Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, the murderous Putin's war on Ukraine is criminal.

I am grateful that America and our NATO allies are unified to support Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ukrainian people.

I have faith in the Russian people, who I have met on numerous visits across Russia, that they will reject Putin's war atrocities. A nation of world-significant art, music, and literature can change, and that is why I am introducing a bill to encourage Russian military defectors with immediate refugee status in America, with up to $100,000 for any Russian military equipment transferred to Ukraine. Putin betrays the troops to death.

Additionally, I will introduce a bill for a bust of President Volodymyr Zelensky to be placed in the U.S. Capitol, as is the bust of Prime Minister Winston Churchill. Churchill was the wartime leader of World War II, and Zelensky is the wartime leader in Putin's war.

God bless Ukraine. God save Ukraine. Long live Volodymyr Zelensky.

Mr. Speaker, the State of the Union last night was a disconnect from the reality of Biden failures. The Wall Street Journal is correct. He missed the moment.

The paper went further to describe what Biden did not say: More defense spending to meet the threats from autocrats? No. A new appreciation of the contribution of fossil fuels to American and European security? Not a word. A note that government spending contributed to the highest inflation rate in 40 years? Nope.

I personally was disappointed that there was no mention of leaving Americans behind in Afghanistan, 13 patriots murdered in Kabul. And now Afghanistan is a safe haven for terrorists who can come across the open border to attack American families.

An anxious world is looking for American leadership in a dangerous new era. I hope the President will change course for peace through strength.

In conclusion, God bless Ukraine. God save Ukraine. Long live President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Madam Speaker, I thank Mr. Mike Johnson for his leadership and courage to present the truth tonight.

Madam Speaker, last Friday, I was grateful as the ranking member of the U.S. delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe to address the Parliamentary Assembly in Vienna, Austria. Our delegation was ably led by co-chair Steve Cohen.

The bipartisan United States delegation of Democrats and

Republicans, being transatlantic with our valued European and

Indo-Pacific allies have been unintentionally united about

Putin's war of mass murder in Ukraine, violating the

principles of the Helsinki Final Act.

This emphasizes the devastating human cost of Putin's war

against the families of Ukraine, isolating Russia and Belarus

from the modern world.

This is Putin's war, as correctly identified by Der

Spiegel, the German news magazine. It is not a war in

Ukraine. It is not Russia's war. This is clearly to be

forever condemned as Putin's war. The responsibility of an

insane czar who is trying to build his power based on oil,

money, and power, betraying young Russians to death.

OSCE monitors have impartially relayed the tragic reality

of this conflict every day under often difficult and

dangerous conditions. The Putin government and its proxies

must restore the monitors' ability to fulfill their mandate.

I am personally grateful to have visited Russia a number of

times where I was so impressed by the talented citizens who

today who are being betrayed by Putin in his obsession for

oil, money, and power.

Two months ago, I visited Kyiv, and it is horrifying to

know of the attacks.

The pictures that we see here--they have been sent worldwide--this is the road to the airport. I was so impressed when I was there in December to see the four, six, eight, now ten lanes of boulevards filled with cars, a very modern society with high rise buildings that could be anywhere in America, could be anywhere in the world, in the modern world.

Now, sadly, we see that the cars are congested there and blocked. You have families. They have their pets with them. They have all the property that they could possibly carry. They have children. They have infants. They have elderly and sick persons and are trying to flee the rocket attacks solely the responsibility of Putin.

Sadly, in Belarus, dictator Lukashenko has become a puppet

of Putin to subject Belarusians to autocracy, facilitating

Putin's illegal war on the people of Ukraine.

It is inspiring that the legal president of Belarus,

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, would have her first loyalty to the

people of Belarus, not to the war criminal, Putin.

In conclusion, God bless Ukraine. God save Ukraine. Long live President Volodymyr Zelensky. God bless America.

Mr. Speaker, on Friday, I was grateful, as the ranking member of the U.S. delegation to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, to address the Parliamentary Assembly in Vienna, Austria. Our delegation was ably led by Co-Chair Steve Cohen.

The bipartisan United States delegation of Democrats and Republicans being transatlantic, with our valued European and Indo-Pacific allies, have been unintentionally united about the Putin war of mass murder in Ukraine, violating the principles of the Helsinki Final Act. Here, we want to emphasize the devastating human cost of the Putin war against the families of Ukraine, isolating Russia and Belarus from the modern world.

I was grateful over the years to have visited Russia a number of times where I was so impressed by the talented citizens. Today, they are being betrayed by Putin in his obsession for oil, money, and power. Two months ago, I visited Kyiv and it is horrifying to know of the attacks.

Sadly, in Belarus, dictator Lukashenko has become a puppet facilitating the Putin war. It is inspiring that the legal President of Belarus, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, would have her first loyalty to the people of Belarus, not the war criminal, Putin.

In conclusion, God bless Ukraine. God save Ukraine. Long live President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Madam Speaker, congratulations to Colin Demarest, an appreciated journalist of Aiken, South Carolina, for his new assignment at C4ISRNET, a publication covering emerging issues and trends in global military transformation in Washington. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Colin began his journalism career at The Berkshire View as a featured writer. Later, he became an editor and reporter at Limestone Communications, where he covered government in five different cities and two regional school districts.

When he joined the Aiken Standard, Colin initially focused on reporting on the Aiken city government. After some time, he was assigned to report on the Savannah River Site National Laboratory, a multi-billion dollar facility with about 11,000 employees. At times, this assignment brought him to Washington, D.C., where he reported on anything involving the Savannah River Site.

Colin was thoughtful to come to many events over the years. He would report on my Legislative Agenda Tours, Bus Tours, and any other local events that I attended in South Carolina. As a former journalist myself, I know Colin will be successful at his new assignment reporting from the Pentagon. I wish the best for Colin Demarest in all his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, the clearest revelation of Iran with duplicitous intent in the insane nuclear agreement discussions is uninterrupted missile development designed for nuclear attacks on Israel and the United States.

The murderous boasting of capabilities is confirmed by a Reuters report by Parisa Hafezi published by February 9, 2022. While negotiators blather with meaningless deadlines, the delivery systems continue unabated.

It is crucial we stand with Saudi Arabia and our Arab Gulf partners.

I appreciate the efforts of the America Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) to alert the American people of the growing threats. President Betsy Korn and South Carolina Midlands coordinator Dr. David Kulbersh are crucial for raising the alarm over Iran's murderous intent. I am also confident the venerated American Jewish Congress led by Jack Rosen will raise awareness of the growing threat.

[From Reuters, Feb. 9, 2022]

Iran Unveils Long-Range Missile as Vienna Nuclear Talks Resume

(By Parisa Hafezi)

Dubai.--Iran unveiled a new domestically-made missile with

a range of 1,450 kilometers on Wednesday, state TV reported,

a day after Tehran and Washington resumed indirect talks to

salvage a 2015 nuclear deal.

Iran, which has one of the biggest missile programmes in

the Middle East, says its ballistic missiles have a range of

up to 2,000 km (1,200 miles) and are capable of reaching its

arch-foe Israel and U.S. bases in the region.

State TV displayed the new surface-to-surface ``Kheibar

Shekan'' (Kheibar buster) missile, which refers to an ancient

Jewish oasis called Kheibar in the Arabian Peninsula's Hijaz

region that was overrun by Muslim warriors in the 7th

century.

``This long-range missile is domestically manufactured by

the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC). . . . It has high accuracy

and is propelled by solid fuel and is capable of penetrating

missile shields,'' Iranian state media reported.

Tehran regards its missile programme as an important

deterrent against the United States, Israel and other

adversaries. It has rejected Western demands to halt its

ballistic missile work.

``Iran will continue advancing its ballistic missile

programme,'' Iran's armed forces chief of staff Major General

Mohammad Bagheri told a ceremony at an IRGC base

where the new missile was displayed, Iranian media reported.

Madam Speaker, I am grateful to recognize Queen Elizabeth's 70th year on the British throne. She has been Great Britain's head of state through 14 different American Presidents, meeting with 13 of them. I include in the Record, an article from The Washington Times of February 7, 2022 by Danica Kirka, celebrating Queen Elizabeth's' time on the throne. I appreciate Ambassador Karen Pierce for her service in Washington.

I particularly appreciate the Queen's service as I am a native of Charleston, South Carolina, which is the most British city in North America founded by British settlers in 1670. As Co-Chairman of the U.K. Caucus, I was grateful to have hosted the Minister for the Armed Forces, James Heappey, of the U.K. Parliament, at the Capitol Hill Club last week for dinner, as we remain united in supporting the independence of Ukraine.

Queen Elizabeth II Marks 70th Anniversary of Her Rule

London.--As the United Kingdom marked the 70th anniversary

of Queen Elizabeth II's rule on Sunday, the queen looked to

the future of the monarchy.

In remarks delivered in time for Sunday morning's front

pages, the queen expressed a ``sincere wish'' that Prince

Charles' wife, Camilla, should be known as ``Queen Consort''

when her son succeeds her as expected. With those words the

monarch sought to answer once and for all questions about the

status of Camilla, who was initially shunned by fans of the

late Princess Diana, Charles' first wife.

``The queen is such a realist and, you know, she's got a

business to run,'' historian Robert Lacey said. ``Well, they

call it `The Firm,' don't they? And this really brings

Camilla into the firm properly now and for the future.''

It took years for many in Britain to forgive Charles, whose

admitted infidelity and long-time links to Camilla torpedoed

his marriage to Diana. The popular, glamorous princess died

in a Paris car crash in 1997, five years after the couple

separated in a messy public split. But the public mood has

softened since Charles married Camilla Parker Bowles in 2005.

Now known as the Duchess of Cornwall, the 74-year-old

Camilla has taken on roles at more than 100 charities,

focusing on a wide range of issues including promoting

literacy, supporting victims of domestic violence and helping

the elderly.

Her down-to-earth style and sense of humor eventually won

over many Britons. Her warmth softened Charles' stuffy image

and made him appear more approachable, if not happier, as he

cut ribbons, unveiled plaques and waited for his chance to

reign.

Charles, 73, has long made it clear that he wants Camilla

to be known as queen when he ultimately succeeds his mother

on the throne. In his own message congratulating the queen on

her long years of service, Charles thanked his mother for her

support.

``We are deeply conscious of the honour represented by my

mother's wish,'' they said. ``As we have sought together to

serve and support Her Majesty and the people of our

communities, my darling wife has been my own steadfast

support throughout.''

The queen's comments are remarkable in that they brought

back memories of one of the lowest moments of her 70 years on

the throne. The royal family was widely criticized for its

initial silence in the aftermath of Diana's death, with one

national newspaper proclaiming ``Your People Are Suffering.

Speak to Us Ma'am.''

In backing Charles and Camilla, the queen remembered the

support she received from her husband, Prince Philip, who

died last year after decades at her side, as well as the role

her mother played as the wife of a king.

``I am fortunate to have had the steadfast and loving

support of my family. I was blessed that, in Prince Philip, I

had a partner willing to carry out the role of consort and

unselfishly make the sacrifices that go with it,'' she wrote.

``It is a role I saw my own mother perform during my father's

reign.''

``And when, in the fullness of time, my son Charles becomes

King, I know you will give him and his wife Camilla the same

support that you have given me.''

But for now, the queen remains at work.

On Sunday, Buckingham Palace released a photo of the

monarch sitting in front of her official red dispatch box

with government papers spread out before her.

The 95-year-old monarch is expected to spend the day at

Sandringham, the country estate in Norfolk where her father,

King George VI, died suddenly on Feb. 6, 1952, making her

queen.

``It is a sad day and one that reminds her of the close

relationship she had with him,'' said Lacey, the historical

consultant to the Netflix series ``The Crown.''

``(Sunday) is a day when, by tradition, she likes to go

back to Sandringham, the country roots of the family,'' he

told The Associated Press. ``He liked to consider himself the

Squire of Sandringham, the King of Britain, but he'd go out

and walk the fields, shoot the game. That's what she

remembers.''

While Sunday's anniversary is expected to be low-key,

public celebrations of the monarch's platinum jubilee are

scheduled for June, when the weather improves. The

festivities will include a military parade, neighborhood

parties and a competition to create a new dessert--a mini

extravaganza that will take place over a special four-day

weekend June 2-5.

The celebrations are meant to recognize the woman who

became a symbol of stability for the U.K. as it navigated an

age of uncertainty.

Britain's longest-serving monarch, the only sovereign most

Britons have ever known, she has been a constant presence as

Britain navigated the end of empire, the swinging '60s, the

labor strife of the 1980s, international terrorism, Brexit

and the COVID-19 pandemic.

In her message, the queen promised to keep working for the

U.K. and the Commonwealth.

``As we mark this anniversary, it gives me pleasure to

renew to you the pledge I gave in 1947 that my life will

always be devoted to your service,'' she wrote.

Mr. Speaker, I am sincerely grateful to recognize Emily Saleeby, deputy chief of staff for the Second Congressional District of South Carolina. Emily has been dedicated and passionate serving the people of South Carolina.

A native of Florence, and a graduate of the University of South Carolina, where she was student body vice president, Emily began working in Congress in 2014. She has achieved being someone who could be relied on for being a dedicated public servant. She is returning to South Carolina for a position with Savannah River Mission Completion, where she will continue to be successful.

I know her parents, Suzanne and John Saleeby, siblings, Lauren and Timothy, her golden retriever, Cato, and her colleagues share my deep appreciation for her continued success. Lebanese Americans are vital in South Carolina.

Madam Speaker, Putin continues threatening military aggression against Ukraine, now over 100,000 troops, which would only enrich Putin cronies and oligarchs, and which would be catastrophic for the people of Russia. A Putin invasion would result in needless and horrific loss of both Ukrainian and Russian lives.

Having returned from a recent delegation to Kyiv, I saw firsthand the courage of the people of Ukraine for independence.

Putin should know that both parties in America are united in support of the Ukrainian people. NATO is also unified as Chancellor Olaf Scholz promised today.

I am grateful that Biden has changed course to reinforce the Trump policies of sending defensive weapons to Ukraine.

Putin aggression against Ukraine must be deterred for the benefit of the people of Russia and the people of Ukraine.

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, on August 26, remarks regarding the terrorist attack at the Kabul, Afghanistan, airport, with the murder of 13 American servicemembers, the Commander in Chief stated that military leaders have contacted him, `` . . . usually by letter, saying they subscribe to the mission as designed. . . . ''

That evening, I sent the first of four letters to the White House asking for all letters referenced, with no reply. The decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan abandoning Americans has been correctly identified by President Donald Trump as the worst foreign policy disaster ever for American families. This leads to murderous attacks over open borders into America.

Where is the American media on this crucial issue of the claimed Afghanistan letters?

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

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.

Madam Speaker, Biden took office only a year ago, and under a one-party Democrat rule, America is experiencing unprecedented adversity.

Today, jobs are being destroyed, and we face crises in energy, education, crime, national security, the border, and more.

Bidenflation is at the highest in 40 years, resulting in real wage decreases with job destruction.

Energy independence has been replaced by energy dependence, raising gas prices by 50 percent.

Remote learning is catastrophic for students and teachers.

Defunding police leads to homicide rates at record highs.

National security is endangered from feeble responses to China, Iran, Putin, and terrorists.

Two million illegal aliens, including murderous terrorists, have crossed into America.

Today is a tragic, historical landmark as our children are burdened by a $30 trillion debt.

America needs new positive leadership.

In conclusion, the Democrat elite think they are smarter than everyone and believe Democrat voters and Democrat media are ignorant to accept $5 trillion cost zero dollars.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees selecting Dr. Michael Amiridis as the new university president. As established by Dr. Harris Pastides, he continues the importance of Greek heritage so meaningful for the people of South Carolina.

Having previously spent over 20 years on the USC campus, President Amiridis returns from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he has been chancellor. As President Amiridis is already familiar with the university community, I am confident that the school, branch campuses, and students will benefit from his appreciation of the extraordinary Gamecock traditions.

Shortly after being selected, President Amiridis said, ``Through academics, research, and its vibrant culture, the university system is critically important to the people of South Carolina and to the State's future. I feel privileged to be able to lead this great institution.''

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 in Afghanistan to America.

Madam Speaker, last week in my district, under the leadership of Lisa Van Riper, Holly Gatling, and Sally Zaleski with South Carolina Citizens for Life, along with Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette and Attorney General Alan Wilson, I was grateful to participate in the largest ever-attended pro-life events in the state.

Tomorrow in Washington, the annual Pro-Life March will take place where thousands come together to embrace the birth of babies on the anniversary of the 1973 Roe vs. Wade decision.

This increasing level of support is better understood than ever before.

I am grateful to fight for pro-life values and am committed to advocating for the lives of the unborn, while also protecting the rights of health care providers who refuse to engage in abortions.

The Democrat elite think they are smarter than everyone and think Democrat voters and Democrat media are ignorant to believe that trillion-dollar spending ``costs zero dollars.''

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.

Madam Speaker, my wife Roxanne, the Wilson family, and I would like to express our condolences to the family of William J. Wood. He, his late wife, Nancy, and his daughter, Lou, have been greatly appreciated civic and business leaders of the Midlands of South Carolina. With Eastman Chemicals, Midlands Technical College, and Nephron Pharmaceuticals, the Kennedy Family has provided innumerable people with meaningful jobs. I am grateful to include in the Record his obituary in fond remembrance.

William J. Wood

(June 23, 1937-January 16, 2022)

Obituary of William J. Wood

William Jerry Wood, of Lexington, passed away on Sunday,

January 16, 2022 at his home.

The son of the late Oscar Benjamin and Faye Hooper Wood,

Mr. Wood was born in Commerce, GA, started his career at

Eastman Chemical Company in Kingsport, TN, and made Lexington

his home for more than a half century. He was a beloved

husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

As a young man, Mr. Wood's family moved around Appalachia.

During this period, Mr. Wood's father was following his

calling to serve Baptist congregations around the region, as

a minister. His father also owned a dry cleaning business, in

which the entire family pitched in. At the age of 18, Mr.

Wood started his career at Eastman in Kingsport, TN, where

the family had settled.

Mr. Wood devoted more than four decades in leadership and

management to Eastman Chemical Company. With the exception of

his family, Mr. Wood did not take more pride in anything than

his work. He left an indelible mark on the company and its

employees, many of whom continue to pass down the lessons

they learned working with Mr. Wood. He taught a Machine,

Tool, Technology class to local technical college students

for more than 15 years.

The Midlands Technical College Life Skills Center is named

in honor of Mr. Wood. Since opening in 2014, the center has

helped Midlands Tech students prepare for life after school

by honing essential skills needed to start a career.

The father of Lou Wood Kennedy, Mr. Wood embraced life in

the Midlands of South Carolina when he relocated his family

here, in 1965, as he continued to grow in management at

Eastman. Mr. Wood was active in community endeavors, such as

service organizations like the Lions Club, hobby-focused

clubs, such as the Antique Car Club of America South Carolina

Chapter, and in the Baptist church. His daughter, beaming

with pride, called Mr. Wood the greatest man she has ever

known, and he loved watching the role she plays in making her

own mark today on the community he chose as their family

home.

Mr. Wood met his wife, Nancy Thomas Wood, as a teenager.

They dated as students at East Tennessee State University.

His father married the couple. Mr. and Mrs. Wood celebrated

61 years of marriage last year.

Surviving Mr. Wood are his daughter, Lou Wood Kennedy of

Lexington (Bill); granddaughter, Xanna Bailey of Lexington

(Travis) and great-grandson, Lincoln Bailey. Mr. Wood is also

survived by Paul Wood (Mildred), Sarah Benson, Daniel Wood

(Cara), Rebecca (Chuck) and countless nieces, nephews,

cousins and friends. The family wants to say a special thank

you to Amya Bryant for the love and care she provided over

the last five months.

Madam Speaker, in a political environment where even Democrats have cited the Biden agenda as fiscal insanity, it is reassuring sanity may be returning with the Democrat Washington Post last Tuesday and Thursday being remarkably sane.

On Tuesday, the lead editorial correctly reviewed, ``President Biden is facing mounting criticism for inflation's rise to its highest level since 1982. Unfortunately, the White House's latest response is to blame greedy businesses. Economists across the political spectrum are rightly calling out the White House for this foolishness.''

On Thursday, front-page headlines were shocking: Inflation for 2021 highest in 40 years. Trend expected to last for months. Prices become potent political threat to Biden.

The Democrat elite think they are smarter than everyone and think Democrat voters and Democrat media are ignorant to believe that trillion-dollar spending costs zero dollars.

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 sadly we saw with the suicide bomber who attacked the synagogue in Texas on Saturday.