Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I am grateful to recognize the 120th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States of America and the Republic of Bulgaria.

September 19, 2023, marks the 120th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the United States of America and the Republic of Bulgaria. The first United States Diplomatic Agent to Bulgaria, John B. Jackson, presented his credentials on September 19, 1903. The first Special Envoy and Minister Plenipotentiary of Bulgaria to the United States, Stefan Panaretov, presented his credentials to President Woodrow Wilson on December 22, 1914. Today Bulgaria is well represented in Washington by Ambassador Georgi Aanayotor who also was an election observer for the South Carolina Presidential Primary in the tradition of former Ambassador Elena Poptodorova.

The enduring ties between the two nations are exemplified by the founding of the American College of Sofia, dating back to a school opened by American missionaries in Bulgaria in 1860. On September 25, 2023, the United States and Bulgaria held the second high-level Strategic Dialogue to advance their bilateral, regional, and global agenda and to further enhance cooperation as friends, Allies, and partners.

The United States and Bulgaria stand together as North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Allies, determined to safeguard the freedom, common heritage, and civilization of their peoples, founded on the principles of democracy, individual liberty, and the rule of law, seeking to promote stability and well-being in the North Atlantic area. They have signed numerous important documents in key areas, including defense and security cooperation, 5G security, civil nuclear cooperation, science and technology, and combating foreign disinformation and propaganda.

The United States and Bulgaria stand united against aggression and terror, condemning in the strongest possible terms Russia's brutal and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine, and the heinous attacks on the Israeli people by the terrorist organization Hamas. Bulgaria remains committed to the collective defense, as exemplified by hosting a NATO battlegroup with United States participation, and by establishing a NATO littoral countries mine countermeasures task force to secure freedom of navigation in the Black Sea. Prior to becoming a NATO member and subsequently, as an ally, Bulgaria participated in the United States-led and NATO missions and operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Kosovo, and the Mediterranean.

Bulgaria was among the very first countries to denounce terrorism and pledge active support to the United States in the fight against terrorism following the attacks of September 11, 2001. Bulgaria provided overflight and basing rights at the town of Bourgas for Operation Enduring Freedom, representing the first stationing of foreign forces in Bulgaria since World War II, and Bulgaria deployed a nuclear, biological, and chemical protection detachment to Afghanistan as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF). The United States and Bulgaria recognize that Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine has only underscored the geostrategic importance of the Black Sea region, and the need to ensure that the region remains free and secure from threats posed by Russia and other malign actors.

The bilateral Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA) was signed in 2006, regulating the status of forces, allowing for joint United States- Bulgarian military facilities, providing for bilateral and multilateral exercises, and facilitating the movement and temporary stationing of aircraft and vessels. Bulgaria continues to invest in defense capabilities, interoperability, and the development of a credible defense posture in cooperation with the United States, as exemplified by the purchase of sixteen F-16 Block 70 fighter jets from the United States, and intending to purchase United States Stryker combat vehicles.

The United States and Bulgaria share the understanding that energy security is crucial component of national security, and Bulgaria has made significant progress in reducing its dependency on Russian energy resources and in diversifying its energy sector in collaboration with the United States. The two nations acknowledge the significance of intensifying their cooperation in innovations, research, and emerging technologies. The people-to-people exchanges between the United States and Bulgaria are vital for bolstering the bilateral relationship and Bulgaria has made progress towards meeting criteria for visa-free travel of Bulgarian citizens to the United States. The shared commitment to counter disinformation and hybrid threats was demonstrated by the signing of a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding on Countering Foreign Information Manipulation on September 25, 2023.

The year 2023 marks the 80th anniversary of the historic rescue of 50,000 Bulgarian Jews during the World War II. It is acknowledged with regret and sadness that 11,343 Jews were deported to Nazi concentration camps from Macedonia, Thrace, and Pirot, territories administered by Bulgaria at that time.

Bulgaria takes pride in its Jewish community and remains resolute in its stance against any forms of discrimination, intolerance, and antisemitism.

The vibrant Bulgarian-American community is contributing to America's prosperity, including to its remarkable economic achievements, the preservation of its technological edge, and the enrichment of American culture and society, through its diverse talents, rich traditions, art, music, dance, cuisine, and language. Bulgaria's presence in the world's biggest library, the United States Library of Congress is marked with a collection of over 50,000 volumes of Bulgarian cultural heritage, brought together by the Library of Congress in collaboration with Bulgarian individuals and institutions since the 1880s. The American University in Bulgaria, the pioneer of American-style liberal arts education in Eastern Europe, has been delivering exceptional education for more than three decades. There are 41 Bulgarian Sunday schools in the United States, which are contributing to the preservation of Bulgarian language and traditions and to the cultural diversity in the United States. Bulgaria is the place of origin of the Cyrillic alphabet, which is currently taught in the Bulgarian Sunday schools across the United States.

The Bulgarian Caucus in the House of Representatives was formed in June 2002 and the following year a group for friendship with the United States was formed in the National Assembly of the Republic of Bulgaria demonstrating a dedication to the bilateral relationship. America's most successful and enduring relationships are built on shared values.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

Madam Speaker, Census Bureau data confirms Trump has achieved the highest family take-home pay increase of any recent President.

For middle-class families, Trump policies have raised real median income by $5,820. The tax and spend policies of Biden have actually cost American families real median income of a negative $2,080.

Corrupt Judge Merchan, through unethical abuse of office, now unintentionally continues to re-elect Donald Trump with world record fundraising.

The latest response by the American people to judicial persecution is an historic over $200 million for the Trump campaign. Merchan deserves a Trump inauguration invitation by me to sit with my grandson, Houston Wilson, during the ceremony.

In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism moves from the Afghanistan safe haven to America. We do not need new border laws; we need to enforce existing laws. Biden shamefully opens borders for dictators as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent as repeatedly warned by the FBI.

Mr. Speaker, the American people extend congratulations to the Honorable Lai Ching-te on being sworn in as President of Taiwan on Monday, May 20, 2024. His successful 28-year career in politics as Vice President and Premier under President Tsai Ing-wen, Chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), 1st Mayor of Tainan, and Member of the Legislative Yuan demonstrates his ability to be a strong leader for the people of Taiwan.

Additionally, the vibrant democracy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has elected Hsiao Bi-Khim as Vice President. During her four terms in the Legislative Yuan, she focused on agriculture and transportation in her district of Hualien, along with championing issues such as gender equality, foreign affairs, and human rights.

My appreciation of the people of Chinese heritage is personal as I am the only member of Congress serving as the son of a Flying Tiger in World War II to liberate China. My father, First Lieutenant Hugh deVeaux Wilson with the U.S. Army Air Corps developed a great affection for the people of China.

Lai Ching-te's presidency extends the rule of the DPP, which China views with skepticism, as the party promotes Taiwanese nationalism and identity, and supports the people of Taiwan's right to decide their own future.

Taiwan continues to face rising threats from China, as almost daily, military warplanes and vessels are sent toward them, many of which crossing the median line in the Taiwan Strait. Sadly, incursions into Taiwan's air defense zone nearly doubled in 2022 and continued at a high pace in 2023 with 1,738 incursions. In December of 2022, 71 Chinese aircraft flew

into Taiwanese airspace, the largest breach in history. On May 15, 2024, Taiwan's National Defense Ministry reported 45 Chinese military aircraft around the island, in just one day. With these growing tensions, the pressure on President Lai to balance security risks with promises of protecting the independence of Taiwan are high.

Though the United States does not have official relations with Taiwan, the people of Taiwan have our unwavering support. We remain the island's most significant arms supplier and international backer, having approved over $8 billion in military aid last month in the National Security Supplemental Aid Package to support Taiwan and other key allies in the Indo-Pacific confronting Chinese aggression.

President Lai's priorities for Taiwan align with his predecessor Tsai Ing-wen, with plans to boost defenses, including increasing military budgets, improving its military force structure, and concentrating on economical mobile weapons systems and more vigorous civil defense. Domestic reform is one of his top priorities, including social spending for the improvement of national health insurance and redirecting economic policy from motives for certain industries to developing more service sector jobs and encouraging domestic consumption.

Lai has retained the majority of the Tsai team, including her foreign minister, Joseph Wu, who now leads his National Security Council, and former NSC head Wellington Koo, who now is the defense minister. He also recruited several private-sector executives for his cabinet, prominently JW Kuo, chair of Topco. Along with the Lai administration, I look forward to working with Taiwan's ambassador to the U.S., Ambassador Alexander Yui.

The inauguration of President Lai Ching-te at the presidential office building in central Taipei featured an overwhelming amount of support for him, as crowds, including a show of marching bands and performers, gathered in a nearby plaza to show their support and listen to his inauguration speech. A bipartisan delegation of former senior U.S. officials, including former Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, also attended the inauguration.

Sadly, we are in a war we did not choose, between dictators with Rule of Gun invading democracies with Rule of Law. We must stand firm to protect the borders of Taiwan, Ukraine, Israel, and the United States.

I am confident in the leadership of President Lai Ching-te as Taiwan continues to face adversities to keep their allies who acknowledge them as a sovereign nation, amidst pressure from the Chinese Communist Party.

I look forward to working with President Lai Ching-te on achieving Peace Through Strength, advancing our shared interests, strengthening our longstanding informal relationship, and maintaining stability across the Taiwan Strait.

Mr. Speaker, the Biden border crisis rages on, and American families are affected, including in their pocketbooks.

At the start of 2023, the cost of illegal aliens crossing with Biden was over $150 billion. The burden of illegal aliens costs each American taxpayer nearly $1,200 annually.

Corrupt Judge Merchan continues promoting the reelection of Donald Trump by relentlessly being bigoted and objectionable, earning an invitation as my guest to the Trump inauguration. The invitation was hand-delivered to New York to Merchan's office Monday by South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson.

The shameful bias and bigotry of Judge Merchan has been exposed this week by esteemed Harvard law professor Alan Dershowitz as ``unethical, unlawful, and petty.''

In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism moves from the Afghanistan safe haven to America. We do not need new border laws. We need to enforce the existing laws. Biden shamefully opens borders for dictators, as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent, as repeatedly warned by the FBI.

Mr. Speaker, South Carolina is recognizing the extraordinary achievements of Gayle Averyt, who is a Southern Gentleman who has been a top business and political leader. My personal appreciation is for his courage as one of the state's earliest Republicans, building the modern Party from non-existence to now super majorities with all statewide elected officials Republicans.

Dunbar Funeral Home Obituary

Gayle Owen Averyt of Columbia, South Carolina, was born on

October 13, 1933, in Montgomery, Alabama, and he died

peacefully at his home in Columbia, South Carolina on May 13,

2024. He was the second of three children of Edwin Franklin

and Asenath Murfee Averyt. Gayle's family moved into their

first home in Columbia when he was five weeks old.

Gayle graduated from Dreher High School in 1951. He went on

to graduate Cum Laude from Davidson College in 1955 and was

inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society. He then earned an

MBA from Harvard Business School in 1958.

Gayle's father, Edwin, co-founded Colonial Life & Accident

Insurance Company in 1937. Gayle joined Colonial Life after

Harvard, moving through the management ranks. In 1970, he

became the Chairman of the Board and CEO after his father

retired. He held those positions until 1993 when Colonial

Life merged with UNUM Corporation. Gayle became Chairman

Emeritus of Colonial Life and served on UNUM's board from

1993 until 1999.

Gayle and his wife of 61 years, Margaret ``Peg'' Finlay met

on a blind date. This was their first time meeting despite

both growing up in Columbia. Safe to say their date was a

success and they were married on June 15, 1963, at Kanuga

Episcopal Conference Center in Hendersonville, North

Carolina.

Gayle was generous with his time, talents and resources.

Being of service gave him priceless memories and enhanced his

worldview and purpose. He was on many boards and committees,

including the Central Carolina Community Foundation, the

South Carolina State Fair Association, the South Carolina

Orchestra Association, the South Carolina Ports Authority and

the Cultural Council of Richland and Lexington Counties. He

was an active member of Trinity Cathedral and served on the

Finance Committee and in various other capacities. As a board

member, he spent countless hours helping Heathwood Hall

Episcopal School and Kanuga Conference Center, two places

that were very special to him. Even after he retired, Gayle

remained involved in numerous business, civic, political,

educational and cultural organizations.

Some of the awards Gayle received were the Distinguished

Alumni Award from Davidson College, Humanitarian of the Year

from The United Way of the Midlands, Business Man of the Year

from the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, Honorary Doctor

of Public Service from the University of South Carolina, and

the Order of the Palmetto from Governor Carroll Campbell. He

was inducted into the South Carolina Business Hall of Fame by

Junior Achievement.

Gayle led with humility and in the spirit of collaboration.

He was quick to acknowledge that he would not have achieved

his accomplishments without the support of Peg, his

administrative assistants, the many people who were serving

alongside him, and his colleagues and employees at Colonial

Life. He said that Colonial Life gave more to him than he

ever gave to the company.

Gayle exercised regularly and was a forerunner in promoting

healthy living. He established a wellness center at Colonial

Life in the 1980s, offering exercise classes in which he

often participated. He and Peg played mixed doubles in tennis

and began jogging in the 1970s when it was a new fad. He took

up golf in high school and shot a hole in one when he was 83.

Gayle loved to dance at any occasion where music was playing.

He hung upside down in gravity boots and practiced yoga. He

was interviewed in an article about longevity in Smart Money

magazine, accompanied by a photo of him standing on his head.

Gayle was a kind and caring husband, father and

grandfather. He will be remembered for his integrity,

compassionate heart and the many contributions he made

towards helping others.

Gayle is survived by his wife, Margaret Finlay Averyt; his

daughters, Caroline Averyt Lord and Margaret McQueen Averyt;

his sisters, Ella Averyt DuBose and Dorothy Averyt Poston;

his grandchildren, William Leighton Lord IV, Owen Elliott

Lord and Isabelle Finlay Lord; and his six nephews and

nieces. He was predeceased by his parents and his youngest

daughter, Elinor Finlay Averyt. A nephew is State

Representative Kirkman Finlay.

The memorial service for Gayle will be held on May 23, 2024

at 11:00 AM at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter

Street, Columbia, SC 29201. A reception will follow the

service in Satterlee Hall. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street

Chapel, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, you may consider making a donation to

Trinity Episcopal Cathedral (www.trinitysc.org), Kanuga

Conference Center (www.kanuga.org), or the charity of your

choice.

Memories of Gayle may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.

Mr. Speaker, last week, the Joint Economic Committee reported that since Biden, the average family has seen a 21 percent increase in prices, resulting in $22,000 in costs: $2,500 more in food, $4,500 more on housing, $3,400 more in energy, and $7,500 more on transportation.

Corrupt Judge Merchan continues his shameful unprofessionalism to reveal all Americans can be targets of judicial abuse while his blatant bigotry is re-electing Trump.

Yesterday, my son, the South Carolina Attorney General, hand- delivered to the judge an invitation for the judge to be my guest at the Trump inauguration.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, who successfully protected America for 20 years, as the global war on terrorism continues moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America. We do not need new border laws. We need to enforce existing laws. Biden shamefully opens the borders for more dictators as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent, as repeatedly warned by the FBI.

We are grateful for the life of Gayle Averyt.

Mr. Speaker, Roger Zakheim, director of the Ronald Reagan Institute and former general counsel of the House Armed Services Committee, published an op-ed on Wednesday in The Washington Post calling for freeing American hostages from Iran puppet Hamas terrorists: Shifting away from mediation to a more aggressive stance to demonstrate that the United States does not leave its citizens behind.

Corrupt Judge Merchan qualifies daily for my invitation as guest for the Trump inauguration as Merchan reelects Donald Trump.

I am glad untrue, false, salacious details of Merchan's perverted sexual conduct have not been admitted as lies of Merchan's untrue, fabricated, illegal conduct is ignored. Donald Trump will

be reelected due to the rejection of corrupt Judge Merchan's derangement.

In conclusion, God bless our troops who have successfully protected America for 20 years in the global war on terrorism as it moves from the Afghanistan safe haven to America.

We do not need new border laws. We need to enforce existing border laws. Biden shamefully opens the borders for dictators as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent, as warned by the FBI.

Christians appreciate the courage and the truth of Kansas City kicker Harrison Butker. Coach Lou Holtz is correct.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the Labor Department released its monthly report showing that consumer prices have increased again, this time by 3.4 percent.

Under Biden, families continue to pay nearly $12,000 more for everyday goods and services while jobs are being destroyed.

Corrupt Judge Merchan continues ensuring the reelection of President Donald Trump with his bias, incompetence, and unprofessionalism. Corrupt Judge Merchan created this week a global stage for Republican superstars to defend Donald Trump, with Speaker Mike Johnson, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis, Congressman Byron Donalds, and Vivek Ramaswamy. I will invite corrupt Judge Merchan, in appreciation of his reelecting Donald Trump, to be my guest at the Trump inauguration.

In conclusion, God bless our troops who have successfully protected America for 20 years since the global war on terrorism continues moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America.

We don't need new border laws. We need to enforce existing laws. Biden shamefully opens the borders for dictators, as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent, as repeatedly warned by the FBI.

Mr. Speaker, shockingly, some cities in America now allow noncitizens to vote, including in Ohio, but Republicans in that State, led by Secretary of State Frank LaRose, support only American citizens voting.

Election integrity with voter ID in person is crucial for democracy. House Republicans continue to work hard to protect Americans and strengthen our borders, not give illegal aliens the right to vote.

Every day, we have corrupt Judge Merchan, through incompetence and unprofessionalism, pave the way to reelect President Donald Trump.

The Democratic New York Times reports record support for Donald Trump by Blacks, Asians, and Hispanics due to Merchan judicial abuse, which they recognize. I so appreciate corrupt Judge Merchan reelecting Trump that I will invite him to be my guest at the Trump inauguration.

In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism continues moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America with Biden's open borders for terrorists from dictator countries. It is sadly clear there are more 9/11 attacks across America imminent, as warned by the FBI.

Mr. Speaker, as America recognizes National Police Week, we show our appreciation for all the officers who serve and protect us daily while honoring those who have bravely lost their lives in the line of duty.

Unfortunately, Biden and far-left Democrats' support for the defund police movement has resulted in violent crime across the country threatening families. Corrupt Judge Merchan continues his unprofessional, incompetent witch hunt, persecuting Donald Trump. Merchan's incompetence inspired 100,000 people to rally for Trump in New Jersey, proving Merchan is reelecting Donald Trump. Corrupt Judge Merchan is deserving of my invitation to be my guest at the Trump inauguration for his reelection success of Donald Trump.

In conclusion, God bless our troops who have successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism moves from the Afghanistan safe haven to America. We do not need new border laws. We need to enforce existing border laws. Biden shamefully opens the borders for dictators as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent, as repeatedly warned by the FBI.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Ainsley Earhardt, co-host of Fox Television's ``FOX & Friends,'' on receiving an honorary doctorate degree from the University of South Carolina on May 4, 2024.

Ainsley was born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to Lewie and Dale Earhardt, and grew up in Columbia. After graduating from Spring Valley High School, she initially attended Florida State University, before transferring to the University of South Carolina (USC) and graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism.

USC holds a special place in Ainsley's heart as her family has a long history of attending the University, including her grandparents.

Prior to Ainsley's successful career at Fox News, she got her start as a reporter for WLTX, the local CBS station in Columbia, while attending USC. She was soon promoted to the morning and noon anchor. After the 9/11 Attack, she went to New York City to cover South Carolina middle school students raising money for a new fire truck for the firefighters who had lost theirs at the World Trade Center site.

Since joining Fox in 2007, Ainsley has had her own segment on Hannity, ``Ainsley Across America,'' and has co-hosted ``Fox and Friends Weekend,'' ``All-American New Year's Eve,'' and ``America's News Headquarters.'' In 2016, she became a co-host of ``FOX & Friends,'' where she continues to bring us real news and honest opinions as a leading, distinguished media personality and broadcast journalist.

As a fellow South Carolinian and USC alum, I am grateful to join Ainsley's family and friends in congratulating her on her honorary doctorate degree and to thank her for representing South Carolina so well.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Dustin and Carolyn Olson, of Denver, Colorado, on the birth of their new baby daughter. Emily Claire Olson, was born on April 29, 2024, at 2:45 a.m., weighing 7 pounds and 8 ounces. She has been born into a loving home, where she will be raised by her parents who are devoted to her well-being and bright future. Her birth is a blessing. On behalf of my wife Roxanne, and our entire family, we want to wish Dustin, Carolyn, and Emily all the best.

Mr. Speaker, disastrous decisions by Biden and far-left Democrats continue to cause distress for families and destroy jobs.

The Federal Reserve announced that they would keep interest rates at a two-decade high because of Bidenflation, making homeownership unattainable for millions of Americans.

Biden has produced the highest inflation in 40 years, with higher prices every day since he took office. Egg costs are up 49 percent, baby food is up 31 percent, electricity is up 29 percent, poultry is up 24 percent, and coffee is up 20 percent.

Corrupt Judge Merchan has unintentionally confirmed the deranged Big Government corruption to defame Donald Trump. This helps Donald Trump. This corrupt judge now will be my guest. I invite him to come in January

to the inauguration of Donald Trump, which he unintentionally is causing.

In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism moves from the Afghanistan safe haven to America. We don't need new border laws. We need to enforce existing laws. Biden shamefully opens the borders for dictators as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent, as repeatedly warned by the FBI.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday I was delayed in traveling to Washington, D.C. from South Carolina, and missed votes.

Had I been present, I would have voted: YEA on Roll Call No. 177 (H.R. 7219), and YEA on Roll Call No. 178 (H.R. 7525).