Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, this month marks the Fort Jackson Centennial, a celebration of 100 years of military service and opportunity at that extraordinary post.

As the largest initial entry training facility for the Army, Fort Jackson has been a leader in training in military readiness. Indeed, Fort Jackson recently achieved a remarkable milestone, having trained an estimated five million soldiers.

I know firsthand of the dedication and capability of Fort Jackson. As a member of the Army Reserve and the South Carolina Army National Guard and a graduate of the Adjutant General School, I trained at Fort Jackson. Additionally, three of my four sons have served in the South Carolina National Guard, receiving world class training at Fort Jackson.

I have also seen how Fort Jackson supports the Midlands community, promoting civilian and military jobs, providing strong leaders and volunteers for our community, drawing millions of visitors. This is why the Midlands has worked hard to become the most military-friendly community in America.

Congratulations to General Pete Johnson for a strong command at Fort Jackson. I look forward to continued success for American families. Victory starts here.

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

I thank Congressman Lloyd Smucker for yielding to me. I appreciate his dedicated leadership to the people of Pennsylvania.

Students and businesses in South Carolina know firsthand the importance of an educated workforce to promote jobs. They also know that quality education doesn't have to come at the time and expense of a traditional 4-year college degree to achieve fulfilling jobs.

While visiting these schools and businesses across the Second District of South Carolina, I regularly learn how they have positively benefited from career and technical education programs that create jobs and lead to fulfilling lives.

With career and technical education, students can incorporate practical skills and training into their educational experience; skills that are valuable to the workforce to create jobs.

Businesses in South Carolina especially appreciate the opportunity to work with the technical colleges to work to close the skills gap and hire trained, experienced employees for highly technical jobs.

I have been grateful to have the opportunity to visit Midlands Technical College, Aiken Technical College, and Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, along with the extraordinary programs at their area high schools.

I am grateful for the work of the Apprenticeship Carolina, readySC, and the South Carolina Technical College System for their role in connecting students with employers.

I also appreciate the countless businesses in South Carolina, like Boeing, Michelin, MTU, Fluor, and others that support the career and technical education programs and hire students from the programs or facilitate apprenticeship programs for meaningful jobs. In fact, these programs have been the basis for establishing the tire industry in South Carolina where, in the district I represent, Michelin is the largest single tire manufacturer in the world at that location.

Additionally, with Bridgestone, which is Japanese; Continental, which is German; Michelin, which is French; Giti, which is GT, which is Singapore; and soon a Chinese tire manufacturer, because of the training programs we have, South Carolina now is the leading manufacturer and exporter of tires of any State in the United States.

Additionally, with BMW, South Carolina is the leading exporter of cars of any State in the United States. In fact, last year, $9.4 billion worth of BMWs were exported out of Charleston for worldwide distribution.

While South Carolina has been highly successful in promoting career and technical education programs, I hope all communities across the country can experience the success that we have achieved creating jobs.

The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act will reduce regulations and allow State and local leaders to create career and technical education programs best for their communities.

As the House of Representatives will consider the bipartisan Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act soon, I urge all of my colleagues to support this job-creating legislation for meaningful and productive families.

Mr. Speaker, President Donald Trump last week courageously announced the withdrawal of the United States from the unconstitutional Paris accords, an unconstitutional treaty comprised of burdensome regulations destroying

jobs. I am grateful for President Trump's vision to create jobs for Americans.

President Trump has been clear: his first priority is jobs. Sadly, job-destroying regulations from the Paris treaty would prevent American jobs while having no positive achievement for American families.

Additionally, the Paris Agreement constitutes a treaty, a treaty that should have been submitted for approval to the Senate. Instead, the former President unconstitutionally adopted the treaty by executive order.

The best way to achieve a cleaner environment is through limited government and free market economic growth, creating jobs--not Big Government mandates with higher taxes, destroying jobs.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President, by his actions, never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. Our sympathy to the citizens of London on the murderous terrorist attacks Saturday, as we cherish our shared heritage of D-Day to liberate Europe for freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to express appreciation for Annie Richardson, press assistant of South Carolina's Second Congressional District.

A native of Alexandria, Virginia, Annie has called South Carolina's Second Congressional District home since 2004. A distinguished graduate of Hammond School and Presbyterian College, Annie has faithfully served on the staff of the Second Congressional District. Her expertise in photography, graphic design, and videography has made a positive difference, and her sunny disposition is always recognized by constituents visiting the office.

It is with mixed blessings, but great happiness, that I bid Annie farewell. She is moving on next week to serve as the digital assistant for the House Republican Conference; fortunately, to be working with conference chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers. I know she will do a remarkable job supporting the conference.

I know her father, Phil, and brother, Emmett, join me in recognizing her achievements. She has served with distinction in the tradition of her late beloved mother, Holly Richardson, who will always be cherished as a devoted staff member of Senate President pro tempore Strom Thurmond.

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

We are grateful for the visit today in Washington of Medal of Honor recipient James Livingston, a Marine general from Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, May marks Military Appreciation Month, a special time to recognize the tremendous support and encouragement families offer their servicemembers. As the son of a Flying Tiger who served in India and China, and as the grateful father of four sons who have all served overseas, and as a 31-year veteran of the Army Reserve and Guard, I know firsthand the commitment of our troops, veterans, and military families.

Last week, I was honored to join Senator Roy Blunt, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Congresswoman Susan Davis to introduce commonsense, bipartisan legislation, the Military Families Stability Act, which provides for greater flexibility by allowing military families a 6- month option of moving to the start of their next assignment.

The happiness and success of our military families is critical to overall troop readiness and retention. I am confident this legislation will greatly benefit families around the country.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. We offer our sympathy and solidarity for the victims of Manchester and our beloved allies in the United Kingdom. Together with members of the European Union Parliament, we will defeat the murderous losers.

Mr. Speaker, President Donald Trump gave a remarkable speech yesterday during his first overseas visit. Speaking to over 50 representatives from Muslim nations, the President outlined the future for positive relations between the United States and predominantly Muslim nations around the world.

The President's remarks in Saudi Arabia were extraordinary. I was especially grateful to hear his call for unity of all people and all regional faiths--Islam, Christianity, and Judaism--as well as a strong condemnation of Islamic extremism and terrorism.

President Trump remarked: ``We pray this special gathering may someday be remembered as the beginning of peace in the Middle East--and maybe, even all over the world. But this future can only be achieved through defeating terrorism and the ideology that drives it.'' The President also cited 95 percent of victims of terrorism are Muslim.

I appreciate the warm welcome the President received in Saudi Arabia as he promotes peace through strength.

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 Navy Captain Ken Clark of Swansea, South Carolina, a Naval Academy graduate of great service.

Mr. Speaker, on February 16, 2017, South Carolina lost a dedicated public servant with the death of Furman Younginer. As the Mayor of Irmo for 16 years, he was a crucial part of the modernization and transformation of the town from a sleepy village to one of America's fastest growing communities. He was also a committed Christian, dedicated family man, and U.S. Army veteran. He will be greatly missed.

The following thoughtful obituary was published in The State on February 18, 2017:

Furman Raymond Younginer passed peacefully into eternal

life Thursday, February 16, 2017. Born November 14, 1923, in

Irmo, SC, he was the son of the late Raymond Samuel Younginer

and Gertrue Petty Younginer of Irmo. He was predeceased by

his wife of 62 years, Louise O'Sheal Younginer.

A lifelong resident of Irmo, Mr. Younginer was educated in

the Irmo schools and graduated from Irmo High in 1941. After

graduation, he began working in the Accounting Department

with the Columbia, Newberry, and Laurens (CN&L) Railroad and

continued in this position until he was drafted into the U.S.

Army at the age of 19. He served in the U.S. Army during

World War II, from April 15, 1943 until he was honorably

discharged December 14, 1945.

His years of service for his country began with basic

training at Fort Jackson. He was sent to Washington, D.C. for

a short while and in September 1943 he was sent to Camp

Patrick Henry (Newport News, VA) where he boarded a Liberty

ship. He traveled across the ocean for 17 days to begin his

service in the European theatre of operations. He first

landed in Casablanca and then traveled via train, in boxcars,

across North Africa. He was sent to Italy to serve in the

Allied Control Commission (Military Government for the Italy

2675th Regiment) under the command of General Mark Clark. Mr.

Younginer was based in a number of Italian cities, but he was

assigned to Rome for the majority of his time and while

there, he attended classes at the University of Rome. He

often recalled that while in Rome, he learned the good news

of the wars end and that he would soon return home.

Following the end of World War II, he returned to Irmo,

attended the University of South Carolina, and continued his

work in accounting for the CN&L Railroad (now, part of CSX

Railroad). His job position was Assistant Secretary/Treasurer

and he was responsible for the financial and managerial

junctions in the Columbia office of the CN&L. He was employed

by the CN&L Railroad for 42 years and retired in March 1983.

As a member of America's Greatest Generation, Mr.

Younginer's experiences in World War II gave him many

insights which he related to and envisioned for his hometown

of Irmo. He acknowledged the positive aspects of the many

places to which he had been assigned or visited and sought to

incorporate those features that would promote civics,

leadership, and progress in the community. In 1951, Furman

Younginer was elected to the Irmo Town Council and he

remained on the Council until 1961 when he was elected Mayor

of Irmo. He served as Irmo's mayor for 16 years (1961-1977)

and during his administration many changes and improvements

occurred in the community. The Irmo area became well-known as

an ideal place for families to live. Mr. Younginer cooperated

with industry and real estate developers, envisioning a

bright and productive future for Irmo.

. . .

Mr. Younginer was a lifelong member of the Irmo Pentecostal

Holiness Church (now known as Irmo Family Worship Center). He

accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at age 9 and his

faith and trust in God never wavered. He served multiple

positions in the church including secretary-treasurer and

Sunday School superintendent.

Furman Younginer will be forever remembered in the hearts

of his friends and family. He leaves to cherish his memory,

his five children and spouses: Miriam Y. and Donald E.

Lovett, Caroline Y. and Frederick E. Sojourner, Ann Y. and

Robert Gunning IV, Paul F. and Angela M. Younginer, Lucy Y.

and Dr. R. Paul Austin. His ten beloved grandchildren are

Furman D. Lovett (Emily), Maria L. Cole (Ryan), Caroline

Ingram, Robert Gunning V. (Hannah), Laura Gunning Morgan

(Tommy), Andrew Gunning, Anna Younginer, Robert Paul Austin

III, Lewis Austin, Smith Austin. His four great-grandchildren

are Charles Cole, Lily Cole, Molley Gunning, Sophie Gunning.

His dearly loved sisters are Orine Younginer, Mildred

Younginer, Blanche Younginer (deceased), Betty Younginer, and

Vernelle Y. Jones (Rev. Sanford Jones).

The family appreciates the expressions of kindness bestowed

upon Mr. Younginer throughout his life. He took pride in

wearing his cap with the emblem, World War II Veteran, and

individuals frequently greeted him with appreciation for his

service to our country. He maintained and treasured his

friendships with former coworkers, community members, church

family, and his many devoted friends.

Visitation will be from 4 until 6:00 PM, Saturday, February

18, 2017, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, Irmo.

The funeral will be at 3:00 PM, Sunday, February 19, 2017 at

Irmo Family Worship Center at 10501 Broad River Rd, Irmo, SC

29063 with burial immediately following in the church

cemetery.

Mr. Speaker, in the 2002 Farm Bill, the U.S. Department of Agriculture established the Peanut Standards Board, a board that advises the Secretary of Agriculture and Department on peanut quality and handling standards. By law, members of the Peanut Standards Board must be from a state in one of the three designated regions. South Carolina was not represented, leaving the state's peanut farmers without a voice, despite being the nation's fourth largest peanut-producing state and producing over eight percent of the nation's peanuts.

Peanuts are appreciated in South Carolina where every August the Pelion Peanut Party at Pelion in Lexington County is a highlight of the summer. Additionally, the General Assembly has legislated the beloved boiled peanut as the official State snack.

Today, I am grateful to introduce the South Carolina Peanut Parity Act, legislation that will grant peanut producers the opportunity to represent South Carolina's agricultural community on the Peanut Standards Board.

I appreciate the support of the South Carolina Farm Bureau, led by President Harry Ott, for this legislation, and am grateful that the entire South Carolina delegation joins me in introducing the South Carolina Peanut Parity Act.

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

Mr. Speaker, The Post and Courier of Charleston, on May 6, explained the Iran-North Korea link in an editorial:

``President Trump is looking for ways to put a squeeze on North Korea that will persuade it to give up nuclear weapons and the missiles to carry them . . . there is another collaborator with North Korea that appears to be helping it survive: Iran.''

``According to Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies in Monterey, California, the evidence of collaboration between North Korea and Iran is ample and of long standing. `The very first missiles we saw in Iran were simply copies of North Korean missiles. Over the years, we have seen photographs of North Korean and Iranian officials in each other's countries, and we have seen all kinds of common hardware.' ''

`` . . . President Obama got Tehran to agree to reduce its stock of enriched uranium. . . . But the agreement is a weak one if Tehran is simply paying Pyongyang to do the design work for missiles and warheads. . . .''

``And if Iran is paying North Korea for help, then the sanctions . . . are also being fatally undermined.''

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

Mr. Speaker, today marks the 30th Anniversary of the tragic attack on the USS Stark during the Iran-Iraq War. On May 17, 1987, the USS Stark was on patrol in the Arabian Gulf when an Iraqi aircraft fired two missiles at the frigate without warning. The attack and resulting fire killed 37 military personnel and wounded 21 others. The brave crew fought the fire throughout the night and managed to save the ship.

I would like to recognize the heroism of the service members who served on the USS Stark, including Mr. Luther James Padgett of Gaston, South Carolina, a member of the HSL-32 Squadron. A proud Navy man, he served his country from 1977 to 1995. I am grateful for his admirable service.

Mr. Speaker, on May 12, 2017, South Carolina honored distinguished Southern Gentleman and former Congressman Ed Young of Florence. He was a World War II hero, a dedicated family man, a committed Christian, a farmer, a real estate developer creating jobs, and a pioneer public servant who helped develop the two-party system in South Carolina.

The following thoughtful obituary was published May 11, 2017, in the Florence Morning News:

A hero was lost to the Florence community, the greater Pee

Dee area, the state of South Carolina, and our nation when

Edward Lunn Young died on May 9, 2017 at the age of 96.

Surrounded by his loving family, he passed away in the home

where he was born in 1920.

Ed grew up on his family's farm in the Ebenezer community

and attended Florence High School. He enrolled in the Corps

of Cadets at Clemson University, where he majored in dairying

and played Reveille on the bugle each morning and Taps each

night. He graduated in 1941 and, like many young men of his

generation, went off to war. Ed joined the Army Air Corps and

flew P-38 fighter missions in the South Pacific. After

completion of his required missions, Ed requested to remain

in the theater, flying a total of 195 combat missions. For

his valor, Major Young was awarded the Distinguished Flying

Cross and the Air Medal with nine Oak Leaf Clusters.

After the war, Ed returned to Ebenezer and the home where

he grew up, following in his father's footsteps raising dairy

cattle, and growing cotton, corn, soybeans, and tobacco.

Although farming was a life calling for Ed, it was not his

only calling. He became involved in state politics, serving

in the South Carolina Legislature from 1957-1960. His service

at the state level was followed by a term as his district's

first Republican to the US Congress in 1973.

Mr. Young's devotion to service was hardly limited to

politics. Among his many activities, he served frequently

throughout his life as a Member or Chairman of the Board of

Deacons of Ebenezer Baptist Church, President of Coble Dairy,

President of the Florence County Farm Bureau, President of

South Carolina Association of Young Farmers, Member of the

South Carolina State Development Board and Chairman of the

Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce, among many others.

Ed was selected Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year by

South Carolina Association of Young Farmers and awarded

Outstanding Man of the Year in Agriculture by Progressive

Farmer magazine; he also received the Distinguished Service

Award from Clemson University and the Distinguished

Agricultural Award, presented by the South Carolina

Cooperative Council.

Ed is perhaps best known in the Pee Dee area for his tenure

as the host of the Southeast Almanac television show in the

1960s. He is also well known in the community for

participating weekly for over 50 years on the live Sunday

morning radio program, Radio Sunday School. Another weekly

occurrence was his attendance at The Rotary Club of Florence,

where he led the singing and eventually became a life member.

In 1996, he was honored with the Rotarian President's Award

for Distinguished Service.

In the business world, Ed was instrumental in several real

estate developments including Oakdale Country Club, Forest

Lake, as well as hotels in Florence and Surfside Beach. He

combined his love of real estate projects and love of

community by donating land for the Florence Civic Center and

Veterans Military Park in Florence.

More than any of these interests, Ed's strongest and

highest devotion was to Ebenezer Baptist Church. He and his

wife, ``Hatsy,'' taught Sunday School for over 50 years, and

both were devoted members of the church choir.

While Ed Young has been a hero to his community and nation,

he was more than any of these, a hero to his loving family.

Ed is survived by his wife and ``bride'' of 71 years Harriet

(``Hatsy'') Yeargin Young, and his four daughters and sons-

in-law: Dr. Claudia Venable & Dr. Greg Brigman of Atlanta,

GA, Dr. John & Harriet Charles of Myrtle Beach, SC, Dr.

Farrell & Virginia Gean of Simi Valley, CA, and Rev. Jay &

Rebecca Madden of Atlanta, GA. Ed leaves behind seven adoring

grandchildren: Julia Charles, Lillian Charles, Luke Venable,

Austin Charles, Sarah Venable, Neale Madden, and William

Madden. Ed's family attributes his success and long life to a

grapefruit every morning, a nap every afternoon, and his

never-failing optimistic spirit. He never met a stranger and

everywhere he went, he would ask each person his or her name.

Ms charm, handshake and the twinkle in his eye made everyone

he met feel special.

He is predeceased by his three brothers: William (Bill)

Young, James (Jay) Young, and John Young and his grandson,

Henry Brockington (Brock) Madden.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Dr. Steven

Ross, not only for his excellent medical care, but also for

his personal devotion and his wisdom over the past several

years. Gratitude is also extended to the team that provided

continuous care at his home and to McLeod Hospice for their

superb caring attendance and reassurance during these final

months. The family extends heartfelt love and admiration to

Ed's dearest friend and coworker, Mr. Nathan Faison, for his

lifelong friendship and support. They also thank the many

along the way who have prayed and extended sweet

thoughtfulness to the family.

In lieu of food and flowers, contributions may be sent to

the Ebenezer Baptist Church Building Fund, 524 S. Ebenezer

Rd., Florence, SC 29501.

The funeral service will be held at Ebenezer Baptist

Church, 524 S. Ebenezer Rd. in Florence on May 12, 2017 at

2:00 pm, with burial following in the church cemetery with

full military honors. The Youngs will receive visitors after

the funeral at their home until 5:30 pm.

Waters-Powell Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

Mr. Speaker, on May 15, 2017, a Celebration of the Resurrected Life of Jim Ricard took place at Faith Lutheran Church of West Columbia, South Carolina. Services were lovingly conducted by Pastor M. David Kiel who eulogized that Jim ``made a difference in our part of the world.'' The Wilson family especially appreciates Jim's service as Scoutmaster of Troop 1, where our four sons achieved the rank of Eagle Scouts.

The following thoughtful obituary was included in the church bulletin:

Haskel James ``Jim'' Ricard Jr., a baptized Christian and

lifelong member of Faith Lutheran Church, entered into God's

loving embrace on May 12, 2017. He was born January 4, 1942

in Springdale, South Carolina. He was the oldest son of Hack

and Melva Ricard.

Jim is survived by his wife of 52 years, JoAnn S. Ricard,

and three children, Jamey Ricard (Jeanne), Juston Ricard

(Tammy), and Joni Coleman (Brad). His grandchildren are

Tanner, Jacob, Sydney, Josie, Jayne, and sister-in-law,

Cindy. He was predeceased by his brother, Bobby Ricard.

After graduating from Brookland-Cayce High School, he

worked for Baker Equipment Company before starting his own

business, Ricard's Welding. After earning his Eagle Scout

Award as a young man, he later served as Scoutmaster of Troop

1. He received both the Silver Beaver and Lamb Award. He

served in the South Carolina National Guard in the 133rd MP

Company.

Blessed be the memory of Haskel James ``Jim'' Ricard Jr.

Mr. Speaker, this week is National Police Week, a time each year when we honor the service and sacrifice of our Nation's heroes in blue.

At this particular time, I especially cherish the memory of Officer Greg Alia, a veteran of the Forest Acres Police Department. He was a hardworking, humble man, an Eagle Scout, a graduate of Richland Northeast High School and the University of South Carolina.

Greg's end of watch was September 30, 2015, when he was shot while pursuing a suspect. He is survived by his wife, Kassy; parents, Richard and Alexis; and his young son, Sal. Kassy continues to promote Greg's legacy of service through the Heroes in Blue, an organization dedicated to sharing the caring and courageous stories of police officers across the Nation. As we mark National Police Week, I am grateful to have officers who risk their lives every day to protect our families.

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

Congratulations to the newly crowned Miss USA, Kara McCullough, a South Carolina State University graduate who represented the District of Columbia. Also, congratulations to Miss South Carolina USA, Megan Gordon, of North Augusta, who placed in the top five.

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, next week marks Teacher Appreciation Week, which recognizes the special role educators make for American families.

As the husband of a retired schoolteacher and a grateful dad of four sons with eight grandchildren, I know firsthand the positive impact educators have for students.

South Carolina's Second Congressional District is filled with dedicated and talented teachers and administrators, and it is always a pleasure to visit with them at their school or when their classes visit Washington.

I would also like to recognize the 2017 Teacher of the Year, Jennifer Wise, of Hand Middle School of Columbia, which my mother attended. As a math teacher, Jennifer motivates her students for mathematics to energize their lives outside of the classroom.

The success of our teachers is amplified by the leadership of State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman, working with Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, and the parents, teachers, administrators, and locally elected school boards who are making a difference for the students of South Carolina for job opportunities and meaningful lives.

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