Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, on February 1, 2018, a memorial service was conducted at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Rayne, Louisiana, to honor the life of Dr. James R. Bush, Jr.

I include in the Record the following thoughtful obituary published in The Crowley-Post Signal on January 27, 2018:

A Funeral Mass will be held at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph

Catholic Church on Thursday, Feb. 1, for Dr. James R. Bush,

Jr., 68, who died Thursday, Jan. 25, 2018, at his home

surrounded by his family. A rosary will be said Thursday,

Feb. 1, at 1:30 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. The

services will be officiated by Fr. William ``Bill'' Roskoski

and Deacon Tommy Adams.

He is survived by his mother, Betty Bush of Rayne; his wife

of 44 years, Mary Bush of Rayne; two sons, Michael Bush and

wife Courtney of Rayne, and John Bush and wife Lindsey of

Crowley; two daughters, Mary Katharine Dore and husband Jason

of Washington, D.C., and Elizabeth Leonards and husband Luke

of Lafayette; a brother, David Bush and wife Sandra of Rayne;

two sisters, Nancy Stutes of Baton Rouge and Elizabeth Mooney

and husband Mike of Rayne; six grandchildren, Vivian, M.J.,

Jack-Thomas, Eleanor, William and Mary-Cynthia; and numerous

nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father,

Dr. James R. Bush, Sr.; a brother, Jerome Bush; two nephews,

Ben Stutes and Dereck Bush; and a brother-in-law, Darrell

Stutes.

Dr. Bush was born April 8, 1949, in Church Point to Dr. and

Mrs. James R. Bush, Sr. A 1967 graduate of Rayne High School

he earned his bachelor of science degree from USL in

Lafayette. He went on to complete studies at the LSU School

of Dentistry in New Orleans in 1975. He practiced dentistry

in Baton Rouge between 1975 and 1985, after which, he

returned home and served the Rayne community from 1986 until

2009.

Dr. Bush was a member of the Rayne Lions Club and the 6th

District Dental Association. He will be remembered not only

as a kind and loving person, always willing to help in any

way possible; but, also as a compassionate dentist and

caregiver who cared for all his patients.

Mr. Speaker, on February 3, 2018, a memorial service was conducted at the Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Annapolis, Maryland, to honor the life of Brigadier General Vernon Rodney Tate, Sr.

I include in the Record the following obituary published in The Post and Courier on February 1, 2018:

Brigadier General Vernon Rodney ``Rod'' Tate, Sr. passed

away peacefully on January 28, 2018, in his home on Daniel

Island, South Carolina, with his beloved wife, Lynn, his

children and two faithful rescue cats, Frankie and Cooper, by

his side. He celebrated his 80th birthday this past November

with family. Rod was born on November 18, 1937, in

Washington, D.C. to Dr. Vernon Dale Tate and Katherine Ann

(Moore) Tate, and lived his childhood years in Hingham,

Massachusetts. Rod earned his Eagle Scout rank as member of

Troop 25 in Hingham, Massachusetts. He moved to Annapolis

with his family in 1954 when his father began serving as

Director of Libraries at the U.S. Naval Academy. Rod

graduated from Cushing Academy, Ashburnham, Massachusetts, in

1957. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business

Administration from the University of Maryland in 1961, where

he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and the

University of Maryland Swim Team. He later received a Masters

of Business Administration at George Washington University

with a focus on International Marketing in 1967. Rod began

his career working at Xerox Corporation. He later founded

Nationwide Fulfillment Systems located in Ridgely, Maryland,

serving Fortune 500 companies. During this time, he served in

the U.S. Air Force and spent his last five years in service

as a Brigadier General, USAF, working in the Office of

Special Investigations (AFOSI), which included duties at the

Pentagon, Office of Secretary of the Air Force. He was also a

Mobilization Assistant to the Inspector General (SAFIG). Upon

retirement from the Air Force, Brigadier General Tate

received the Distinguished Service Medal.

Rod and his late wife, Missy, founded Weems Creek Nursery

School and Kindergarten, Annapolis, MD in 1972, which, 46

years later continues making a difference in children's

lives. They also established Super Skate roller rink together

in 1979. During retirement, Rod and his son, Vernon (Skip)

Rodney Tate, Jr. founded Recreation World RV Center,

Annapolis, MD. Over his lifetime, Rod was involved in many

philanthropic causes, serving in various capacities including

Anne Arundel Medical Center, the Evangelical Presbyterian

Church of Annapolis, the Annapolis Area Christian School, the

Summit School, Cushing Academy, Fellowship of Christian

Athletes and other organizations. Rod was a member of the

Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Annapolis, the Annapolis

Yacht Club (AYC), the Rehoboth Beach Country Club, U.S. Naval

Academy Golf Club, and the New Providence Club in Annapolis.

Most recently, he has cherished his time attending East

Cooper Baptist Church, Mount Pleasant, SC and hosting weekly

Bible studies with his wife. He was an active member at the

Daniel Island Club. Rod lived a full life and enjoyed sailing

and Wednesday Night Races at AYC, traveling, golf, restoring

historic homes, was an automobile enthusiast, and most of

all, cherished spending time with his family.

Rod is survived by his wife, Lynn of 10 years; his sons,

Vernon Rodney (Skip) Tate, Jr., (Katharine), William Paul

Tate; his daughters, Hilda Margaret (Maggie) Tate Riith

(Michael), all from Annapolis and Elizabeth Downing Jowett,

(Marshall) of Yale, Michigan, from his 43 year marriage with

the late Missy Tate; ten grandchildren; and a sister,

Charlotte Tate Bendell (Alfred) of Hagerstown, MD. Visitation

will be held on Friday, February 2, 2018, from 5:00pm-8:00pm

at the John M. Taylor Funeral Home, 147 Duke of Gloucester

Street, Annapolis, MD. The service will be held on Saturday,

February 3, 2018 at 2:00pm at the Evangelical Presbyterian

Church of Annapolis, 710 Ridgely Avenue, Annapolis, MD.

Interment will follow at the St. Margaret's Episcopal Church

Cemetery, 1601 Pleasant Plains Road, Annapolis, MD.

Those wishing to do so may make donations to one of the

philanthropies mentioned above, Respite Care Charleston,

Dementia & Alzheimer's Support, the Charleston Animal Society

or the Senior Dog Sanctuary of Maryland. Condolences may be

sent to the family at wwwjohnmtaylorfuneralhome.com.

Mr. Speaker, tragically, in the last week, I have been impacted by two train wrecks, and I have also seen firsthand civilian heroes rise to the challenges.

The first, on Wednesday, was the trash truck collision in Crozet, Albemarle County, Virginia, where my wife, Roxanne, and I were passengers. It was inspiring to see immediately physician Members of Congress race to those injured in the wreck led by Congressman Brad Wenstrup from Ohio and Roger Marshall from Kansas and heroically assisted by registered nurse Lily Knight, wife of Congressman Steve Knight from California. First responders and emergency personnel were professional and showed great courage.

Yesterday, an Amtrak train collided with a parked freight train in my home community of Pine Ridge, South Carolina. The passengers thoughtfully cared for each other as emergency personnel and law enforcement from Cayce and Pine Ridge, and Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon, working with State officials, provided assistance coordinated by Governor Henry McMaster. The American Red Cross, along with Lexington School District Two, established a shelter for victims.

I am grateful that Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao called with her sympathy and assurance of Federal support. Our deepest condolences go out to the families who have suffered a loss in these accidents and our prayers for the quick recovery for all injured.

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

Madam Speaker, The Epoch Times this month presented an extraordinary expose by economist Daniel Lacalle that Cuba ``still serves as the best example of why communism doesn't work and will never work.''

Cuba was once one of Latin America's wealthiest countries when Communists seized power. But now the Castro regime--like any socialist government--is a machine of squandering subsidies.

Between 1960 and 1990, Cuba received more than $65 billion from the Soviet Union, also hundreds of millions of dollars from international organizations. Despite this, the NationMaster ranking ranks Cuba last, 176th in the world, with an average salary of $25.05 per month in 2014. The only way Cuba can catch up with other developing countries is by ridding itself of communism.

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher has been proven right again: ``The trouble with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people's money.''

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

Madam Speaker, our sympathy this week goes to the people of Afghanistan in the global war who have suffered mass murders in Kabul by the Taliban, reaffirming that we must defeat terrorism overseas.

Mr. Speaker, this weekend, South Carolinians saw the damaging impacts of the Schumer shutdown: 2,200 servicemembers in the South Carolina National Guard who had drill scheduled were forced to go home after driving across the State from all over the Southeast. I know firsthand of the disruption, as a Guard veteran myself and grateful dad of three sons who have served in the Guard overseas.

Additionally, 70 soldiers who were operating on Active Duty Operational Support orders had their orders terminated and will no longer have insurance or income as of today. Approximately 750 Federal technicians who handle mechanics for the South Carolina National Guard will be laid off today.

This is not only devastating to families, it will negatively impact the readiness of our forces, which I recognize as chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee. The Guard has 80 soldiers who were planning to attend necessary training this weekend, but those drills have been canceled, resulting in soldiers not being qualified or eligible for promotion due to missing training.

This serves as a sad example of just the impact on the South Carolina Guard members. Senate Democrats need to stop holding military funding hostage.

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

Mr. Speaker, yesterday the editors of the National Review explained the Schumer shutdown clearly in their editorial, ``Hang Tough, Republicans.''

In no uncertain terms, Senate Democrats have blocked a bill to keep the Federal Government running and fund the Children's Health Insurance Program for the next 6 years. Senate Democrats have made a choice not to keep the government open.

A government shutdown does not benefit anyone. It causes irreparable harm to our military. Over 100,000 National Guard members will be sent home from weekend training, and over 2 million servicemembers will have their pay disrupted by the Senate Democrats' partisan politics.

As chairman of the Readiness Subcommittee, I know that military readiness is at risk; yet the government would be fully open for business if Democrats had not voted against the bill, a bill that has nothing of substance that they oppose, to get leverage for a policy they favor.

This Schumer shutdown could have been avoided if Senate Democrats had prioritized funding at-risk children and troops over political grandstanding. Sadly, the Democrats' negotiating stance is: Give us amnesty or we will make the government shut down and blame you Republicans.

This is an unreasonable position.

Hang tough, Republicans.

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 American families that today marks the first year of the Presidency of Donald Trump. We can rejoice in his successes of promoting peace through strength abroad and economic opportunity at home; that America is being restored as a beacon of freedom and liberty.

ISIS is now really being defeated with his call for victory supporting our military. The economy is booming with jobs and skyrocketing stock markets. His dedication for all Americans is clear, as African-American unemployment is at a 17-year low and Latino unemployment is at a record low.

The Democrat response has been mean-spirited obstructionism of resistance. Last month, Senate Democrats

opposed the tax cuts, which clearly benefit workers. And now, last night, Senate Democrats shut down the government in an ugly effort to smear the President while distracting the American people from the President's achievements on his anniversary.

I have just learned, in fact, that Senate Democrats are closing National Guard armories across our States today at noon, putting our military readiness and troops at risk.

I am confident that, with the positive leadership of Speaker Paul Ryan, House Republicans will continue to be the adults in the room for American families.

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

Thank you, President Trump, for your heartfelt address to the historic March for Life yesterday on The Mall.

Mr. Speaker, on January 11, 2018, South Carolina lost a dedicated statesman with the death of John Edgar Bourne, Jr. In 1971, Bourne was a visionary and led the incorporation of the City of North Charleston, South Carolina. He continued to preside over North Charleston's expansion as Mayor for nearly 20 years, to where today it is the state's third largest city. My mother worked for Senator Bourne in his real estate firm, and I am grateful for his leadership as one of South Carolina's first Republican state senators in the Twentieth Century.

I include in the Record the following thoughtful obituary, published in The Post and Courier on January 11, 2018:

John Edgar Bourne, Jr., 90, of North Charleston, SC, died

Thursday, January 11, 2018. The family will receive friends

Monday January 15, 2018, in the Felix C. Davis Center, Park

Circle, North Charleston, SC, from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm

where a Service of Remembrance will be held at 2:00 pm.

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Northwoods Chapel.

John was born December 4, 1927 in Conway, SC, son of the

late John Edgar Bourne and the late Mary Thelma Bland Bourne.

He was a veteran of the US a retired realtor, a member of

Cooper River Baptist Church and the first Mayor of North

Charleston. He is survived by two daughters, Mary Bourne

(Patrick) Bos and Carol Bourne Toman of North Charleston, SC;

three sisters: Irma Gasque, Joan Jordan, Margie Bercume all

of Conway, SC; ten grandchildren: Duncan (Mardi) Padgett, Sam

(Shannon) Padgett, Alicia (David) Callahan, Troy (Laurie)

Bos, Matthew (Amy) Heath, Sarah (Rudy) Estrada, Natalie

(Paul) Hernandez, Nick (Kat) Bourne, Katie Bourne, John B.

(Marissa) Bourne. He was preceded in death by his wife,

Blanche Holt Bourne; son, John E. Bourne III; brothers,

Frankie Bourne and Morris Bourne. He leaves behind 17 great-

grandchildren. He also says goodbye to his most faithful four

legged companion, Buddy, a rescued West Highland Terrier.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to American Red

Cross Carolina Low Country Chapter, 2424 City Hall Lane Suite

#A, Charleston, SC 29406 and/or Charleston Animal Society,

2455 Remount Road, North Charleston, SC 29406. Living plants

will be replanted in the parks of North Charleston for all

citizens to enjoy.

Mr. Speaker, South Carolina is appreciating the patriotic service of Summit Mayor Rosalyn Reeder who passed away Sunday, January 14, 2018. Mayor Reeder was a proud patriot as Mayor and as a U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer. I will always cherish my pleasant surprise to meet with her and fellow Seabees in Fallujah, Iraq in 2005, where she made such a difference establishing infrastructure for a civil society in Iraq include in the Record the following obituary, published in The State on January 17, 2018:

Rosalyn Mary Reeder, 64, passed away Sunday, Jan. 14, 2018

at Warriors Walk, Dorn VA Medical Center, Columbia, SC. A

memorial will be held in Rosalyn's honor from 6-8 p.m. on

Thursday, Jan. 18, 2018 at Shiloh Methodist Church, 1000

Spring Hill Rd., Gilbert, SC 29054. Rosalyn was born June 12,

1953 in McKeesport, PA to Mary and Larry Reeder. Surviving

are her sisters Betty Jo, Cheryl, and brother John, and she

was proceeded in death by her sister Loretta. She was a

loving Aunt to 12 nieces and nephews. Rosalyn graduated from

Midlands Tech and retired from the U.S. Navy as a Chief Petty

Officer, serving for 20 years, and completing tours in Iraq

and Afghanistan. A driving force, she was the Mayor of

Summit, SC accomplishing several community projects and

supported a population of over 430 people. Rosalyn was the

heart of her family, caring for everyone she met. With her

Chihuahua, Izzy, by her side she never hesitated to put

others first. In her final years, she resided with her Aunt,

Zu Martin, and lived life to the fullest. Her bigger than

life personality will forever be missed and never forgotten.

Anchors Aweigh!

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, I am grateful in unity with the thousands of dedicated citizens traveling to Washington this week for the 45th annual March for Life. The vision is of a world where every life is valued and protected. It is one I support every day in Congress.

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to meet with Ryan Bomberger in Columbia. Although Ryan's biological mother was raped, she chose life for Ryan and gave him an opportunity to grow up in a loving, adopted family. His witness and success demonstrate the importance of ensuring that the unborn have an opportunity for a fulfilling life.

I also appreciate the commitment and enthusiasm of the South Carolina Citizens for Life executive director, Holly Gatling. Through her hard work and the efforts from the South Carolina Citizens for Life team, hundreds of people, including myself, gathered at the statehouse steps this month for the Stand Up for Life Rally with Bishop Robert Guglielmone of Charleston and Attorney General Alan Wilson.

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

Congratulations to Republicans Nancy Mace of Charleston and Ashley Trantham of Greenville for their elections to the South Carolina House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, all American families benefit when the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at a record high of nearly 26,000 last week. Students benefit as college endowments grow, reducing tuition costs. Retirees benefit as their retirement accounts appreciate. With increased liquidity, jobs are created for small businesses.

It is undeniable that the stock market, with the positive leadership of President Trump, has soared.

Rush Limbaugh was correct on his program today that the growth is unprecedented. One year after President Trump was elected, the stock market increased by 28.5 percent. Today, the Dow Jones hit another record high, up over 7,200 points since the 2016 election. Since the start of the year, the stock market has already reached six new record highs.

I am grateful for the leadership of President Trump, who has tweeted this achievement, with the leadership of Speaker Paul Ryan and House Republicans. This has promoted economic growth through the anticipation and enactment of bills creating immediate jobs, reduced regulations to allow small businesses to begin hiring again, and reformed our Tax Code so that families will be able to keep more of their hard-earned paycheck.

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

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I was grateful to learn that Tidewater Boats, led by Jimmy Metts, is investing $8.3 million to expand their manufacturing facility in Lexington, South Carolina. This investment will create 100 new jobs.

This news is on top of AFLAC announcing that they will be expanding their 700 employees in Columbia, South Carolina, managed by Daniel Lebish, and doubling their employee 401K matching funds.

On the same day Republicans passed historic tax cuts, AT&T led by Pam Lackey announced they are providing 200,000 employees a $1,000 bonus. Comcast, whose leader in South Carolina is Douglas Guthrie, will be providing $1,000 bonuses to 100,000 employees. BB&T, a valued corporate citizen led by Mike Brennan, will be raising their employee wages to $15 an hour and providing a $1,200 bonus for 27,000 employees.

Boeing of Charleston, led by Joan Robinson-Berry, announced they will be donating $100 million to charity that focuses on education, local communities, veterans and military personnel.

But the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is not only for businesses. I appreciate that next month, American families will see more of their own money in their paychecks.

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

Best wishes to Chairman Darrell Issa and Kathy Issa for their dedicated service as they announce their retirement. We look forward to their continued service for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I was grateful to learn that Tidewater Boats is investing $8.3 million to expand their manufacturing facility in Lexington, South Carolina, creating 100 new jobs.

This news is on top of Aflac announcing they will be expanding their 700 employees in Columbia, South Carolina, and doubling their employee 401(k) matching funds.

On the same day Republicans passed historic tax cuts, AT&T, led by Pam Lackey, announced they are providing 200,000 employees a $1,000 bonus. Comcast will be providing $1,000 bonuses to 100,000 employees. BB&T, a valued corporate citizen led by Mike Brennan, will be raising their employee wages to $15 an hour and providing a $1,200 bonus for 27,000 employees.

Boeing of Charleston announced they will be donating $100 million to charities that focus on education, local communities, veterans, and military personnel.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is not only for businesses. I appreciate that next month American families will see more of their own money in their paycheck.

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

Best wishes to Darrell Issa and Kathy Issa for their dedicated service as they announce retirement. We look forward to their continued service for the American people.

Mr. Speaker, congratulations to W. Brunson DePass, III, and Emily Barnhill DePass on the birth of their son William Brunson DePass, IV, born at 4:47 p.m., Saturday, January 6, 2018, at Baptist Medical Center of Columbia, South Carolina, weighing six pounds and fourteen ounces.

He is welcomed by his grateful grandparents William (Rusty) B. DePass, Jr. and Susan Parker DePass along with Jane Arnold Barnhill and Edward (Butch) D. Barnhill, Jr., Esq.