Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, South Carolinians are celebrating the life and achievements of Moffatt Burriss, Sr., who passed away last week at the age of 99.

He should always be remembered for his valiant service in the Army, liberating Europe during World War II. This was chronicled in his autobiography, ``Strike and Hold.'' His heroism led to the capture of the Nijmegen bridge in the Netherlands. It is the basis of the movie, ``A Bridge Too Far.''

Upon his return, he established an extraordinary family, business success, and, as the first State house caucus leader, was a pioneer in developing the modern Republican majority in South Carolina.

My wife, Roxanne, and I offer our deepest sympathy to the Burriss family.

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

Madam Speaker, America is grateful for our alliance with Finland, a loyal NATO partner, to promote regional security.

Finnish Defense Minister Jussi Niinisto wrote an article in Defense News reviewing our partnership:

``Today, the Finnish Defence Forces are more capable and more interoperable than they have ever been. That makes [Finland] effective in looking after our own security and a solid partner for other EU member states and NATO countries.

``During my time as the minister of defense of Finland, we have taken other steps to strengthen the trans-Atlantic link. A prime example is our bilateral defense relationship with the

United States. In October 2016, we signed our bilateral statement of intent on defense cooperation. This was later followed by a trilateral statement of intent between Finland, Sweden, and the United States in May 2018.''

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

Madam Speaker, as co-chair of the European Union Caucus, I appreciate the EU has imposed sanctions on Iran for the first time in 3 years. Following the numerous plots against Iranian opposition leaders in Europe, the EU added two Iranians and a unit of the Iranian intelligence services to its terror list.

Iran has used its diplomatic facilities to plot attacks against its critics for decades. France concluded that Iran was behind a planned bombing attack on the Iranian opposition rally group in Paris last year. Germany arrested and expelled a high-ranking diplomat suspected of transporting explosives over the summer. The list of plots is endless, threatening European families.

The new sanctions are a good start, but more can and must be done. The EU should work hand-in-hand with America to hold Iran accountable for its promotion of terrorism throughout the world.

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

Madam Speaker, I was grateful last month to visit one of the privatized hotels of the Army at Fort Jackson, managed by the InterContinental Hotels Group.

IHG has worked to revitalize Army lodging to provide improved facilities for Army travelers and their families by supporting 40 major installations globally. Significant progress has been made under the leadership of President Donald Trump.

Many of the 370,000 guests and family members of basic combat training graduates who come to Fort Jackson are served every year by these hotels. More than 1 million guests have stayed at the Holiday Inn Express at Fort Jackson since 2013. This has saved $84 million and employs 100 personnel directed by Chuck Sourbeer.

I support reforms for servicemembers and their families to have the same world-class hospitality experience that Fort Jackson provides.

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

Mr. Speaker, South Carolinians today will celebrate the inauguration of Governor Henry McMaster, Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evette, and Attorney General Alan Wilson, along with all of our other constitutional officers.

After serving 2 years as Governor succeeding Governor Nikki Haley, Henry McMaster enters his first full term. He has dedicated his life to serving our citizens. Best wishes to Henry, First Lady Peggy, and their two children, Henry, Jr., and Mary Rodgers.

The Governor's running mate, Pamela Evette, is a successful business leader to serve as Lieutenant Governor. Her husband, David, and children, Amanda, Joseph, and Jackson, will make a positive difference.

Our oldest son, Alan, was sworn in for a third term today after becoming the youngest attorney general in the Nation in 2011. Our family is very grateful for his and his wife Jennifer's success, with our grandchildren, Michael and Anna Grace.

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

Madam Speaker, beginning with Gov. Henry McMaster lowering flags across South Carolina, tributes are being made to honor the memory of T. Moffatt Burriss, Sr., who is an American War Hero, business leader, pioneer of the modern Republican Party, and devoted Family Man. I include in the Record the obituary from The State on January 6, 2019:

Thomas Burriss Sr.

Chapin SC.--Thomas Moffatt Burriss, Sr. passed away on

January 4, 2019 at the age of 99. He was born in Anderson,

SC, on Sept. 22, 1919, to Frank Judson Burriss and Frances

Moffatt. He had two siblings, Frank J. Burriss, and Jean

Burriss Wattley, both now deceased.

Upon graduating from Clemson College in 1941, he moved to

Orangeburg and taught physics and science at Orangeburg High,

where he met his future wife, Louisa Righton Hay, of

Morristown, Tennessee.

When the war broke out on December 7, 1941, Moffatt was

called into the service at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he

volunteered for paratrooper training school. While on a two

week leave, he and Louisa were married on June 22, 1942, in

Morristown, IN., by Louisa's father, a Presbyterian minister.

In May, 1943, Moffatt's unit was ordered to North Africa to

prepare for the invasion of Europe and would not see his wife

again for two and a half years. Moffatt was involved in

almost every major World War II European battle including

Sicily, Italy, Holland, and Belgium.

In Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands, Burriss's

company was the lead company in the famous Waal River

Crossing and the capture of the Nijmegen Bridge. As a company

commander, Captain Burriss's part in the battle was portrayed

in the movie A Bridge Too Far.

For his service during the war, he received the Silver

Star, three Bronze Stars, and Combat ``V'' for valor, the

Purple Heart, three Presidential Unit Citations, French

Fourragere, Belgium Fourragere, and the Dutch Lanyard.

After the war, Moffatt and Louisa moved to Columbia where

he taught school for a few years and then went into the

construction business.

In 1970, Moffatt and his three sons formed Burriss

Construction Company which was involved in major construction

projects throughout the southeast. He was active in numerous

civic and business organizations including the Executives

Association of Greater Columbia (EAGC) of which he was

president in 1964-65, a Board Member of Lions Club,

Presbyterian Home of SC, Medical Missions, SC Lottery

Commission, and as Executive Director of the Business and

Industry Political Action Committee (BIPEC). Moffatt was a

founding member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church where he

served as a ruling Elder.

In 1976, he was elected to the S.C. House of

Representatives where he served until he retired in 1991. He

was elected minority leader for nine of those years where he

was instrumental in building the present day Republican

Party. In 1989, he received the ``Order of the Palmetto''

from Governor Carroll Campbell.

In 2000, inspired and persuaded by his children, Moffatt

documented his war experiences by writing the book Strike and

Hold, a memoir of the 82nd Airborne in World War II.

In 2009, Moffatt was invited to Holland to participate in

the 65th Anniversary of Operation Market Garden in Nijmegen.

At the ceremony Mr. Burriss was recognized by the Queen of

Holland and the Mayor of Nijmegen and awarded the Nijmegen

Medal of Honor for his part in capturing the Nijmegen Bridge

in 1944. Mr. Burriss celebrated his 90th birthday by once

again parachuting at the original WWII battle site in

Holland.

Over the years, Moffatt and Louisa built their vacation

home at their beloved Lake Dogwood in Eastover, where he

enjoyed fishing in the lake. They also enjoyed vacations in

Montreat, N.C., where, even in his nineties, Moffatt helped

each of his four children build their own vacation homes.

In the early 70's, Moffatt faced the toughest battle of his

life when Louisa was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's

Disease. He courageously cared for her until her death in

1986. Moffatt was later blessed to marry Jean Wheelwright

Dooley, who had four grown children of her own, Richard,

John, Mary, and Michael. Jean died in 2010. He is survived by

his three sons and one daughter, John Hay Burriss (Becca),

Moffatt Burriss Jr. (Suzanne), Francis Burriss (Nancy), and

Louisa ``Weesa'' Burriss (Bob Toomey); twelve grandchildren,

Catherine Tuttle, John Burriss, Jr., Louisa Adam (Brian),

Elizabeth Teal (Bart), Alle Denny (Chris), Lisa Thornton

(Brian), Philip Prescott, Rich Prescott, Moffatt Prescott,

Rachel Burriss, Thomas Burriss III, and David Burriss

(Rebecca); and ten great-grandchildren, all who are grateful

and humbled to have shared the life of this honorable

gentleman.

The family would like to thank the staff at Lowman Home and

Lutheran Hospice for their compassionate care of Mr. Burriss

during his last two months.

A memorial service will be held at Lake Murray Presbyterian

Church, in Chapin, on Sunday, January 13, at 3:00. The family

will receive visitors at the church at the conclusion of the

service. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is

assisting the family. Memorials may be made to Lake Murray

Presbyterian Church, 2721 Dutch Fork Road, Chapin, SC 29063.

Memories and condolences may be shared at

ShivesFuneralHome.com.

Madam Speaker, yesterday, I hosted press conferences for a 2019 agenda in the Midlands, Aiken, and Barnwell with my wife, Roxanne.

I am grateful for the 2018 successes of serving as Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee chairman to rebuild the military, leading the House delegation to open the Embassy in Jerusalem, and tax cuts creating jobs with record-high middle-class income.

In 2019, I will work to create jobs and economic growth, support conservative alternatives, achieve foreign affairs opportunities, and promote our military and veterans. Building on bipartisan successes, I am confident this year we can be productive for American families.

Congratulations to the Clemson Tigers for their victory for the national championship. Coach Dabo Swinney and Quarterback Trevor Lawrence are an inspiration for the youth of America.

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

Madam Speaker, 2019 marks the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Poland and the United States.

As praised by Ambassador Piotr Wilczek:

It has been a century of solidarity, understanding, but

most of all friendship. Our bond is stronger than ever, and

we look forward to the next 100 years to come.

In 1795, imperial Russia and Prussia occupied the Polish nation, ending its official existence for 123 years.

The Washington Times recounted:

In 1918, the Versailles Conference restored an independent

Polish state. Freedom was lost once more in 1939 as Nazi

Germany invaded from the west and Soviet Russia from the

east. Subjugation continued until 1989, with the end of the

Soviet-backed communist rule.

Free and democratic Poland today is a valued member of NATO and the European Union.

Poland has achieved 25 years of uninterrupted economic growth, now continued by President Andrzej Duda.

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

Mr. Speaker, The Wall Street Journal last week reported that the ``Baghdad Blast Walls Come Down.'' It explained that ``the Iraqi Government marked the first anniversary of the Islamic State's defeat Monday by reopening parts of Baghdad's Green Zone.'' Iraqi forces, along with support from the U.S.-led alliance, reclaimed the last of Islamic State territory last December.

The article notes that ``the changes at the Green Zone reflect declining violence across Iraq that is particularly tangible in Baghdad, and further states that: ``Over 1,000 streets in Baghdad have been reopened during the past 2 years, with 70,000 segments of concrete blast wall removed. The number of civilians killed across Iraq by terrorism, violence, and armed conflict in November fell to its lowest level in 6 years, according to the United Nations.''

As a grateful dad who has had two of my four military sons serve in Iraq, I am particularly happy for the Iraqi people.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the dedicated staff work of Major Jonathan Grabill, who served as a military fellow, and Drew Nickels, who served as a foreign policy fellow, in the office of the Second District.

Major Grabill has had a distinguished career in the Army for more than 16 years. He provided key insight in developing the National Defense Authorization Act. He has been deployed to Germany, Iraq, and Kuwait. His background has been vital to reverse the decline of readiness in our military.

A leader on foreign policy issues, Mr. Nickels has worked tirelessly to develop legislation for the Foreign Affairs Committee. He previously served as intelligence briefer for two Secretaries of Energy. Before that, he was an intelligence analyst with the Foreign Nuclear Programs Division at DOE.

Mr. Speaker, their service will always be appreciated, with congratulations for being members of the Wilson team.

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

Our sympathy to the family of Diane Wells; her husband, Joey; and children Eli, Maya, and Emma.

Mr. Speaker, an extraordinary tribute for President George H.W. Bush was published by Krishnadev Calamur in The Atlantic: ``Had George Herbert Walker Bush never become the 41st President of the United States, he would still be remembered as one of the great Americans of the 20th century. . . .

``But it was his one-term presidency, from 1989 to 1993, that had a monumental impact on the world. Ronald Reagan, his predecessor, uttered the famous words: `Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall,' yet it was Bush who presided over its orderly dismantling.

``Bush oversaw the collapse of the Soviet Union, the end of the Cold War, the birth of the post-Soviet republics, and the West's outreach to former members of the Warsaw Pact.''

In my service in Congress, I have seen firsthand the expansion of freedom and democracy. Today the largest number of nations in world history are free and democratic, from Bulgaria to Lithuania, inspired by President George H.W. Bush.

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

Mr. Speaker, the ongoing malicious and provocative construction by Hezbollah of attack tunnels along the Israeli northern border have intensified. This puts innocent lives in critical danger, requiring Israel to destroy the tunnels located on Israeli territory. The world should condemn Hezbollah, a murderous terrorist organization, for infiltration designed to kidnap Israeli citizens.

The message of National Security Advisor John Bolton is clear to ``call on Hezbollah to stop its tunneling into Israel.''

This major aggression by the Iranian-backed terrorists has also moved the Trump administration to impose greater sanctions on the terrorist group and to encourage all nations to stand up against the Iranian malign behavior.

The Hezbollah attack tunnels are a blatant violation of Israeli sovereignty and a violation of U.N. Security Council Resolutions 1559 and 1701, which call for the disarmament of all nonstate militias and a verified demilitarized zone in southern Lebanon.

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

Mr. Speaker, as an opponent of the failed Iran deal, I am grateful that President Donald Trump and his administration remain focused on combating the dangerous conduct of Iran.

Iran's aggression has only increased with the windfall of newly accessible funds from the Iran deal. They have used the funding to upgrade missile technology, force terrorism worldwide, and fuel conflict around the Middle East.

Last week, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin announced that Iran had developed an Iran-Russia network to send oil to Syria. This oil is then used to fund murderous terrorist organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas. Sigal Mandelker, the Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, explained: ``The Iranian regime continues to prioritize spending money on fomenting terror over supporting its own people.''

President Trump has made the correct decision to impose sanctions on individuals related to this scheme, as he continues to fulfill ``promises made, promises kept.''

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

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for the recent opening of the Aiken Scholars Academy, an academic school of excellence that offers students an engaging educational experience. It is the result of a partnership between the University of South Carolina Aiken and Aiken County Public School District.

Aiken Scholars Academy, led by Principal Martha Messick, is one of only 1,500 schools worldwide to implement the Advanced Placement Capstone diploma program. This is an innovative program that provides students the opportunity to develop skills for college success, including research, collaboration, and communication.

The curriculum was developed with feedback from higher education faculty and college admission officers. At the Aiken Scholars Academy, teachers have the flexibility to cover local, regional, national, and global topics relevant to their students, with a wide variety of themes. This provides for effective collaboration and innovation welcomed by Chancellor Sandra Jordan.

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

Mr. Speaker, the administration of President Donald Trump should be appreciated for promoting religious freedom.

This summer, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hosted the first ever international ministerial on religious freedom. Representatives from 88 countries attended to review the harsh realities confronting religious minorities around the globe.

The clearest message of all throughout the ministerial is that the United States unequivocally stands for religious liberty.

I am grateful that Ambassador Nikki Haley emphatically addressed the U.N. Security Council about the human rights crisis against the ethnic and religious minority Rohingya of Burma, as well as the minority Christians in Burma. After President Barack Obama lifted sanctions on Burma, the Burmese military has been targeting religious minorities, resulting in the creation of the world's largest ever refugee camp of 1.1 million people in Bangladesh.

Secretary Pompeo and Ambassador Haley deserve thanks for shining a light on this tremendous evil in Burma.

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