Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding service of Dr. James L. Lee of Conway, South Carolina.

In June of 1922, Dr. Lee was appointed to a small country church of only a few people. Under his strong leadership, Catoe Chapel Church of God in Christ has grown to be one of the largest churches in Kershaw County, with over two hundred active members. Throughout the community, Dr. Lee is known as a dynamic preacher and prolific teacher of God's word, and he lives exactly by what he preaches.

Although he lived in Conway, Dr. Lee abided by his faith and took the helm of leading this small ministry, believing God would use him to take the church to insurmountable heights. God did exactly that and more. Dr. Lee even inspired church members to build a beautiful new edifice, seated off Highway 341.

Dr. Lee's guidance and wisdom has aided and encouraged countless families through difficult times. He has helped families find housing assistance, student scholarships, and numerous community enrichment and outreach programs. Despite dealing with his own health challenges, Dr. Lee has remained committed to his ministry and the church. His life as a servant of the Lord is so deeply evident in how he cares for those around him.

On behalf of the 5th District of South Carolina, I thank Dr. James L. Lee for his thirty years of faithful service. He is a true example of a servant leader and has been a tremendous resource to our community. May God continue to bless Dr. Lee and his family.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of John Leroy Hill and Phyllis Lynn Stringfield Hill.

John Leroy Hill was born on December 7, 1953 in Cowpens, South Carolina. A true American hero, John joined the U.S. Army in 1970 and bravely served our country for two decades. During this time, John served two tours in Korea, two tours in Germany, and tours in Fort Bragg, Fort Hood, and Fort Ord. He retired as a First Sergeant on January 1, 1991.

John met his wife Phyllis while he was on recruiting duty in Warsaw, Indiana. The two were married on January 23, 1991. Known as hometown heroes, both John and Phyllis are deeply involved and engaged members in their community. John has been the Commander of the Clover Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6732 since 2008. He was also the Commander of the Clover American Legion Post 38 until he was relieved by John Mattingly earlier this year. Phyliss worked with Crystalen Mattingly to form a Ladies Auxiliary for the American Legion Post 38.

In February of 2019, Phyllis retired and wanted to spend time traveling. While on an Alaskan cruise, Phyllis learned that she had a malignant mass. After further testing at the Levine Cancer Institute in Charlotte, North Carolina, the mass was shown to be cancerous. After being diagnosed with an aggressive Stage 4 cancer, Phyllis was informed in June of 2020 that she had only three to nine months to live. She courageously underwent radiation and chemotherapy treatments every day for six weeks. Throughout this entire ordeal, Phyllis has remained a positive and faithful believer of God's healing powers.

Despite her devastating prognosis, Phyllis recently received remarkable news. On December 2nd, while at a monthly follow-up appointment, her doctor informed her that he could no longer see any cancer in her CT scans. Her team of doctors were baffled as to how the cancer had disappeared. Phyllis told them it was her deep and honest belief in God that led her through this.

On behalf of the 5th District of South Carolina, I thank John and Phyllis for their incredible service, and I commend them for their unwavering faith in the Lord. These two are an inspiration to us all. May God continue to bless them and their family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the service of Marine Corporal John ``Bullit'' Killian of Chester, South Carolina.

John is no stranger to service and sacrifice. In fact, military service runs in the Killian family. John's father was a marine in World War II in the Pacific Theater.

A true American hero, John bravely served our country throughout the Vietnam war. John's military career began in 1965 after he and several of his classmates were selected for the draft.

John went through basic training at Parris Island, which he credits for sufficiently preparing him to survive Vietnam. His first duty station was Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) in Cherry Point, North Carolina, where he trained as an electrician and attended an air conditioning and refrigeration school.

After completing his schooling, John shipped out to Vietnam. He was based at Camp Evans, which he and his fellow marines called Disneyland because they got to live in hooches instead of tents.

Affectionately known as Cackalack, John was discharged after 1 year, 11

months, and 22 days in the Marine Corps. He left Vietnam the day the Tet Offensive started. His time in the Marine Corps dramatically affected his life. John said in some ways his service made him harder, but in other ways softer.

On behalf of the Fifth District of South Carolina, I want to thank Marine Corporal John Killian for his outstanding service. He has created a lasting legacy of duty, honor, and courage, and our Nation is better off for his sacrifice. May God continue to bless John and his great family.

Madam Speaker, I thank Congressman Lamborn for holding this Special Order.

As I was listening to him, I was reminded of the Museum of the Bible that we all went to 4 years ago when it opened up. I asked one of the leaders there: What is the theme of the Museum of the Bible? What is the overriding thing that you want the Museum of the Bible to ascend to?

I will never forget his words. He said, Read the Bible. He said, It does not need any guardian; it does not need any interpretation. Read the Bible. It will change your life. That is what I have found to be true and what is so needed today in America.

Madam Speaker, it is such an honor to come before you today to celebrate National Bible Week. What better place to celebrate the Bible than in what is called the people's House but what is ultimately God's house.

As has been said, in 1941, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt issued a national proclamation to celebrate the impact of the Bible on our Nation. The Bible has been a light for so many and a source of hope in the darkest of times, and its influence on this Nation is unmistakable.

In this Chamber, Moses, the messenger of the Ten Commandments and witness of God in all of His glory upon the mountaintop, watches over this body from above the gallery doors each time we gather to conduct business.

However, it is not merely the multitudes of honorary monuments and portraits of Biblical figures and passages that exemplify the importance of Scripture to all Americans, but it is the impressions of our social fabric, so evident in our actions, which speaks volumes.

This Nation was founded upon Judeo-Christian principles. A stroll past any of the extraordinary monuments here in Washington, D.C., makes that abundantly clear. Our commitment to the principles enshrined in the written Word has sustained us throughout our rich history during the highest of times and during the lowest of times. The profound impact of the Bible, and particularly the Gospels, changed my life and continues to guide me as a public servant today.

I believe that if we continue to turn to God in all of what we do and love each other as God loves us, our best is yet to come. If we fail to do so, the worst is yet to come.

Despite our political differences and well-known imperfections, God never fails us. An annual celebration of His Word and unending love is the perfect reminder for us to unite with the common goal of humbly serving our Creator and encouraging this Nation to do the same.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the service of Master Sergeant Harold Shoepflin of South Carolina.

A true American hero, Harold bravely served our country throughout World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. In 1943, he enlisted in the Navy and was sent to Camp Perry, Virginia where he was assigned to a newly commissioned 72nd Construction Battalion. The battalion soon boarded a ship in Norfolk before heading to Pearl Harbor. In Hawaii, the battalion constructed runways, Quonset Huts, and a fuel tank field for the Navy and Marine Corps. Harold lost several close friends during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He also lost his brother, Bob, who was killed in action in Guam.

Despite these losses, following World War II, Harold enlisted in the Marine Corps. From there, he went through Parris Island, Camp Lejeune, and Camp Pendleton. When the Korean War erupted, Harold endured Marine Corps Cold Weather Mountain training and then traveled to Japan with the 1st Armored Amphibious Battalion.

After serving in Inchon during the Korean War, Harold returned to California where he spent several years at Camp Pendleton with the 7th Marine Engineers, attending various Leadership Schools.

Following the outbreak of the Vietnam War, Harold's battalion shipped out on a landing ship tank heading for Da Nang. During his time in Vietnam, Harold was assigned to Iron Mountain, and was also in charge of Base Services Recovery in Chu Lai.

After these many dangerous tours, Harold retired as a Master Sergeant in 1971. As a testament to his exemplary military career, Harold amassed many notable honors and accolades, including the World War II Navy Occupation Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat ``V,'' the Presidential Unit Citation, the American Campaign Medal, and numerous others. Following his military service, Harold and his family retired to Charleston, South Carolina where he maintained a successful career in the insurance and real estate industry. He also owned and operated a shrimp boat. Harold enjoyed 49 years of blissful marriage to his beautiful wife Ruth until her passing in 1996. Together, the couple raised four wonderful children: Debra, Nancy, Joy, and Harold Jr. Their son Harold followed in his father's footsteps and went on to serve as a major in the Marine Corps.

On behalf of the 5th District of South Carolina, I thank Harold for his outstanding service. He has created a lasting legacy of duty, honor, and courage, and our nation is better for his sacrifice.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the lifesaving and heroic actions of Mike Maddox of Rock Hill, South Carolina.

On the evening of August 13, 2021, Mike was enjoying a quiet evening out to dinner with his wife and members of their church family. While dining, Mike noticed a gentleman at a nearby table began choking. He quickly realized the gentleman had a complete airway obstruction and immediately sprang into action. With confidence and composure, Mike directed bystanders to call 911 while he began performing the Heimlich maneuver repeatedly until the gentleman's airway cleared. The gentleman soon resumed breathing and was then examined by EMS. Throughout the evening, Mike displayed brave yet humble leadership.

In addition to these valiant actions, Mike is also an involved and dedicated community leader. A strong man of faith, Mike is an active member of the West End Baptist Church and a Lieutenant Colonel in the South Carolina State Guard Chaplains Corps. Mike has also achieved great professional success and currently serves as a corporate Vice President with Bayview Financial.

Mike is a true example of a servant-leader. On behalf of the 5th District of South Carolina, I thank Mike for his service and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Rock Hill is truly blessed to have him as a community guardian.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding service of Lieutenant Dale Edwards, a beloved community leader and police officer in York, South Carolina.

Lt. Edwards has dedicated over two decades of his life to serving our community. As York's community officer, Lt. Edwards is responsible for attending local events, organizing the Thanksgiving and Christmas meal drives and holiday gift drive, and training other officers. He has spent his career forging meaningful relationships with our community. As a testament to his commitment to service, Lt. Edwards has celebrated numerous Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays by handing out $100 bills and turkeys to needy community members from his patrol car. He also regularly volunteers at Tender Hearts and works with local volunteers to collect donations for gifts, toys, and clothes to distribute.

Lt. Edwards consistently goes above and beyond the call of duty. ln September of 2021, Lt. Edwards helped save the life of a fellow community member. During a morning service at Liberty Church, Glenn Raybon collapsed and suffered sudden cardiac arrest. Two registered nurses, Kelly Stewart and Reeanna Hinkle, jumped into action and began administering CPR. Lt. Edwards retrieved the automated external defibrillator and courageously delivered a shock to Mr. Raybon, who was able to begin breathing on his own and regained a palpable pulse. Mr. Raybon made a full recovery and was back in church three weeks later.

More recently, Lt. Edwards and his wife Robin organized a welcome home parade for a young woman named Maggie who left the hospital after a lengthy battle with COVID-19. On short notice, Lt. Edwards assembled a fire truck, three police cars, and more than twenty vehicles of community members to ride by and see Maggie's smiling face. The parade was a deeply moving experience for everyone involved.

These stories are not outliers for a day in the life of Lt. Edwards. His sense of service and selflessness is above reproach, leading him to earn the respect of law enforcement and citizens all over the state. In the words of Mayor Mike Fuesser, Lt. Edwards ``is a true asset to the force and community.'' Others have described Lt. Edwards as a ``miracle from the Lord.'' His career is a testament to all the good our men and women in blue do for our cities. On behalf of the 5th District of South Carolina, I thank Lt. Edwards for his continued sacrifice and service. York is truly blessed to have him as a community guardian.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to enter into the 117th Congressional Record an example of service beyond the call of duty of two surgeons and an amazing team of nurses and staff working at the Levine Children's Hospital located in Charlotte, North Carolina.

On Sunday, August 22, 2021, while enjoying a relaxing day at our family farm, our 5-year-old grandson, Blair Beckham, got his hand entangled in the steel winch located at the front of a four-wheeler while attempting to pull a canoe out of a pond.

I was able to pull his hand out of the winch just before his entire arm would have been severed by the steel pulley, but not before his index finger was severed and attached only by a single artery and his middle finger remained attached, but all veins, bones, and joints were totally shattered.

I immediately wrapped his hand in a towel and drove to the emergency room at our local hospital, where he spent 3 hours before the ambulance transported him to Levine Children's Hospital located in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The ambulance arrived at the Levine Children's Hospital at 9 p.m., and it was there that Dr. Dan Lewis, a faculty member of OrthoCarolina and a member of the American Association of Hand Surgeons, and Dr. Keith Nord, who had instructed the staff at the emergency room at Piedmont Medical Center on the medical procedures to take while Blair was being transported to the Levine Children's Hospital and who was a specialist in hand surgery and serving a fellowship at the hospital, examined Blair and scheduled him immediately for emergency surgery that night.

The expedient and easy determination for these doctors to make would have been to amputate both fingers, as the loss of two fingers was not life-threatening and the surgery involved attaching the index finger, which was dangling by a lone vein, which was the size of one-fourth of the width of a human hair, and totally reconstructing the middle finger, which was completely shattered. The decision, however, was made to attempt to save the two fingers and to perform a surgery that lasted over 5 hours, beginning on a Sunday night at 11:30 p.m. and ending at 4:30 a.m.

Blair stayed in Levine Children's Hospital for 8 days, August 22 through August 29, where he had medical leech

therapy, which is a rarely used treatment prescribed by Dr. Lewis that provided the necessary suction for obtaining adequate blood flow for the severed finger.

Dr. Lewis and Dr. Nord, along with the entire nursing staff, went above the call of duty to take part in a successful surgery lasting over 5 hours, until the middle of the night, in order that a 5-year-old boy could have a normal hand with all five fingers.

The 2 weeks of post-op care by Dr. Lewis and Dr. Nord was exceptional, and Blair now has the full use of the two once-damaged fingers on a fully functional hand.

The dedication and passion that Dr. Lewis and Dr. Nord demonstrated, along with the nurses and staff, where they were willing to sacrifice their time and use their medical talent to perform a surgery that had a minimal chance of success was a testament to the age-old statement ``service above self.''

Dr. Dan Lewis and Dr. Keith Nord are a living testimony of the Hippocratic oath, which they swore to uphold as medical professionals. As the ending statement reads, ``May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.''

May God bless those two doctors and nurses and staff that made this surgery a total success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 75th anniversary of WKDK Radio and celebrate the success of James Coggins and his son Jimmie Coggins.

WKDK opened its doors on October 26, 1946. Three years later, James received an offer to manage the station. James bought WKDK in 1951, and the radio station has been a Coggins family-owned business ever since.

James, also known as ``Mr. C,'' believed radio was supposed to serve the community, and that's exactly what WKDK has been doing for the last 75 years. WKDK covers local, state, and national events each day and has kept the public informed on major events, such as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the tornado of 1984, the 9/11 attacks, and the eclipse of 2017. The station also serves as a source of connection and entertainment and reports on important community initiatives, such as local election news, Coffee Hour, weather updates, and the announcement of anniversaries and birthdays.

After the passing of Mr. C, his son Jimmie took over management and ownership of the radio station. In addition to continuing his father's success at WKDK, Jimmie has also kept his civic-minded and community- centered spirit alive. Each year, Jimmie takes time out of his schedule to train and mentor students interested in journalism and radio broadcasting.

As testament to the station's accomplishments, WKDK has received numerous honors and recognitions, including the March of Dimes Award, the South Carolina National Guard Certificate of Appreciation, the Rotarian Radio Appreciation Award, the Red Cross Appreciation Award, and an award from the Newberry County Board of Education for Outstanding Contributions to Newbery County Public Schools. The success of WKDK would not be possible without the outstanding leadership of James and Jimmie, who are also recipients of numerous individual accolades. Both James and Jimmie have been honored by the Newberry Touchdown Club and have been recognized as the Rotarian of the Year for multiple years. In 2010, James was also awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the state of South Carolina's highest civilian honor presented in recognition of a lifetime of extraordinary achievement, service, and contributions on a national or statewide scale.

On behalf of the 5th district of South Carolina, I thank WKDK for serving as the voice of Newberry County for the last 75 years. I congratulate them on their outstanding success, and I look forward to hearing about their future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Deputy Russell F. Roark, a beloved community leader and former Police Chief for the City of York.

Deputy Roark has dedicated over fifty years to protecting our community. He began his career in public service as a city fireman in 1962. The following year, he started working as a police officer. By April of 1983, he became the Police Chief for the Union Public Safety Department. Throughout his twenty years of unparalleled leadership and service as Police Chief, Roark trained, mentored, and encouraged countless individuals who have entered the law enforcement profession. Other officers described his advice as ``priceless.'' In 2003, Russell retired as Police Chief. Instead of relaxing and enjoying retirement, Russell continued to serve his community and immediately went to work for the Union County Sheriffs Office as a process server.

Described by his colleagues as dependable, hard-working, and compassionate, Deputy Roark always gives more than 100 percent to his job. As explained by a dear friend, ``vacation and sick leave are not in his vocabulary.'' Even on his days off, Deputy Roark would show up at work to paint the patrol office and spend holidays delivering gifts to individuals in nursing homes.

He has exceeded expectations in service to our state, highlighted by his receipt of numerous awards and accolades. For example, Deputy Roark has been honored with the Union County Cornerstone Award and was named the 2009 Union County Sheriff Office Deputy of the Year. He has earned the respect of law enforcement and citizens all over the state. Most everyone in Union County still fondly refers to him as ``Chief' because of his decades of selfless service to the community.

The career of Deputy Roark is a testament to all the good our men and women in blue do for our communities. A true servant-leader, he has created a legacy of progress and success. On behalf of the 5th District of South Carolina, I thank Deputy Roark for his continued service and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Union County has truly been blessed to have him as a community guardian throughout the last half century.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Steven Parker, a beloved community leader and Police Chief of the Tega Cay Police Department.

Chief Parker has dedicated nearly three decades of his life to protecting communities throughout North and South Carolina. He began his law enforcement career at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office twenty-eight years ago. In 1995, he transferred to the Rock Hill Police Department where he served in various divisions, including: Training, Investigations, Patrol, Traffic, K-9, and Narcotics. Throughout his twenty years of unparalleled service at the Rock Hill Police Department, the agency received numerous accolades and recognitions, including CALEA National Honors, AAA Outstanding Traffic Safety Community Award, and the SWAT South East National Championships. Chief Parker's time at the Rock Hill Police Department ended with him commanding over 150 employees as Major over Field Services.

In 2015, Chief Parker became the Police Chief of the Tega Cay Police Department. Under his leadership, the Tega Cay Police Department attained South Carolina Accreditation status for the first time in its history. The City of Tega Cay was also ranked ``The Top 3 Safest City'' in South Carolina for seven years in a row and ``The 64th Safest City'' in the United States, all while growing at a rapid pace. Chief Parker also managed the design and construction of a new state of the art police station while serving and protecting over 12,000 citizens.

Throughout Chief Parker's tenure as Police Chief of the Tega Cay Police Department, he emphasized the importance of building trust and community relationships. Leading by example, Chief Parker and the rest of the Tega Cay Police Department support the Special Olympics each year by organizing an annual Torch Run, Donut Eating Contest, and Polar Plunge.

The career of Chief Parker is a testament to all the good our men and women in blue do for our communities. A true servant-leader, he leaves behind a legacy of progress and success. On behalf of the 5th District of South Carolina, I thank Chief Parker for his service and wish him all the best in his future endeavors. Tega Cay has truly been blessed to have him as a community guardian for the past seven years.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding service of Jeff S. Helms, a beloved community leader and Police Chief of the Fort Mill Police Department.

Chief Helms has dedicated nearly four decades of his life to protecting our community. In 1983, upon the incorporation of the city of Tega Cay, Chief Helms was one of the first patrolmen hired to serve the city. He went on to serve the York County Sheriff's Department, primarily working as a detective dealing with armed robberies and homicides.

In 1994, Chief Helms was hired as the Police Chief of the Town of Fort Mill. Hired at the early age of 31, Chief Helms was the youngest and longest serving Police Chief in Fort Mill History. When he was first hired, Fort Mill's population was around 3,500 and the department only had 11 officers, 5 patrol cars, and one computer. Chief Helms has built a department of highly qualified officers and employees who selflessly serve the town with dedication and pride. During his tenure, the department has grown to 61 officers and 71 total employees who serve a town of approximately 25,000 people. Throughout this time of unprecedented growth, Chief Helms and the officers of the Fort Mill Police Department have helped the town consistently rank in the top 9 safest cities in South Carolina. ln the words of incoming Fort Mill Police Chief Bryan Zachary, ``Chief Helms leaves large shoes to fill.''

Throughout his 27 years of unparalleled leadership at the Fort Mill Police Department, Chief Helms has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. He was voted Police Officer of the Year by Fort Mill Times and was honored with the Local Hero Award by the Fort Mill Optimist Club, among other awards. He is also recognized as a founding member of the York County Multijurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit. Created in the early years of his tenure as Chief, this was a groundbreaking and highly successful collaboration between departments that has been used as a model for other departments in South Carolina and around the Nation.

The career of Chief Helms is a testament to all the good our men and women in blue do for our communities. He leaves behind a legacy of progress and success. On behalf of the 5th District of South Carolina, I thank Chief Helms for his service and wish him a happy retirement. Fort Mill has been truly blessed to have him as a community guardian for the last 27 years.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Union Medical Center in Union, South Carolina.

Founded as the Wallace Thomas Hospital in 1921, Union Medical Center is a 143-bed acute care hospital that has provided critical medical services to the citizens of Union County throughout the last century. Residents are undoubtedly safer as a result of the high quality care provided here.

Union Medical Center has stood the test of time and has consistently risen above and beyond public health challenges to meet the needs of its community. In 2015, under the leadership of President Paul Newhouse, Union Medical Center overcame financial distress and joined the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System, providing patients with greater access to enhanced services, multispecialty physicians, and more advanced technologies.

More recently, through the Healthy Outcomes Program, Union Medical Center has worked to meet the needs of uninsured patients and help them purchase lifesaving medications and supplies such as insulin and glucometers. Union Medical Center has also implemented a telestroke program to provide quick, high level stroke care for patients. The hospital's commitment to excellence in treating patients with symptoms of a stroke resulted in the earning of Acute Stroke Ready certification from Det Norske Veritas, an international certifier.

Doctors, nurses, and other employees at Union Medical Center have worked tirelessly through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic to save countless lives throughout the rural county. I commend these healthcare workers for their selfless and brave sacrifices. These heroes deserve our deepest gratitude.

On behalf of the 5th Congressional District of South Carolina, I congratulate Union Medical Center on 100 years of outstanding service. I am grateful for their ongoing investments in the future of healthcare in Union County, and I look forward to a new century of continued medical excellence.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lou Kennedy and her substantial contributions to our home state of South Carolina.

A South Carolina native, Lou attended Lexington High School and graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Journalism. Lou has held a variety of marketing and operation roles throughout her career and currently serves as the President, Chief Executive Officer, and Owner of Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation, a pharmaceutical manufacturer specializing in Blow-Fill-Seal technology. Lou joined Nephron Pharmaceuticals in 2001 and quickly created a national sales force. She also headed the effort to move the company's headquarters from Orlando to Columbia in 2014, creating over 800 new jobs in the Palmetto State.

Under Lou's leadership, Nephron Pharmaceuticals has experienced unprecedented growth and now employs nearly 2,000 workers. Lou recently announced the expansion of Nephron Pharmaceuticals and the opening of Nephron Nitrile, a new plant that will be produce American-made, medical-grade nitrile gloves and will be headquartered in Lexington County. This expansion is a continuation of the Nephron team's efforts to support Governor McMaster's initiative to bring the production of life-saving medications and supplies back home to the United States. Lifelong friend to Lou and CEO of Vikor Scientific, Sam Konduros said there is ``not one passive bone in Lou's body . . . she is very action- oriented, and very results-driven.'' Lou's long list of accomplishments proves this to be true.

As a mother to a wonderful daughter and two-step daughters, Lou has instilled in her family a strong work ethic and a desire to find ways to succeed. Lou believes that hard work needs to be modeled, and she sets this example for both her family and her employees. You'll often find Lou spending her days in the office working alongside everybody in the plant to create a cohesive, hard-working team.

In addition to her strong professional leadership and go-getter attitude, Lou is an engaged and philanthropic individual. She serves on a variety of business and civic boards, including the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the Palmetto Business Forum. An avid Gamecocks fan, Lou also serves on the USC Athletic Department Board and has generously donated to her alma matter. For example, she and her husband helped establish the Kennedy Pharmacy Innovation Center in conjunction with the USC School of Pharmacy. She is affectionately known as ``Cockadoodle Lou'' for her financial support and gracious engagement with the institution.

As a testament to her outstanding service, Lou is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the Outstanding Leadership Award from the National Association of Manufacturers and the Woman of the Year Award from the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance. She was also named Ambassador of the Year by the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce. Among other honors, Lou also received the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor, from former Governor Nikki Haley.

Lou Kennedy is a remarkable woman whose work has truly made a difference for the Midlands region and for the entire state of South Carolina. On behalf of the 5th Congressional District, I congratulate and thank her for her continued service.

Madam Speaker, here we go again. The majority Democratic party wants to kill our children through abortion.

I rise today to discuss the importance of H.R. 18, the No Taxpayer Funding For Abortion Act. For over two decades, lawmakers have passed the Hyde amendment in a bipartisan fashion to ensure Americans aren't forced to fund abortion on demand with their hard-earned tax dollars.

We have had a strong majority of Americans--Democrats and Republicans alike in the past have agreed to this. Folks, it is a sad day in America, as a father and a grandfather, to have this embarrassing example of the killing of our children. Unborn children are no less alive than I am. All life is a gift that begins at conception, and develops rapidly before birth. To expect Americans to subsidize these inhumane killings is a complete disgrace. That is why I have always fought for the sanctity of life, and I will continue to fight.

I ask for the passage of H.R. 18 so the ban on Federal funding for abortions is not only permanent, but Government-wide.