Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, appeasing Iran endangers America and the world, according to Matthew Continetti of the American Enterprise Institute, as reported in the June 17 edition of National Review.

``For President Biden is on the verge of betraying Congress and the American people by rewarding the Islamic Republic of Iran for various misdeeds.

``According to news reports, Biden is prepared to authorize billions of dollars in payments to Iran in exchange for the release of U.S. prisoners. . . . Biden will say this perverse arrangement is necessary to free innocents. . . . What he won't be able to do is call it a deal.

``Biden can't call the agreement a deal because he wants to avoid congressional review. The Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015 forbids the President from relieving nuclear-related sanctions . . . without congressional approval.

``Notice that the deal-that-is-no-deal says nothing about Iran's deadliest proxy, Hezbollah, or about Iran's drone traffic,'' to attack Israel and murder Ukrainian civilians.

In conclusion, sadly, the insulting plea deal for Hunter Biden exposes the Biden crime family has shamefully corrupted the Federal judicial system.

Mr. Speaker, this summer marks the 60th anniversary of the historic National Draft Goldwater for President Rally in Washington.

According to The New York Times, supporters of U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona assembled on July 4, 1963, with ``more than 6,000 Goldwater backers from across the country filled the National Guard Armory here for a rally of the National Draft Goldwater Committee. They were predominantly a young crowd.''

As a Teen Age Republican at the High School of Charleston, I was grateful to participate with 30 activists by bus from Columbia, South Carolina, led by Republican State Chairman Drake Edens, with former Democrat State Representative Floyd Spence.

Senator Goldwater's visionary call for ``Why Not Victory'' to promote democracy to defeat communism has been achieved with the liberation of dozens of countries across the world. Actor Ronald Reagan delivered the Goldwater campaign challenge of ``A Time for Choosing,'' ultimately leading to his Presidency.

Mr. Speaker, this summer marks the 60th anniversary of the historic `National Draft of Goldwater for President Rally' in Washington.

According to The New York Times, supporters of U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater of Arizona assembled on July 4, 1963, with ``more than 6,000 Goldwater backers from across the country filled the National Guard Armory here for a rally of the National Draft Goldwater Committee. They were predominantly a young crowd.'' ``The principal addresses were given by Republican Senators John G. Tower of Texas and Carl T. Curtis of Nebraska.''

As a Teen Age Republican at the High School of Charleston, I was grateful to participate with 30 activists by bus from Columbia, South Carolina led by Republican State Chairman Drake Edens with former Democrat State Representative Floyd Spence, who was the first Democrat to switch parties and ultimately elected Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.

Another Teen Age Republican was Rusty DePass of Rock Hill who helped an all-Democrat York County become virtually all Republican today.

On that day there were no Republican elected officials in South Carolina, but the Goldwater victory in South Carolina in 1964 began a political revolution. Now, Republicans have a super majority in the legislature, including all statewide officials such as Governor Henry McMaster, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, Attorney General Alan Wilson, State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver, State Treasurer Curtis Loftis, and Secretary of State Mark Hammond, and six of seven members of Congress, along with very credible candidates for President, Ambassador Nikki Haley and Senator Tim Scott. His philosophy of limited government, expanded freedom, individual responsibility, and Peace Through Strength, has triumphed.

Senator Goldwater's visionary call for ``Why Not Victory'' to promote democracy to defeat communism has been achieved with the liberation of dozens of countries across the world. Actor Ronald Reagan delivered the Goldwater campaign challenge of a ``Time for Choosing'' ultimately leading to his presidency.

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 open Biden borders.

Mr. Speaker, I was detained off the floor. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 256, H. Res. 377.

Madam Speaker, Biden and liberal Democrats are trying to ban gas cooking appliances as part of their Green New Deal.

This subverts legitimate environmental concerns by giving up all your money by way of taxes and all of your freedom with the promise that there will be catastrophe avoided in 50 years, but actually it would be dependency on China.

This manufactured mandate would negatively affect 40 percent of American families. High electricity bills, and costly new appliances would force 187 million Americans to switch from gas to electricity as families would spend an extra 23 hours a year waiting for water to boil, lose $1,000 annually, and emit over 22 percent more carbon dioxide.

House Republicans are promoting families by introducing Congresswoman Debbie Lesko's-led Save Our Gas Stoves Act and Congressman Kelly Armstrong's-led Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act.

Happy birthday, U.S. Army. Happy birthday, Donald Trump.

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 open borders by President Biden.

Mr. Speaker, Biden and his administration have abused power by ignoring Congress for a failing liberal agenda.

Biden finalized regulations over $200 billion in costs in his first year and proposed more than $1 trillion in new regulations in 2022 on consumer's increasing costs.

Such abuse of power is why House Republicans are introducing the REINS Act led by Congresswoman Kat Cammack of Florida. This will provide for American families to avoid new costs. It requires Congressional approval for rules with an annual burden of $100 million.

Examples of Biden executive abuses evading Congress include:

Bans on oil and gas lease sales, increasing gasoline costs.

Mandated, fabricated climate disclosures.

Banning of gas stoves, affecting 40 percent of American homes.

Sadly, an abuse by Biden today is the political prosecution of Donald Trump.

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 open Biden borders.

Mr. Speaker, the Iranian regime continues to enrich weapons-grade uranium, oppress its people, and export missiles and terrorism.

Yesterday, the regime threatened that the West could not stop it from a nuclear arms program, fulfilling the chant of death to Israel, death to America. Iranian drones murder innocent Ukrainians every day.

In a Wall Street Journal column last week, John Bolton, former National Security Advisor, wrote, incredibly: ``During Mr. Biden's term. . . . his administration still seeks to resuscitate the Iran deal.''

President Donald Trump was correct in pulling the U.S. out of the Iran deal as Iran shamefully continues ICBM development to kill Americans.

I am grateful to have joined a bipartisan group of 35 House colleagues in sending a letter to leaders of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany, encouraging them to reimpose sanctions on Iran.

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 open Biden borders.

Our sympathy for the family of beloved civic leader Lottie Gregg.

Mr. Speaker, as of June 1, hurricane season officially began.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, last year there were 14 named storms, of which eight reached hurricane level.

These potentially deadly storms put lives at risk and cause destruction in their paths. A particularly devastating 2022 hurricane, Ian, which also hit South Carolina, caused damages of more than $112 billion dollars.

As a coastal state, South Carolina is ready to assist families. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division, led by Kim Stenson in Pine Ridge, serves as the coordinating agency for the preparation and recovery from emergencies and disasters.

I am also grateful for the leadership of Governor Henry McMaster and Major General Van McCarty, the Adjutant General of South Carolina.

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 open borders.

Mr. Speaker, congratulations to the citizens of Bulgaria for formally approving their new government yesterday.

After negotiations following five elections in 2 years, the National Assembly agreed to form a government where the Prime Minister will change hands halfway through.

Lawmakers elected Nikolay Denkov, a chemistry professor and former Education Minister, as Prime Minister. In separate votes, legislators agreed that Mariya Gabriel, a former European Commissioner, will serve as deputy head of government and Foreign Minister. After 9 months, Denkov and Gabriel will switch positions for the rest of the term.

Bulgaria is a valued American ally and is appreciated for, 80 years ago, saving the Jewish population from Nazi extermination.

Yesterday, Ambassador Georgi Panayotov was the special guest of the Bulgarian Caucus.

The new coalition government has pledged to keep Bulgaria, an important NATO and EU member, on a firm pro-Western track and supports Ukraine against the Putin war crimes.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, who successfully protected America for 20 years, as the global war on terrorism continues moving from Afghanistan to the safe haven of America with open Biden borders.

Mr. Speaker, later this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India will return for a state visit to Washington.

As the son of a World War II Army Air Corps Flying Tiger who served in India, I grew up with an appreciation of the hardworking people of India.

The existing U.S.-India partnership has been highlighted by Prime Minister Modi being warmly welcomed here in the House Chamber, Madison Square Garden, and ``Howdy, Modi'' in Houston.

The 4-million-strong Indian-American community has achieved the highest per capita income of all immigrant populations in America, with political success symbolized by Governor, Ambassador, and Republican Presidential candidate Nikki Haley of South Carolina.

With India as the largest democracy and America as the oldest democracy, both have shared values of democracy with rule of law opposing authoritarians with rule of gun. India is well represented by Ambassador Taranjit Sandhu and Atlanta Consul General Dr. Swati Kulkarni.

Congratulations Houston Zachary Wilson graduating today from Beaufort High School, South Carolina, to attend Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas.

Mr. Speaker, America is stronger with Kevin McCarthy as Speaker of the House.

Matthew Continetti, the founding editor of the Washington Free Beacon, wrote in the Friday edition: ``Since becoming Speaker in January, McCarthy has faced a test. Could he strike a fiscal bargain with President Biden that would earn Republican support and avoid a breach of the debt ceiling and a government shutdown? Well, the grade is in. He aced the exam. . . . Kevin McCarthy is shaping up to be the most effective House GOP leader in decades. . . . Kevin McCarthy is the rare Republican who both understands and is satisfied by the role that he has been given and the responsibilities it entails. He wants nothing more nor less, and he is winning.''

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 open Biden borders.

Mr. Speaker, the American people extend congratulations to the Honorable Santiago Pena Palacios on being elected to the Presidency of Paraguay on May 2nd. His success as a former member of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Paraguay and former Minister of Finance of Paraguay demonstrates his ability to be a great leader. I am grateful for his dedicated work on anti- corruption, equal application of law, and advancing security, and economic growth for the benefit of both our countries creating jobs.

The United States established diplomatic relations with Paraguay in 1861, 50 years after Paraguay declared independence from Spain. The longstanding relationship of our nations is characterized by cooperation, shared interests, and a strong bilateral trade relationship. The history of Paraguay as an independent nation has been marked by political upheavals, but in 1989, it underwent a transition to civilian leadership and democratic elections, which the United States supported.

Paraguay has been a valued ally in addressing regional challenges, such as the crisis in Venezuela, counternarcotics efforts, intellectual property rights protection, and combating illicit activities such as money laundering and human trafficking. Paraguayan commitment to combating illegal activity in the tri-border area and participating in anti-terrorism training demonstrates its dedication to regional security. I am confident President-elect Palacios, upon assuming office on August 15th, will effectively lead Paraguay and carry forward the positive momentum achieved thus far.

I am grateful for the commitment of the President-elect to continue to strengthen the historic ties between Paraguay and Taiwan, as diplomatic relations date back more than six decades.

Amidst pressure from the Chinese Communist Party, Taiwan continues to face adversities to keep their allies who acknowledge them as a sovereign nation. It is important that the United States and Paraguay remain devoted to our unwavering support of Taiwan. Paraguay stands with democracies promoting rule of law being opposed by authoritarians imposing rule of gun.

Paraguay is well represented in the United States by dynamic Ambassador Jose Antonio Dos Santos.

Mr. Speaker, the irresponsible policies of Biden have caused the most threatening border crisis in American history.

This illegal alien invasion exposes families to potential terrorists, human trafficking, and dangerous drugs.

Since Biden took office in January 2021, there have been over 5.2 million illegal crossings. Mr. Speaker, 10,300 illegal aliens came over the border on May 9 this year, the highest ever.

Gruesomely, another 1.5 million illegal aliens have crossed without being detained. That includes over 200 on the terrorist watch list, putting every American family everywhere at risk of mass murder.

Drug cartels are destabilizing Mexico and killing over 107,000 Americans annually, mostly due to fentanyl.

I am grateful House Republicans, led by Speaker Kevin McCarthy, have passed the Secure the Border Act, stopping illegal aliens.

In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism continues, moving from the safe haven of Afghanistan to America with open Biden borders.

Madam Speaker, failed tax and spending policies by Biden and liberal Democrats hurt families.

Since Biden took office, the 10-year spending levels have increased by $10 trillion. Sadly, this includes the $2 trillion American Rescue Plan, which ignited the highest inflation in 40 years, destroying jobs.

I was grateful to join House Republicans in passing the Limit, Save, Grow Act, which will limit government spending, reduce Federal regulations, and promote pro-growth energy policies.

House Republicans are the only ones who have passed legislation that responsibly addresses the debt ceiling by limiting irresponsible spending, saving taxpayer dollars, and creating jobs.

Democrats own this debt crisis, and they own default if they do not come to the table with a serious proposal.

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.

South Carolina appreciates Senator Tim Scott and Ambassador Nikki Haley.

Mr. Speaker, this weekend, I was grateful to participate in the U.S. delegation to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly Spring Session in Luxembourg led by Intelligence Committee Chairman Mike Turner with former Assembly President Gerry Connolly.

U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrett and our Luxembourg hosts were incredible, providing a heartfelt welcome by President of the Chamber of Deputies Fernand Etgen with the enthusiastic Ambassador to the United States, Nicole Bintner. The Minister of Defense Francois Bausch indicated that the budget for defense is being doubled in the great country of Luxembourg.

Prime Minister Xavier Bettel hosted breakfast today for the delegation, and he cited the Luxembourg appreciation of America that will never be forgotten for the thousands of Americans who died fighting for their liberation in 1944.

The closing resolution approved today reaffirmed unwavering support for Ukraine's democracy and territorial integrity and holds accountable the Russian regime for its war crimes. He also denounced the ideology and practice of ruscism, defining Putin fascism.

On our departure, we had the leadership of Congresswoman Ann Wagner, former Ambassador to Luxembourg, to lay a wreath at the historic Luxembourg American Cemetery.

Our sympathy to the family of the beloved Mary Dozier Lee Ellsworth of Lexington.

Mr. Speaker, as we recognize National Police Week, we honor the brave men and women who keep our families safe every day and pay respect to all those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Unfortunately, Biden and extreme House Democrats have supported defunding the police. Violent crimes have skyrocketed under Biden. Homicides are up 13 percent, aggravated assaults are up 34 percent, and rapes are up 24 percent.

2021 was the deadliest year in two decades for law enforcement officers. Our family appreciates the town of Springdale Police Chief ``Bear'' Richbourg and Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon, who was just recognized as Sheriff of the Year.

This week House Republicans voted on legislation supporting law enforcement. Sadly, Biden allows terrorists to cross the border, putting families everywhere under greater risk of the threat of mass murder more than ever.

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.