Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, the catastrophic Chinese spy balloon spectacle clearly threatened American families from Alaska to Missouri to North Carolina and to my home community in South Carolina with Fort Jackson and the Savannah River Site.

This confirms that President Biden and Vice President Harris should resign.

My call for their resignation was valid in August 2021 due to the surrender and the disastrous withdrawal in Afghanistan with 13 dead, creating a safe haven for terrorists to attack American families.

It was not political in 2021 when the succeeding President, then- Speaker Nancy Pelosi, would have been a Democrat.

And it is not political now in 2023 when the succeeding President would be Speaker Kevin McCarthy, who is a Republican.

It is irrelevant for American families which party is in power because the first criterion of a leader should be their capability regardless of party, and sadly, Biden and Harris are failures.

Resignation now is further reinforced by their open border policies having allowed hundreds of identified terrorists

into America to commit mass murder. When the domestic attack occurs, Biden and Harris will not be able to adequately respond. Credible leadership is imperative to protect American families.

Mr. Speaker, further validating the immediate need for the world to support Ukraine in their battle against Putin's ongoing murderous and destructive invasion, this week Russian missiles hit residential areas in eastern Ukraine, killing more civilians and wounding many others.

This latest attack comes just as European Union officials, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for their first such summit since late 2021.

With the EU as a partner in this global effort to help the people of Ukraine during their critical time of need President von der Leyen confirmed that EU assistance for Ukraine had now reached $55 billion dollars.

Worldwide unity opposing war criminal Putin is reinforced with courageous Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel conducting a policy review for supplying defensive weapons to Ukraine.

During today's joint press conference with President Zelenskyy, President von der Leyen said, ``It has been almost one year since Putin launched his brutal invasion. One year of suffering but also of legendary bravery by the Ukrainian people. And one year of impressive unity by the global community. Europe has been by Ukraine's side since day one. Because we know that the future of our continent is being written here. We know that they are fighting for more than themselves. What is at stake is freedom. This is a fight of democracies against authoritarian regimes. Putin tries to deny the existence of Ukraine, but what he risks instead is the future of Russia. Our presence in Kyiv today gives a very clear signal: The whole of the European Union is in this with Ukraine, for the long haul. We will stand up for Ukraine, as we stand up for the fundamental rights and the respect of the international law.''

She went further to say, ``Overall, the European Union's economic, humanitarian and military support for Ukraine amounts now, since the beginning of the war, to almost EUR 50 billion. It is important for us to give economic security to our friends in Ukraine.''

I am grateful for the leadership of President von der Leyen and the European Union for their tremendous support of Ukraine in their battle for freedom against the war criminal Putin.

God Bless the United States of America. God Bless Ukraine. Ukraine will achieve victory.

Mr. Speaker, as a result of failing policies by Biden and the Democrat-led Congress, American families continue to feel the impact of 40-year-high inflation in their pocketbooks. Last year, the cost of everyday products and services rose exponentially, destroying jobs.

Since Biden took office, there has been a $10 trillion increase in spending above projections, $2.5 million increase on interest payments on growing Federal debt, $1.9 trillion on the American Rescue Plan, $745 billion on the inflation expansion act, $3.4 trillion on the infrastructure investment act, and $1 trillion in Biden executive actions.

This irresponsible spending has hurt all Americans, and we must address it. The newly elected House Republican majority, ably led by Speaker Kevin McCarthy, is committed to creating jobs and a government that is accountable to the people. We must reestablish fiscal sanity.

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.

Just yesterday, another terrorist was caught crossing the southern border.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, I was grateful to attend the campaign kickoff for Donald Trump at the South Carolina State House in Columbia with the former President, Governor Henry McMaster, and Ambassador Ed McMullen.

My public service has been committed to promoting job creation with the slogan of ``Joe Means Jobs.'' That is why I appreciate the success of Governor McMaster last year recruiting over $10 billion in investments. This enhances South Carolina as being first

in the export of sales of both tires and passenger cars.

The triumphant policies of President Trump reducing taxes and regulations created jobs. He created record unemployment lows for African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, and women. Donald means jobs.

A political consequence of the Trump and McMaster success is the super majority of Republicans in this South Carolina State House and State Senate with the most Republicans in over 150 years. Until 1961, there were no Republicans in the legislature in the 20th Century.

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.

Mr. Speaker, FOX News and Iran International report that the Special Envoy for Iran for Biden, Robert Malley, has met with the Iranian Ambassador to the United States three times recently. During this period, the Iranian regime was murdering its own people in the streets. The Biden administration must explain to the American people what was discussed.

General Jack Keane has correctly warned that Iran can develop a nuclear capability in just 4 more months. Biden refuses to close the door and stop the talks over reentering the Iran nuclear deal. An absurd Iran nuclear agreement will give the regime billions of dollars, threatening Israel and underwriting drones to Putin against Ukraine.

I have appreciated the bipartisan opposition to the deal by Senator Joe Lieberman and Chairman Eliot Engel.

The House Republican majority is committed to providing oversight of the weak foreign policy of Biden.

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.

Mr. Speaker, friends of democracy are grateful that today the Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz, announced in a speech before the German Federal Parliament that Berlin will send German-made Leopard 2 tanks to defend Ukraine. Germany is well represented in Washington with Ambassador Emily Haber.

Chancellor Scholz recognizes we are in a worldwide competition of democracies with Rule of Law opposed by authoritarians with Rule of Gun.

This was an historic decision by the German government and one which will help Ukraine in its time of need as a renewed Putin spring offensive likely draws near. This decision will not only help Ukraine win on the battlefield, and save thousands of lives, but it will also enhance European and transatlantic security. I am also appreciative that our Polish allies are making a vital contribution by sending their own tanks to support Ukraine.

There is no doubt that the decision by President Biden to finally send American-made M1 Abrams tanks was essential in convincing our German allies to send the Leopard tanks to Ukraine. However, I am deeply concerned that it may take months for the Abrams tanks to reach Ukraine, time that the innocent people of Ukraine cannot afford.

Unfortunately, the administration continues to block essential weapons like the long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS), which could help Ukraine win on the battlefield and end the conflict sooner. The ATACMS are crucial for Ukraine to defend itself against attack from Iranian drone systems and Russian forces based in Crimea. I call on President Biden to do the right thing and give Ukraine what it needs.

I especially appreciate Germany in that my home county of Lexington, South Carolina, was originally named Saxe Gotha being settled by enterprising German farmers. Also my maternal family was significantly German with my ancestor Daniel Weisiger born in Frankfort in 1803, immigrating from Rotherdam in 1830 to Philadelphia then to Chesapeake, Virginia. I am named for his son David Addison Weisiger of Petersburg, Virginia.

God Bless the United States of America. God Bless Germany. God Bless Ukraine. God Bless President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Ukraine will achieve victory.

Mr. Speaker, since Biden took office, there have been nearly 5 million crossings of illegal aliens from over 100 countries, a direct result of his failed policies and those of the Democrat-led Congress. Biden and Democrats shamefully support what they expect as low-information voters, ignoring the immediate threat of terrorists.

According to Customs and Border Protection, last month was the 10th consecutive month of more than 200,000 illegal crossings. Federal seizures have also resulted in fentanyl rising over 50 percent from November to December 2022, murdering young Americans.

The House Republican majority will deliver commonsense solutions to stop identified terrorists who are threats to American families at greater risk of mass murder than ever before.

House Republicans are holding the government accountable and will not stop until the American people are protected with a wall and fences, as Donald Trump attempted to achieve.

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.

Mr. Speaker, former Congressman Arthur Ravenel entered into eternal rest on January 16th. Congressman Ravenel was a pioneer in developing the modern Republican party in 1960, when there were no Republican elected officials at any level in South Carolina. In 2022, all statewide officials are Republican, with super majorities in the State House and Senate, being the largest Republican majorities at every level in 150 years. I especially appreciated his encouragement to begin a Teen Age Republican Club with State Party Vice Chairwoman Julia Ravenel Dougherty at the High School of Charleston for the presidential campaign of Senator Barry Goldwater. It is appropriate that the following tribute for Arthur Ravenel be provided.

Arthur Ravenel, Jr. was born March 29, 1927, to Mary Allen Boykin and Arthur Ravenel in Charleston, SC. He was raised on his father's small farm in St. Andrew's Parish. He attended public schools and was an Eagle Scout. After his graduation from St. Andrew's High School, he volunteered for the United States Marine Corps and was called to duty on his 18th birthday. After his service with the Marine Corps, he attended The College of Charleston on the GI Bill and graduated in 1950 with a degree in history. His first job was with the Westvaco Paper Mill as a laborer and in 1952 he started a home improvement business and built it into a successful general contracting and real estate firm so that he was able to retire at the age of 50 and devote his full energies to public service.

Mr. Ravenel began his career in politics in 1953 when he was elected to the SC House of Representatives where he served until 1958 and earned a reputation for being a conservationist. In the early 1960's he was instrumental in helping to build the modern day Republican Party, serving as the First District Chairman, the state finance chairman and as a Goldwater Delegate to the GOP Convention in San Francisco in 1964. In those early days of the GOP, he ran several unsuccessful races for the SC Senate and finally, in 1980 he and Glenn McConnell were elected as Republicans to the State Senate. In 1986 he ran for the US.Congress upon the retirement of Thomas Hartnett and served four terms in Washington.

In 1994, he ran for Governor but was defeated in the GOP Primary. In 1996, upon the request of Mayor Harry Hallman of Mt. Pleasant, he again ran for the SC Senate and led the effort to find the funding to replace the aging Cooper River Bridges. With the enthusiastic help of many, he accomplished the mission. The next year, frustrated with the failing schools in Charleston County, he again offered himself for public service and was elected to The Charleston County School Board.

During his long public service, Mr. Ravenel was affectionately known as ``Cousin Arthur'' for his tireless work on behalf of his constituents. In addition to helping find funding for the new bridge, he was also responsible for helping to secure the initial funding from the General Assembly to procure the Avery Institute at the College of Charleston. He was also instrumental in the creation of the Low Country Graduate Center, a cooperative venture of MUSC, The College of Charleston, The Citadel, USC and Clemson, through his efforts with the Charleston County Legislative Delegation and was particularly proud that it was done without the necessity of legislative action.

After the birth of his son, William, who has Down's Syndrome, he became a passionate advocate in creating and promoting services for the developmentally disabled and served as president of the SC Association for Retarded Children. He sponsored legislation with Senator Bill Mescher of Berkeley County to prevent The Department of Disabilities from closing any of its habitation centers without a vote of the General Assembly.

A lifelong conservationist and environmentalist, he was successful in getting passed an amendment to the State Appropriations Bill to assign a modest percentage of the documentary stamp revenues to purchase and protect South Carolina's natural and cultural heritage sites for the Heritage Land Trust Fund, which owns over a hundred thousand acres. He with his wife, Jean Rickenbaker Ravenel, have placed conservation easements over some of their own properties.

In 1995, he was asked by Governor David Beasley to head up the newly formed Redevelopment Authority created to breathe new life into the closed Charleston Naval Base. Within a few months, he successfully guided the RDA to lease out vital portions of the industrial area, including the dry docks leased to a local firm. He also assisted the Academic Magnet School in to finding a new home on the Old Naval Base. When he left to return to the Senate, the RDA was well on the road to the outstanding success it now enjoys.

A life member of The Sons of Confederate Veterans, Mr. Ravenel was very proud of his grandfather, Edward Ravenel, who served as a courier on General Hardee's staff at The Battle of Bentonville in NC. Private Ravenel had been a member of the Stono Scouts which was made up of men from The Sea Islands surrounding Charleston and was led by Captain Walpole. While in the Senate, Mr. Ravenel was active in negotiations to remove the Confederate Battle Flag from the State House Dome to the Soldiers' Monument in the front of the Capitol.

During his service on the Charleston County School Board, he was most proud of leading the contentious and successful battle that resulted in the opening of the Math and Science Charter School.

A life long member of The French Huguenot Church, he was active in the revitalization of the church and traveled around the world interviewing prospective clergy for the reopening of the church. He served on its board for 55 years. He has also been a member of the St. Johns Hunt Club, The South Carolina Society, The Washington Light Infantry, The South Carolina Coastal Conservation League, The Carolina Yacht Club and The Fort Moultrie Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

He is survived by his brother, Edward Ravenel, his wife, Jean Rickenbaker Ravenel and his former wife, Louise Ravenel Dougherty, his six children; Suzanne Ravenel, Arthur Ravenel, III (Heidi), Renee R. Brockinton (Harvey), Eva R. Ravenel (of the late Rene Ravenel), William Ravenel, all of Charleston, SC and Thomas J.J. Ravenel of Aiken, SC. Four step-children, Jean Elliott Manning, Heath Manning, Jr. (deceased), Mary Locke Olliphant (Murray), and Dibble R. Manning (Carla) and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to his wonderful caregivers Geraldine Jameson, Luc Maxineau, Philip Edles, Paul Dennis, and The Lutheran Hospice of South Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, last year was difficult for the American family. Under disastrous policies of Biden and the Democrat-led Congress, inflation reached 40-year highs, causing everyday prices to skyrocket.

December marked the 21st straight month that inflation was higher than real wages. As a result, Americans are relying on credit cards as payment, and nearly half are carrying debt from month to month, up 39 percent from last year, according to Bankrate.

Credit card balances increased 15 percent versus last year, the largest increase in more than 20 years, according to a recent quarterly report of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

When Biden took office in 2021, inflation was 1.4 percent, but it has risen nearly 14 percent since then, destroying jobs.

The House Republican majority is committed to fighting inflation and lowering the cost of living, creating jobs.

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.

Our sympathy to the family of Tom Young, Sr., of Aiken, South Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, today is historic in Columbia as South Carolina Constitutional Officers are sworn in to begin four-year terms. The State House, with its record majority of Republicans, gained seven seats, and with the State Senate now has the largest number of Republican elected officials in 150 years.

Governor Henry McMaster will begin a term to achieve 10 years of service, the longest ever for a governor to serve with term limits. He is joined by Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette.

Re-elected for new terms today are Attorney General, Alan Wilson, Commissioner of Agriculture, Hugh Weathers, Comptroller General, Richard Eckstrom, Secretary of State, Mark Hammond, and Treasurer, Curtis Loftis.

Succeeding Superintendent of Education, Molly Spearman, who ably addressed the Wuhan Virus crisis, is the talented and innovative Ellen Weaver.

Appreciated legislative leaders also includes President Tom Alexander in the Senate, and Speaker Murrell Smith in the House.

The success of the Republican party is due to the conservative accomplishments of limited government and expanded freedom.

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.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the 118th Congress and its newly elected Republican majority, led by Kevin McCarthy, began the session by voting to pass the Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act.

This important legislation will give money back to the American people by rescinding billions of dollars in funding for 87,000 new IRS agents put in place by the duplicitous Democrat-led inflation expansion act. This is just the first example of promises made, promises kept.

Among the commitments to America by House Republicans:

Fight inflation and support working families.

Reduce gas prices and restore energy independence.

Secure the supply chain and restock our shelves.

Secure the southern border.

Defend America with peace through strength.

Ensure faith in free and fair elections.

Reclaim oversight and hold the Biden administration accountable.

Protect American rights and serve the people.

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.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize the gold medal that the Building Construction Technology Team from Midlands Technical College (MTC) received at the SkillsUSA National Competition.

The championships include a series of career competition events beginning at the local level and continue to the state and national levels. The Midlands Technical College students excelled through each level, qualifying for the national competition in Atlanta on June 23rd where they had the opportunity to compete against the best career and technical education students in the country. Their win is monumental for South Carolina's construction industry and workforce development as it is the first time that a South Carolina technical college has won a national title in the building trades.

I applaud each of the students on the team, Alex Britigan, Taylor Mathias, Nathan Brady, Arturo Salinas, and Cameron Drake, as well as the Building Construction Program Director Robbie Sharpe, and Midlands Technical College's president, Dr. Ronald L. Rhames, for their hard work and achievements. The MTC School of Advanced Manufacturing and Skilled Trade provides an outstanding education and prepares students for successful careers in the automotive industry, graphic design production, welding technology, machine tooling, construction, and other skilled trades. The future of South Carolina's economy looks bright with the students of Midlands Technical College leading the construction industry and workforce development.