Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, as a Member of the 117th Congress, I rise today to celebrate the life of John Walter Revell. John is the son of Jeanie Tanner Revell and Dr. Walter J. Revell, Jr., and the brother of Letty and Marie Revell.

John was born on March 8th, 1980, and tragically died on June 19th, 1993, as a result of being hit by a car as he was riding his bicycle on his way to his family farm. The driver of the car was a person under the influence of drugs, which are ravaging our Nation today.

John was 13 years old at the time of his death. However, his life epitomizes the words, ``While he was alive, he lived.''

The fond memories our family has of John include his Rollerblading around the neighborhood, the family ski trips, the sleepovers he had with our children and friends at our house, the words others would have this 13-year-old boy tell me during the children work week, ``Ralph, we want to take today off to swim at Shiland Pool and play,'' the sight of him standing in our back door when dinner was being served with that smile, indicating I am hungry.

He was an athlete. He was a Boy Scout. He was an honor student. He was a musician. He was a child who loved to laugh and brought a ray of sunshine to everyone he encountered.

June 19, 2022, will mark the 29th year of John's passing. On March 8 of this year, he would have been 42 years of age.

The biblical passage that gives comfort to all those left behind who knew and loved John Revell can be found in Romans 8:38-39, ``For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the outstanding career of Lieutenant Lonnie T. Vinesett, Jr., a dedicated community leader and honorable police officer.

Known as ``Bubba'' or ``Terry'' to his friends and family, Lt. Vinesett grew up in Indian Land. At the age of 14, he entered the Cadet Program at the Fort Mill Police Department. Shortly after, he became a security guard for Mercy Hospital. At the age of 21, Lt. Vinesett was hired by the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office, where he began his police career. During his time with the Lancaster County Sheriff's Office, he proudly served the same community he grew up in and loved deeply.

In 1999, Lt. Vinesett was hired by the York County Sheriff's Office-- his ultimate goal when he began his police career. During his tenure with the York County Sheriff's Office, he experienced major milestones in his career and received numerous accolades and awards. For example, in 2007, Lt. Vinesett was working on Operation Rolling Thunder, a multi-jurisdiction operation based in Spartanburg, during which he made a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling from Atlanta to Washington, D.C. Lt. Vinesett found a secret compartment with 35 kilos of cocaine--the fourth largest interdiction drug stop in South Carolina state history.

Later in his career, Lt. Vinesett attended a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) training on combatting sex trafficking. Shortly after this training, he and then Master Deputy Phillip Aldridge were monitoring a known website for prostitution in the Charlotte area and observed a female that appeared to be underage. The two quickly began their operation and, in consultation with the FBI, investigated and charged the man involved. This was the first case of a successful prosecution and conviction for sex trafficking of a child in South Carolina state history. Lt. Vinesett and Master Deputy Phillip Aldridge received the Merit Award from Sheriff Tolson and a recommendation from then FBI Director James Comey.

Lt. Vinesett consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty. In addition to these well-deserved accolades, he has dedicated countless hours to volunteering for community events and serving the school district in which he lives. Lt. Vinesett leads by example and has served as a guide for his children, family, and friends. He has never met a stranger, and his colleagues describe him as a ``mentor and leader'' to all. These stories are not outliers for a day in the life of Lt. Vinesett. His sense of service and selflessness is above reproach, leading him to earn the respect of law enforcement and citizens all over the state. His 25-year career is a testament to all the good our men and women in blue do for our communities. On behalf of the 5th District of South Carolina, I thank Lt. Vinesett for his continued sacrifice and service, and I congratulate him on his well- deserved retirement.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that I may hereafter be considered to be the first sponsor of H. Res. 921, a resolution originally introduced by Representative Hagedorn of Minnesota, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the outstanding life and service of Thelma C. Childers.

Thelma was born on March 31, 1922, in Clover, South Carolina. Her doctor told her mother she would not live past the age of 2 due to a heart murmur, but Thelma proved that doctor wrong and just celebrated her 100th birthday.

Raised on a farm by a single mother, Thelma understands the value of hard work. During the day, her mother worked as a makeup artist at the local cemetery, and at night, she tended to the cows and other farm animals. Despite growing up during the Great Depression, Thelma never knew she was poor--she just knew she was happy and loved.

Thelma was married to the late Joe Childers for over 50 years. Joe was in the Navy and fought in the South Pacific during World War II. Throughout their joyful and prosperous marriage, Thelma helped Joe run his own life insurance business. The two were also big supporters of St. Jude Children's Hospital and members of the Travelers Protection Association, an organization that helps communities through travel safety issues, children safety programs, and various community service projects.

A proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Thelma is the epitome of a family matriarch. After attending Northside Baptist Church for most of her life, she now enjoys attending Eastside Baptist Church with her grandson Justin as often as she is able.

Thelma's secret to her health and long life is ``working hard in my yard, because all I have known my whole life is hard work and hard work hasn't ever hurt nobody.'' In addition to spending time with her family, her true passion is spending time outside digging in her flower beds.

On behalf of the Fifth District of South Carolina, it is my most sincere pleasure to recognize and celebrate the incredible life of Thelma Childers. May her life continue to be filled with joy, good health, and family.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Perry for getting this colloquy together.

Dan Bishop put it well. America is getting a front-row seat to a left, unhinged group that, on an opinion that was leaked--that is illegal on its face--can inspire people, before the decision is even rendered, to go to the homes of the Supreme Court Justices and attempt to change their minds. It is illegal.

It is in Federal statute. It is punishable by a year in prison. Merrick Garland, we call on him to enforce the law, to start arresting people.

When is it going to end, folks? When is it going to end when a decision that the left doesn't like, in anticipation, is going to the houses of the Supreme Court Justices and all the neighbors, disrupting a complete neighborhood and disrupting the lives of Justices who are not political figures? They are elected for life.

When will we see fences stop being put up around the Supreme Court? Who would imagine? The Founders would have never guessed that this would have been coming to effect.

Do you know what is so appalling? The comments from this administration and from its supporters. A quote by one person who is on the abortionist side: ``If abortions aren't safe, then you aren't either.''

Another quote: ``The time for civility is over, man. Being polite doesn't get you anywhere.''

This is just a replay of the vandalism that took place all across this country--over 537 cities torn up--and a decision has not even been rendered.

Folks, it is time for a change. It is time for this to stop. It is time for all Americans to voice their opinion and displeasure over this, the killing of a child.

When you follow the money, that is where you know where the priorities are. For Title X funding, in the `23 budget, this administration is putting

forth $400 million, a $113 million increase to fund abortions that goes to Planned Parenthood.

In the United Nations Population Fund going to countries overseas, over $56 million of the taxpayers' dollars are going overseas when we can't get baby formula. We can't get supplies that Americans need. The inability of a parent to tell a child that is crying into the middle of the night ``I can't get you formula'' falls directly on this administration.

I commend the gentleman for doing this. This voice has to get louder. Americans are simply tired of it. To do this at this time in history has to be stopped. I think it is.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding service of Charles Moss Duke, Jr. and celebrate the 50th anniversary of Apollo 16's mission to the moon.

Charlie was born in Charlotte, North Carolina on October 3, 1935, to Charles and Willie Duke. Raised in Lancaster, South Carolina, he attended Lancaster High School and later transferred and graduated as valedictorian and

senior class president from the Admiral Farragut Academy in Florida. He then attended the Naval Academy where he played golf and received a Bachelor of Science degree.

Upon graduation in June 1957, Charlie was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He served three years in Germany as a fighter interceptor pilot and logged over 4,000 hours of flying time. He also attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where he received a Master of Science degree in aeronautics and astronautics.

In April 1966, Charlie became one of 19 astronauts selected by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). He went on to serve five different Apollo missions to the moon. In addition to serving as a backup lunar module pilot for Apollo 13 and Apollo 17, Charlie served as the Capsule Communicator for Apollo 11, the first landing on the moon. He also served as the lunar module pilot on Apollo 16, which was the first scientific expedition to inspect, survey, and sample materials from in the Descartes region. During this mission, Charlie became the tenth and youngest person to walk on the moon. Charlie ultimately logged over 265 hours in space. He retired from NASA in December 1975 and went on to enter the United States Air Force Reserves.

After thousands of hours training to go to the moon and finally setting foot on it, Charlie came back to earth with a new goal. With a renewed focus on his family and faith, Charlie became a committed Christian in April of 1978. Shortly after, Charlie and his wife, Dotty, started the Duke Ministry for Christ.

Charlie also became a successful businessman. He owned a thriving Coors Beer distributorship in Texas and later pursued real estate ventures. His subsequent business ventures include serving as the President of Orbit Corporations, working as a consultant for Lockheed Martin, serving as chairman of the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, and much more.

Charlie has exhibited determination, courage, and tenacity throughout his life. He has exceeded expectations in public service, highlighted by his receipt of numerous honors and accolades. For example, Charlie was named South Carolina Man of the Year and was inducted into the South Carolina Hall of Fame in 1973. He has also received numerous honorary degrees, including an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy from both the University of South Carolina and Clemson University. Charlie was also inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame in 1997.

On behalf of the 5th District of South Carolina, it is my most sincere pleasure to recognize Charlie for his extraordinary career. Charlie is a living legend and has made our state and Nation proud. I thank Charlie for his exceptional service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to read a letter from the Dudykevych family, who are originally from Ukraine and are now living in Tega Cay, South Carolina. They still have family who refuse to leave their homes and their country which, as we all know by now, is under brutal attack by the Russians.

The father of the Dudykevych family literally built their home with his own hands, which is now being destroyed for one reason and one reason alone--they desire freedom.

The heartfelt letter reads like this:

``To President Biden and to Members of the 117th Congress of the United States of America, we highly appreciate your legislative initiatives and clear stance against the cruel and diabolic Russian aggression against Ukraine.

``Today, I am urgently asking you to actively support immediate delivery of Eastern European fighter planes to Ukraine. The brave Ukrainian Army and the country's heroic citizens are winning the war on the ground.

``The problem is that Ukraine's cities are being destroyed and the citizens are being murdered from the air. I am requesting your urgent help in convincing the White House that immediate delivery of MiG planes to Ukraine should be the highest priority in support of a free Ukraine.

``What we are witnessing is a genocide against the Ukrainian people. We have an ability in this country and in the allied bases in Europe to stop these murderous attacks from the air. We have a moral obligation to do so. Our words are meant to reinforce President Zelenskyy's urgent demand for fighter planes.

``Ukrainian cities are lying in ruins, and thousands of citizens are dead and will keep dying because Ukraine's denial of fighter jets. These planes will protect the Ukrainian sky from Russian air raids.

``There are MiG-29 warplanes sitting at Allied bases in Europe ready for an immediate transfer. Ukrainian pilots are well-trained on these warplanes and can use them to stop the murderous attacks from the air tonight.

``We can no longer sit back and watch schools, hospitals, homes, apartment buildings, bomb shelters, everyday people of all ages being mass murdered on a daily basis.

``The news that a mother in labor and her unborn baby died after a maternity ward was bombed in Mariupol broke my heart. It is a tragedy that could have been prevented if Ukraine had the planes to defend the sky.

``I know you deal with many requests, but this is an existential need. Ukraine will not survive without your support. Nothing means more to me at this moment. The world is in desperate need of American leadership. Sincerely, Mila Dudykevych.''

This letter was emailed to me 12 days ago on Sunday, March 27, at 2:50 p.m. We all have seen the death and destruction that has occurred since this date, all which could have been avoided if this President had exercised leadership months ago by allowing for the release of the fighter jets, which he failed then and continues to fail now by refusing to honor the request of a desperate Ukrainian people whose only desire is to live in a free country for which they are willing to fight and die.

President Biden, the Ukrainian people and all the free people around the world do not deserve this type of blatant incompetence and willful neglect by the leader of the free world. Historians will record this truly sad course of events for all the world to see in the coming months and years. Mr. President, the words that will be recorded in the annals of history will not be kind.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 471, the PAUSE Act, to protect all Americans from Biden's border crisis.

Well, first of all, thank you for organizing this discussion to inform the American people what is going on. As Andy has said, this President is willfully and directly causing this to happen to the American people.

You are a businessperson. You run a restaurant. I am in the development world. Who would let anybody come into your business or to your home, not know who they were, not know why they were there?

It is insane what this administration is doing. By taking title 42, as has been said, it prohibits--that is the only tool that President Trump had at his disposal and President Biden has, but he is doing away with it because that is what he is encouraging.

Lauren, think about this, how unfair is it to that law enforcement agency,

that law enforcement official stopping a car not knowing who is in it, not knowing what his background is, having no information, how safe is that for that law enforcement officer?

Mr. Speaker, how unfair is it to the municipalities and the cities that are going to have to pay for the hospital care, for the schooling? How fair is that?

Well, it is not. It is intentional. It is willful.

As people ask me all the time, why is he doing this? He is burning the house down before, I assume, the November elections, which the House will turn over, and hopefully, we will elect Freedom Caucus members who have got the steel and the spine to do something about it.

He sold out not only to the citizens; he sold out to China and those that he is indebted to. We are going to find out more and more about that as we move forward.

Mr. Speaker, it is not just the phones. What about the gas cards that are in the latest budget that the President had? What about that?

Just to put some context to this, Texas, I think you have about 15 to 20 million people. South Carolina has 5.3 million. That is the number that is going to be coming into this country in the next 4 months if the pace continues.

It is a travesty. It is something that Americans have to be aware of and stop. God help us all if they do exactly what was said. To fund all of this, America is at the breaking point.

Mr. Speaker, sign the petition.

Folks, have the courage to call your Congressman. And, folks, it is time, as Winston Churchill said: ``Sometimes doing your best is not good enough.'' We have to do what is required to close this border.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Celeste ``Clete'' Boykin for her outstanding service to our state.

A native of Lancaster, Clete has selflessly served the state of South Carolina and Clemson University for decades. Throughout her time as an undergraduate student, she proudly played in the Tiger Band and graduated from Clemson University with a degree in horticulture in 1979. Since then, she has dedicated much of her life to Clemson University and its students. She currently serves on the Clemson Regional Board of Directors for the Baltimore/DC Clemson Club to ensure the Club is one of the best in the nation. Clete also serves as the Chairperson of the Board of Advisors for the Clemson Institute for Parks, which provides research, education, training, and outreach to enhance parks and protected areas.

In addition to her involvement with Clemson University, Clete has educated the South Carolina Delegation on numerous federal issues, including cybersecurity, trade, agriculture, industry, and transportation. Clete is a respected, dependable, and humble community leader. She has exceeded expectations in service to our nation, highlighted by her receipt of numerous honors and accolades. In 2014, Clete received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Tin Cup Awards for her work in the Washington Government Relations Group (WGRG), one of the nation's oldest volunteer organizations for Black government employees. More recently, Clete received the Clemson Alumni Association's Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor the Association can bestow upon an alumnus or alumna. The Distinguished Service Award is given to alumni who have not only dedicated their life to professionalism and public service, but who have also continued a lifelong dedication to Clemson University.

On behalf of the 5th District of South Carolina, it is my most sincere pleasure to recognize Clete for her outstanding leadership and public service. I wish her the best of luck throughout her future endeavors, as I am confident she will continue to serve and find great success in all that she does.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize J. Allen Martin for his outstanding service to our state.

Allen has selflessly served the state of South Carolina and Clemson University for decades. He graduated from Clemson in 1969 and has since served on several University Boards and Committees. For example, Allen has served on the Baltimore/DC Clemson Club Board of Directors as a leader, host, and volunteer for many years and currently serves on the Clemson University Foundation Board.

In addition to his community involvement, Allen is the Managing Partner of The Livingston Group. Allen was previously the Chief of Staff to Congressman Bob Livingston (R-LA) throughout Mr. Livingston's congressional career. In 1999, he co-founded The Livingston Group, together with the Congressman and other former staff members. Allen is well respected for his in-depth knowledge of the government decision- making process and has been involved with numerous successful political activities and elections throughout the United States.

Allen is a valued, dependable, and humble community leader. He has exceeded expectations in public service, highlighted by his receipt of numerous honors and accolades. For example, Allen recently received the Clemson Alumni Association's Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor the Association can bestow upon an alumnus or alumna. The Distinguished Service Award is given to alumni who have not only dedicated their life to professionalism and public service, but who have also continued a lifelong dedication to Clemson University.

On behalf of the 5th District of South Carolina, it is my most sincere pleasure to recognize Allen for his outstanding leadership and public service. I wish him the best of luck throughout his future endeavors, as I am confident he will continue to serve and find great success in all that he does.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brian Mayes for his outstanding leadership and service.

Brian is a 1983 graduate of West Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, North Carolina. Upon graduation, he proudly served in the United States Air Force for four years. Following his military service, Brian spent twenty years as a very popular and highly regarded national gospel performer.

Although Brian still sings, his career focus has since shifted to community service. For 20 years, he served as the Director of Family Life Outreach, an organization that does significant charitable work. In 2014, Brian became the Director of the Boys and Girls Club Jackson Teen Center in Camden where he is known as Mr. BB to many young people. The Center serves as a safe haven for kids after school and is open to all middle and high school students in Kershaw County. From athletics, to academics, to life skills and college preparation, the after-school center not only gives students a place to go, but a place to grow. Brian's wife and life partner, Roberta, also serves at the Jackson Teen Center. Fondly called ``Mom'' or ``Auntie Bertie'' by the teens, she leads the Job Readiness Training program.

Under Brian's leadership, the Center has become one of the best attended programs of its kind in the entire country. Ninety percent of members go on to attend college or join the military upon graduation. During his time at the Center, Brian has developed numerous innovative programs. Some of these programs include ``Make it a Conversation,'' which enables young people to interact with community leaders and experts about topics of interest, and ``Jobs and Employability Training for Teens,'' which provides job skills, training, and internship experiences for high school students. Volunteers at the Center describe the incredible work Brian does as ``powerful.'' His colleagues recognize the ``hope, belief, and positivity'' he gives to his students.

Brian has exceeded expectations in service to our state, highlighted by his receipt of numerous honors and accolades. For example, in 2016, Brian received the Leonard Price Award for Community Service. The following year, Brian was named ``Person of the Year'' by the Camden Chronicle-Independent and received the ``Delta Five Points of Purpose'' Award. He and his wife also received the WIS ``Community Builder'' Award.

On behalf of the 5th District of South Carolina, it is my most sincere pleasure to recognize Brian for his outstanding leadership and lifelong service to our state. I wish him the best of luck throughout his future endeavors, as I am confident he will to continue to serve and find great success in all that he does.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding service of James ``J'' Bobo. James is a senior at Indian Land High School and currently serves as the President of the South Carolina Society of the Children of the American Revolution, the oldest patriotic youth organization in the Nation.

Children of the American Revolution was founded in 1895 and trains civic-minded citizens, develops strong leaders, and promotes a love of our great Nation. As part of his role in the society, James participates in community service projects and learns about his American heritage. He also organized a state project called ``Finding Fields of Freedom'' which supports learning about lesser-known battles and conflicts that took place in South Carolina during the American Revolutionary War.

Many of these lesser-known battles rallied support for the Patriot cause and served as important steppingstones to the Patriot victories that secured our Nation's independence. The courageous men who fought in these battles deserve to be remembered and recognized. In addition to sharing and preserving these important stories, James is also raising funds to erect historical markers at some of these American Revolution battlefields such as Rugeley's Mill and Fort Galphin. He is on track to raise enough funds to erect at least three historical markers.

James' leadership in the Children of the American Revolution organization and his dedication to this project has taught countless others about our rich history and the role South Carolina played in the American Revolution. He rightly believes one of the best ways we can maintain our freedom is by telling the stories of the conflicts, skirmishes, and battles in which our brave patriots first fought for independence. On behalf of the 5th District of South Carolina, it is my most sincere pleasure to recognize James for his outstanding leadership and service to our state. I wish him the best of luck throughout his future endeavors, as I know he will continue to find great success in all that he does.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding service of Steve Penland. Steve has spent most of his life as a Christmas tree farmer in York, South Carolina and is a dedicated and compassionate member of our community.

Steve is a true friend of the public, having served his community and our state for over fifty years. In his career as a preeminent Christmas tree farmer in South Carolina and a leader of the South Carolina Christmas Tree Association (SCCTA), Steve has exceeded expectations in service to our state, which is highlighted by his organizing of the annual placement of Christmas trees in the Governor's mansion. Additionally, Steve has served as President of the SCCTA numerous times, is a regular participant in the South Carolina State Fair, and was a pioneer in enhancing Virginia Pine seedlings. Steve remains involved in his community today.

While Steve has officially retired, his legacy continues to be felt throughout our state with the success of South Carolina's Christmas tree industry and his children's commitment to the family tradition that Steve started. On behalf of the 5th District of South Carolina, it is my most sincere pleasure to recognize Steve for his lifelong service to our great state and congratulate him on his receipt of the Order of the Palmetto.