Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, a recent article in Charleston's The Post and Courier titled ``S.C. BMW sets pace for U.S. auto exports,'' details the remarkable production levels coming out of BMW's South Carolina plant with exports of over $9 billion.

``The BMW manufacturing plant in South Carolina maintained its position as the nation's leading exporter of vehicles, sending $9.53 billion worth of cars and SUVs to foreign countries in 2016--most of them through the Port of Charleston.''

The president and CEO of BMW Manufacturing, Knudt Flor, said in a statement, ``We had a record-breaking production and export year in 2016, and these new export figures reinforce BMW's commitment to South Carolina and the United States.''

Governor Henry McMaster accurately indicated that ``there's no overstating the value BMW has brought to South Carolina since opening its doors in Spartanburg County over 20 years ago. The fact that the same facility that represented such a commitment to our state is now the leading automotive exporter in the country is something that all South Carolinians should be proud of.''

Mr. Speaker, ObamaCare has failed the American people destroying jobs. All across South Carolina, premiums have skyrocketed, small-business jobs have been terminated, and our State is now down to a single insurance provider on the exchange. This is not what families were promised 7 years ago.

With the American Health Care Act, House Republicans have delivered on the commitment to give Americans a healthcare system that increases choice, creates jobs, and puts the patient back in control. This bill protects

those with preexisting conditions, returns power to the States, allows young adults to remain on their parents' insurance until they are 26, and increases consumer choice. This is a critical first step of three to repeal and replace ObamaCare.

I am grateful that the American Health Care Act is supported by the NFIB, the Susan B. Anthony List, Americans for Tax Reform, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Taxpayers Union, the Institute for Liberty, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council, and dozens of other advocates promoting creating jobs.

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 participate in a panel discussion at the dynamic Hudson Institute about the growing threat North Korea poses to the United States and our allies, with Hudson fellow research director Rebeccah Heinrichs and senior fellow Arthur Herman.

We discussed the growing threat of North Korea's testing medium- and long-range missiles, the gruesome capabilities of conventional weapons, and their rapidly proceeding nuclear program.

We further discussed the importance of missile defense, specifically the THAAD missile system and the boost phase interceptor system, and how they could deter the threats from North Korea.

I also spoke on the bipartisan resolution that I introduced last week, a resolution condemning North Korea's development of their missile program, calling for the consideration of all available options to protect the people of South Korea.

I look forward to working with Foreign Affairs Chairman Ed Royce, Ranking Member Eliot Engel, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and President Donald Trump to ensure that all options are on the table when responding to the growing threat posed by North Korea.

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

Mr. Speaker, on February 12, an historic change of command ceremony was held for the South Carolina National Guard 51st Military Police Battalion. Lexington High School math teacher Major Erika Perry became the first female commander of this battalion.

Major Perry comes from a military family, with both her father and grandfather serving in the United States military. She was commissioned as a military police officer in 2001 and became a platoon leader in the 133rd Military Police Company in 2003, being deployed to Iraq.

A recent article in Cola Daily, edited by Terry Ward, detailed: ``During her years in the National Guard, Perry served in Iraq and Afghanistan and on the home front during times of crisis, like Hurricane Matthew. She appreciates the LHS administration's support of her military career throughout her 19 years at the school.''

Congratulations to the University of South Carolina men's and women's basketball teams on their victories last night, securing their place in the NCAA's Sweet 16 as one of the few universities to have teams in both tournaments simultaneously. Go, Gamecocks.

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, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, an editorial last week in the Post and Courier of Charleston cites ``GOP health bill a start,'' which provided accurate insight into how the American Health Care Act is the first step in a three-step approach on how to put patients back in control of health care.

The editorial states: ``Any flaws not withstanding, it's an important step forward for the GOP to put a fully fleshed-out healthcare bill on the table. . . . But there is certainly cause for optimism that a tweaked . . . healthcare bill can at least bandage and begin to cure some of the festering wounds left by ObamaCare. . . .

``Republicans have a chance to make things right. They have a chance to help more Americans afford health care in a sustainable and responsible way. They have the chance to place more healthcare decisions in the hands of patients and doctors and fewer in the hands of government.

``The bill introduced on Tuesday is a first step in the right direction. . . .''

I appreciate the positive vision of Speaker Paul Ryan with President Donald Trump and his team of OMB Director Mick Mulvaney and HHS Secretary Tom Price.

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

Mr. Speaker, last week, House Republicans delivered on the promise to make the health care system work for American families by introducing the American Health Care Act. This legislation puts the patient first, not the government.

Families in the Second Congressional District and across the country have experienced how Obamacare has failed. Obamacare destroyed jobs, increased premiums, and presented people with fewer health care choices. The American Health Care Act is a real solution to ending the Obamacare failure.

The bill specifically protects those with pre-existing conditions, allows young adults to remain on their parent's insurance until they are 26, and provides a stable transition to a system of lower costs and increased options.

I appreciate Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, Chairman Greg Walden of Energy and Commerce, and Speaker Paul Ryan for their dedication and remarkable leadership. This is a positive first step that will advance health care for all Americans, as championed by President Donald Trump and Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney, with HHS Secretary Tom Price.

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

Mr. Speaker, on March 1, 2017, Lexington County, South Carolina lost a favorite son with the death of Perry Kimball. He was one of the community's most dynamic civic leaders.

I was grateful to serve as a pallbearer at Pilgrim Lutheran Church on March 4th with Solicitor Donnie Myers, Paul Scott, H.D. Carter, Councilman Jerry Howard, Danny Kimball, Wayne Kimball, Jim Walsh, Walter Hudson, and Scott Adams. Honorary Pallbearers were John Bozard, William ``Bill'' Jordan, David Scott Kimball, Pete Oswald, James Shealy, Charles Sinclair, and Jerry Wilkie.

The Officiants were Presiding Pastor Glenn Boland, Organist Sandra Lindler, and Lector Peter Reinhart.

The following thoughtful obituary was included in the service program.

James Perry Kimball, 78, of Lexington, entered the Church

Triumphant on Ash Wednesday, March 1, 2017. Born in Norfolk,

Virginia, on May 29, 1938, he was the son and only child of

the late James Rackley Kimball and Dorothy Perry Kimball.

Last year he celebrated his 50th Wedding Anniversary with the

love of his life, Sheri Rene Snyder Kimball. A lifelong

Gamecock fan, Perry was a Gamecock Club Lifetime Donor with a

particular passion for USC football, baseball, and men's and

women's basketball. Whether he was in the stands or in his

lounge chair, he was a loyal Gamecock fan through and through

from the 1950s to the present.

After a move to Lake Murray in the early 1970s, he embraced

life as a Lexingtonian, dedicated to serving the community

with his unmistakable charm and humor. Perry was a member of

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, where he was an usher, taught Sunday

School and Bible Study, and faithfully served on many

committees. He is a Paul Harris Fellow with the Rotary Club

of Lexington where he served as past president and had

perfect attendance for over 40 consecutive years. Perry

remained active in the community by serving on the boards of

the Lexington Gamecock Club, the Lexington Chamber of

Commerce, the Lexington County Republican Party, and the

Country Club of Lexington. He shared his talents on the

stage, as well as set design, with the Lexington County Arts

Association.

Perry's fondest memories of his childhood were playing on

Burney Drive in the Shandon area of Columbia. He was a

graduate of Dreher High School, Class of 1956, where he

played varsity basketball and was a member of the 1956 Dreher

Championship Team. After high school, he attended the

University of South Carolina and joined the Sigma Alpha

Epsilon Fraternity. Following USC, he served his country in

the Army and thereafter, as a first lieutenant in the South

Carolina National Guard for ten years.

Mr. Kimball worked in his father's business at Home Heating

and Air Conditioning in Columbia and then ventured out on his

own to establish Kimball's Commercial Mechanical Contracting

in Lexington. As a self-employed businessman he embodied an

incredible work ethic which could be seen by many. He worked

above and beyond what was expected of him as he served people

in his chosen field.

He retired in 2002 intent on having endless tee times and

spoiling their five grandchildren. He always had a friendly

smile and happy lifestyle even though he had health

challenges. The Kimball family is grateful for three

physicians, Dr. Horace (Butch) Bledsoe, Dr. C.W. Hendricks,

and Dr. Scott Petit, whose medical expertise granted him

additional time to impart his faith and humor and to be a

great example to others with physical challenges.

He is survived by his wife, Sheri Snyder Kimball, three

daughters, Teri Lee Kimball Callen of Columbia, Heather

Kimball Ramsey (Jason) of Davidson, NC, Lexanne Kimball

Graves (Scott) of Blythewood, and five grandchildren, Jacob

Kimball Ramsey, Ava Perry Callen, Jordan Kennedy Ramsey, Anna

Leigh Graves, and Wesley Scott Graves, Jr.; and an aunt,

uncle, and many cousins and nieces. He was predeceased by a

grandchild, Doren Rackley Ramsey.

Mr. Speaker, on March 3, 2017, I was grateful to present a Congressional Gold Medal to Joseph Moore of Lexington, South Carolina for his service with the First Special Service Force, a U.S.--Canadian unit of volunteers, who initiated the liberation of Europe at Anzio, Italy, in January 1944.

During the presentation with his family, he presented me with an extraordinary prayer which was read by Eugene Gutierrez at the 2015 Reunion of the First Special Service Force. The following prayer was found on the body of an American soldier killed in action on the beachhead at Anzio:

Look God, I have never spoken to you.

But now I want to say, ``How do you do?''

You see, God, they told me you didn't exist.

And like a fool, I believed all this.

Last night from a shell hole, I saw your sky

And figured then they had told me a lie.

Had I taken time to see things you made,

I'd have known they weren't calling a spade a spade.

I wonder, God, if you'd shake my hand?

Somehow, I feel you will understand.

Funny, I had to come to see your face.

Well, I guess there isn't much more to say.

But, I'm sure glad, God, I met you today.

I guess the zero hour will soon be here,

But I'm not afraid since I know you are near.

There's the signal . . . I've got to go.

I like you lots, I want you to know.

Look now, this will be a horrible fight.

Who knows, I may come to your house tonight.

Though I wasn't friendly to you before,

I wonder, God, if you'd wait at your door?

Look, I'm crying . . . me, shedding tears.

I wish I had known you these many years.

Well, I have to go now, God, goodbye . . .

Strange, since I met you, I'm not afraid to die.

Madam Speaker, Sunday afternoon, the University of South Carolina's women's basketball team clenched their third consecutive Southeastern Conference championship.

The Gamecocks beat Mississippi State 59-49 in the SEC's women's basketball tournament title game in Greenville, South Carolina.

Juniors Kaela Davis of Suwanee, Georgia, and A'ja Wilson of Irmo, South Carolina, an extraordinary constituent, led the team with an impressive 38 combined points. This all-star team will likely hold the number one seed in the NCAA tournament that will begin on March 17.

Head coach Dawn Staley joined the University of South Carolina in 2008, building a team based on teamwork and determination. In the eight seasons that Coach Staley has been with the program, the South Carolina Women's Basketball Team has also seen three SEC regular season championships, three Sweet 16 seasons, and the program's first number one national ranking, with an average home attendance of over 14,000 Gamecock fans.

As March marks Women's History Month, it is especially fitting to congratulate Coach Dawn Staley and the historic Gamecock women's basketball team.

Best wishes for continued success in the NCAA playoffs. Go Gamecocks.

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

Madam Speaker, last night President Donald Trump spoke to a joint session of Congress and to the American people in a powerful and positive address.

From day one, President Trump committed himself to fulfilling the promises he made to the American people, and last night he outlined his bold agenda. I was grateful to hear his plans to repeal regulations, reduce taxes, create jobs, repeal and replace ObamaCare, and promote veterans.

As the chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, I appreciated his determination to rebuild our military by providing them with the resources they need to promote peace through strength.

The President's speech received an overwhelmingly optimistic response, with nearly 60 percent of viewers having a positive reaction. Additionally, 70 percent of the viewers said the President's policies would move the country in the right direction.

I look forward to working with the President and Speaker Paul Ryan to achieve the bold, positive vision for American families.

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

Congratulations to Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and his wife, Lola, a great team for America.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, I was grateful to attend the deployment ceremony for the 742nd Support Maintenance Company of the South Carolina Army National Guard.

These remarkable men and women departed Eagle Aviation in West Columbia, South Carolina, for training in Texas before heading to Eastern Europe for their yearlong deployment to support our European allies of Poland and Romania. They will participate in Operation Atlantic Resolve, a critical part of our response to Russia's hostile actions in Ukraine and Georgia to promote peace through strength.

As Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, but, more importantly, as the father of four sons who have all served overseas, I was deeply grateful for the opportunity to thank the servicemembers and their families for their service and sacrifice.

Under the leadership of President Donald Trump, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis, and South Carolina's Adjutant General, Major General Bob Livingston, I am confident the 742nd Support Maintenance Company will have the resources and leadership to be successful and accomplish their mission of solidarity with our NATO allies.

In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11th in the global War on Terrorism. Godspeed to the 742nd Support Maintenance Company. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. Speaker, President Donald Trump warmly welcomed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the White House today on his first official state visit of the new Administration. Under the leadership of President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence, I am confident that this visit will leave no doubt that the United States stands firmly with our ally, Israel.

Throughout his campaign and since being sworn in as President, Donald Trump has made it a priority to stand up for Israel and promote peace in the Middle East, specifically, by opposing growing Iranian aggression. Just last week, the President swiftly imposed strong sanctions on Iranian officials for testing yet another intercontinental ballistic missile to threaten American families with death.

I look forward to working with President Trump to show our support for Israel and I appreciate that he has appointed Governor Nikki Haley as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, where she will be a strong voice for American families.

In conclusion, God Bless Our Troops and we will never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism. God Bless Benjamin Netanyahu, a dynamic leader of peace through strength.

Mr. Speaker, earlier this month, President Donald Trump released a Presidential memorandum on the fiduciary duty rule, and I am grateful that President Trump has directed the Labor Secretary to thoroughly study this destructive rule.

Under the Obama administration, the Department of Labor released an incomprehensible fiduciary rule that increased the cost of financial planning, reducing retirement advice for American families and destroying jobs.

Families all over America are struggling to save for their retirement, and I applaud the President's swift action to study the harmful effects of this rule. I am confident the study will result in a delay or revision of this ridiculous regulation of 1,023 pages to define a profession.

I will continue to advance legislation calling for a delay of 2 years to give Congress and the administration time to reassess the regulation. I appreciate the positive insight of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisers who promoted reforms for

hardworking American families saving for retirement, and creating jobs.

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

Mr. Speaker, the Midlands of South Carolina has lost a beloved civic leader with the death of Genie Duncan. Services were conducted by Presiding Minister Rev. Donna Stone Eidson and Pianist Christopher A. McCroskey at Trinity United Methodist Church. The following obituary from the church program was heartfelt and appropriate:

Genie Munnerlyn Duncan, 79, was born May 24, 1937, in

Marion, SC, and passed away Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017. She was

the daughter of the late Joseph and Catherine Munnerlyn and

graduated from Marion High School and Columbia College. She

will be deeply missed by her five children, Donald (Laurie),

Susan, Madison, Brian (Shannon), and Jody, as well as her

five grandchildren, Ashton, Hunter, Landon, Taylor, and

Skylar. She is also survived by her brothers, Jody (Ginger)

and Sammy (Diane) Munnerlyn. She was preceded in death by her

husband of 35 years, Donald A. Duncan.

Genie lived a full and extraordinary life. She was

passionate about her family, faith, her side of politics, USC

sports, and ``holding court'' at Nick's on Sunset Blvd. She

touched everyone she met in a deep and meaningful way. Her

greatest gift to the world was the love she shared with

everyone. The love she leaves behind will warm our hearts and

conversations for years to come.

In memory of their sisterly friendship with Genie, the

Honorary Pallbearers are carrying a red rose given to them by

the family per Genie's request.

Memorials may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church

Maintenance Fund, 1201 Mohawk Dr., West Columbia, SC

29169.A07FE8.