Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, last week I traveled the district and heard from constituents who are grateful for the historic progress being made by the Trump administration creating jobs.

President Donald Trump has led a strong pro-business team. The economy has added over 800,000 private sector jobs since January. Consumer confidence is at a 13-year high. The number of unemployment claims has plunged to the lowest level in over 40 years.

I appreciate the President can share the significance of the DOW soaring above 23,000 points, up nearly 5,000 points, or 27 percent, since election day, as you can see in his tweet on Wednesday.

The President's critics will never give him credit for American families. Columnist Clarence Page has described the ``anti-Trump derangement syndrome'' drives critics to irrational extremes.

But these critics can't dispute the facts. The fresh faces, fresh voices, and fresh ideas that President Donald Trump has brought to Washington is making a difference for American families.

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

Mr. Speaker, America was deeply saddened by Friday's tragic accident at Fort Jackson Army Base that claimed the lives of two brave soldiers and injured six others. Fort Jackson is a crown jewel of the Midlands of South Carolina. Established in 1917, Fort Jackson is the Army's largest training center, where my three sons and I have trained. Maj. Gen. Pete Johnson is commanding with compassion and professionalism.

We are grateful for the sacrifices of every soldier whose service brings them to Fort Jackson, and we consider each of them part of the Midlands family. Today, I would like to honor the memory of those soldiers: Pvt. Ethan Shrader, from Prospect, TN, and Pvt. Timothy Ashcraft, from Cincinnati, OH. They will never be forgotten.

The following soldiers are still recovering from injuries:

Pvt. Emmett Foreman, from Daleville, AL.

Pvt. Hannah New, from Cartersville, GA.

Pvt. Benjamin Key, from Livingston, TN.

Pvt. Alan Kryszak, from Clarksville, TN.

Pvt. Cardre Jackson Jr., from Laurel, MD.

Pvt. James Foster, from Macon, GA.

As the father of four sons who have served with the military, I would ask that everyone pray for those families who are grieving and for the speedy recovery of those who were injured. I know the opportunities for recruits to have fulfilling and meaningful lives through military service protecting American families.

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

Mr. Speaker, I was grateful to join Secretary Rick Perry and my colleagues, Congressman Chuck Fleischmann, Congressman Joe Barton, and Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, yesterday to celebrate the Department of Energy's 40th birthday.

The goals presented of progressing our science, protecting our Nation, and promoting our energy were meaningful to me, having served as Deputy General Counsel under Secretary Jim Edwards of the Reagan administration. I was also grateful to have worked at the Savannah River Site, where I saw firsthand so many dedicated personnel.

In Washington, I served with General Counsel R. Tenney Johnson; was welcomed by Administrative Assistant Marsha McQueen; and was trained by Deputy General Counsel Eric Fygi, who was recognized as an original DOE staff member.

I look forward to working with Secretary Perry to ensure continued progress on our nuclear cleanup missions, effective stewardship of the nuclear weapons stockpile, and continued research and development at our Nation's national labs. DOE now clearly promotes energy development to create jobs.

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

Mr. Speaker, domestic violence is a scourge. Its physical and psychological effects have lifelong consequences for survivors, their families, and their children.

I appreciate South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster and Attorney General Alan Wilson, both of whom who are working hard to stop domestic violence in our State, encouraged by Laura Hudson of the Crime Victims' Council. The Governor issued a statewide proclamation that designates October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Attorney General Wilson's 20th annual Silent Witness ceremony, which he held last week, honored the past year's victims of domestic violence at the statehouse. Specifically, the South Carolina Office of the Attorney General works to combat domestic violence through the STOP Violence Against Women program, dedicated to providing representation to victims of domestic violence and raising awareness of the issue; also, with the Pro Bono program, dedicated to providing pro bono legal representation in prosecution of domestic violence cases.

Eliminating domestic violence should be something we fight for during the month of October and every day of the year.

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

Mr. Speaker, our prayers go to all victims of the Las Vegas massacre.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that I have been an advocate for pro-life values and protecting the rights of unborn babies. Today, the House will vote on the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. This will save the lives of babies who are too young to speak for themselves but who are old enough to feel physical pain.

I appreciate the success of South Carolina Citizens for Life, who work to give a voice to those who do not have one. With the great leadership of Executive Director Holly Gatling of the Midlands, Leon Wizorek of Barnwell, and Sally Zaleski of Orangeburg, this organization has been working to save lives.

As a cosponsor of the legislation with colleagues Trent Franks, Vicky Hartzler, Mia Love, and Karen Handel, I am grateful to stand for life, upholding the conservative values and protecting the lives of our unborn babies. Every life is precious and has great value.

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

Thank you, Dr. Tom Price and Betty Price, for your successful service to American families.

Mr. Speaker, our thoughts and prayers are with the families impacted by the massacre in Las Vegas. We are blessed with courageous law enforcement.

I am extremely grateful to the South Carolina National Guard for sending nearly 150 engineer soldiers to assist Puerto Rico in relief efforts after Hurricane Maria. This was a devastating storm for the people of Puerto Rico, and they have been in our thoughts and prayers each and every day.

These dedicated soldiers are part of a multi-State engineer task force with North Carolina, Louisiana, and New York Army National Guards. They will be assisting in clearing roads, debris, and working to reach areas that have been deemed unreachable due to the storm. They will also work on restoring infrastructure.

As a veteran of the South Carolina Army National Guard and the father of three sons who have served in the Guard, I am grateful that our State is able to assist the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico in their time of need. On my visits to San Juan, I have been very impressed by its dynamic citizens.

I am very appreciative of the leadership of South Carolina Adjutant General Robert Livingston, the experienced South Carolina Army National Guard members, as well as the leadership of Governor Henry McMaster.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to recognize Mr. Frederick Lockehart (Locke) Mays, a dedicated family man and distinguished member of the community. Locke was born in Columbia, South Carolina, on September 20, 1927 to Elizabeth and Fred Mays. He joined the Marine Corps in 1945, following graduation from Dreher High School. He served 18 months, then joined the reserves as a Sergeant. He was called back up during the Korean Conflict, training at Quantico and in Puerto Rico, although not being sent to Korea. Except for a brief stint in banking, Locke worked in the trucking industry, retiring after selling G&P Trucking Company to Southeastern Freight Lines in the mid- 1980s. He now enjoys restoring old Fords to mint condition; with his favorite being a 1935 Phaeton. He has been active in First Presbyterian Church of Columbia for over fifty years, where he serves as an Elder Emeritus. A devoted husband, father, father-in-law and grandfather, Locke celebrated his 90th birthday last Wednesday, September 20th in Columbia, South Carolina, surrounded by his family.

Mr. Speaker, this morning I was grateful to join my fellow South Carolinian colleagues at the Boeing Leaders for the Second Century program. This program is dedicated to discussing leadership capabilities and better understanding public policy.

Boeing has brought thousands of jobs to South Carolina, and we are grateful that they call us home.

Additionally, I am thankful for the inspiring leadership of Charleston Vice President and General Manager Joan Robinson-Berry; Chairman, President, and CEO Dennis Muilenburg; Vice Chairman Raymond Conner; Executive Vice President Leanne Caret, as well as all who have joined us this morning from worldwide operations.

I appreciate Boeing suppliers creating jobs in the Second Congressional District. This includes: Zeus, located in Orangeburg and Aiken; Prysmian of Lexington; Thermal Engineering of Columbia; and AGY of Aiken.

When I think Boeing, I think jobs, and I look forward to continuing to work to bring jobs to South Carolina. Best wishes to the Boeing Company for successfully creating more jobs in South Carolina.

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

Mr. Speaker, last week I was grateful to participate in a Congressional Delegation to Japan, the Republic of Korea, Guam, and Hawaii. We visited troops on the front line who are defending American families and promoting peace through strength. In the shadow of North Korea's latest missile launch over Japan, it was re-assuring to meet with leadership of the highest competence and integrity.

We were inspired by leadership from:

Vice Admiral Phil Sawyer, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet, Yokosuka, Japan

General Vincent Brooks, Commander, U.S. Forces Korea, Seoul, Korea

Lieutenant General Tom Bergeson, Commander, 7th Air Force, Osan, Korea

Lieutenant General Tom Vandal, Commanding General, 8th Army, Camp Humphries, Korea

Rear Admiral Shoshana Chatfield, Commander, Joint Region Marianas, Guam

Lieutenant General Bryan Fenton, Deputy Commander, U.S. Pacific Command, Camp Smith, Hawaii

Admiral Scott Swift, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

General Terrance O'Shaughnessy, Commander, Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii

General Robert Brown, Commander, U.S. Army Pacific, Camp Smith, Hawaii

The delegation was professionally coordinated by Captain Scott Farr and Lieutenant Commander Victoria Marum. Many thanks to staff Craig Collier and Brian Garett for accompanying the delegation.

In conclusion, God Bless Our Troops and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism. Our prayers with those in Mexico City, Puerto Rico, and all in the path of Hurricane Maria.

Madam Speaker, I was grateful to participate in a congressional delegation last week to Japan, the Republic of Korea, Guam, and Hawaii. We visited troops on the front line who are defending American families and promoting peace through strength.

In the shadow of North Korea's latest missile launch over Japan, it was reassuring to meet with leadership of the highest competence and integrity.

We were inspired by the leadership from Vice Admiral Phil Sawyer, Commander U.S. 7th Fleet; General Vincent Brooks, Commander, U.S. Forces Korea; Lieutenant General Tom Bergeson, Commander, 7th Air Force; Lieutenant General Tom Vandal, Commanding General, 8th Army; Rear Admiral Shoshana Chatfield, Commander, Joint Region Marianas; Lieutenant General Bryan Fenton, Deputy Commander, U.S. Pacific Command; Admiral Scott Swift, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet; General Terrence O'Shaughnessy, Commander, Pacific Air Forces; General Robert Brown, Commander, U.S. Army Pacific.

The delegation was professionally coordinated by Captain Scott Farr and Lieutenant Commander Victoria Marum. Many thanks to staff Craig Collier and Brian Garrett for accompanying the delegation.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Our prayers are with those in Mexico City, Puerto Rico, and all in the path of Hurricane Maria.

Mr. Speaker, I was grateful this weekend to visit and thank volunteers at local shelters in the Midlands of South Carolina for helping families displaced from their homes due to Hurricane Irma.

At the South Carolina Emergency Preparedness Center in Pine Ridge, Governor Henry McMaster ably received updates to make thoughtful decisions to protect citizens. Emergency Management Division Director Kim Stenson professionally hosted over a dozen State agencies with FEMA Coordinator Willie Nunn. Adjutant General Robert Livingston and the Army National Guard were vital in preparation efforts.

While visiting the Dent Middle School Red Cross shelter, we were welcomed by Principal Tamala Murrill Ashford, Red Cross Executive Director Rebecca Jordan, Beth Shwedo, and volunteers dedicated to service.

State officials and the South Carolina Army National Guard have been successful leaders for preparation. Attorney General Alan Wilson led efforts to reduce price gouging. I appreciate everyone for ensuring that citizens had the resources for safety.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Our prayers for all those affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

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, an extraordinary highlight of August was visiting Guatemala to observe the success for the Food for the Hungry organization.

With Ambassador Tony Hall, a former Ohio Member of Congress, who is appreciated as a world champion in reducing poverty, and the Food for the Hungry director, Lucas Koach, I visited nutrition programs in very remote villages of this beautiful country.

The people have suffered deficiencies due to malnutrition, including stunted height and brain development. The communities we visited were so isolated that travel was accomplished by helicopter. The Food for the Hungry ambassadors worked tirelessly to provide healthcare providers with counseling and nutritional supplements.

We were welcomed by Guatemala's Ambassador to the U.S., Manuel Espina, and Mario Bucaro, president of Guatemala Prospera. In Guatemala City, we met with the dynamic, young President Jimmy Morales and his talented Cabinet, who expressed their appreciation for Food for the Hungry giving Guatemalans the opportunity to have fulfilling and meaningful lives.

We were grateful to attend a dinner with Guatemalan Caucus Chair Ken Buck and World Food Programme Director David Beasley, former Governor of South Carolina, who addressed the next morning's congressional prayer breakfast in Guatemala City.

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

Our prayers for all affected by Hurricane Irma.

Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere gratitude and appreciation that I have the opportunity to recognize Leacy Burke, former communications director for South Carolina's Second Congressional District. I will always appreciate Leacy for her years of service on behalf of the people of South Carolina.

A native of South Carolina, Leacy is an esteemed alumna of the University of South Carolina, where she graduated with both a bachelor of arts degree in political science and criminal justice, as well as a master's degree in mass communications, integrated communications. Beginning as a deputy press secretary for the office in 2015, it has been an honor to work with such a dedicated public servant making meaningful provisions for our office.

It is with mixed feelings, but great happiness, that our office bids Leacy farewell. She is now doing amazing work in her new role as communications director for Senator Jim Inhofe, Republican, of Oklahoma. I know her parents, Greg and Denise Burke, and family members join me in recognizing her achievements.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Our prayers are for all persons threatened by Hurricane Irma, from the Caribbean Islands to South Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, as a lifelong cold warrior promoting victory over communism, it was a dream come true to lead a bipartisan delegation to Eastern Europe in early August reaffirming America's commitment to our new NATO allies in the European Reassurance Initiative.

We know that peace through strength will be successful. The vision of Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan has been achieved.

Visiting with military and government leaders in Romania, Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Georgia, and Poland, we saw dynamic and prospering American allies achieving world-class defensive capabilities with their professional military fully equipped with the latest technologies.

In both Warsaw and Tbilisi, President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence made it clear America will protect these new democracies.

I was inspired as an election observer in Bulgaria in 1990, and have seen this country evolve from totalitarianism to the now dedicated democracy led by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov.

I was grateful to be accompanied by my youngest son, Hunter, an Afghanistan veteran, as we witnessed freedom in these countries in stark contrast to the year Hunter was born in 1987, when all six countries were enemies to the United States and were suffering under communist dictatorships.

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