Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the following obituary for Lieutenant Colonel Gregory Sean McSween.

LtCol Gregory Sean McSween

Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Owens for yielding and for his leadership on this issue.

I rise today in support of the Supplemental Impact Aid Flexibility Act. The pandemic has had a dramatic impact on our school systems and the way students are learning, both in and out of the classroom. Many parents have made the decision to homeschool their children due to uncertainty around vaccine and mask mandates in schools. With many resources of local educational agencies dedicated to fighting the pandemic, it has also become a burden on them to maintain an accurate count of federally connected students.

I am grateful for the bipartisan leadership today of Chairman Scott and Ranking Member Foxx, who support this legislation. This bill takes proactive measures to ensuring that teachers and students are adequately supported when returning to the classroom. By allowing local educational agencies to use the same number of federally connected students that they enrolled on their fiscal year '22 applications as they do fiscal year '23 applications, we can allow them to focus on recovering from the pandemic and serve the children of our United States servicemembers adequately.

As a representative of Fort Jackson in Columbia, South Carolina, and also nearby Fort Jackson in Georgia, ably represented by Congressman Rick Allen, we have multiple beneficiaries of Impact Aid funding. I am grateful to support this legislation and encourage my colleagues to do the same.

As we reach the one-year anniversary of President Biden in office, I borrow from the great Ronald Reagan and his extraordinary question during the 1980 Presidential debate and ask: Are you better off today than you were a year ago? The obvious and sad answer of thinking Americans is no.

Since President Biden took office January 20, American families have suffered under a one-party Democrat rule, destroying jobs. The continued taxing and spending policies of Biden and Democrats have caused inflation. This situation is getting worse and will challenge our children's future, while threatening the savings of retirees.

Bidenflation has hit the highest rate in 40 years, and the astronomical price increases that come with that affect all of our pocketbooks. A few examples include, gas is up 56 percent higher than over a year ago. Propane, kerosene, and firewood are up 40 percent. Beef and bacon are up 19 percent. Chicken is up 10 percent.

Compounding this damaging effect, most workers have not received wages

that keep up with inflation, according to The New York Times. Families have actually lost possibly $5,000 in just one year. Also, the December Jobs Report came in at less than half where economists projected.

Since President Biden took office, he has failed to protect our southern border. Over 1.7 million illegal aliens have invaded, benefiting the drug cartels and benefiting the horror of promoting human trafficking.

Energy independence has been replaced by energy dependence, resulting in skyrocketing costs. President Biden's policies worldwide have been disastrous. A feeble response to Putin is putting Ukrainian families at risk of mass murder with already 14,000 people killed; bowing to China as it continues the genocide of weaker Muslims; capitulating to Iran as it shouts death to America, death to Israel; appeasement of Afghanistan leading directly to thirteen American heroes murdered; leaving Americans behind and establishing Afghanistan as a safe haven to attack American families with suicide bombers, as we saw claimed this weekend at the Texas synagogue.

American families have never been at greater risk of attack than they are today in American history. The Democrat elite think they are smarter than everyone, and they think Democrat voters and Democrat media are ignorant to believe $5 trillion in spending costs zero. That is a direct quote from the President.

So I ask the rhetorical and famous question again. Are you better off today than you were a year ago?

Mr. Speaker, the December jobs report came in at less than half of what was projected. People continue to suffer at the hands of the Biden and Democrat policies. Jobs are being destroyed.

A recent national poll found that 68 percent of respondents said the economy was a top concern.

Inflation is a tax on all Americans, and it has gone up every month since the Biden Presidency. Gasoline is up 58 percent; propane, kerosene, and firewood are up 34 percent; bacon is up 21 percent; and hamburger is up 20 percent.

Real wages have decreased under Biden in 8 of his 10 full months in office, with a loss of $5,000 per family.

The Democrat elite think they are smarter than everyone, and Democrat voters and Democrat media are ignorant to believe that trillions of dollars cost 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. Sadly, we are in day 151 of Americans left behind, as cited by Sean Hannity.

Madam Speaker, on Friday, I completed an annual districtwide legislative agenda media tour. The issue of greatest concern was inflation affecting everyday people and gas up 61 percent.

Bidenflation has surged to a 40-year high. It is clear that $4.5 trillion spending bills devastate pocketbooks. Even a recent analysis from the Federal Reserve of San Francisco agrees that the relief package has impacted inflation.

Sadly, only 17 percent of workers have received raises that have kept up with inflation, according to the Democrat New York Times.

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

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.

Congratulations to Congressman Mike Waltz and Dr. Julia Nesheiwat on the birth on January 7 of Arman ``Armie'' Waltz.

Madam Speaker, my deepest sympathies go out to the family of Lewis Earl Powell, Jr. He was someone that was cherished by his family and community. His wife, Millie Powell, has been a valued member of the Congressional staff of the Second District and this is a loss for us all.

Obituary of Lewis Earl Powell, Jr.

Lewis Earl Powell Jr., 78, of Cayce, left his earthly home

surrounded by his loving family, on Wednesday, December 22,

2021. He was born October 9, 1943, in Johnston, SC to the

late Cora Harris Powell and Lewis Earl Powell, Sr.

Lewis was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He

was employed with 3M National Advertising for many years and

later the owner and operator of Powell Sign Company, Inc. His

kindness, generosity, and humor were known by all who knew

him.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years Mildred ``Millie''

Powell; his children: Teresa Rinder (Johnny), Dawn Kimura,

Kristian Hall (Michael), and Scott Dorsey (Victoria);

grandchildren: Joshua Rinder (Elizabeth), Jeremy Rinder

(Whitney), Amber McCormick (Rhett), Corali Kimura, Amelia

Kimura, Brandon Dorsey, and Brianna Dorsey; four great-

grandchildren; his sister, Sandra Holmes; his brother,

Laverne (Carolyn) Powell; and a beloved sister-in-law, Wanda

Gunter. He was predeceased by his brother, Jimmy Powell; and

his sister, Sara Bryan.

A private graveside service will be held at Celestial

Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made

to Prisma Health Hospice.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Prisma Health

Hospice and extend our deepest graditude to Dr. Karin Jenkins

and nurse Freia W. for their compassionate care.

Madam Speaker, congratulations to a great South Carolinian for his service, Earl E. McLeod, Jr. upon his retirement.

Earl served as the Executive Director for the Building Industry Association of Central South Carolina from 1983 to 2021. Prior to working at the BIA, Earl was the District Administrator and campaign manager for Congressman John L. Napier of South Carolina, as well as a national sales manager for Aluminum Ladder Company. In 2001, Earl was inducted into the South Carolina Housing Hall of Fame and received the Distinguished Alumnus Award for Francis Marion University in 1996. He is a NAHB Gold Key Member.

He has been a member of the Greater Lexington Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Vice Chairman of the Lexington County Planning Commission, Member of the Home & Garden Show Executives International, member of the Board of Directors for Community Open Land Trust and a member of the Lexington Technology Center Advisory Board. He currently sits on the South Carolina Residential Builders Commission.

Best wishes to Earl and Judy McLeod beautiful home on Lake Murray.

Madam Speaker, congratulations Coach Lou Holtz for being awarded the Contributions to College Football Award from the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA).

The purpose of the NCFAA is to enhance the integrity, influence, and prestige of college football's various awards.

Coach Holtz is the only college football coach to lead six different football programs to bowl games and the only one to lead four programs to the final top 20 rankings. The University of South Carolina cherish his dedicated service and success in Columbia. He defined college football and will forever be invoked in this era. Coach Holtz was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame on May 1, 2008.

Madam Speaker, I would like to take the time to remember a friend and great South Carolinian, Henry Clyde Harrison, Jr. Henry was someone that dedicated himself to the safety of his community as a Highway Patrol officer and worked to bring people together. He was instrumental in the development of American services and creating over 5,000 jobs. Our family is especially grateful for his counsel and support of Attorney General Alan Wilson.

Henry Clyde Harrison, Jr.

(February 21, 1932-December 12, 2021)

Henry Clyde Harrison Jr., 89, passed away on Sunday

December 12, 2021 at his home in Greenville South Carolina.

Henry was blessed with a large and loving family. He is

survived by his love and life partner Tracy Lamb, his

children; son Randy Harrison (Beth), his daughters Carole Ann

Owens (Kent), Pauline Joy Green (Tim), Austin Harrison, his

grandchildren Heidi Boyce, Henry T. Harrison, Will Owens,

Anna Ornelas, Carly Owens, Chase Green, Aiden Green, Honor

Neely, Willa Green and Wynnie Green his great grandchildren

Harrison, Caroline, Bailey, Ava, Lily, Lauren, and Alivia. He

is also survived by his second wife Glenda Harrison and her

children Kim Alexander (Donnie), Kellie O'Donald (Roger), and

Al Harrison (Kim) and grandchildren Cody O'Donald, Carson

Lollis, Kolby Mccuen, and Brady Harrison, and great

grandchildren Hadlee and Fallon all who he loved dearly. He

was the last surviving child of the late Clyde and Pauline

(Womble) Harrison. Henry was predeceased by his 10 siblings,

Dot Floyd, Frances Ray, Elizabeth Baker, Lee Ellis, Mildred

Lollis, Margaret Shenk, and Bill, John, Heyward, and Charlie

Harrison as well as his first wife Carole Harrison.

Henry was born on February 21st, 1932 in the Union

Bleachery community in Greenville, South Carolina before

moving to Sans Souci where he grew up. From a young age,

Henry exhibited 2 qualities that would come to be known as

characteristics to all those who knew him; hard work and the

ability to make friends. When he was 6 years old, he had his

first paper route, times were tough and he used the money he

earned to help his family. He was known as the small boy; the

one being followed by all the neighborhood dogs. He carried

scraps and treats to feed them following the motto ``better

for them to be happy to see you coming!''. Henry grew up in

Greenville and graduated from Parker High School before

joining the Highway Patrol and taking his first post in

Cherokee County. On the patrol, he quickly distinguished

himself as an officer who was truly there to serve. He

believed that every single person he came across, on the job

or in life, deserved to be treated with dignity and respect.

He made sure everyone knew he worked for the people and it

was his job to keep the roads safe for them and most

importantly, their children. Through the course of his career

on the patrol, Henry was able to move back to Greenville in

1962. While he never ran for office, Henry had a servant's

heart and a love for politics. He was extremely active not

only in the local Upstate community but in the entire state

of South Carolina. He had no interest in partisanship, in

divisive times he was known for working with everyone with

the goal of bringing people together for the good of all. In

1975 he decided to retire from the Highway Patrol as a

Sergeant and start his own company. Henry started American

Security from his living room and quickly expanded it into a

corporation that at various times served clients in seven

states and employed over 5,500 people, known today as

American Services. Henry believed in hard work. He

classically stated, ``The good Lord gives everyone 168 hours

a week, how we use them is up to us.'' Henry proudly served

as the Chairman of the Board and CEO of American Services

until the day he went to be with his lord.

Henry, Chief, Big Henry, The Chairman, Slick, Dad, Daddy,

Papa, Papa Slick, loved people for the entirety of his life

and will be remembered for his love by his many friends and

family while they wait to join him in the Kingdom of God.

Visitation will be held on Thursday December 16, 2021 at

Mackey Mortuary at Century Drive from 4pm-7pm. A memorial

service will be held at Sans Souci Church located at 3100 Old

Buncombe Road, Greenville South Carolina, 29609 on Friday

December 17 at 11:00 am. Entombment will follow the service

at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 1901 Wade Hampton Blvd Greenville,

SC 29609. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorials

to be sent to Sans Souci Church, St. Jude's Children

Hospital, Tri-County Vet Tech Program or Dr. William Schmidt

and Dr. Susan Shi Legacy Fund and Institute for Child

Success.

Madam Speaker, incredibly, President Biden said Tuesday: ``We're making progress.'' And ``American people are paying their fair share for gas.''

However, the reality is Americans are paying 61 percent more for gas, and home heating oil costs will jump 54 percent.

The disastrous Biden agenda has put America in an energy crisis. He killed the Keystone pipeline with 11,000 jobs lost. And executive orders have paused new oil and gas leasing, costing over 1 million jobs. Annual Biden inflation is the highest in 40 years, destroying jobs.

The Democrat elite think they are better than everyone, and they believe Democrat voters and Democrat media are ignorant to accept $4.5 trillion ``costs zero dollars.''

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

Congratulations, Norma and John Jett and Roxanne Wilson on their new grandson born yesterday, Hunter Taylor Wilson, Jr., of West Columbia, South Carolina.

Madam Speaker, happiest congratulations to my daughter-in-law and son, Dr. Julianne and Hunter Wilson on the birth of their new baby boy. Hunter Taylor Wilson, Jr., who was born at 2:00 a.m., on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, weighing 7 pounds and 14 ounces, measuring 17 inches long at Palmetto Health Richland Memorial Prisma Hospital in Columbia, South Carolina.

Additionally, congratulations to grateful Hunter's grandparents Norma Jett and John Jett of West Columbia, South Carolina, and my wife, Roxanne Wilson of Springdale, South Carolina. We are so grateful for this new addition to the Wilson family.

Madam Speaker, 2021 will tragically be remembered for the murders at Kabul International Airport of American Heroes:

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. David Espinoza, 20, of Rio Bravo, Texas;

Marine Corps Sgt. Nicole Gee, 23, of Sacramento, California;

Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Darin Hoover, 31, of Salt Lake City, Utah;

Army Staff Sgt. Ryan Knauss, 23, of Corryton, Tennessee;

Marine Corps Cpl. Hunter Lopez, 22, of Indio, California;

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Rylee McCollum, 20, Jackson, Wyoming;

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Dylan Merola, 20, of Rancho Cucamonga, California;

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Kareem Nikoui, 20, of Norco, California;

Marine Corps Cpl. Daegan Page, 23, of Omaha, Nebraska;

Marine Corps Sgt. Johanny Rosario Pichardo, 25, Lawrence, Massachusetts;

Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto Sanchez, 22, Logansport, Indiana;

Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Jared Schmitz, 20, of St. Charles, Missouri; and

Navy Hospitalman Maxton Soviak, 22, of Berlin Heights, Ohio.

As a military parent of four sons who have served overseas, I cannot imagine what their grief-stricken families are going through during this Christmas season.

The decision of the President and the Vice-President in April to abandon the people of Afghanistan and appease the Taliban/Al-Qaeda terrorists led to the deaths of these American Heroes.

Sadly, this most catastrophic course of action will clearly shift terrorist suicide bombers from the Afghanistan safe haven to American neighborhoods.

The Global War on Terrorism continues with murderous attacks in New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom, Uganda, Israel, and at Afghan Mosques.

The Democrat elite think they are smarter than everyone, and think Democrat voters and Democrat media are ignorant to believe that ``the United States ended 20 years of war.'' They will gruesomely discover that now the targets are here at home.

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, the fake news concealing of Bidenflation only reinforces manipulation of facts. Real people see with their eyes Biden policies are disastrous, destroying jobs.

Anti-energy stopping of pipelines and pausing leases for oil and gas have intentionally raised pump prices 61 percent. This leads to higher costs in food

prices and transportation costs for all products, and home heating is up 54 percent.

With inflation at a 40-year high after the most expensive Thanksgiving, now we face the most expensive Hanukkah and Christmas.

The Democrat elite think they are smarter than everyone and think Democrat voters and Democrat media are ignorant to believe that this $4.5 trillion 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.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome Hunter Taylor Wilson, Jr., born today at 2 a.m., son of Dr. Julianne Jett Wilson and my No. 4 son, Hunter Taylor Wilson, Sr., of West Columbia, South Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize the 2021 Army Congressional Fellow, Major Brett Tinder, for his service to the citizens of the Second District of South Carolina. His year-long stay with the office is concluding and Brett will be sorely missed. Not only has he been an indispensable contributor to legislative goals, including the FY 2022 National Defense Authorization Act, but a valued member of the team.

After graduating with a political science degree from Rutgers University, his already impressive military career has included numerous commendation and leadership positions in Fort Benning and Fort Carson. Brett has also been deployed to Poland, Germany, Romania, and to Afghanistan, where he was successful in his part with Operation Resolute Support--Freedom's Sentinel.

His next assignment is with the Pentagon, where Major Tinder will be a valued participant for peace through strength.

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.

We will remember Pearl Harbor.

Madam Speaker, on Monday I was grateful to attend the annual meeting of the Saint Andrews Society of Columbia, SC where William Brunson DePass, Ill, was elected President. The traditional toast to the President was provided by John McCabe, a fellow graduate of valued colleague, Tim Burchett's Bearden High School Class of 1982, of Knoxville, Tennessee.

Toast to The President of the United States, Saint Andrew's Society of

Columbia Annual Meeting, November 29, 2021, Forest Lake Club

I have been bestowed the honor of offering a toast to his

honor, The President of the United States of America, Joe

Biden.

In order to prepare for this prestigious task, I sought

advice from my neighbor across the street, John Brandon.

Brandon Advised me to be of the utmost comportment, elevate

all comments to the highest level, and offer the toast with

the greatest of respect. Good Advice

Therefore, Gentlemen, I offer a hearty health to the

Honorable Joseph Robinette Biden, Jr., The President of the

United States of America!