Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to congratulate Alex Morris, the Deputy District Director of the Second Congressional District of South Carolina, and his wife, Rebekah, on the birth of their son. Alexander Fancourt ``Court'' Morris, Jr. was born at 3:19 a.m. on Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at Palmetto Health Baptist in Columbia, South Carolina. Court weighed eight pounds and fifteen ounces and measured 21 and \1/4\ inches long. He is the first child for the happy couple and I look forward to watching him grow as he is raised by talented parents who will be dedicated to his well-being and bright future.

I would also like to congratulate Court's grandparents, Debra Morris of Elgin, South Carolina, and Major General Robert and Barbara Livingston of West Columbia, South Carolina. Congratulations to the entire Morris and Livingston families as they welcome their newest addition of pure pride and joy.

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 week marks National Small Business Week, a time to recognize the remarkable contributions small businesses make creating jobs.

In South Carolina, small businesses represent 99 percent of our State's businesses, employing 47 percent of our citizens. I am grateful for the input from the National Federation of Independent Business, NFIB, led by Ben Homeyer; the State Chamber of Commerce led by Ted Pitts; and local chambers from Barnwell to Blythewood and from North Augusta to northeast Columbia, promoting every corner of the district.

When I meet with members of the small-business community of South Carolina, I learn how government regulations and government overreach threaten their businesses and reduce job opportunities.

I support President Trump's commitment to creating jobs and how, in only 100 days, his administration has proven to be a champion of small business by cutting harmful regulations and outlining tax reform.

I appreciate the leadership of the small-business administrator, Linda McMahon, and her advocacy for the 29 small businesses nationwide.

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

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate Mr. Royce's determined leadership on this important issue of national security protecting American families.

I am in strong support of H.R. 1644, the Korean Interdiction and Modernization of Sanctions Act. In 2003, I traveled to Pyongyang, North Korea, with the ranking member, Congressman Eliot Engel, in a bipartisan delegation, along with Congressman Curt Weldon, Chairman Jeff Miller, Silvestre Reyes, and Solomon Ortiz, where we saw firsthand the tyranny and oppression of the Communist regime.

Last month, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed H. Res. 92, a bipartisan resolution I introduced condemning the regime in North Korea for their recent ballistic missiles, and called for the consideration of all available sanctions. It passed 398-3.

Since then, North Korea has continued testing missiles and released yet another propaganda video--this one simulating the destruction of American troops, aircraft, warships, and even the U.S. Capitol Building.

After 8 years of ``strategic patience,'' I appreciate the strong leadership of President Trump and his administration, along with the Ambassador to the U.N., Nikki Haley, and also Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

It is clear the regime in North Korea will only respond to strength, and these sanctions that are proposed in this package would effectively target the regime and any other individuals who would do business with North Korea, especially in the shipping and financial industries.

I appreciate the extraordinary leadership of Chairman Ed Royce and Ranking Member Eliot Engel on the legislation, and I urge my colleagues to vote in support.

Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. Speaker, it was my honor to be with Ranking Member Eliot Engel.

Mr. Speaker, Captain Taylor Force of South Carolina was a graduate of West Point, a veteran who had served in Afghanistan and Iraq, and he was an MBA candidate at Vanderbilt University when he was, at random, stabbed to death by a Palestinian terrorist in March of 2016 as he innocently departed from a bus as a tourist in Israel. He was only 28 years old.

His merciless murder at the hands of Palestinian terrorists is even more gruesome because of the Palestinian Authority program of paying out hundreds of millions of dollars to terrorists and their families in support of mass murder.

I am grateful to support the Taylor Force Act, legislation that restricts all aid from the Palestinian Authority until the Secretary of State confirms they do not provide financial rewards for terrorists in their murderous activities. I appreciate the leadership of

Senator Lindsey Graham, Congressman Doug Lamborn, and Congressman Lee Zeldin for introducing the Taylor Force Act.

As Palestinian Prime Minister Mahmoud Abbas travels to Washington to meet with President Trump on Wednesday, I am confident that President Trump will show his commitment to ending financial rewards for terrorists.

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 Sunday marked Tax Freedom Day, determined by the Tax Foundation, led by President Scott Hodge. This is the day when our citizens have earned enough money to pay their tax bill for the year.

It is alarming that American taxpayers must work 113 days to foot the bill for their annual tax obligation. Collectively, American families spent more on their taxes this year than on food, clothing, and housing combined. This is an abuse of the American people, limiting their ability to spend their own hard-earned wages.

As Tax Freedom Day is pushed later each year, we must commit to commonsense reforms to the Tax Code. The Federal Government takes too much from American workers with an obsessive push to increase taxes, destroying jobs.

I am encouraged by the tax plan President Donald Trump outlined yesterday and look forward to working with him to provide tax reform that will create jobs, simplify the Tax Code, and grow the economy. I am confident that, by working together, we can deliver comprehensive, balanced tax reforms for American families which will promote jobs.

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, this Saturday marks 100 days in office for President Donald Trump, an important milestone for Congress and this administration.

Since being sworn in, President Trump has stood strong, upholding his pledge to protect the American people in the face of world threats. He has stood up to the dangerous regime in North Korea by supporting our allies in the region and deploying the THAAD missile defense system. He took swift, decisive action against the dictatorship in Syria by using military force and economic sanctions after the brutal dictatorship executed a chemical attack murdering innocent civilians.

Additionally, the President has taken strong action to win the global war on terrorism by destroying ISIL-controlled tunnels in Afghanistan.

I appreciate President Trump for being a strong President and a model of Ronald Reagan, promoting peace through strength. Congratulations to him on a remarkable first 100 days in office.

I look forward to continuing to work with the President to protect American families while successfully creating jobs.

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

Mr. Speaker, through my service to South Carolina's Second Congressional District and as past Cayce-West Columbia Rotary Club president, I appreciate Rotary International's work in promoting worldwide Service Above Self.

In coordination with national governments, Rotary International created the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, producing Polio Plus as one of the most successful public-private health initiatives in history. The initiative has provided immunizations for more than 2.5 billion children, spared 15 million from disability, prevented over 1.5 million deaths, and has reduced polio illnesses by 99 percent.

Earlier this year, I introduced H. Res. 165, recognizing Rotary International's work on the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and supporting their ongoing services.

While we have made remarkable strides, more work remains. I am grateful to support the current president of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative with Rotary International President John Germ and past Vice President Anne Matthews of Columbia, South Carolina.

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 National Review conservative stalwart Kate O'Beirne.

Mr. Speaker, last night, the Gamecocks women's basketball team made history, winning the NCAA National Championship for the first time in school history. Defeating Mississippi State 67-55, the Gamecocks dominated the all-SEC game, leading the Bulldogs in scoring and in rebounds.

Early in the season, the Gamecocks set their sights on the championship, themeing the season as 100, with the ``1'' reflecting their commitment to one goal, one team, one dream, one family, and one focus. They never gave up their goals, and their dedication clearly paid off.

I join all of Gamecock Nation in celebrating this remarkable victory.

We are also grateful for the Gamecock men, who, in the Final Four, were ahead of number one Gonzaga in the last 3 minutes until the disturbing Zags pulled ahead.

Special congratulations to superstar A'ja Wilson of Heathwood Hall and Hopkins, South Carolina, who had a great game, scoring a team high 22 points, and who was also named most outstanding player in the Final Four.

Congratulations as well to Head Coach Dawn Staley, President Harris Pastides, and USC First Lady Patricia Pastides.

The Gamecocks women's basketball team joins Clemson's football team and Coastal Carolina's baseball team as the third college national championship from South Carolina in just 1 year. Go Gamecocks.

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

Welcome, Timmerman School of Forest Acres, South Carolina, to the Capitol.

Mr. Speaker, I was grateful to visit North Korea on a congressional delegation in 2003 with House Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Eliot Engel on a delegation led by Congressman Curt Weldon of Pennsylvania. While there, we witnessed a regime obsessed with a Potemkin-like appearance and preservation to the detriment of its own citizens who have been reduced to destitution and starvation.

After seeing the devastation of the people at the hands of the totalitarian regime, I have been even more invested in the need to hold the regime in Pyongyang accountable for threatening neighbors.

In early February, I introduced this bipartisan resolution in response to North Korea's threat to test an intercontinental ballistic. Their threat is concerning because an ICBM has the capability of reaching the West Coast of the United States.

The rapid pace of North Korea's growing offensive nuclear weapons development is alarming to the United States and our allies. In just a few short months, North Korea has appeared to successfully test an ICBM; launched a satellite; tested four simultaneous ballistic missiles, three of which landed in Japanese territorial waters; had a failed missile launch; and tested a ballistic missile engine. The regime also claims to be planning another nuclear test for later this month.

Sadly revealing, the regime in North Korea recently released a propaganda video depicting a missile striking a U.S. aircraft carrier and calling for the destruction of the American people.

North Korea is rapidly advancing their capabilities, working to miniaturize nuclear technology to deliver a nuclear weapon anywhere in the world. Sadly, 8 years of strategic patience only enabled the dictatorship. We cannot afford to stand by as this regime grows in power and influence, threatening the United States and our allies.

I am grateful that President Donald Trump is taking the regime and its threats seriously. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson recently visited our allies in South Korea and Japan; and the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, has led the efforts for strengthening international sanctions against North Korea.

The administration has also demonstrated peace through strength by backing up their commitments to our allies with action. We have begun deploying the THAAD missile defense system, recently resumed the annual military training exercises with South Korea, and deployed attack drones to support our servicemembers stationed in the region. This defends the extraordinary people of South Korea, who have developed one of the most prosperous nations on Earth.

As we work to check the growing influence and missile capability of North Korea, Congress, too, has a vital role, starting with passage of H. Res. 92 to forcefully condemn North Korea for these actions and call for the consideration of all available sanctions on the regime and the individuals or businesses who sustain it. We are clear: the United States must stand strong against North Korea for American families and our South Korean allies.

I appreciate the consideration of H. Res. 92, with 120 bipartisan cosponsors. I know that America is fortunate to have the leadership of House Foreign Affairs Chairman Ed Royce, serving in a bipartisan manner with Ranking Member Eliot Engel.

I urge my colleagues to vote in support of the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, South Carolina lost a dedicated public servant with the passing of West Columbia City Councilman Dale Harley. Pastor Michael Hood lovingly conducted a Service of Death and Resurrection on Sunday, March 26, 2017, at Platt Springs United Methodist Church in Springdale with organist Sherri Cafaro and soloist Jason Barrs. Pallbearers were Ben Breland, Michael Faulling, Peter Fisher, Dana Harley, Kevin Harley, Chuck Haseldon, Paul Rish, Kent Safriet, Van Safriet, Chris Threatt, and Jeff Threatt. Honorary Pallbearers were the West Columbia City Council members and the Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission. Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington thoughtfully coordinated services.

The following thoughtful obituary was included in the service program:

Leonard Dale Harley, Sr., 76, of West Columbia, SC, passed

away Thursday, March 23, 2017. He was born in West Columbia,

SC, to the late James ``Alburn'' and Leola Spires Harley.

Dale was a longtime member of Platt Springs UMC, where he

once was very involved with the youth group and Boy Scouts.

He was a member of the West Columbia City Council and a

member of the Joint Municipal Water & Sewer Commission. He

was a family man that loved spending time with his family,

friends and pets. He will be missed by many.

Dale is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Sandy; his

daughters, Lynn (Jim) Asbill of Anderson, SC and Kim (Kim)

Harley of West Columbia; and son, Lee (Erika) Harley of

Lexington. He also leaves behind his two grandchildren,

Nathan and Auburn; his sisters, Sarah (Bill) Geddings, and

Jean Threatt; brother, James Mello (Sherrell) Harley; and

many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his

sisters, Frances Maxine Hamilton and Dorothy Joyce Faulling.

Mr. Speaker, last Saturday, March 25, marked National Medal of Honor Day. Designated by Congress in 1990, the National Medal of Honor Day celebrates each of the men and women who have earned America's highest, most prestigious military decoration.

I am grateful that South Carolina has a long tradition of military service, with 34 Medal of Honor recipients, including the youngest living honoree, Corporal Kyle Carpenter of Gilbert.

To mark National Medal of Honor Day, I join Medal of Honor recipient Major General James Livingston and South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson with a wreath-laying ceremony at Mount Pleasant Memorial Garden. The inspiring program was organized by the Fort Sullivan Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, led by Regent Nancy Herritage.

Additionally, congratulations to the University of South Carolina women's basketball team and head coach Dawn Staley on their victory in the Elite Eight last night. I am happy to cheer for the Gamecocks as they head to Dallas, Texas, for their second Final Four appearance in just 3 years.

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

Mr. Speaker, the bizarre totalitarian regime in North Korea continues to threaten American families and our South Korean allies by testing nuclear capabilities and intermediate- to long-range missiles. I am grateful that, this week, the House Foreign Affairs Committee will consider H. Res. 92, a resolution I introduced in February, condemning North Korea for their recent missile testing and calling for additional sanctions.

The committee will also consider H.R. 479, designating North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism, and H.R. 1644, to enhance sanctions with respect to companies and individuals doing business and enabling the regime in North Korea.

I appreciate the leadership of Chairman Ed Royce and Ranking Member Eliot Engel of the House Foreign Affairs Committee as we address the threat posed by North Korea, where its dictatorship has reduced its citizens to starvation.

Additionally, congratulations to the University of South Carolina men's basketball team and Head Coach Frank Martin on their victory at the Elite Eight last night in New York. I look forward to joining the rest of Gamecock Nation and cheering the Gamecocks in their first-ever Final Four participation on Saturday.

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