Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, President Donald Trump on Friday 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 harmful rule.

Under the Obama Administration, the Department of Labor released a burdensome fiduciary rule that increased the cost of financial planning reducing retirement advice for American families.

Families all over the country 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 a study will result in a delay or revision of this ridiculous regulation of 1023 pages to define a profession.

I will continue to advance legislation calling for a delay of two years to give Congress and the Administration time to reassess the regulation. While I will continue to advance legislation, any delay would be a victory for hardworking American families struggling to save for retirement creating jobs.

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

Mr. Speaker, last night, I introduced bipartisan resolution H. Res. 92, condemning North Korea's development of multiple intercontinental ballistic missiles and calling for an application of all available sanctions. Sadly, the dictatorship in North Korea has been testing nuclear weapons, threatening the people of South Korea.

This resolution clearly outlines the progression of North Korea's recent aggression--nuclear tests, ballistic missile tests, and their willingness to share weapons technology with state sponsors of terrorism like Iran and Syria. It is time to stand up to North Korea's aggression. An ICBM with a nuclear warhead is a direct threat to the United States and our allies, especially South Korea.

Along with Congressman Eliot Engel, we are the only two Members of Congress to have visited North Korea. I believe this resolution is a crucial first step to achieving peace through strength, especially following Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis' positive visit to South Korea last week.

I am grateful this resolution is bipartisan, cosponsored by colleagues, Representatives Mike Rogers, Seth Moulton, Ted Yoho, and Brad Sherman, along with the Korea Caucus co-chair Gerry Connolly.

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

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to congratulate Chirag Shah and his wife, Sejal, on the birth of their daughter. Anya Chirag Shah was born at 6:18 p.m. on Sunday, January 15, 2017, at Georgetown University Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Anya weighed eight pounds and eleven ounces and measured 21 inches long. She is the first child for the happy couple and I look forward to watching her grow as she is raised by talented parents who will be dedicated to her well-being and bright future.

I would also like to congratulate Anya's grandparents, Kamal and Jagruti Shah of Mequon, Wisconsin, and Vikram and Kalpana Bavishi of Secaucus, New Jersey. Congratulations to the entire Shah and Bavishi families as they welcome their newest addition of pure pride and joy.

Mr. Speaker, I was grateful yesterday to join my friend, Congressman Steve King, to introduce the National Right to Work Act.

At least 80 percent of Americans favor barring the forcing of employees to pay dues as a condition of their employment, and this bill would protect workers by eliminating the forced-dues clauses in federal statute. It still allows workers to unionize if they chose to do so-- but makes membership voluntary, not mandatory.

Right-to-work states, like South Carolina, have seen first-hand that job creation and economic growth comes from expanded freedoms. Right to work was crucial for South Carolina becoming the leading manufacturer and exporter of tires, with Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental, and Giti, while also being America's largest exporter of cars with BMW and soon Volvo.

I appreciated joining Congressman Steve King, with Mark Mix, President of the National Right to Work Committee, on this important issue that will positively promote jobs.

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

Mr. Speaker, American families today are at an increased risk of cyber attacks. Additional reports of cyber vulnerability in cars threaten the safety of American families by allowing a hacker to access a vehicle and take control from the driver. Vehicle safety is of great importance to me because South Carolina is America's leading exporter of automobiles and tires, with BMW, soon Volvo, along with Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental, and Giti in Singapore.

Last week, I was grateful to introduce the SPY Car Study Act of 2017 with Congressman Ted Lieu of California. This bipartisan legislation directs government partners and private automobile manufacturers to conduct a study on the security and privacy threats to our motor vehicles.

In conclusion, God bless our troops; and may the President, by his actions, never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

President Donald Trump has taken positive action to vet refugees who ISIS has threatened to infiltrate so as to commit mass murder as they did in France and Germany.

Mr. Speaker, on Friday, President Donald Trump took lifesaving action to begin the much-needed process of rebuilding our military.

For the past 5 years, the failed policy of defense sequestration has forced our military to endure extreme reductions, dangerously affecting equipment, personnel, and training readiness. Under the order, Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis will review all aspects of military readiness.

As chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Readiness, with four sons who have served overseas, I especially appreciate President Trump's commitment to rebuilding the military. It is critical for American families to ensure that our troops have the resources and training to accomplish their missions.

This order is a positive first step, and I look forward to working alongside President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Speaker Paul Ryan, and Chairman Mac Thornberry as we ensure our troops have the resources they need to promote peace through strength.

God bless our troops.

We will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism.

Thank you, President Donald Trump, for vetting refugees to protect American families.

Mr. Speaker, recently, President Donald Trump selected former Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue to be Secretary of Agriculture.

President Trump correctly announced that, ``From growing up on a farm to being governor of a big agriculture state, he has spent his whole life understanding and solving the challenges our farmers face, and he is going to deliver big results for all Americans who earn their living off the land.''

I am confident that Governor Perdue will be a positive advocate for the agricultural community. The dynamic agriculture industry of

the district I represent is appreciated for its vital significance and extraordinary employment opportunities, and creating jobs.

Congratulations to Governor Perdue, his wife Mary Ruff, and their entire family on this tremendous honor. I look forward to working with his successor in this new position in the tradition of Governor Perdue's success as Governor of South Carolina's sister state.

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

Madam Speaker, this week marks National School Choice Week, an opportunity to recognize the importance of providing families choice in education.

As the husband of a retired schoolteacher and the grateful father of four sons and eight grandchildren, I know firsthand the benefit of school choice. We should strive for education that recognizes the individual needs of our students.

Last week, I was appreciative to visit schools to experience school choice at work. I visited a charter school, a public school, and a homeschool group. Thank you to Mark Brown, principal of Horse Creek Academy in Aiken; to Dr. Bill Coon, principal of Meadow Glen Middle School in Lexington; and Wendy Hoyle, the president of the Aiken Area Home Educators. You make a remarkable difference for students.

I believe that Education Secretary Betsy DeVos will make a very positive difference in the tradition of Education Superintendent Molly Spearman of South Carolina.

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

Mr. Speaker, Friday marked a positive new era for American families, as Donald J. Trump was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States, with Mike Pence serving as the 48th Vice President.

President Donald Trump and Vice President Pence will work alongside Speaker Paul Ryan to create jobs, replace ObamaCare with a patient- centered alternative, and promote a national defense so that American families can be protected, policies that were clearly outlined in his inaugural address.

In an op-ed published in Forbes, President Trump's speech was described as ``revolutionary.'' The article went on to detail how ``he has defined a new role for the government, for the public, for patriotism, for America first.''

President Trump confirmed: ``This is your day, your celebration . . . What matters is that your country is ruled by you, the people.''

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. The hateful protesters who assaulted my inaugural guests from New Jersey with water balloons will fail again, as President Trump with Speaker Ryan prevail creating jobs.

Mr. Speaker, on January 11th, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Dr. David Shulkin to serve as the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Dr. Shulkin has served as the undersecretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs for Health since June 2015. Having seen the inner- workings of the Department of Veterans Affairs, he is an excellent candidate to reform the department and serve the needs of our veterans.

President-elect Donald Trump said that he has ``no doubt Dr. Shulkin will be able to lead the turnaround our Department of Veterans Affairs needs. His sole mandate will be to serve our veterans and restore the level of care we owe to our brave men and women in the military. Dr. Shulkin has the experience and the vision to ensure we will meet the healthcare needs of every veteran.''

I am confident in the appointment of Dr. David Shulkin and I look forward to working with him in this new role. He will continue the promotion of positive reforms by former House Veterans Affairs Chairman Jeff Miller of Florida.

In conclusion, God Bless our Troops and may the President by his actions never forget September 11th in the Global War on Terrorism.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Mac Thornberry for yielding. I appreciate the gentleman's positive leadership as chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.

I am grateful to endorse this selection of General Jim Mattis for Secretary of Defense and, based on his extraordinary background, believe a waiver is appropriate. General Mattis' recent experience in the Middle East makes him uniquely qualified to address the threats to servicemembers overseas and American families at home. I am confident that, through his position, General Mattis will continue the great traditions of civilian control of the military, delivering peace through strength.

My personal perspective of appreciation of General Mattis is as the grateful son of a World War II Flying Tiger who served in India and China, as the son-in-law of a Marine who received the Navy Cross for Okinawa service, as a 31-year veteran myself of the Army Reserve and Army National Guard, with four sons who have served in the military, as Army Field Artillery in Iraq, as a Navy doctor in Iraq and Italy, as a signal officer in Egypt, as an engineer in Afghanistan, and with an Air Force nephew serving in Iraq.

In his testimony before the Senate yesterday reaffirming the European Reassurance Initiative from the Baltics to Bulgaria, General Mattis spoke bluntly about the readiness crisis facing our military, and we are eager to work with him on the critical task of rebuilding our national defense to promote peace through strength.

Simultaneously, bipartisan endorsements, to me personally, from his fellow Marines confirm he is the right person at the right time.

General Mattis' swift confirmation is crucial to continuity for our ongoing military operations and protecting American families. I urge my colleagues to support the waiver for General Mattis.

Mr. Speaker, last week The Post and Courier of Charleston announced that South Carolina is the fifth most popular State for new residents. In an annual study conducted by United Van Lines, South Carolina achieved being in a top place for people looking to relocate, whether for a job, retirement, or temperate climate.

The Post and Courier detailed that the moving company this week said 60 percent of the trucks in South Carolina dropped off household goods for newcomers, placing it among the top destinations for those seeking a new home. The article also reveals that recent data from the Census Bureau confirms the Palmetto State is gaining significantly.

I am grateful to Governor Nikki Haley, incoming Governor Henry McMaster, Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt, and everyone who works each day to promote South Carolina as a great place to live, work, and raise a family. We have a probusiness mindset. We are military friendly. We have communities that promote job creation. We have a State that is ready to welcome transplants.

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

Mr. Speaker, this weekend, I was grateful to participate in the Stand Up for Life March and Rally in Columbia, hosted by the South Carolina Citizens for Life during a rare snowstorm.

I appreciated hearing remarks from Evangelist Alveda King, niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a dedicated pro-life activist. I was also grateful to attend the grand opening of Daybreak, a crisis pregnancy center, hosted by Director Brennan Aschleman.

I thank Lisa Van Riper, president of South Carolina Citizens for Life, with Holly Gatling and Brenda Cerkez for organizing such a meaningful event. I was grateful to participate, as well, with Bishop Robert Guglielmone of Charleston and the Knights of Columbus led by Thomas Monahan.

Pro-life voters have made a difference with all statewide officials, both U.S. Senators and six U.S. Members of Congress supporting pro-life initiatives, along with super majorities in the State house and senate. I was grateful to begin this new Congress by being an original cosponsor of H. Res. 354 to provide for a moratorium on Federal funding to Planned Parenthood, which has disgracefully sold baby body parts.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and may the President, by his actions, 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, early this morning, the Clemson University Tigers achieved the College Football National Championship in what was one of the most stunning and unforgettable endings to a football game. Trailing behind the formidable University of Alabama for the majority of the game, the Clemson Tigers refused to be defeated, culminating in a come-from-behind win at literally the last second.

Throughout the entire season, the Clemson football team has shown guts, grit, and determination to their team, their school, and the State of South Carolina. This was a well-deserved win for a remarkable school and a remarkable program. I join my two sons, Julian and Hunter, who graduated from Clemson, and Clemson fans from across the Nation in celebrating this historic victory.

Congratulations to Clemson superstars Deshaun Watson and Ben Boulware, who were named most valuable players for the game. Congratulations as well to President Jim Clements and his wife, Beth. They are continuing in the world class tradition of Jim and Marcia Barker.

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

Congratulations, Dabo Swinney and the entire Clemson football family. Go Tigers.