results over radicalism. Promises made, promises kept.

Superstars of deregulation are: Education Secretary Linda McMahon, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and NRC Commissioner David Wright.

Mr. Speaker, God bless our troops as the global war on terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength through revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump, providing satellite targeting information to kill Americans and Israelis.

Courageous Ukrainians provide whistles to children at night to help in recovery efforts as war criminal Putin bombs their homes.

Mr. Speaker, on May 9, 2026, we will celebrate the 81st birthday of Patricia Lou Keating of Chicago, Illinois.

Ms. Keating was born on May 9, 1945, in Chicago to Marie and Louis Kalowski, as the younger sister to Carol Gregory.

Patricia has lived the American dream working to serve the community until her retirement earlier this year. She has raised three daughters; Karen Roder, Jackie MacHarg, and Heather Perez.

I am grateful for Patricia's service to the community and for sharing her grandson, Michael MacHarg, II, an invaluable contributor to our office.

I wish Patricia Keating a Happy Birthday, and best wishes for many more.

Mr. Speaker, last year I appreciated meeting the President of Yemen, Rashad al-Alimi, during the Munich Security Conference. We both identified Iran as the head of the snake of terrorism.

Yemen deserves independence from Iran and its Houthi puppets. War criminal Putin and the Chinese Communist Party support the Houthis. Sanctions of President Trump on Houthis promotes sovereignty of Yemen with Saudi Arabian aid. Free Yemen from Iran.

As a grateful native of Charleston, South Carolina, which was named in honor of King Charles II, along with Mayor William Cogswell, I was honored to be on the Escort Committee for King Charles III and for having met Queen Camilla earlier at the British Embassy, promoting the most British City in America--Charleston, South Carolina.

In conclusion, God Bless Our Troops as the Global War on Terrorism continues. Trump is reinstituting Peace Through Strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump, welcoming mass murdering Iranian officials to St. Petersburg this week.

Our sympathies to the family and friends of Citadel Cadet Evan Greenleigh, upon his death last weekend.