Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 12 o'clock and 10 minutes p.m.), the House adjourned until tomorrow, Friday, November 16, 2018, at 9 a.m.

Mr. Speaker, this weekend, the world recognized the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, which ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918.

As a 31-year veteran, son of a Flying Tiger, and father of four sons who have served in the military overseas, I have a personal appreciation for servicemembers and families. South Carolina has a long history of patriotic military service, including in World War I. Our State is grateful that eight South Carolinians received the Congressional

Medal of Honor, which was bestowed upon only 78 veterans for the Nation during the war.

I appreciate representing Fort Jackson, which was created in 1917 as the United States entered the Great War. Each time I meet our soldiers, I am so impressed by their professionalism of the troops and their leadership.

Let us never forget the sacrifices to preserve America while liberating occupied allies. Freedom is not free.

I thank VA representatives Lee Becker and Brendon Gehrke for the commemorative pin.

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

Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere gratitude and appreciation that I have the opportunity to recognize Taylor Andreae, former deputy chief of staff for South Carolina's Second Congressional District. I will always appreciate Taylor for his years of service on behalf of the people of South Carolina.

Taylor is a graduate of Wake Forest University and is a recent graduate of the United States Army War College, where he received a master's degree in strategic studies and national security policy studies.

Taylor worked on a wide array of issues, specializing in armed services, national security, and foreign affairs. Beginning as a military legislative assistant in 2014, it has been an honor to work with such a dedicated public servant who began his service with Senator Lindsey Graham.

Taylor will continue his service as chief of staff for Representative Mike Gallagher. I know his parents, Jane and Chip, are grateful for his success, as both have been congressional staff members, with Chip being former chief of staff for Senator Richard Lugar from Indiana.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Our prayers for the victims of the wildfires in California.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to congratulate Teresa Haas on her retirement as Director of Government and Community Relations at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions.

Ms. Haas' career at SRS has spanned close to 28 years. Prior to SRS; she managed political campaigns and worked on Capitol Hill as chief of staff and legislative director for members of the U.S. Congress. Her service with U.S. Congressman Tommy Hartnett of Charleston will always be appreciated.

Ms. Haas is Chair of the Aiken County Commission on Higher Education; Past Chair of the Greater Aiken Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors (first woman chair); is a past member of the Aiken County United Way Campaign Cabinet; and former board member of the Aiken Center for the Arts. She is a member of Aiken's First Baptist Church and a graduate of Clemson University, where she serves on the Clemson Board of Visitors. Teresa and her husband Dale reside in Aiken. Godspeed for a productive and meaningful retirement.

Mr. Speaker, the following thoughtful obituary was published on September 26, 2018:

Kyle Alan Ziegler, age 59, went home to be with his Lord

and Savior on Sept. 26th 2018 after a recent diagnosis of

brain cancer. He was born in Oberlin on Sept. 18, 1959 to

Lyle and Dorothy (Upton) Ziegler and was a lifelong resident

of Wellington.

Kyle graduated from Wellington High School in 1978 and

attended Geneva College in Pennsylvania. He was a self-

employed businessman, operating Ziegler Lawn Care, which he

began as a teenager until his diagnosis. He also had other

business ventures including a partnership in Wellington Self

Storage and remodeling houses with his son Josh.

On Dec. 4 1982 Kyle married Jean Liles at Church of the

Open Door in Elyria, Ohio. Together they raised their

children. He was a faithful and loving husband, father,

grandfather, and a good friend to many. Kyle enjoyed

traveling, especially hiking and exploring in the western

United States. He served God in many area churches over the

years, and spent his last days sharing Jesus out on the porch

with every visitor.

He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Jean; son

Daniel Ziegler (Rae-Lynn); son Joshua Ziegler; daughter Kylee

Bogner (Kenneth); grandson Emmerich Bogner; granddaughter due

in November; brother Mark Ziegler (Joyce); sister Marlene

Hamilton (David) and several nieces & nephews.

Preceded in death by his father Lyle Ziegler, mother

Dorothy Upton Ziegler Tegtmeyer, and grandson Daniel Alan

Ziegler Jr.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, due to the tax cuts of President Donald Trump and the Republican Congress, there is unprecedented growth for American families.

The Hill today reported great things for the American people. CNBC reported that consumer confidence rose to its highest level in 18 years. The African American unemployment rate of 5.9 percent is the lowest on record--CNN. Median household income at historic highs-- Investor's Business Daily. Middle class income hit an all-time high last year--The Washington Post. The majority of U.S. workers are satisfied with their job, highest job level satisfaction since 2005-- USA Today. Youth unemployment at a 52-year low--Wall Street Journal. Small-business optimism, and plans to raise wages are at record highs-- Bloomberg. GDP was 4.2 percent, the best performance in 4 years-- Reuters. And unemployment is at a several-decade low--New York Times.

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

Our prayers for Brett Kavanaugh and his family, a judge of integrity.

Mr. Speaker, as Hurricane Florence threatens to strike South Carolina, I am grateful to Governor Henry McMaster, Adjutant General Bob Livingston, Attorney General Alan Wilson, as well as Kim Stenson, Director of the Emergency Management Division, who have all done a fantastic job of preparing for the high winds and extraordinary flooding, while keeping the people of the State up to date with the encouragement of President Donald Trump.

I appreciate that the Governor has been in close coordination with President Donald Trump and together they are working to ensure South Carolinians have all the resources for the courageous first responders to respond to Hurricane Florence, which endangers families.

The projected phenomenal rainfall will cause unexpected flooding, so we

should be ready for higher elevation with only emergency travel through next week, as roads will be deadly, as citizens should stay in place.

FOX News is providing accurate coverage.

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

Mr. Speaker, this week, President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and National Security Advisor John Bolton made the courageous decision to close the Palestinian Liberation Organization, PLO, office in Washington.

The PLO has taken no steps to advance the peace negotiations with Israel. Instead, they have focused their efforts on leveraging the International

Criminal Court, which directly disrupts the peace process.

Unfortunately, the PLO's efforts to subvert the International Criminal Court were advanced when former President Barack Obama refused to stand up for Israel in the U.N. Security Council.

While the PLO condemns Israel, it is, shamefully, paying payments to families of suicide bombers and terrorists as rewards for mass murder. Hakim Abard, who murdered five members of an Israeli family, receives $14,000 a year from the PLO. The family of the murderer of American Taylor Force received benefits as a reward for that murder.

The administration had provided the PLO the opportunity to remain when their waiver lapsed, but, unfortunately, the PLO continues to sponsor violence against innocent American and Israeli citizens. President Trump made the right decision.

Our prayers for the people threatened by Hurricane Florence, with our appreciation for the first responders who are protecting American families in the tradition of 9/11.

Mr. Speaker, next Tuesday is the tragic 17th anniversary of the terrorist attack by radical Islamic jihadists who sought to destroy our freedoms on September the 11th, 2001.

The memories of the 3,000 innocent civilians who were killed at the Pentagon, the World Trade Center, and in rural Shanksville, Pennsylvania, will never be forgotten. We are reminded of the incredible heroes of that day, the selfless commitment of so many first responders helping their neighbors, coworkers, or complete strangers, with the leadership of President George W. Bush.

Since that fateful day, our Armed Forces have courageously fought to prevent another tragedy by eliminating safe havens overseas. These servicemembers and their families who have paid the ultimate sacrifice deserve our eternal gratitude.

Unfortunately, the global war on terrorism is generational, as Islamic terrorists continue to barbarically murder civilians, killing people of Islamic faith first, in their attempt to establish safe havens to plot mass murder in America, as were the acts of 9/11. Today, I am grateful that President Donald Trump is rebuilding the military to protect American families.

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

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. Speaker, last month, at Fort Drum New York, surrounded by brave soldiers, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the signing of the John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act, NDAA, by President Donald Trump, fulfilling promises made, promises kept.

This critical legislation, thanks to the leadership of House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry, passed the House and Senate, bipartisan, in record time, becoming law before the start of the fiscal year for first time in 20 years.

As Armed Services Readiness Subcommittee chairman, I appreciate that the NDAA begins and enhances training, spare parts, equipment, and weapons systems maintenance, promoting safety and effectiveness.

The NDAA has an important part for South Carolina by promoting Fort Jackson and its role as the largest initial entry training facility of the U.S. Army, which is commanded by Brigadier General Milford Beagle.

Also important are the missions of the Savannah River National Laboratory, which is a bipartisan effort by Congressman Jim Clyburn from South Carolina and a bistate effort by Congressman Rick Allen from Georgia.

I am also grateful that Fort Gordon has been reinforced to continue as the U.S. Army Cyber Command headquarters.

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

Mr. Speaker, each August, I conduct a bus tour of South Carolina's Second Congressional District with my wife, Roxanne, and dedicated staff from all offices. This year, I especially appreciate scheduler Emily Saleeby for the very meaningful agenda.

It was humbling and inspiring to meet with constituents and visit 22 locations, from small businesses and schools to local chambers of commerce and large employers. I had the opportunity to thank employees for their service, and I observed firsthand the extraordinary success of jobs created by President Donald Trump's tax cuts, promises made, promises kept.

Many of the businesses were multigenerational success stories, such as Shumpert's IGA, which has been in operation for four generations and is currently led by Frank Shumpert.

We also visited with newer companies that thrive, like Tidewater Boats of Lexington, which started in 2006 and is currently in the top 10 of saltwater boat manufacturers in the Nation with the leadership of Jimmy Metts and Chris Martin.

I was grateful for the opportunity to receive, personally, questions, concerns, and input from citizens on the bus tour.

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

Thank you, Congressman Madeleine Bordallo, for your remarkable achievements, your loving devotion for the families of Guam, and your tireless bipartisan support of a strong national defense.

Madeleine Bordallo is a living legend of effective service for the people of Guam.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that a talented constituent Pauline M. Brown of Barnwell, South Carolina, has written an inspiring book entitled A Touch of Heaven. Beginning with love letters to her husband serving in Vietnam in 1968, she has continued writing, composing more than five hundred poems. I include in the Record the following poem from her book, A Friendly Hello (pg. 36):

A Friendly Hello

Always believe in the simplest things--

Sunshine and flowers, flags blowing in the wind,

The music of children, rain on a tin roof,

Afternoons spent with a cherished friend.

A friendly hello can make all the difference

In anyone's fragile state of mind.

Say ``I miss you,'' ``I love you,''

``God bless you, my friend,''

And the saddest of spirits will be realigned.

A friendly hello can dry the tears of heartache.

A little encouragement can rescue a lost cause.

Remember a friend who brought you back from despair,

And do the same for someone else, just because.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to congratulate the American

Jewish Congress on the 100th anniversary of their founding in 1918. The American Jewish Congress has been instrumental in fighting for civil rights and liberties by participating in the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, working to save Jewish lives during the Holocaust, coordinating the critical effort to create a Jewish state with United States recognition, and defending civil rights of all Americans and individuals throughout the world regardless of race, religion, or national ancestry.

AJC actively engages with the U.S. Congress and Executive Branch as well as the United Nations and the Israeli government to educate on Jewish affairs, combat anti-Semitism to include fighting the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement that attacks Israel, convey the threat of a nuclear Iran, and reinforce the AJC commitment to a two- state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Congratulations to Jack Rosen, President of the AJC and Board Members Munr Kazmir, Daniel Rosen, Ben Chouake, Vivien Weissman-Howard, Jordan Rosen, John Kruger, Michael Melnicke, Alan Pines, Mark Appel, and Morty Davis for their leadership.

The security of Israeli families is vital for the security of American families.