Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, America has lost a treasured Icon of Truth with the death of Rush Limbaugh. My wife Roxanne and our family and community extend our most sincere sympathy to his wife Kathryn and the Limbaugh Family. He was America's Number One broadcaster with tens of millions of listeners in every community in America.

Rush Limbaugh was the Ronald Reagan of broadcasting proving conservatism is positive, friendly, faith-based, and even funny as he itemized the Greatness of America never apologizing for Exceptionalism.

Also, like President Reagan he achieved and promoted the American Dream that all can succeed with hard work. It was Reaganesque that he created thousands of jobs saving the AM Radio band enabling local hosts to penetrate daily newspapers' mostly fake news. Local hosts are highlighted by talented truth tellers--Keven Cohen, Gary David, Carl Gooding, Paul Kirby, Kelly Nash, Jonathan Rush, and Christopher Thompson. This is also a platform for affordable advertising by local businesses to create jobs.

His logical, common sense explanation of American political issues was vital for conservative success.

In 1994 he worked with speaker-to-be Newt Gingrich to achieve the first Republican House majority in my lifetime--leading to a Congressional vote to establish the American Embassy in Jerusalem.

In 2010 he encouraged the grassroots to become active with the spontaneous Tea Party movement gaining an incredible 63 House seats.

In 2016 he recognized outsider Donald Trump to unexpectedly be elected President to successfully create jobs with record employment for African Americans, Hispanics, Asian Americans, women, and youth.

In 2020 in my home state of South Carolina he inspired young conservatives for additional State Senate, State House, and a Congressional seat achieving the largest Republican majorities in 140 years. This follows Nikki Haley being elected the first female governor in 340 years and second Indian American in history with Senator Tim Scott being the South's first African American U.S. Senator.

Columbia's Morning News host Gary David is correct that there has been no one who has impacted our political culture more than Rush Limbaugh without serving in public office.

I saw firsthand the good-natured friendliness of Rush Limbaugh in 1990 when I served as his driver during his visit to Columbia for an address to the South Carolina Policy Council. He was not offended being crammed into our van with our four sons age 3 to 17 (helping inspire our son Alan to be elected America's youngest state Attorney General in 2010).

Last February 5th I was grateful to congratulate him at the Capitol following his being presented the Medal of Freedom by President Donald Trump during his historic State of the Union address. The opinion show host was clearly humbled by this deserved recognition.

It is so re-assuring that the Rush Limbaugh legacy will continue as excerpts from his broadcasts will remain on the air reinforcing how profound his love of America that are timeless.

Mr. Speaker, this week I am reintroducing the National Right-to-Work Act with over 60 original cosponsors.

I, along with over 80 percent of the American people, believe that every worker should have the power to decide whether to negotiate for themselves with their employer. This bill would simply listen to the majority of American workers.

South Carolina has seen firsthand the job creation when we protect freedoms for American workers. I was present for Michelin Tire Corp.'s groundbreaking with Governor Jim Edwards to develop their largest plant in the world. I was with Governor Carroll Campbell for the BMW groundbreaking in Greer for their largest manufacturing facility. And I was with Governor Nikki Haley to see the building of Boeing aircraft in Charleston.

Congratulations to Mark Mix, president of the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, for his success in 27 States.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Mr. Speaker, it has been estimated the Paris Accord adopted by President Joe Biden will destroy 2.7 million American jobs.

The Washington Examiner, on January 26, exposes more dangers to American families:

``President Biden's decision to rejoin the Paris climate accord immediately delivered . . . a gift to China.

``It commits the United States . . . that will entangle American businesses and jobs in new lengths of red tape, and will also probably increase electricity prices.

``China, which emits twice as much carbon each year as we do, has given the rest of the world nothing but empty promises.

``Biden is giving away the store for nothing . . . he should demand external verification of emissions data. . . .''

Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

I appreciate President Biden last night recognizing the lives lost by the Wuhan virus, joining President Trump last year, who took the first action to ban travel from China.

Madam Speaker, I would like to include in the Record the following obituary for Huey Clifton McLean.

Huey Clifton McLean

Huey Clifton McLean, 69, of Lexington passed away

Wednesday, November 4, 2020. He was born to the late Pete

Monroe and Glennie Mae McLean.

Huey proudly served in the United States Army during

Vietnam. He retired his military career with the South

Carolina National Guard.

Surviving are his wife, Rebekah McLean; son, Michael

(Jennifer) McLean; daughter, Kelly (Keith) Veidt; and

grandchildren, Ryan (Emma) Veidt, Reilly Veidt, Kenlee McLean

and Adam McLean. He is also survived by his sister, Patricia

McLean Parrish and pre-deceded in death by his brother,

Wallace Monroe McLean.

Madam Speaker, on Monday I had the opportunity to announce my 2021 Legislative Agenda by hosting with my wife Roxane, press conferences across the Second District of South Carolina in West Columbia, Aiken, North Augusta, Barnwell, with presentations in Orangeburg and Lexington. My legislative priorities for this year begin with defeating the pandemic by working with the Governor Henry McMaster to improve testing and ensure fast access to a safe vaccine. This year's agenda also focuses on creating jobs and economic growth by protecting `Right to Work' laws in South Carolina and advocating for current and future missions at the Savannah River Site.

This year more than ever before it is important to promote conservative, limited government solutions. The 2021 agenda includes supporting a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution and supporting our police. I will also continue to promote peace through strength and ensure the security of our country, strengthen alliances for information and medical resource sharing, and support military families.

In conclusion, God Bless Our Troops and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

Madam Speaker, I am grateful for the service of the Correspondence Director of the Second Congressional District, Joshua Grant. This week he is joining the office of my fellow Charlestonian, Senator Tim Scott, as a Legislative Correspondent for Finance.

Josh hails from the beautiful community of Walterboro, South Carolina, and joined the office of the Second District shortly after graduating from Benedict College, an historically Black college in Columbia, in 2016. During his time in the office, Josh continually went above and beyond and made every constituent and guest feel welcome. He instituted a small-town sense of community to Capitol Hill.

Congratulations to his parents, Joseph and Diannia Grant, as well as his siblings, Tahnee Johnson, Tiffany Gist, Lisa Grant, and Jason Grant, for raising a kind, smart, and inspired young man, a favorite of my wife, Roxanne.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

After last night, Republicans are united to stop socialism which destroys jobs.

Madam Speaker, I would like to include in the Record the following obituary for Barbara Anselmo Chifici.

Barbara Anselmo Chifici

Barbara ``Mrs. Barbara'' Anselmo Chifici, age 77, passed

away unexpectedly on January 23, 2021 due to complications

from Coronavirus at Ochsner Medical Center Kenner. A lifelong

resident of New Orleans, Barbara attended grammar school at

St. Rita Catholic School in New Orleans and graduated from

Academy of the Holy Angels. She also studied at Meadows-

Draughon Business College, Louisiana State University, Loyola

University, and the University of New Orleans. Barbara was

the owner and matriarch of the independent family-owned

restaurant group Deanie's Seafood restaurants. Barbara came

from a large extended Italian family of restaurateurs, where

she learned the rigorous demands of running and owning family

restaurants. Barbara was awarded an American Culinary

Federation New Orleans' Outstanding Foodservice Professional

Award in 2013, and had been sought to judge culinary

competitions throughout the country during her career. She

remained a fixture at the restaurants until the Coronavirus

pandemic began last spring. Barbara was an inspiration to

generations of culinarians and hospitality workers. As a

widowed mother of seven children, she created a rich life for

herself and her family around food, faith and community. Her

achievements as a woman entrepreneur reached well beyond the

expectations of her generation. She instilled a genuine sense

of hospitality, quality, family and pride into everything she

did with motherly poise and a steely determination that

launched and sustained a New Orleans seafood restaurant

institution for almost 40 years. Barbara married her late

husband Frank Chifici in 1963, and the couple operated a

catering business out of their home and later two

restaurants, Chifici's Restaurant in the Central Business

District and Gromboli's in Metairie, before purchasing

Deanie's Seafood Restaurant & Seafood Market in Bucktown in

1982. She was widowed in 1985 after Frank passed away

following an 18-month illness. The Chifici family celebrated

38 years as owners and operators of Deanie's Seafood in April

2020. Known for serving up overflowing fried seafood platters

and boiled Louisiana seafood, Deanie's became a local

favorite that garnered national attention. The restaurant was

recognized year after year among New Orleans' best seafood

restaurants and featured on numerous Travel Channel and Food

Network programs. In 2001, she opened the second Deanie's

Seafood restaurant located at the corner of Iberville and

Dauphine streets in the French Quarter. Deanie's Sea Food

Kitchen, located at 2200 Magazine St. in Uptown New Orleans,

opened in 2018. In her later years, as her adult children

involved the day-to-day management of the restaurants, she

sought ways to champion the values and people she loved.

Barbara created Pinchapalooza in 2009, an outdoor crawfish

and music festival at Deanie's in Bucktown benefiting local

charities that was celebrated for 10 years. She had a large

holiday display at her home that later was showcased in

windows of the former D.H. Holmes Department Store Annex that

housed her French Quarter restaurant, where she also

introduced an annual Santa's breakfast and holiday sing-along

series offered from 2013 through 2019. She enjoyed travel,

dining, cruises, cooking and had season tickets for the New

Orleans Saints and local theater. Barbara also had a

successful real estate business for over 40 years. She was

past president and a longtime member of the Elenian Club of

New Orleans, a philanthropic group of women of italian

descent. She served in numerous officer positions for the St.

Mary Magdalen Mothers' Club and the Archbishop Rummel High

School Parents' Club, including vice president. Barbara was

preceded in death by her parents Olga Eve Cazes Anselmo and

Vincent Anselmo, and her loving husband, Frank Angelo

Chifici. She is survived by her brothers Robert Vincent

Anselmo (Marlee Early Anselmo) and Dale Anthony Anselmo, her

sister in law Virginia Chifici Tedesco and seven children,

Mark David Chifici (Joan Dardis Chifici), Darren Frank

Chifici (Chasidy Fonseca), Eric John Chifici (Christina Haley

Chifici), Keith Vincent Chifici (Renee Gascon Chifici),

Garrett Paul Chifici (Candice Schloegel Chifici), Chandra Eve

Chifici-Scarber (Richard Scarber) and Candace Ann Chifici

(Douglas Farrington). She also adored her 12 grandchildren:

Dillon, Erica, Alaina, Olivia, Nicholas, Therese, Sophia,

Vito, Vincent, Dominic, Vivienne and Giovanni along with a

huge extended family who admired her dedication and

hospitality to everyone she encountered. Relatives and

friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass at St.

Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 105 Bonnabel Blvd.,

Metairie, LA 70005, on Friday, January 29, 2021 at 1:00 pm.

Reception will follow at the Msgr. Melancon Center.

Visitation will be Friday at 10:00 am. A private service will

be held for her interment in Lake Lawn Park. In lieu of usual

remembrances, donations may be made to Angels' Place of New

Orleans, 4323 Division St., Suite 206, Metairie, LA 70002 and

Ronald McDonald House, 4403 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70119.

The Mass will be live streamed on Youtube. Details are

available at www.scschurch.com and will be posted to Deanie's

Facebook page.

Madam Speaker, Lexington Medical Center celebrated its 50th anniversary in January 2021.

From starting as a small community hospital in 1971 to becoming the anchor of a modern medical complex today, the hospital's mission is to provide quality health services that meet the needs of the community.

In 1966, voters approved a referendum for the hospital, creating the biggest development project ever in Lexington County. A gracious donation of more than 22 acres of land from the Hulon family provided the site in West Columbia.

On January 6, 1971, Lexington County Hospital, as it was first called, a four-story building a fraction of the size of the hospital today, opened. There were 125 beds and 250 employees.

Over the years, Lexington Medical Center has emerged as a leader in health care. It grew steadily into a large health care organization with a wide variety of services.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Lexington Medical Center pioneered community medical centers throughout Lexington County, created the Lexington Medical Center Foundation, began operating a skilled nursing facility and Alzheimer's care center, and established a physician network with a variety of medical specialties.

In the early 2000s, Lexington Medical Center added a new tower to its campus along with medical office buildings.

In 2012, Lexington Medical Center began providing a full range of heart services including open heart surgery and therapeutic cardiac catheterizations. Since then, Lexington Medical Center's heart program has established itself as a national leader in cardiac care, earning a three-star rating--the highest rating possible--from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons, and becoming one of only 30 hospitals in the United States to receive a HeartCARETM Center National Distinction of Excellence from the American College of Cardiology.

In 2019, Lexington Medical Center completed the largest hospital expansion in South Carolina history when it opened its new patient care tower.

Today, Lexington Medical Center has 557 beds, four community medical centers, 70 physician practices and more than 7,000 employees. The network also has an occupational health center and the largest skilled nursing facility in the Carolinas. Lexington Medical Center operates one of the busiest Emergency departments in South Carolina, treating nearly 90,000 patients each year. The hospital delivers approximately 4,000 babies each year, performs more than 27,000 surgeries and has more than 1,000,000 physician office visits.

Lexington Medical Center has received local and national awards for its outstanding patient care.

As the only locally owned, independent hospital in the Midlands, Lexington Medical Center strives to offer the most outstanding care to our families, friends and neighbors now and in the future.

Madam Speaker, I missed votes due to having been diagnosed with COVID-19. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 245; YEA on Roll Call No. 246; NAY on Roll Call No. 247; NAY on Roll Call No. 248; NAY on Roll Call No. 249; NAY on Roll Call No. 250; and NAY on Roll Call No. 251.

Madam Speaker, South Carolina cherishes the service of Joyce C. Hearn who was devoted to the citizens of South Carolina. She served as the Campaign Manager for the late Chairman Congressman Floyd Spence and was crucial in building the new Republican Party with no elected Republicans, which in 2020 established the largest Republican majorities at all levels of government in 140 years.

Joyce C. Hearn

[Jan. 20, 2021]

Columbia, South Carolina.--A family only graveside service

for Joyce C. Hearn will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January

31, 2021, at Elmwood Cemetery. There will also be a

livestream of the service on Dunbar Funeral Home--Devine's

Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DunbarDevine.

The Honorable Joyce C. Hearn died Wednesday. January 20,

2021. Born in Cedartown, Georgia, she was the daughter of the

late J.C. Camp and Carolyn Carter Camp. At age 16, she

enrolled at West Georgia College, where she met her future

husband, Thomas H. Hearn. She transferred to the University

of Georgia and graduated with a Bachelors in Education from

Ohio State University. After graduation, they moved to

Columbia, South Carolina, where she taught at Eau Claire High

School.

She was most proud of her service to the people of South

Carolina. She entered public life working with the 1970

Census, rising through the ranks to become both North and

South Carolina's Director of the U.S. Census. She was active

in the S. C. Republican Party until her retirement in 2015,

working tirelessly to elect Republicans. She championed every

Republican presidential candidate from Barry Goldwater to

George W. Bush.

She was involved in every aspect of elective life. She

began as a party volunteer in Richland County; by 1972, she

was Chair of the Richland County Republican Party. From there

she went into elective office, representing District 76 in

the South Carolina Legislature from 1975 to 1990. In her

first race, she was described by The State newspaper as a

``housewife'' who was just running as a placeholder until a

real candidate could be found. But she was never a

placeholder. In subsequent elections, The State described her

victories as ``landslides'' or once, when she had a 40% lead

over a local attorney, an ``earthquake.''

For years, Representative Hearn was the only woman in the

S. C. Legislature, but she was always a force that could not

be overlooked. Well respected by her peers, she was named

assistant minority leader from 1976 to 1978 and 1987-1989.

From that position she worked tirelessly to protect the

rights of crime victims. Her work to expand the prosecution

of rape to include degrees of criminal sexual assault has

changed the way the South Carolina public views rape, giving

hope to all victims of domestic violence.

In 1990, Gov. Carroll Campbell appointed Representative

Hearn to be Chairman of the Alcoholic Beverage Control

Commission. Afterwards, at a time when many of her colleagues

were retiring, she began a second career in public relations

with her own company Hearn & Associates, until her final

retirement in 2014.

She was a woman of many interests. She was a founder of the

National Order of Women Legislators, which to this day

provides a national forum for women's networking across all

state legislatures. In 1979, Gov. Edwards awarded her the

Order of the Palmetto for her many contributions to South

Carolina. She was active in many diverse organizations, such

as the Boards of the Columbia Urban League, the Federation of

the Blind, Columbia College, and many others.

She also served on the board of the Columbia Museum. Many

associations named her Legislator of the Year; the

Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse, the S.C. Association

of Disabled Citizens, and the S.C. Committee on Sexual

Assault, to name a few. She received the 1985 Mothers Against

Drunk Driving Distinguished Service Award for her work

regarding Open Containers and raising the drinking age to 21.

Representative Hearn served as chairman of the National

Advisory Commission on Occupational Safety and Health.

First and foremost, she loved her family; she was a devoted

mother and grandmother, always there in time of need. She

also loved golfing at Fripp Island (she was an avid fan of

Tiger Woods) and playing Bridge with her friends. She was a

jokester and highly competitive, making every game fun for

all. She was a winner at everything she did.

Representative Hearn was a member of Kathwood Baptist

Church and a Sunday school regular.

Surviving are her daughters, Terri Hearn Bailey (Joseph

Stan), Kimberly H. Johnson of Columbia, and C. Lee Hearn

Becker (Karl) of Manassas, VA. She has six grandchildren,

Carter Reston Potts, Joyce Carolyn ``Josie'' Bailey (Sudesh

Kalyanswamy), Ruth Elisabeth ``Lisa'' Bailey, and Sarah Hearn

Bailey, as well as Jason Thomas Becker and Daniel Gustav

Becker. She was so looking forward to Sarah's upcoming

marriage to Christopher Michael Siercks on February 13. In

addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband,

Thomas Harry Hearn.

Memorials may be made to Kathwood Baptist Church, 4900

Trenholm Rd., Columbia, SC 29206. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine

Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be

shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.

Madam Speaker, South Carolina has lost a Favorite Son with the tragic death of Richard Tyler Hook, age 25. His obituary clearly explains his extraordinary accomplishments and his beloved appreciation by all who knew him. The Wilson Family will always treasure his loyalty and devotion.

Richard Tyler Hook

[Jan. 20, 2021]

Lexington, South Carolina.--Richard Tyler Hook, the son of

Richard and Kristin (Wingard) Hook, passed away on January

20, 2021. Tyler was born and raised in Lexington, South

Carolina and leaves a far-flung community of family and

friends who will remember his rare talent to be both the

``life of the party'' as well as one of the most thoughtful

and considerate people you could find.

Upon graduating from Lexington High School. Tyler attended

Newberry College, where he was a two-term President of his

fraternity, Kappa Alpha Order. A well-loved figure on the

campus. Tyler was also voted Kappa Delta sorority's ``Beau,''

and he fondly recalled his years at Newberry College as some

of the best years in his life. He graduated from Newberry

College in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Business

Administration and Digital Marketing.

After graduation, Tyler served as a staffer for various

campaigns, including campaign staffer for the Republican

Party of Virginia, the campaign to re-elect S.C. Attorney

General Alan Wilson, and the campaign manager of the

Christian Stegmaier S.C. Senate campaign. Tyler then served

former Virginia House Delegate Ben Cline's successful

congressional bid for the 6th Congressional District of

Virginia, where he was instrumental in leading the campaign

to a first term congressional victory. He went on to work on

the staff of U.S. Representative Ben Cline of Virginia in

Washington D.C. A budding politico, Tyler graduated from The

George Washington University in 2020 with a Master of Arts in

Media and Strategic Communication.

When he was not out on the campaign trail or roaming the

halls of the Capitol, one could find Tyler on the golf

course, or with his family at Williams-Brice Stadium cheering

on the Gamecocks. From a young age, Tyler's family encouraged

his natural curiosity through travel. Tyler's family trips

took him all over the country and to many sites, including

many museums up and down the east coast and Europe. He had a

love of music. When he was six-years old, he experienced his

first concert with his parents attending a Madonna concert in

Boston. After his high-school graduation, Tyler traveled

throughout Europe with his aunt Gwyn Wingard, where he saw

the Rolling Stones in concert and fell in love with Scotland

and all things Scottish. His Aunt Gwyn has fond memories of

Tyler charming the ladies on his tour across Great Britain.

However far his travels and work took him, Tyler remained

incredibly close to his family, from whom he learned how to

make sweet tea and pork chops the ``right way'' like a true

Southerner.

Tyler's family and friends recall an uncommonly generous

and kind young man whose gift of wit charmed all who knew

him. He is survived by his parents, Richard and Kristin

Hook; grandmother, Margie Hook; aunt, Gwyn Wingard; aunt,

Myra (Karl) Kinard; uncle, Norman (Virginia) Hook; cousins,

Ashley Chandler and Tradd Hook.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Phillip Kirton

Wingard, Sr., Nancy Carroll Fox, Bethea Hook; uncle, Phillip

``Kirt'' Kirton Wingard, Jr.; great-grandmothers, Gladys

Kirton Wingard, Lillie Virginia Fox, and grandfather, Sam

Fox.

A service in celebration of Tyler's life will be held

Saturday, January 30, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Stephen's

Lutheran Church followed by interment in the church cemetery.

Social distancing protocols will be observed and masks are

required at both the service and graveside. The service and

interment may be viewed via livestreaming on Caughman-Harman

Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel's Facebook page. Memorials may

be made to St. Stephen's Church and Newberry College.

The family wishes to thank all those who have offered their

expressions of love, condolences, and prayers at

www.caughmanlexington.com.

Madam Speaker, I would like to include in the Record the following obituary for Keith E. Freeland.

With deep sorrow we pronounce the passing of Keith E.

Freeland of Lewiston, NY on Friday, January 1, 2021. He

passed away peacefully at the age of 67. Born in Niagara

Falls, NY, he was the son of the late Edward C. and Norma E.

(Klipfel) Freeland. He was raised along with his three

sisters in Ransomville, NY. Keith married Christine A.

(Covatta) Freeland in Lewiston, NY on October 18, 1975 and

was a devoted and loving husband for 45 years.

Keith attended Lewiston-Porter High School and graduated

from Buffalo State College with a degree in business

education. He ultimately pursued his life-long career in

manufacturing and sales, founding Package Design and Supply

in 1995. Viewed as a kind, selfless and devoted leader, he

demonstrated unwavering loyalty and compassion to all of his

beloved employees and colleagues.

Keith not only excelled in his career but he was devoted to

several hobbies. Boating was his ultimate passion and anytime

the sun was shining in the summer you could find him at the

boat docks in Lewiston or cruising along the Lower Niagara

River. He was fervent about the community of friends who

shared his desire for being on the water; often traveling and

seeking new adventures each summer. Keith was a dedicated

board member of the Youngstown Yacht Club aiding in annual

fundraising events. He also enjoyed vintage car restoration,

proudly displaying vehicles he worked so tirelessly on at

various local shows. Keith found solace in meticulously

maintaining his yard in Thornwood Forest and working

diligently on various projects around the home he so

cherished. He was an avid Buffalo sports fan and longtime

season ticket holder for his beloved Bills and Sabres, for

whom he shared in the joys and sorrows with his two sons.

Above all, Keith cared about family and he would stop at

nothing to be there for them. He instilled in them the value

of hard work, honesty, loyalty and simply to be thankful and

appreciative. In addition to his wife of 45 years, Keith is

survived by his children, Dr. Erik Freeland, Jeffrey

Freeland, and Julie Freeland; his siblings, Kathy (late Dr.

F. Craig) Fisher of Chicago, IL and Jane (Greg) DiPietro of

League City, TX. He was predeceased by his sister, Linda

(James) Giardino of Scottsdale, AZ. He is also survived by

numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends

Madam Speaker, American Families have been blessed the last four years with the service of First Lady Melania Trump.

She is a native of Slovenia, a beautiful new nation liberated by the American Victory in the Cold War inspired by Ronald Reagan, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, Pope John Paul II of Poland

Madam Speaker, I include in the Record the Farewell Message of First Lady Melania Trump of January 18, 2021, which is to be treasured.

My fellow Americans, it has been the greatest honor of my

life to serve as First Lady of the United States.

I have been inspired by incredible Americans across our

country who lift up our communities through their kindness

and courage, goodness and grace.

The past four years have been unforgettable. As Donald and

I conclude our time in the White House, I think of all the

people I have taken home in my heart and their incredible

stories of love, patriotism, and determination.

I see the faces of brave young soldiers who have told me

with pride in their eyes how much they love serving this

country. To every service member and to our incredible

military families: You are heroes, and you will always be in

my thoughts and prayers.

I think of all the members of law enforcement who greet us

wherever we go. At every hour of every day, they stand guard

to keep our communities safe, and we are forever in their

debt.

I have been moved by children I have visited in hospitals

and foster care centers. Even as they fight difficult

illnesses or face challenges, they bring such a joy to

everyone they meet.

I remember the mothers who have battled the disease of

Opioid addiction, and have overcome incredible hardships for

love of their children.

I have been inspired by the devoted caregivers for babies

born with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome, and communities that

give these children the support and care they need to grow.

When I think about these meaningful experiences, I am

humbled to have had the opportunity to represent a nation

with such kind and generous people.

As the world continues to confront the COVID-19 pandemic, I

thank all the nurses, doctors, healthcare professionals,

manufacturing workers, truck drivers, and so many others who

are working to save lives.

We grieve for the families who have lost a loved one due to

the pandemic.

Every life is precious, and I ask all Americans to use

caution and common sense to protect the vulnerable as

millions of vaccines are now being delivered.

In the midst of this hardship, we have seen the best of

America shine through. Students have made cards and delivered

groceries to our Senior Citizens. Teachers have worked twice

as hard to keep our children learning.

Families have come together to provide meals, supplies,

comfort and friendship to those in need.

Be passionate in everything you do but always remember that

violence is never the answer and will never be justified.

When I came to the White House, I reflected on the

responsibility I have always felt as a mother to encourage,

give strength, and teach values of kindness. It is our duty

as adults and parents to ensure that children have the best

opportunities to lead fulfilling and healthy lives.

The passion for helping children succeed would drive my

policy initiative as First Lady.

I launched Be Best to ensure that we as Americans are doing

everything we can to take care of the next generation. Be

Best has concentrated on three pillars: well-being, online

safety, and opioid abuse.

In a few short years, I have raised awareness of how to

keep children safe online; we have made incredible progress

on our nation's drug epidemic and how it impacts the lives of

newborns and families, and we have given a voice to our most

vulnerable children in the foster care system.

Internationally, Be Best has evolved into a platform that

encourages world leaders to discuss issues impacting the

lives of children and allows them to share solutions. It has

been an honor to represent the American people abroad. I

treasure each of my experiences and the inspiring people I

have met along the way.

As I say farewell to my role as First Lady, it is my

sincere hope that every American will do their part to teach

our children what it means to Be Best. I ask parents to

educate your children about the courageous and selfless

heroes who worked and sacrificed to make this country the

land of the free. And to lead by example and care for others

in your community.

The promise of this Nation belongs to all of us. Do not

lose sight of your integrity and values. Use every

opportunity to show consideration for another person and

build good habits into your daily lives.

In all circumstances, I ask every American to be an

ambassador of Be Best. To focus on what unites us. To rise

above what divides us. To always choose love over hatred,

peace over violence, and others before yourself.

Together, as one national family, we can continue to be the

light of hope for future generations and carry on America's

legacy of raising our nation to greater heights through our

spirit of courage, goodness and faith.

No words can express the depth of my gratitude for the

privilege of having served as your First Lady.

To all the people of this country: You will be in my heart

forever.

Thank you. God bless you, and God bless the United States

of America.

Madam speaker, I was grateful to represent South Carolina's Second Congressional District at yesterday's inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris and to join my colleagues to witness this historic event.

I appreciate the Capitol Police, National Guard, Secret Service, and all law enforcement officers who worked to ensure our security and a peaceful transition of power. The South Carolina National Army National Guard was ably led by Colonel Edward Cloyd including Second District Congressional Office District Director 1Lt. Alex Morris.

Moving forward, it's time to keep working toward what is best for the country. Americans still need a way out of this Wuhan pandemic, job growth, and continued support for our men and women in uniform. Having traveled with Senator Biden on delegations to Iraq and Belgium, I know firsthand he can seek unity.

Best wishes Congresswoman-Elect Claudia Tenney, fighting for a fair election. In conclusion, God Bless our Troops, and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

Madam Speaker, I appreciate Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Robert Wilkie for his service to our country. Last Thursday, the VA shared a review by Secretary Wilkie, discussing recent accomplishments. Wilkie writes that,

``. . . over the last few years, VA was reborn. Today our approval rating stands at about 90 percent for health care, and among our fastest growing population--women--we have an 86 percent approval rating.

``Recent studies show VA measures up to the private sector on access and quality. Veterans liked what they saw and started voting with their feet. VA completed a record number of appointments in fiscal year 2019--59 million--the same year the MlSSION Act took effect. The more Veterans we served, the more Veterans trusted us. Trust in VA care hit a record high in April 2020.

``VA achieved what all the experts in Washington said was impossible by rolling out a modernized health record that will make it easier than ever for health professionals to access Veterans' medical history.''