Floor Statements

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, congratulations to President-elect Ivan Duque on being elected the new president of Colombia on Sunday, achieving 10 million votes, with one of the largest voter turnouts in the history of Colombia.

At 41, President-elect Duque will be one of the youngest presidents in the country's history. The father of three is married to Maria Juliana Ruiz.

I know firsthand of the talented people of Colombia, as former co- chairman of the Partners of Americas program, hosting students from Colombia with two of my sons as exchange students to Colombia.

The South Carolina National Guard, headed by General Bob Livingston, is grateful to be training with Colombia's military and the State Partnership Program.

This election was the first to be held since a peace deal was reached that ended the murderous, leftist insurgency in Colombia.

I am grateful that President-elect Ivan Duque plans to work closely with the United States in the tradition of former President Alvaro Uribe. He will be successful in creating jobs, increasing security for the population, and leading Colombia to a more prosperous future.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. We will remember Otto Warmbier on the anniversary of his death.

Mr. Speaker, last week South Carolinians were grateful to provide tribute to Col. Pete Sercer who was properly recognized as an American Patriot devoted to inspiring young people for military service at Irmo High School. The following thoughtful obituary is provided by Dunbar Funeral Home:

Col. Peter Edward Sercer, Sr., Columbia.--Memorial Service

for Col. Peter Edward Sercer, Sr., (USAF, Retired), will be

conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 8, 2018, at St.

Mary's Episcopal Church with burial in the church's adjoining

Memorial Garden. The Rev. Jill Biemdiek will officiate. A

reception will follow in the church's Parish Hall. Peter

Edward ``Eddie'' Sercer, Sr., 81, peacefully passed away on

June 3, 2018, surrounded by love. He is survived by his

loving wife, Lesley W. Sercer; sons, Peter E. Sercer, Jr. and

Paul L. Sercer. He is also survived by his sister, Frances

Smoak, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Pete was

predeceased by his parents, Peter E. Sercer and Marie Blaze

Sercer, as well as his siblings, Helen Ross, John Sercer,

Richard Sercer, Teresa Sercer, Jesse Shirah, and Caroline

Croft. Born on October 19, 1936, in Columbia, South Carolina,

Pete graduated from Columbia High School. He earned a

Bachelor of Arts in Business from the University of South

Carolina, immediately joining the United States Air Force.

After serving over 26 years in the Air Force, Pete became the

Director of the Irmo High School Air Force JROTC program for

22 years. In addition to his education at the University of

South Carolina, Pete earned a Master of Business

Administration and Doctor of Education. Community service was

an integral part of Pete's life. He served as a Commissioner

of Midlands Technical College for over 26 years and was named

Commissioner emeritus. He was active in the Association of

Community College Trustees in many capacities, culminating in

his serving as National Chairman of the organization in 2010-

2011. Pete was a founding member of St. Mary's Episcopal

Church and served on the vestry, building committee, and

rector search committee many times. Active in the St. Andrews

Rotary Club, Pete served as Club President and Assistant

District Governor and was a Rotary Benefactor, 10-Star

Rotarian, and multiple Paul Harris Fellow. He was a strong

supporter of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks,

volunteering as a Gamecock Ambassador and Press Box Assistant

during football games for many years. During his military

career, Pete was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star

Medal, and other decorations. In 2006, he was awarded the

Order of the Palmetto in recognition of extraordinary

achievements and service to the State and Nation. He was

instrumental in the creation of the Irmo High School

``Celebrate Freedom Gardens and Courtyard,'' dedicated in his

honor. Pete Sercer was a good man, a kind man. He never spoke

ill of anyone. He was a happy man, an optimistic man, and

always had a smile on his face. Pete will be greatly missed,

but the memories of the tremendous joy he brought to our

lives will always make us smile. The family would like to

thank the caring and compassionate staff of Palmetto Health

Parkridge and McLeod Home Care. To honor Pete's life,

memorials may be made to the Midlands Technical College

Foundation or St. Mary's Episcopal Church.

Mr. Speaker, on Monday, President Donald Trump arrived in Singapore for the historic meeting with Kim Jong-un of North Korea, the first-ever meeting between a sitting President and the leader of North Korea. I applaud President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and National Security Advisor John Bolton for their successful efforts.

This summit was a substantive step forward, but to protect American families, the United States will continue to insist that North Korea take concrete, verifiable steps toward denuclearization.

I remain hopeful that North Korea will commit to regular, unannounced nuclear inspections by both U.N. and American experts, leading to prosperity for the people of North Korea, as has been achieved phenomenally for the people of South Korea.

As one of only two Members of Congress who have visited Pyongyang, I am especially grateful that President Trump has maintained his effective foreign policy of peace through strength, without which this summit would have never occurred.

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

Congratulations to State Representative Katie Arrington on the dynamic primary victory yesterday to represent the historic First District of South Carolina.

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

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, last month, I visited Dempsey Wood Products in Orangeburg, South Carolina, to get a firsthand look at the positive impacts of the tax cuts creating jobs.

Owner Parker Dempsey explained that they were able to expand their business due to the tax cuts. Dempsey Wood Products will be able to launch a $15 million project, creating jobs.

Mr. Dempsey explained that: ``. . . we will have new equipment and the best technology. The plan is to get it up and going and start a second shift, and probably add another 40 jobs.''

Since President Donald Trump took office, the economy has created nearly

3 million jobs. The numbers of employed persons are the highest ever in the United States. The unemployment rate has fallen to 3.8 percent, matching the lowest level in 50 years. African American and Hispanic unemployment rates have reached record lows, and the unemployment rate for women has fallen to the lowest level since 1953.

The National Federation of Independent Business, NFIB, small business optimism index is at one of the highest levels in 45 years. I appreciate the leadership of NFIB Director Ben Homeyer.

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 professional support provided by Major Jennifer Gibson, United States Air Force, to the Readiness Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee. Over the past two years, Major Gibson, an active duty officer and engineer, has performed her duties as Legislative Liaison to the Congress in a superlative and valuable manner.

Major Gibson's analytical prowess and passion for Airmen has helped members and staff develop and pass historic improvements in the National Defense Authorization Act in fiscal years 2018 and 2019, including targeted increases in authorization of appropriation, as well as innovative and forward-looking infrastructure policy initiatives that will help the Air Force achieve mission success well into the 21st century.

I appreciate Major Gibson enduring many late nights and long trips in support of subcommittee priorities. Her tireless work ethic, willingness to tackle new issues, and assistance in addressing critical Air Force issues have been truly commendable. I have no doubt that as Major Gibson continues her career she will achieve great things for the Air Force, the Department of Defense, and her country. I am thankful for her dedicated staff work and wish her the very best in all her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that, 28 years ago this week, I was appointed by the International Republican Institute as an election observer for the first free elections in Bulgaria as it emerged from totalitarian communism. Since that time, I have seen Bulgaria advance to be a vibrant democracy as a member of NATO and the European Union.

On the 75th anniversary of the rescue of Bulgarian Jews from the Holocaust, the world recognizes this as a remarkable event in history. Over 50,000 Jewish people were saved by the Bulgarian church, some intellectuals and members of Parliament, but most of all, the Bulgarian people.

The Bulgarian Jewish community was the only one in Europe which not only survived World War II, but increased in size.

The Bulgarian people should always be appreciated for their courage and action. As co-chair of the Bulgaria Caucus, I cherish the mutually beneficial friendship between our two countries inspired by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and Ambassador Tihomir Stoytchev.

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

God bless the memory of the American-led Allied troops who landed at Normandy 74 years ago to begin the liberation of Europe, defeating national socialism.

Mr. Speaker, an extraordinary highlight for me on Friday was to live a momentous historic event live on FOX News with the talented Harris Faulkner.

During a scheduled interview on the upcoming North Korean talks, it became a prelude for the breaking news of the North Korean envoy arriving at the White House to deliver the letter to President Donald Trump from Kim Jong-un.

The past year has been a success for President Trump. We were awaiting delivery of a letter to the White House instead of a threatened delivery of a North Korean missile to vaporize the patriotic American territory of Guam.

Beginning with the selection of Vice President Mike Pence, the President has capable associates to work for peace through strength, including Chief of Staff John Kelly, Secretary Mike Pompeo, Ambassador John Bolton, and Ambassador Nikki Haley.

American families are safer today, and the China model for North Korea is available for working with America, maintaining its leadership while its citizens are enriched.

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

Congratulations, Harris Faulkner, on the book out today, ``9 Rules of Engagement: A Military Brat's Guide to Life and Success.''

Mr. Speaker, the National Defense Authorization Act passed the House Armed Services Committee with an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 60 yes to 1 no. I am grateful for the leadership of Chairman Mac Thornberry, with Speaker Paul Ryan, promoted by Defense Secretary James Mattis.

The NDAA being considered today provides a critical increase in topline funding to support troops and readiness

recovery, consistent with President Donald Trump's commitment to rebuild the military as he keeps his promises.

This legislation makes major reforms to the Pentagon bureaucracy, while adding more military personnel to all services. The NDAA also includes the largest pay increase for the military in 9 years.

As chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, I am grateful that this legislation promotes rebuilding the military and supports readiness recovery by rehabilitating and replacing worn-out equipment, overcoming the crisis in military aviation, restoring America's strength at sea, and rebuilding crumbling military buildings and other infrastructure.

I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill that supports the men and women in uniform, along with military families, to promote peace through strength.

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

Mr. Chairman, I thank Congressman Mike Gallagher for his military service and now service in Congress.

I am grateful to speak in support of Congressman Mike Gallagher's amendment that would require the executive branch to create a strategy to address the abuse of visa programs used to enter the United States to conduct political activity and establish groups in support of the Chinese Communist Party.

Organizations like the Confucius Institute and the Thousand Talents program are clear examples as to why Congressman Gallagher makes perfect sense, and it is critical to our national security. Confucius Institutes are currently active in 103 college campuses, despite Li Changchun, a member of the Chinese Communist Party's Politburo Standing Committee, calling the institutes ``an important part of China's overseas propaganda setup.''

Additionally, FBI Director Christopher Wray described the Confucius Institutes operating in the United States as exploiting the very open research and development environment we have, which we all revere, but they are taking advantage of it.

Unfortunately, my amendment, cosponsored by Congressman Gallagher and Congresswoman Vicky Hartzler, dealing with organizations like the Confucius Institutes was not ruled in order. It is critical that the whole-of-government China strategy include vulnerabilities within our academic community, and for this reason, I urge everyone to support Congressman Gallagher's amendment.

Mr. Speaker, as American soldiers risk their lives in the Global War on Terrorism to protect American families, the United Service Organization (USO) is more important than ever. I am grateful to participate in the USO Care Package Day on the Hill today led by CEO and President J.D. Crouch, II, along with Senior Vice President Virginia H. Johnson.

The USO has always been at the forefront of entertaining and caring for our brave troops and their families. As a 31-year veteran of the Army Reserve and National Guard as well as a father of four sons who have served in the Armed Forces overseas, as well as a member of the Congressional USO Caucus, I am especially grateful for the USO.

Today, with the help of 30,000 volunteers, the USO provides approximately 1.5 million hours of community service each year.

I am especially grateful for USO South Carolina, led ably by Director Joanie Thresher. There are USO locations in the Second Congressional District at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport and Fort Jackson with extraordinary welcoming volunteers. I also thank longtime friend Jed Becker as President of the USO National Board of Governors.

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

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 5515, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019. I appreciate Chairman Mac Thornberry achieving a bipartisan success in the committee with 60 ``yes'' votes and only 1 ``no'' vote.

This bill contains significant policy and funding initiatives to provide the military resources necessary to restore lost readiness for peace through strength. The bill authorizes additional funding for equipment and weapons systems maintenance, spare parts, and training-- all sorely needed to begin to reverse years of minimal funding and military readiness accounts.

In addition, the bill includes several provisions aimed at improving the readiness and operation of naval surface forces in response to the tragic collisions suffered last year with the loss of 17 sailors of the Fitzgerald and the McCain.

We also addressed aviation readiness concerns by increasing flying hours, funding for spare parts, and depot level repair capacity. With military end strength at a premium for operational units, Federal civilians are an ever-increasingly important component of military readiness.

This bill contains several measures meant to improve the civilian workforce management with a special emphasis on faster hiring. There is a provision that provides the Secretary of Defense hiring authority for many critical readiness skills until 2025, as well as the ability to hire new college graduates.

Also included are several additional authorities to provide commanders innovative ways to solve installation infrastructure problems, including a measure that will speed execution of force protection projects.

In conclusion, I want to thank Chairman Mac Thornberry and Ranking Member Adam Smith and the subcommittee's distinguished ranking member, the gentlewoman from Guam (Ms. Bordallo), and her staff for their contributions to this bill and support in the process.

Of course, we were joined by an active and informe and dedicated group of subcommittee members with professional staff members. Their recommendations and priorities are clearly reflected in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019.

I strongly urge my colleagues to support this worthy bill.

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, this weekend, I was grateful to lead nine of our colleagues in the House of Representatives on a congressional delegation to Jerusalem for the opening of the U.S. Embassy with Ambassador David Friedman, Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner.

I was joined by Representatives Mario Diaz-Balart of Florida, Ron DeSantis of Florida, Jody Hice of Georgia, George Holding of North Carolina, Steve Knight of California, Tom Rice of South Carolina, Dennis Ross of Florida, Scott Taylor of Virginia, and Lee Zeldin of New York.

I appreciate Armed Services Committee Chairman Mac Thornberry for authorizing the delegation.

We had the opportunity to meet with members of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, and I was especially grateful, as a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, to meet with the Knesset Foreign Affairs Chairman Avi Dichter.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed us to his office and confirmed our shared heritage. We must work together to stop Hamas terrorist attacks using human shields financed by Iran.

With President Donald Trump, the American-Israeli alliance has never been stronger to protect American families.

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