Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that with a new Congress is new leadership.

Congratulations to Speaker Kevin McCarthy.

Speaker McCarthy has a proven record of accomplishments for the American people, and his leadership will be enhanced with Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, Republican Conference Vice Chair Mike Johnson, National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson, and Policy Committee Chairman Gary Palmer.

The Republican majority will immediately begin to implement the Commitment to America that Speaker McCarthy coordinated with input from across the country. It promotes an economy that is strong, a Nation that is safe, a future that is built on freedom, and a government that is accountable.

Legislation begins with the Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act, which defunds Biden's army of 87,000 new IRS agents.

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

Our sympathy to the family of magnificent Lynette ``Diamond'' Hardaway of North Carolina, and we welcome Delegate Jim Moylan of Guam.

Madam Speaker, I am grateful, as Co- Chair of the Congressional French Caucus, to ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Jean Monnet through the legislation I co-sponsored creating a commemorative work in Rock Creek Park to honor his international peace contributions.

Jean Monnet is often referred to as the ``Father of Europe'' for his role in initiating the dream for the European Union, which today is one of our largest trading partners. During World War II, Jean Monnet took up residence here in Washington, D.C., and contributed to the ``Victory Program'' with the United States, helping the allied powers retake his home country after its fall in 1940.

After the war, Jean Monnet worked tirelessly to integrate European nations with the United States, and create a lasting transatlantic cooperation. His diplomatic work led to the creation of the European Union.

Mr. Monnet spent his time in the United States appreciating the natural beauty of our country. He notably took daily walks through Rock Creek Park which he fondly referred to as ``my park'' in his memoirs. His personal connection to the park makes it a fitting location for a commemorative work in Washington. I join my colleagues in extending support for the legislation creating this new capital memorial.

Madam Speaker, I was grateful today to attend a presentation by Alex Epstein on Energy Opportunity where he fulfilled the introduction of being an ``energy expert and philosopher, specializing in how to persuade people to see the truth about energy.''

His message was a courageous clarion call of sanity in the midst of energy policy insanity.

Alex is author of two of the best-selling energy books of the last decade: The Moral Case for Fossil Fuels and Fossil Future: Why Global Human Flourishing Requires More Oil, Coal, and Natural Gas- Not Less.

The presentation was highlighted by common sense, real world, easily understood, thoughtful talking points such as ``if Europe's level of dependence on Russia for natural gas scares you, know this America is even more dependent on China'' for components replacing fossil fuels.

His explanation of the lessons on energy policies not only revealed the fallacies of failed policies, but he offers positive solutions confirming being environmentally conscious.

Alex Epstein is a vital resource for Americans who understand the need for energy independence for jobs, national security, and fiscal sanity for American families.

Mr. Speaker, congratulations to congressional foreign policy adviser Stephanie Pendarvis and her husband, Julian Hunter Pendarvis, on the birth of their first child, a boy.

Julian Biddle Pendarvis was born at 2:03 a.m. on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington. He weighed 5 pounds, 10.5 ounces, and measured 18.75 inches long.

Stephanie has long been a valued member of the congressional team and has not only been instrumental in getting important policy legislation through the House but a positive influence on the staff and those around her. I know she and her husband will pass those fine qualities to baby Julian.

Additionally, I offer congratulations to the extended Biddle and Pendarvis families on the newest addition to their team.

In conclusion, God bless Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Putin's Iranian drones attacked yesterday the key district I visited Saturday on a codel. Fortunately, the people of Ukraine have destroyed in the last week 85 percent of Putin's missiles and drones.

Madam Speaker, today I am happy to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. Garrett and Cecelia Dragano, of Aiken, South Carolina, on the birth of their new baby son. Henry Lee Dragano was born on December 5, 2022, at 7:56 p.m., weighing 8 pounds and 7 ounces. He has been born into a loving home, where he will be raised by parents who are devoted to his well-being and bright future. His birth is a blessing. On behalf of my wife Roxanne, and our entire family, we want to wish Garrett, Cecelia, and Henry all the best.

Mr. Speaker, last week the average for a gallon of gas was shamefully $1 more than when Biden took office. A gallon of diesel, fuel for trucks and ships, is nearly 50 percent higher.

Due to irresponsible energy policies of Biden and Democrats, inflation reached 40-year highs, and families are hurting. In the last year, one-third of households have reduced or skipped necessities like food and medicine to pay energy bills, according to a LendingTree survey.

The National Energy Assistance Directors Association has said that household energy costs will be the highest in 15 years.

On Saturday, I was grateful to be on a codel warmly welcomed in Kiev by Ukrainians thankful for defensive weapons which last week stopped 85 percent of Putin's missiles and Iranian drones. Putin must be stopped from freezing Ukrainians to death as Stalin starved Ukrainians to death.

President Biden joined Turkish President Recep Erdogan and French President Macron pledging additional defensive weapons to courageous President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday.

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

Madam Speaker, the Christmas season is a time for families across America to be joyous. However, due to irresponsible policies of Biden and Democrats, inflation has reached 40-year highs.

The Thanksgiving meal was particularly tough on the wallet, but now with Christmas, prices continue to be unbearable. Even the cost of a Christmas tree is expected to rise 15 percent.

According to a recent survey by RetailMeNot, more than half of holiday shoppers plan to make fewer purchases due to higher prices.

Average national costs have increased. Airfare is up 42 percent, public transportation up 28 percent, gas up 17 percent, food up 12 percent.

I was grateful this weekend for a daylong visit to Kyiv in Ukraine. The people of Ukraine, with Poland and Germany, are courageous for liberty and rule of law.

In the tradition of the American Revolution, they understand: Don't tread on me. Appeal unto Heaven. Live free or die.

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

Madam Speaker, I am grateful, on behalf of the Congressional French Caucus, to invite the House of Representatives to join in honoring Philippe Gilbert, an unheralded leader and an expert in global logistics. Philippe recently announced his retirement from United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) and the Caucus recognizes Philippe Gilbert for his contribution to the American people during his tenure with UPS.

A native of France, Philippe earned his Finance degree from the Institut Superieur de Gestion (I.S.G.) in Paris, France, and is fluent in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. Philippe first came to the United States in 1994 working for Saga S.A, coincidentally, the same year he met his lovely wife, Ida. He went on to become Executive Vice President for GEODIS Wilson, the freight management division of the GEODIS Group, followed by his position as Regional CEO of the Americas for DB Schenker Logistics. Philippe joined UPS in 2019 as Executive Vice President, Supply Chain Solutions, where he was responsible for Global Logistics and Distribution, Global Freight Forwarding and the technology-driven truckload freight brokerage business at Coyote.

Philippe was an integral part of the UPS partnership with the White House to deliver lifesaving COVID-19 vaccines across the country. Philippe and his Supply Chain Solutions team worked tirelessly to ensure vaccines could be delivered quickly and safely. To date, UPS has delivered over 1 billion vaccines across the globe with near perfect on time delivery.

Not only did Philippe work to deliver critical healthcare goods, but his team also helped American businesses through the supply chain crisis that resulted from the pandemic. Under his leadership, the Supply Chain Solutions team helped businesses of all sizes optimize their supply chains and adjust to ever changing global trade dynamics.

While his business success is laudable, Philippe's personal advocacy in support of the Crecer Business Resource Group (BRG) at UPS and efforts to support Latina advancement reflected his unwavering commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. He would always find the time to engage and mentor, understanding the importance of the next generation of leaders.

We wish all the best to Philippe, Ida, and their son, Gabriel.

Madam Speaker, sadly in August, the Democrats passed the irresponsible $740 billion Inflation `Expansion' Act.

According to the Congressional Budget Office this reckless legislation, now signed into law by Biden, will actually increase the deficit by $60 billion through 2026--putting more strain on the budgets of American families.

In addition to a long list of unnecessary and costly actions planned, such as tax increases on corporations and some $350 billion creating dependency on Chinese batteries the law wastes $80 billion for the IRS hiring of an additional 87,000 more agents, increasing audits targeting families and businesses.

Voters have elected a House Republican majority to fight inflation with fiscal sanity and repealing this IRS hiring is a high priority.

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.

As we remember the attack of December 7th, we will always remember the attack of September 11th to support peace through strength.

Madam Speaker, throughout my service in Congress, I have been grateful to serve with Representative Steve Chabot of Ohio, including our time together on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs. I will never forget our CODELS including to both Russia and China, with the bipartisan House Armed Services delegation in 2002. He is a valued public servant, and I am eternally grateful for his more than 20 years of service to Ohio's 1st congressional district and to the nation.

Throughout his life, Steve has been a dedicated public servant. Prior to being elected to Congress in 1994, he served as a City Councilman in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, and as a Hamilton County Commissioner for five years each.

During his time on the House Committee on Small Business, including as Chairman, Steve has been a positive force for change, advocating for taxpayers, protecting small businesses, and fighting back against excessive government spending and regulations. He was a pivotal member in the implementation of the Paycheck Protection Program, which aided small businesses and saved over 50 million jobs nationwide.

As co-chairman, his service for country caucuses made a difference for appreciative allies from Taiwan to Turkey. He tirelessly promoted warm relations with valued allies.

As a Senior member on the House Committee on the Judiciary, he sponsored legislation to combat the opioid epidemic, defend the rights of the unborn, fight against internet child exploitation, and increase resources for those facing mental health challenges.

Today I am grateful to honor his service to the American people and wish him and his wife Donna the best in their future endeavors.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th.

Madam Speaker, since 2008, Rick McLeod has served as the President and CEO of the Savannah River Site Community Reuse Organization (SRSCRO) and after nearly 14 years of dedication to the nonprofit and the community, he has announced his retirement.

Rick has led the two-state of South Carolina and Georgia, five-county SRSCRO in facilitating economic development and serving as a unified voice for the region throughout his time there. He has played an integral role in advancing the organization's mission to craft and implement an extensive strategy that will promote the common economic interests of the community by furthering growth in the service area and stabilizing the financial state of the Savannah River Site.

Having received a B.S. degree in Agricultural Engineering and a Master's in Environmental System Engineering from Clemson University, Rick exemplifies tremendous skill in technical training as well as extensive professional experience from his over 25 years in business development, fundraising, and project management in both the private and public sectors.

Aside from his work with SRSCRO, Rick has taken an active role in a national non-profit conservation organization, where he has first-hand experience with foundation and corporate donations, and federal grants and appropriations.

South Carolina is grateful for Rick's work in ensuring that the people of the state have opportunities to develop skills needed to obtain jobs in the area, thus connecting and strengthening the relationship between regional employers and educational institutions, ultimately increasing economic development.

I congratulate Rick on his retirement with best wishes for continued success.

Madam Speaker, Representative Kirkman Finlay III, has been successful promoting governmental reforms during his time in the South Carolina House of Representatives.

Among these were numerous ethics and election law reform proposals. Representative Finlay was the author of an Act relating to the contents of the statement of economic interest so as to require disclosure of specified income (Act 283 of 2015-2016).

In addition, he began the process regarding several property tax reforms as related to families and the disabled. He was a watchdog on local government abuses, expanding pharmaceutical vaccine availability, animal control and care, coastal tidelands protections, and restrictions regarding lobbyists and former public officials. He was also the author of the ``Bad Faith Assertion of Patent Infringement Act.''

Also on his agenda was electric utility reform--Representative Finlay sponsored a bill relating to baseload review orders and project development orders issued for certain utility facility construction projects in the aftermath of the SCANA nuclear plant debacle.

Representative Kirkman Finlay III, will always be appreciated for his dedicated service to the citizens of South Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, Biden and Democrats have failed to secure the southern border. Since Biden took office, over 1 million illegal aliens have evaded apprehension, including 60,000 in October.

Among the 4 million who have illegally crossed the border since Biden are professional mass murderers on the terrorist screening database. American families are at greater risk than ever of mass murder, which is why voters elected a Republican House majority to fight for effective border enforcement.

As the co-chair of the French-American Caucus and of French heritage myself, I was grateful yesterday to have been present with President Emmanuel Macron at the Library of Congress.

South Carolina appreciates both the Marquis de Lafayette, who landed at Georgetown in 1777 to support the American Revolution, with his portrait here in the Chamber, and Michelin Tire Corporation, whose Lexington groundbreaking I attended this week in 1979, now the largest Michelin manufacturing facility in the world.

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

Madam Speaker, today marks the 75th anniversary of the U.N. General Assembly vote on Resolution 181, also known as the partition plan. The resolution supported the creation of two independent states from Palestine, one Arab and one Jewish, at the end of the British Mandate.

The adoption of this resolution laid the foundation for the creation of the modern Jewish State of Israel.

The passage of the resolution came with strong U.S. leadership in helping garner the support necessary for its advancement, including from President Harry Truman who told the U.S. delegation to the U.N. to quote, ``get busy and get all the votes you can.''

Members of this body, like Representative Sol Bloom, a former chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, also played a key role, reaching out to foreign nations and encouraging them to support the plan.

The plan was not everything Jewish leaders wanted. It left Jerusalem outside of what would become Israel. But nonetheless, it was proudly accepted by the Jewish Agency and Zionist groups, while the Arab League and Palestinian leaders rejected this plan.

I especially appreciate that today the United States fully recognizes Jerusalem as the capitol of Israel. On May 14, 2018, I led the House delegation for the opening the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem with Ambassador David Friedman, welcomed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The re-location of the Embassy was the fulfilment of ``promises made, promises kept'' by President Donald Trump. Senator Lindsey Graham led the Senate Delegation.

Since that day, Palestinian rejectionism continues to limit the opportunity for peace. The Palestinians did not support a Palestinian state in 1947 because it would have meant accepting a Jewish state. To this day there are far too many Palestinians that refuse to accept Israel's right to exist and live in peace and security.

As the ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa and Global Counterterrorism, Co-Chairman of the House Republican Israel Caucus, and a veteran supporter of our democratic ally Israel, I am grateful to mark this historic 75th anniversary of the UN Partition Plan vote with a strong commitment to the U.S.-Israel relationship.

Since its creation, the United States supported the Jewish State with bipartisan support from Congress, working to build a strong security, intelligence and defense relationship enshrined by shared values and mutually strategic interests. The United States Congress has worked to support our ally with annual security assistance, defense cooperation, and an emerging relationship in key areas including agriculture, hi- tech and homeland security.

Both our countries are committed to democracy and justice, and we continue to look for new ways to integrate Israel into the region, such as support for the historic Abraham Accords that normalized ties between Israel and

our Arab allies, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan. Unlike the Palestinian leadership, I am encouraged to see these Arab nations suspend their continued rejection of Israel and work to integrate it into the region.

While we continue to see the UN's deplorable efforts to isolate, condemn and excessively attack Israel, I celebrate one of the few positive things it has done in the Middle East--the historic 75th anniversary of the UN Partition Plan vote, guided by strong U.S. leadership.

May the U.S.-Israel relationship continue to flourish for the next 75 years and beyond, and may we continue to promote our shared interests supporting democracy, peace, and cooperation throughout the region.

Mr. Speaker, last week, families across America sat down to enjoy Thanksgiving meals. Unfortunately, this week, as a result of irresponsible policies of Biden and Democrats, families are paying massive costs.

Americans are experiencing inflation at a 40-year high with families in South Carolina paying nearly 15 percent more for goods and services in the last year.

Average national costs have increased. Turkey is up 21 percent. Pie crusts and whipping cream are up 26 percent. Dinner rolls are up 22 percent. Milk is up 16 percent.

According to the recent Morning Consult poll, 41 percent of Thanksgiving shoppers were planning to cut side dishes to save money.

Our country is in a crisis, and Americans need relief, which is why voters elected a House Republican majority. Republicans will fight inflation with 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.