Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, last month I was grateful that President Obama signed the National Defense Authorization Act into law--legislation that will clearly prevent the closure of the prison at Guantanamo Bay. Sadly, this has not stopped the President from releasing murderous terrorists, which, by weakness, encourages more attacks against American families that we can anticipate in the future.

Under President Obama, nearly 150 detainees have been released; and just last week, the President released four more hardened terrorists, creating a recruiting environment with a legacy of not being serious about murderous attacks in the future. The President should promote a legacy of peace, not more attacks.

The administration's own numbers reveal that as many as one-third of the terrorists from Guantanamo return to the battlefield to kill American families. In March, senior officials from the administration even testified that former prisoners from Guantanamo were responsible for American deaths.

I appreciate that President-elect Donald Trump does not support releasing terrorists from Guantanamo Bay, and I look forward to working with him to keep Guantanamo open. He knows that imprisonment is a deterrent to protect American families.

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, in an Associated Press article titled, ``As Obama accomplished goals, the Democratic party floundered,'' the disastrous statistics of the Obama legacy were revealed.

The Associated Press analyzed:

There's one number you will almost never hear: more than

1,030 seats. That's the number of spots in State

legislatures, Governor's mansions, and Congress lost by

Democrats during Obama's Presidency. It is a statistic that

reveals an unexpected twist of the Obama years.

The Associated Press went on to say:

The defeats have all but wiped out a generation of young

Democrats, leaving the party with limited power in

statehouses and a thin bench to challenge an ascendant GOP

majority eager to undo many of the President's policies . . .

but, say experts, Obama's tenure has marked the greatest

number of losses under any President in decades.

When it comes time to the battle of programs, American families overwhelmingly choose limited government and expanded freedom over the alternative: Big Government and lesser freedom. This is clear with the failing of ObamaCare 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.

Congratulations to our colleague Congressman Ted Poe on his remission under treatment of cancer. God bless Ted Poe.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Ed Royce for yielding. I appreciate your leadership for peace.

I am in strong support of the House resolution, which is taking a firm stand and clear stand objecting to the United Nations Security Council resolution as an obstacle to Israeli-Palestinian peace.

The United States has stood with Israel against one-sided, biased resolutions at the United Nations and in other international forums. Additionally, the United States has been adamant that a peaceful resolution will only come from direct, bilateral negotiations, not addressed by an international forum. The distorted ideology of moral neutrality is suicidal for civilization, encouraging what the chairman correctly identified as ``pay for slay,'' as evidenced by the murder of American tourist Taylor Force just last year.

On December 23, my constituents were shocked as the Obama administration betrayed the people of Israel, undermining the peace process by failing to veto the U.N. Security Council resolution. President Obama and Secretary Kerry's actions revealed dangerous irresponsibility, putting Israeli and American families at risk of more terrorist attacks. Fortunately, Governor Nikki Haley, President-elect Donald Trump's appointee, will soon be making a positive difference as U.N. Ambassador of the United States, promoting peace through strength.

Today, I am grateful to stand strong with Israel by being an original cosponsor of H. Res. 11. I appreciate the leadership of Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Chairman Ed Royce, and Ranking Member Eliot Engel for sponsoring this resolution. I urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday, the first day of the 115th Congress, the House of Representatives elected Paul Davis Ryan to serve as Speaker of the House. I have been grateful to serve with Speaker Ryan, a proven conservative, throughout my service in Congress and can attest to his commitment to conservative values with innovative thoughtfulness.

Under Speaker Ryan's leadership, House Republicans last year passed meaningful legislation providing greater outreach service for veterans, reinforcing local control of education, ending the 40-year ban on crude oil exports, combating the opioid epidemic, passing the National Defense Authorization Act, and enacting sweeping mental health reform.

Speaker Ryan also launched A Better Way, a bold policy agenda that presents meaningful initiatives for restoring a confident America by presenting solutions to address poverty, grow our economy to create jobs, defend the Constitution, improve health care by repealing the failing ObamaCare, reform the Tax Code, and strengthen the military.

I was grateful to cast my vote for Speaker Ryan, and I look forward to working with him, President-elect Donald Trump, and Vice President- elect Mike Pence in the new Congress to deliver policies of limited government and expanded freedom for American families.

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, during the President's Day break, I was grateful to chair a House Armed Services Committee delegation to the United Arab Emirates, Afghanistan, Kuwait, Jordan, and Iraq.

With Congressmen Brad Ashford, Seth Moulton, and Elise Stefanik, we met world leaders in the midst of forcefully protecting their citizens in the Global War on Terrorism.

Coordinating the itinerary were House professional staffers Pete Villano and Lindsay Kavanaugh, with military input by Major Brad Grane, U.S. Army, Colonel Dan Greenwood, U.S. Marine Corps, and Major Tony Garofano, U.S. Marine Corps.

At each step we were greeted and briefed by experienced, dedicated, and enthusiastic U.S. Ambassadors, including Barbara Leaf at Abu Dhabi in the UAE, Michael McKinley in Afghanistan, Alice Wells in Jordan, Douglas Silliman in Kuwait, and Stuart Jones in Iraq. Each has recruited talented foreign-service officers to promote warm relations with our allies in the Middle East and Central Asia.

A key way to protect American citizens at home from terrorists is to promote stable, prosperous, and unified allies abroad. Radical Islamists have declared war on Americans and plan to exterminate Jews. Moreover, in the last ten days, they have slaughtered their fellow Muslims from Peshawar, Pakistan, in a mosque, to burning alive over 30 innocent civilians in al-Baghdadi, Iraq, while beheading 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians in Libya, and murdering Jews in Copenhagen.

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, a Service of Worship was conducted on Sunday, February 22, 2015, at the First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, South Carolina, in Remembrance of and Thanksgiving for the Life of John Gregg McMaster, Jr.

Participating in the service were The Rev. Dr. Derek W. H. Thomas, Senior Minister, The Rev. Dr. John R. deWitt, Mr. Ronald E. Miller, Organist, and Mr. Christian Markle, Bagpiper. Honorary Pallbearers were The Elders and Deacons of the First Presbyterian Church. The following obituary was published in the Service program:

John Gregg McMaster, Jr., 100, passed away in Columbia early Friday morning, February 20, 2015. Born March 16, 1914, in Florence, the son of Dr. and Mrs. John Gregg

McMaster, he received a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of South Carolina in 1936, an L.L.B. from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1938, and a J.D. degree in 1970.

In 1944 he married Ida Bacot Dargan of Florence, whose nickname was ``Pet.'' They had six children, all boys, four of whom became lawyers.

Mr. McMaster was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives in 1944, serving two terms. From 1953-1954, he served as Code Commissioner for South Carolina, and from 1952-1967 he served on the SC Aeronautics Commission, the last eleven years as chairman.

He was elected president of the Richland County Bar Association in 1976. From 1982-1988, he served on the board of the Richland County Public Defender Corporation, the last two years as chairman. He was elected to the American College of Trial Lawyers in 1968; awarded membership in the Cum Laude Club by Fellows of the Foundation, the USC Education Foundation, in 1969; elected a Fellow in the International Academy of Trial Lawyers in 1981; awarded the John W. Williams Distinguished Service Award by Richland County Bar Association in 1991; and awarded the Order of the Palmetto by Governor Carroll Campbell in 1991. He was honored in 1991 by the Resolution of the South Carolina House of Representatives for distinguished service to the South Carolina Association Trial Lawyers Association in 2004; awarded membership in the American Board of Trial Associates in 2004; received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Richland County Bar Association in 2012; and received a Resolution of congratulations from the South Carolina House of Representatives on his ninety-ninth birthday in 2013.

Admitted to practice in all state and federal courts in SC, Mr. McMaster was a member of the Richland County Bar Association, the South Carolina Bar, the National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel, the South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys Association and the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference. For years he was the senior practicing attorney in South Carolina, having been at the bar over seventy-five years upon his retirement in 2013. He tried his last case at age 93.

Mr. McMaster was a member of the Saint Andrews Society of Columbia, The Torch Club, Forest Lake Club, The Forum Club, The Centurion Society and The Columbia Ball. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Columbia from his college days and served as Sunday school teacher, Deacon, Elder, and Elder Emeritus.

Mr. McMaster was predeceased by his wife, Ida Dargan; his sister, Eleanor ``Sis'' McMaster Bradham (Riley, Jr.) of Sumter; and his brother Hugh Buchanan McMaster (Jean Kelly) of Columbia.

He is survived by his six sons, John Gregg McMaster, III (Judy Cook), Lieutenant Governor and former Attorney General Henry Dargan McMaster (Peggy McAbee), George McMaster, William Gourdin McMaster (Elizabeth Laffitte), Frank Barnwell McMaster, all of Columbia, and Joseph Dargan McMaster of Charlotte; grandchildren, John Gregg McMaster, IV (Laurel Briggs) of Columbia, Henry Dargan McMaster, Jr. of Columbia, Mary Rogers McMaster of New York, William Gourdin McMaster, Jr. MD, of Nashville, Dargan McMaster Rain (Rob) of Spartanburg, George Hunter McMaster, II of New York, Joseph Dargan McMaster, Jr. of Columbia, Eleanor Gourdin McMaster of Columbia; and great grandson, Shawn McMaster of Columbia; and great granddaughter, Elizabeth Laffitte Rain of Spartanburg.

Mr. Speaker, during the Presidents' Day break, I was grateful to chair a delegation to visit with President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan, King Abdullah II of Jordan, and President Fuad Masum of Iraq, along with Defense Minister Khaled al-Obaidi of Iraq. Each leader clearly wants to protect their citizens from terrorism.

I was joined by the dynamic Elise Stefanik of New York, four-tour Iraq veteran Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, and hardworking Brad Ashford of Nebraska.

It is more clear than ever that Daesh, the Arab interpretation of ISIL, is a growing threat to the American people, and we must forcefully defeat the barbarian murderers with our courageous allies abroad.

Radical Islam has declared war on Americans and targets fellow Muslims, as evidenced during our visit. We have seen in the last 10 days the slaughter of 40 worshippers at a mosque in Pakistan, the burning of over 30 innocent civilians in Iraq, the beheadings of 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians in Libya, and Jews murdered in Copenhagen.

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, last year, the Mixed Oxide Fuel Fabrication Facility--MOX--at the Savannah River Site was adequately funded to continue to the completion of its vital missions of converting weapons-grade plutonium into fuel.

A recent Augusta Chronicle editorial urges Congress to prioritize the MOX project and to increase its funding. The administration allocated $345 million in the President's budget, and it is my hope that Congress will further strengthen that number. This essential facility will allow the United States to honor its international nonproliferation obligations with the Russian Federation while, at the same time, supporting environmental cleanup.

I look forward to continuing working with Congressman Jim Clyburn, who also represents the facility, in supporting the Savannah River Site and its vital national security and environmental cleanup missions. We are joined by committed House colleagues Rick Allen and Jeff Duncan, along with Senators Lindsey Graham, Tim Scott, Johnny Isakson, and David Perdue.

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, in July 2008, then-Senator Barack Obama said that President Bush adding to the national debt was ``irresponsible'' and ``unpatriotic.'' In February 2009, President Obama warned congressional leaders that the rate of government spending was unsustainable and pledged to cut the deficit.

Clearly, his words did not translate into actions. The deficit has tripled since President Obama took office. Now, the President's recent budget last week provides for $8.5 trillion in new debt and does not ever balance. Republicans, led by Chairman Paul Ryan, will produce a positive budget which balances.

The current rate of government spending is putting America's youth at risk with skyrocketing interest payments. I will keep working to promote policies that reduce our debt, cut wasteful spending, and create jobs while maintaining vital defense funding to promote peace.

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, I am pleased that Congress today will honor a great American patriot, Barry Goldwater, with a statue in the National Statuary Hall of the U.S. Capitol.

On July 4, 1963, I visited Washington, by bus, for the first time to participate in the National Draft Goldwater Rally. Senator Goldwater's legacy of promoting limited government, a strong national defense-- leading to victory in the cold war--and protecting personal freedoms is more vital than ever. As a teenage Republican, I lived the southern Republican revolution he inspired. He helped transform the South from nonexistent, or insignificant, Republican legislative membership in 1963, culminating in 2014 with Republican legislative majorities in all States from Virginia to Texas and Oklahoma to Arkansas.

I am grateful the southern Republican revolution has created an open process in South Carolina, with Nikki Haley being the first female Governor in 340 years, with Tim Scott being the first popularly elected African American ever elected in the South to the U.S. Senate, and Alan Wilson being elected America's youngest attorney general.

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

Mr. Speaker, congratulations to SAFE Federal Credit Union which on January 14 celebrated the 60th anniversary of its Federal charter.

In January 1955, 15 civilian employees at Shaw Air Force Base organized the SAFE Federal Credit Union. Throughout the years, SAFE's membership has expanded to nearly 500 additional groups and eight underserved communities. SAFE, headquartered in Sumter, South Carolina, is now the largest credit union serving the South Carolina Midlands with 108,000 members and $903 million in assets.

I am grateful for the work of SAFE's employees who have developed a reputation of exemplary service, knowledge, and trust under the leadership of SAFE's CEO and president, Beverly Gagne. They have also been on the cutting edge of fraud prevention which is critical as we address new cyber cases of crime.

With their professionalism in lending practices, members have created many opportunities and prompted thousands of new jobs. I know firsthand as a real estate attorney closing loans for SAFE.

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 prayers for the people of Jordan as the latest victims of terrorism.

Mr. Speaker, the quality of our children's education is too important to rely on a one-size-fits-all approach.

I have introduced the Local Control of Education Act to return control of education to the States by prohibiting the Federal Government from using grants or waivers to coerce States into adopting the Common Core State Standards. I am grateful to work with Senator David Vitter of Louisiana on these efforts with companion legislation.

South Carolina-elected school board members and administrators, such as Lexington District Two Superintendent Venus Holland, working together with teachers and parents--such as Kathy Maness of the Palmetto State Teachers Association--are best suited to promote our State's education system. I have full faith in State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman, who is continuing the effort for education excellence as supported by her predecessor, Dr. Mick Zais.

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, the President's State of the Union speech was a disconnect with the American people who live and feel the failures of his policies. That is why the voters clearly spoke to stop tax increases destroying jobs in favor of the Republican bipartisan legislation to create jobs.

Big Government fails. The real facts threatening the middle class are: $869.3 billion total taxes in ObamaCare, according to the Congressional Budget Office; 5.5 million Americans who have fallen into poverty since Obama became President, U.S. Census Bureau; 401,000 construction jobs lost since Obama became President, Bureau of Labor Statistics; $2,484 decline in the median household income since Obama became President, U.S. Census Bureau.

Again, the President should stop, change course, and work with Republicans for legislation that promotes small business jobs.

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

Welcome, right to life marchers, to Washington today.

Mr. Speaker, after 6 years, American workers continue to lose jobs under President Obama's failed economic policies.

The President makes the exaggerated claim of job creation, but workers feel the facts. The administration's policies have caused stagnant wages, weak economic growth, and a shift toward many Americans settling for part-time jobs.

Raising taxes destroys jobs. The Washington Times reports that the 140 million employment payroll in November was up by only 1.2 percent over what it was 4 years previously. The statistic claimed by the President that the unemployment rate has gone down to 5.8 percent is inaccurate because so many people are eliminated as having stopped looking for jobs.

In December, the labor force participation rate fell to the lowest point in over 30 years. This is not an economic recovery to be celebrating, and the American people deserve better solutions for jobs.

House Republicans have passed bipartisan pro-growth bills to create American jobs. We will keep fighting to help Americans get back to work full-time.

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

Mr. Speaker, this past weekend, the citizens of historic Charleston, South Carolina, hosted the second annual Medal of Honor Bowl to further underscore America's deep appreciation of Medal of Honor recipients who have made our freedoms possible.

Under the visionary leadership of Chairman Tommy McQueeney and tireless efforts of 57 volunteers, the weekend began with a tribute gala on Friday night as a prelude to the bowl game on Saturday afternoon at The Citadel's Johnson Hagood Stadium. This celebration of our nation's heroes served to raise awareness of the sacrifices made by our military and their families. Proceeds from the events are to support the National Medal of Honor Museum Foundation and other charities to help disabled veterans and wounded warriors.

The National Medal of Honor Museum is located on board the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, permanently docked at the Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum in Mt. Pleasant. This museum is home to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, whose members have earned our nation's highest award for military valor, and this weekend's bowl game served as a tribute to them.