Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, under President Donald Trump, in 2020, America exported more petroleum than it imported for the first time since 1949. Donald Trump achieved energy independence.

However, since Biden came to office, the national average for a gallon of gasoline is over $1.30 higher per gallon; electricity costs are 15 percent more; and at this point, Biden has leased fewer acres of offshore and Federal land for domestic oil and gas production than any President in 70 years. Also, on day one of his Presidency, Biden killed the Keystone XL pipeline, which could be supplying 800,000 barrels of oil a day from Canada to America.

Higher gas prices increase delivery costs, increasing Bidenflation, which destroys jobs.

Irresponsible decisions by Biden and the Democrats are responsible for the energy crisis.

God bless our troops who successfully protected America for 20 years, as the global war on terrorism moves from a safe haven in Afghanistan to America. We will always cherish the service of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski. And God bless Ukraine victory.

Mr. Speaker, the absurd declaration of Biden last month of ``zero inflation'' is an insult to intelligence.

Inflation is at 8.5 percent, the highest in 40 years. American families know gasoline is up 44 percent; electricity, up 15.2 percent; food, up 13.1 percent; and transportation, up 9.2 percent, destroying jobs.

Americans are fortunate to have vibrant radio talk shows, modern Paul Reveres, such as Columbia's Morning News (560 AM) with Gary David and Christopher Thompson. Yesterday, they highlighted the Heritage Foundation analysis that the average American worker has lost $3,400 in annual income since Biden took office due to Bidenflation.

Gary revealed the Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2021 that Americans spent more on taxes than they did on food, clothing, and healthcare combined. The Federal Reserve reported that household net worth fell $6.1 trillion from March to June.

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

God bless Ukraine victory.

Queen Elizabeth II will always be cherished in America.

Madam Speaker, during his August 26th remarks regarding the 2021 terrorist attack at the Kabul, Afghanistan airport, where 13 American servicemembers were murdered, Biden was asked about the Afghanistan withdrawal and the addition of forces to protect Americans during the evacuation.

Biden responded that military leaders have contacted him, ``. . . usually by letter, saying they subscribe to the mission as designed . . .''.

That evening, I sent the first of now five written requests to the White House asking for copies of these letters by a deadline of September 11. Nearly one year later, I am still waiting for a reply.

During an August 2021 House Armed Services Committee hearing, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Mark Milley and General Frank McKenzie, then the commander of the U.S. Central Command, both testified that they had recommended to Biden that he should leave a residual troop presence.

Additionally, in a closed Senate hearing, Operation Resolute Support Commander General Scott Miller testified that he opposed the Biden administration's decision to withdraw all U.S. forces, citing the threat posed by the Taliban.

The decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan and abandon Americans regardless of the conditions on the ground, has been correctly identified by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell as ``one of the worst foreign policy decisions in American history.'' While President Donald Trump went a step further saying, ``This is the greatest embarrassment . . . in the history of our country.''

President Trump has made clear his withdrawal would have been orderly and Bagram Air Base would have been maintained to defeat a terrorist safe haven.

Sadly, no response from the White House reveals admission of no `letters.'

It is also important to ask where the American media is on this critical issue of the claimed Afghanistan letters?

Ultimately, this ill-advised decision not only resulted in the death of U.S. servicemembers, but put the reputation and credibility of the U.S. in question, all while leaving the remaining American citizens in Afghanistan vulnerable.

The world is less safe with the Taliban regime emboldened.

In conclusion, God Bless our troops, who successfully protected America for 20 years, as the Global War on Terrorism continues moving from a safe haven in Afghanistan to America.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I join with my colleagues, Congressmen Gerry Connolly, Dwight Evans, and Steve Chabot as a Co-Chair of the Congressional Bangladesh Caucus.

We look forward to strengthening the United States-Bangladesh Relationship on the basis of our shared democratic values to address major issues, including climate change, human rights, and humanitarian challenges. The People of Bangladesh are well represented by the Bangladeshi Ambassador M Shahidul Islam.

The Caucus was established, in part, to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between the United States and Bangladesh, which began in 1972, soon after Bangladesh secured its independence from Pakistan. The United States has been a longstanding partner in Bangladesh's journey to economic development and democratic institution building since that time.

During the last 50 years, Bangladesh has made significant socio- economic progress, including increased food production, disaster management capacity building, poverty alleviation, improved health and education, and women's empowerment. For more than a decade, Bangladesh has remained one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, and its economic growth is not only benefiting its own people, but is also contributing to the peace, progress, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific Region.

Significantly, no other country in the world commits more forces to United Nations Peacekeeping.

Bangladesh has a population of over 170 million, with a per capita income higher than

its neighbors in South Asia. The United States is one of Bangladesh's most important trading partners, with approximately 19-20 percent of its exports destined for the United States. Also, bilateral trade between the United States and Bangladesh was over $10 billion (U.S.) in 2021.

According to the United States Census Bureau, there are over 200,000 people of Bangladeshi Origin living in America. Promoting educational exchanges between Bangladesh and the United States benefits both nations, and with approximately 10,000 students from Bangladesh studying in the United States, the country places eighth in the World in this category.

The Congressional Bangladesh Caucus will promote continued good relations between the United States and Bangladesh. Caucus Members will receive periodic updates on our bilateral relationship, joint efforts to combat terrorism and promote human rights, as well as opportunities for high-level visits between the two countries, including with Ambassador M Shahidul Islam as we work to strengthen our relationship.

Madam Speaker, somehow in August the travesties of deceit by the Biden Administration are especially shocking, dangerous, and insulting to common sense.

The abandonment of Afghanistan last year was the most horrific national security and foreign policy debacle in American history. Thirteen American servicemembers were murdered and numerous others were left behind, as a familiar safe haven for terrorists was re-established as the one we gruesomely experienced on September 11, 2001.

Dangerous criminals on the Terrorist Watch List are now invading the open Southern border, as cartels are enriched with human trafficking and fentanyl smuggling at the cost of American lives.

The raid on the Trump Home on Monday is an inconceivable political assault on democracy, repeating the hoax of Russian Collusion. FBI agents are abused as pawns by deranged, political zealots.

And on Wednesday, the absurd declaration by Biden of ``zero inflation'' is a disconnect from reality. Inflation is 8.5 percent, the highest in forty years. American families know gasoline is up 44 percent, electricity up 15.2 percent, food up 13.1 percent, and transportation up 9.2 percent.

Despite the universal definition of a recession in two quarters of GDP decline, Biden denies the truth and persists with his failing agenda of raising taxes, borrowing, and foolish massive spending, sparking inflation and destroying jobs.

Sadly, the failures of Biden have created inconceivable threats at home and abroad and he should change policies immediately to protect American families.

Madam Speaker, last week Congress experienced a personal loss with the death of Congresswoman Jackie Walorski, one of our greatest Members. Many of us lost a dear friend.

Jackie has been memorialized with extraordinary, deserved tributes. Congresswoman Ann Wagner praised, ``Jackie was a no nonsense, get it done woman.''

Republican Study Committee Chairman Jim Banks correctly cited, ``[Jackie] embodied what it means to be a public servant.'' Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy praised her passion, ``empowering children and families, running a foundation in Romania . . . fighting for justice from fentanyl victims.''

Republican Whip Steve Scalise praised Jackie for ``her kindness, tenacity, and commitment to helping others'' as a valued member of the Whip team.

Ways and Means Republican Leader Kevin Brady thoughtfully stated, ``God took a special angel home today. Congresswoman Jackie Walorski was a happy Hoosier who would light up the room with her joy, passion, brilliance, and love of life.''

I will always cherish leading a delegation with Jackie to Poland where her Polish heritage was beloved. She and her husband Dean were a great team in helping liberate Eastern Europe for America.

God Bless our Troops. We will never forget September 11th as the Global War on Terrorism continues moving from a safe haven in Afghanistan to America.

Madam Speaker, August 15th is a significant date in world history as it marks the 75th Anniversary of the independence of the Republic of India. The landmark occasion is being celebrated as an historic democratic victory in a festival called Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav.

America especially rejoices for the people of India as the world's oldest democracy celebrates the world's largest democracy. 2022 is especially significant as democracies (rule of law) are threatened by authoritarians (rule of gun), exemplified by war criminal Putin murderously invading Ukraine, the Chinese Communist Party threatening Taiwan, and Iranian theocrats chanting Death to Israel, Death to America. World chaos is also a threat to the people of India.

As the son of a U.S. Army Air Corps member in the Flying Tigers who served in India and China, I grew up with an appreciation of the work ethic my father recognized in India. As a real estate attorney in South Carolina, I welcomed new investors who bought hotels and motels creating jobs across the state.

In Congress I chaired the largest country Caucus, the Caucus of India and Indian Americans. I will be forever grateful to have been with Governor Nikki Haley (America's second Indian American Governor) to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Center Ring of Madison Square Garden in New York City. I was also on the escort committee for the Prime Minister's address to Congress. I was present with President Donald Trump for the historic 'Howdy Modi' celebration in Houston, Texas, with over 50,000 Indian-Americans in attendance. Additionally, I attended the Prime Minister's 2019 Independence Day address at the Red Fort in New Delhi, India.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to serve with the Consul General of India in Atlanta, Dr. Swati V. Kulkarni, who is passionate for the people of India.

The 75th Anniversary is an opportunity for the shared values of India and America to be fulfilled. President Donald Trump correctly identified the Indo-Pacific Command as a way to promote Indian-U.S. military cooperation for Peace Through Strength. India's proven industrial capabilities provide an opportunity to reduce dependence on foreign military sales.

The future is bright for the people of India and with our shared values of democracy, the future is bright for a strong alliance of India and America.

Madam Speaker, last week, Congressman Bill Keating offered an historic resolution expressing support for Finland and Sweden to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

I was particularly grateful to support the resolution having just returned from a Congressional Delegation of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to Helsinki, Finland, and Stockholm, Sweden.

Led by Helsinki Commission Ranking Member Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi and Co-Chairman Representative Steve Cohen of Tennessee, the U.S. delegation was grateful to meet with President Sauli Niinisto of Finland, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Vice President and Special Representative Pia Kauma of Finland, Foreign Minister Ann Linde of Sweden, OSCE Parliamentarv Assembly President Margareta Cederfelt, and Speaker of the Swedish Parliament Andreas Norlen,

NATO is more important than ever with war criminal Putin's mass murder in Ukraine, sacrificing young Russians for his personal gain of oil, money, and power. Tragically, many of us never imagined the insanity of a 21st Century land war in Europe.

Both Finland and Sweden enhance the peacekeeping ability of NATO with their professional militaries and extraordinary defense

manufacturing capabilities to promote Peace Through Strength.

The addition of Finland would increase the border of NATO with the Russian Federation by 830-miles, which could inspire Russian patriots to reestablish democracy as a valued partner in Western Civilization.

I will be clear that democracy (rule of law) will prevail to authoritarianism (rule of gun).

Madam Speaker, in response to war criminal Putin's war in Ukraine, another viable alternative has been reported by Reuters to eliminate dependency in Europe for Putin's gas.

Algeria, Niger, Nigeria revive talks on Saharan gas

pipeline.

Algeria, Niger, and Nigeria held talks this week on the

revival of a decades-old project to pipe gas across the

Sahara, a potential opportunity for Europe to diversify its

gas sources.

The Trans-Saharan gas pipeline is an estimated $13 billion

project that could send up to 30 billion cubic metres a year

of supplies to Europe.

The revival comes at a strategic time, as the European

Union seeks to wean itself off Russian gas following Russia's

invasion of Ukraine, and is seeking alternative sources.

``(The pipeline) should allow Europe to diversify its

sources of natural gas supply but also allow several African

states to access this high value energy source,'' said a

joint statement.

With a length of 4,128 kilometres (2,565 miles), the

pipeline would start in Warri, Nigeria, and end in Hassi

R'Mel, Algeria, where it would connect to existing pipelines

that run to Europe.

Nigeria also took steps this month to move forward on

another long-awaited pipeline, which would go through West

Africa and Morocco to Europe.

Along with increased American production reversing Biden's failed energy policies, the world can come together in the conflict of authoritarians (rule of gun) against democracy (rule of law).

Madam Speaker, American families are at greater risk of mass murder terrorist attacks than ever before due to the failing border policies of President Biden.

Intentionally opening the southern border, nearly 3 million illegal aliens from over 160 countries have intruded since Biden took office.

American jobs are destroyed. Deadly drugs are smuggled by cartels, leading to over 100,000 deaths last year, devastating American families. Most gruesome is the imminent danger of known terrorists from the Terrorist Screening Database crossing into America.

Last year, in Del Rio, Texas, officials would not reveal to me the number of terrorists crossing. Now, we see the threat is real, with 50 terrorists just this year. These terrorists are skilled, well-financed, fully equipped, and maniacally motivated mass murderers.

Open borders for terrorists must be addressed. Biden should now take every action to protect American families.

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

Madam Speaker, I was grateful to have attended the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation's annual Celebration of Service to America Awards on Tuesday, June 7th. It was heartfelt to hear the acceptance speech by Jose Andres. His support for the people of Ukraine was so moving.

The Service to America Leadership Award recognizes individuals and organizations responsible for improving the lives of others through extraordinary public service. It is the Foundation's highest individual honor.

This year, esteemed chef, bestselling author, educator, and humanitarian Jose Andres received the Service to America Leadership Award from the National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation.

Andres is highly acclaimed globally for his avant-garde cuisine served through his restaurant collective, ThinkFoodGroup. Twice honored in Time Magazine's ``100 Most Influential People'' and a New York Times bestselling author, Andres was awarded the National Humanities medal, which honors individuals or groups whose work has deepened the nation's understanding of the humanities, by President Barack Obama in 2015. In 2021, Andres launched Jose Andres Media, which will produce unscripted and scripted television series, books, podcasts, and digital content with a focus on stories about the power of food.

Through his nonprofit World Central Kitchen (WCK), Andres leads humanitarian efforts to feed communities in need and reduce food insecurity during times of crisis. Andres and his team have served fresh meals to those affected by man-made and natural disasters across six continents, including serving over 3.6 million meals to those affected by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico in 2017.

Most recently, WCK partnered with local leaders, farmers, and restaurants to help those experiencing food insecurity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and laying the foundation for smarter national food policy. Andres and WCK have been on the ground in Ukraine cooking nonstop since late February, where they have served nearly 30 million meals.

The NAB Leadership Foundation is proud to present Jose Andres with the 2022 Service to America Leadership Award.

Madam Speaker, I was unavoidably detained on June 14, 2022. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 259.

Mr. Speaker, yet again, the world is uniting against war criminal Putin and his murderous invasion of Ukraine.

The European Union is set to sign an agreement with Israel and Egypt which will free itself from Putin energy reliance. EU leaders say they will reduce Russian oil and gas imports, cutting financial resources to the Putin war machine where young Russians are sacrificed by Putin for personal gain of oil, money and power, while conducting mass murder in Ukraine.

In the plan, Israel will export natural gas in a pipeline to Egypt where it will be turned into liquified natural gas, then delivered to EU member states. I appreciate the service of Egyptian Ambassador to the U.S. Motaz Zahran.

During a trip to Israel this week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said, The Kremlin's behavior only strengthens our resolve to break free of Russian fossil fuels.

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

As the co-chair of the EU Caucus and the Israel Caucus, I especially appreciate the cooperation we see today.

Madam Speaker, sadly, inflation has increased to over 8 percent, the highest rate in over 40 years. Now family budgets are draining at the pump.

The over $5 per gallon for gas is the highest ever, caused by failing Biden policies. The American Energy Alliance with Stephen Moore on the Unleash Prosperity Hotline has identified over 100 initiatives enacted by Biden to restrict American oil and gas development.

When Biden took office, gas was $2.39 a gallon. Now it has doubled. These extremist policies intentionally discourage gas usage without alternatives available to families. Declaring war on American energy subsidizes war criminal Putin's mass murder in Ukraine and allows Iran to proceed with nuclear weapons to fulfill ``Death to Israel. Death to America.''

America needs price relief through an all-of-the-above energy policy achieved by President Donald Trump.

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

Happy birthday, Donald Trump.

Madam Speaker, June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month, a time to raise the level of attention to debilitating dementias.

I appreciate the dedication of Taylor Wilson, the Director of Government Affairs for the Alzheimer's Association of South Carolina.

Alzheimer's is a brain disorder which slowly destroys memory and thinking skills. It is not a normal part of aging but a result of complex changes in the brain that start years before symptoms appear.

I am grateful for the Lexington Medical Center Carroll Campbell Place, in loving memory of former and late Governor Carroll Campbell.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are nearly 6 million people in the U.S. that have Alzheimer's and related dementias. We honor those families in America facing a dementia diagnosis, while supporting the hope of all that through research, we can find a prevention or treatment for this fatal disease.

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