Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for offering this Special Order. It couldn't come at a better time and a better place in history.

Mr. Speaker, Americans have been subjected to one of the most testing years we have ever seen. Just as they are starting to get back on their feet and the great economic engine that is the American economy is starting to turn over, this administration and my Democratic colleagues are proposing to shut down the engine that we had running so robustly for the last 4 years under President Trump.

Six trillion dollars in spending, with no offsets, is downright irresponsible and unfair to the American taxpayer. We are not going to get this economy on the right foot by expanding our Government even more.

Growing inflation concerns have already begun to hit our constituents where it hurts the most, at the gas pump--have you tried filling up your car lately? It has hit you in the grocery stores. It has hit you in the checkbooks.

This oncoming crisis is putting hardworking Americans on rocky footing, and this President is proposing to pull the rug out from underneath them. Another cash infusion will do nothing more than kick those Americans while they are down by driving prices up even more. Enough is enough.

Businesses are opening up, construction projects are expanding our neighborhoods and cities, and there is a light at the end of the tunnel and the light is a bright one. Don't shut the door on that light by throttling the demands of everyday items.

Ultimately, there are a variety of reasons for these rising prices, many of which are industry specific. However, it is important to remember that big government spending is only going to make this problem worse.

I was elected to Congress to take care of the American people. I was not elected to bankrupt this country. I was not elected to burden them even more. It is clear that the American economy wants to make a comeback. The only question is, will bureaucrats, will politicians, will government get out of the way.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Marvin Alton Hyatt, Sr.

Marvin passed away on May 7, 2021, and returned to the God he faithfully served for 87 years.

Marvin was born in Dillon, South Carolina on May 12, 1933. He attended and graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1959, with a degree in pharmacy, and later established a scholarship fund within the University of South Carolina School of Pharmacy for those students choosing to enter the lifelong profession that he loved and cherished for so long.

He founded Good Pharmacy in Rock Hill, South Carolina, which he operated for 58 years. Marvin was the face of Good Pharmacy, where he greeted everyone with a smile, true compassion, and a desire to serve the hundreds of customers, regardless of race, standing in life, or ability to pay.

Marvin was legendary for meeting anyone, anywhere, at any time, and was genuinely concerned and interested in the well-being of his customers. In short, when it came to customer service, Marvin Hyatt not only talked the talk, but he walked the walk, which is rare in today's world.

Marvin Hyatt was active in his church, Woodland Methodist, for over 60 years, where he served as treasurer and as a board member. His community service included serving as a board member of Guardian Fidelity bank, WRHI radio station; past president of the Sertoma Club, Rotary Club, Elks Lodge, and the Alexa R. Good ALS Foundation.

Marvin was married to the love of his life, Lois Jones Hyatt, for 63 years. Together, they had two children: Marvin Alton Hyatt, Jr., and Laura Hyatt Sweat, both of whom are registered pharmacists and are working in Good Pharmacy today. Marvin and Lois have three grandchildren: Alton, Katie Jane, and Tyler.

The legacy of Marvin Alton Hyatt will be that of a man who served his God, his country, and his fellow man. He exemplified service above self, and for the 87 years that he walked on this Earth, his life was a true testament of living out his Christian faith in word and in deed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Evan Dwight Bass, who tragically passed away on April 10, 2020, in Chester, South Carolina. Born in Rock Hill on March 4, 2003, Evan is the son of Bobby and Wendy Tinker Bass and the brother of Brady Coleman Bass.

Evan was a well-rounded, deeply engaged, and hardworking young man. An honor student at Chester High School, Evan was involved in golf, wrestling, and Beta Club. A dual sport letterman for the Cyclones, Evan was also a goalie for the school's Varsity Boys Soccer Team. Evan was described by the athletic department as ``a true teammate . . . who had genuine love for everyone he met. He taught us to always be kind, care for others, to be selfless, to have fun, and to love.''

An avid sports fan, Evan cheered for the Carolina Panthers and the South Carolina Gamecocks. He especially loved the Coastal

Carolina University baseball team, where he volunteered as a batboy throughout his childhood.

A man of faith, Evan was also deeply involved with the Chester ARP Church. He enjoyed being part of the Senior High Youth, volunteering at Bible School, and attending the annual church mission trip to Appalachia.

In addition to his strong faith and athletic achievements, Evan was a civic-minded individual. For example, Evan was a member of Chester ARP Pack 61, where he earned the highest rank in Cub Scouting, the Arrow of Light. Evan was also a member of Chester ARP Troop 61, where he achieved Life Rank. Evan was working diligently on his Eagle Scout project when he tragically passed away. His grandfather, Terry Tinker, is the Coroner in Chester County, so Evan decided to create a prayer building with an eternal flame and benches honoring the fallen first responders at the Coroner's office. Evan never had a chance to finish his Eagle Project, so his scout brothers completed it in his honor.

Evan was a remarkable young man who humbly served his community well. There is no doubt in my mind that he has left an everlasting mark on Chester County. Evan's heart of gold is deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy will shine on for years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Staff Sergeant JJ Ardis for his heroic actions and outstanding service.

As a Deputy Sheriff in Sumter County, he is a former recipient of the Deputy of the Year Award and two Deputy of the Month Awards. Staff Sergeant Ardis received his most recent award after seizing cocaine, cash, and weapons from a convicted felon who was assaulting his child's mother.

On a separate occasion, Staff Sergeant Ardis arrived on the scene of another deputy's domestic violence call. The suspect, gun in hand, carelessly fired shots into the air while threatening to kill herself. As additional deputies arrived, she struck her house while her children were inside. Staff Sergeant Ardis played a significant role in convincing the woman to drop her weapon. The children remained safe, a potential suicide was averted, and the suspect was taken into custody. Miraculously, none of the deputies had to discharge their own weapons on that call.

Law enforcement officers risk their lives each day to protect precious life and property. Men and women in uniform at the local, State, and Federal levels are essential in safeguarding our communities and deserve to be thanked for their great sacrifice. For years, Staff Sergeant Ardis has put his own life on the line to keep others safe. It is an honor to recognize his valiant efforts and know that his substantial contribution to law enforcement has not gone unnoticed. On behalf of the citizens of the 5th Congressional District of South Carolina, I commend Staff Sergeant JJ Ardis for his brave and humble service.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Mr. Michael G. ``Moose'' Krause, an outstanding individual who tragically passed away on October 28, 2020 at the age of 48.

Born on August 13, 1972, Michael was raised in Wayne, New Jersey by two loving parents, Michael and Loretta Krause. He graduated from Wayne Hills High School and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point. While at West Point, Michael led the Army football team to three paramount victories over Navy as an offensive guard. He later received a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Hawaii.

Michael served over 21 honorable years in both the United States Army and the Maryland Army National Guard, achieving the rank of Major. With a passion for flying and spending time in the cockpit, Michael flew various aircrafts as an Army helicopter pilot. Michael would go on to earn numerous decorations throughout his military career, including the Bronze Star Medal, Army Air Medal, Air Force Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Army Achievement Medal.

Michael retired from the Army in 2015 and began serving as Regional Vice President with Primerica Financial Services. Operating a financial brokerage, he invested long hours in teaching middle class families how to support themselves long-term. Michael was happily married to Jilian Chevalier and had three wonderful sons named MJ, Bobby, and Billy. He was a remarkable husband, father, and friend who chose to dedicate his life to humbly serving others. While Michael will be greatly missed, I am certain that his presence will live on in the lives of many for years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the honorable work of the Worthy Boys and Girls Camp in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Since 1950, the Worthy Boys and Girls Camp has provided a week-long opportunity for York County youth to experience the outdoors each summer. It is the only free overnight camp in the area, planned and organized entirely by the Rock Hill Police Department. Through a variety of sports activities and trainings, children build upon their strengths to improve individual self-esteem, develop new interpersonal skills, and gain a greater appreciation for their surrounding community.

Aside from providing a safe and supportive environment, camp staff instill in young boys and girls a sense of consistent teamwork, commitment, and sharing. Nearly 200 children are exposed to new ideas, places, and friendships every summer that will teach them lessons they'll carry forward through life.

The Worthy Boys and Girls Camp is a shining example of the sense of community felt across Rock Hill.

Locals enjoy supporting the camp through their donations and various volunteer efforts. Week-long sessions are staffed by police officers, department staff members, and volunteers of all ages who dedicate long hours and resources to ensuring the camp's continued success. Many police officers who attended the program as students, like Rock Hill Police Chief Chris Watts, now serve as camp counselors.

The lifechanging work of the Worthy Boys and Girls Camp has created positive relationships between local law enforcement officers and youth for decades. The camp plays an integral role in developing Rock Hill's youngest talent into promising leaders. I congratulate the Worthy Boys and Girls Camp on a successful 72 years, and I look forward to watching them serve our community's children in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rozalynn Federline for her substantial political investment in my district. She most recently

served as the president of the Clover-Lake Wylie Republican Women, the largest Republican women's organization in the Fifth District of South Carolina.

Rozalynn held this position for 3 years, where she made great contributions to the conservative movement in York County. She was also a volunteer for the Clover Lake Wylie Preservation Park District and played an active role in collecting signatures to get their referendum on the ballot.

Prior to moving to South Carolina, Rozalynn served as a board member and president of the Ocean Springs Republican Women in Mississippi. She later joined the Jackson County Republican Party executive committee. Rozalynn was the first female Republican to run for alderman in Ocean Springs. Unfortunately, she lost to the Democratic incumbent by only 23 votes.

Rozalynn also served on the Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce executive committee for 4 years, where she was chosen as one of the Outstanding Young Women of America in 1983.

She was president of both the Taconi Elementary Parent Teachers Organization and the Duchess Club children's charity in Mississippi.

Throughout her career, Rozalynn held her own as an international ocean sales account executive at CSX Corporation and Maersk Incorporated, which were two of the largest shipping companies in the world.

One of Clover's most hardworking and loyal constituents, Rozalynn has proven herself an asset to the community. Rozalynn's continued dedication to promoting conservative values in South Carolina and beyond is a blessing that will never go unnoticed.

She and her husband, Chip, echoed and lived the motto: To live is to serve.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize two of Rock Hill's greatest former athletes and loving parents, Tim and Jackie Jones. It has been my privilege to learn of the successes of Tim and Jackie and their talented daughters, Jada and Layla.

Tim was a standout Bearcat at Rock Hill High who played in the 1989 Shrine Bowl before dominating in football as a collegiate level linebacker. He was a two-time All-ACC starter who led the Clemson Tigers in tackles for three consecutive seasons. Only one player has accomplished that feat since. Nicknamed ``The Hitman'' for his punishing tackles in high school, Tim went on to accumulate 338 tackles in college. Among a plethora of distinguished titles and awards, he was a sophomore All-American in 1992, an Honorable Mention All-American in both 1993 and 1994, and the team's Most Valuable Player in 1994. Tim pursued a banking career in Charlotte before returning to Rock Hill High as an assistant football coach. He will always be remembered as Clemson's best No. 56.

Before running cross country at the University of South Carolina, Jackie set records in track and field at Rock Hill High. She shared pointers with her daughter, Jada, who broke those records as a freshman in 2019. The elite athlete has also persevered through extreme hardship. Jackie was previously diagnosed with both stomach cancer and breast cancer. Despite undergoing a bilateral mastectomy, her breast cancer returned shortly after. She remains optimistic and continues to fight this ongoing battle with persistence and grace. Currently, Jackie serves her community as principal of Mt. Holly Elementary School. She is a faithful and inspirational leader to all.

Tim and Jackie are blessed to have raised two high-achieving Bearcats of their own. An unmatched high school basketball star, ``eternal optimist'' Jada has the speed, build, and athleticism to carry her teammates through any season. As a varsity guard, she led her basketball team through the playoffs and plans to rejoin the soccer and track teams this spring, as well. Her little sister Layla, who plays on the Junior Varsity team, seeks advice from Jada and hopes to soon follow in her footsteps.

Madam Speaker, please join me in celebrating the Jones family's athletic accomplishments. They are living legends, and I am proud to acknowledge their substantial contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Cloud for organizing this Special Order on this topic that the country is dealing with today.

The Trump administration established strong laws against illegal immigration. President Biden has decided to disregard any success achieved by his predecessor and, instead, announced open borders to the world.

This problem was not created due to conditions abroad but by decisions made at home, and they were political decisions, unfortunately.

Since President Biden was elected, illegal border crossings have skyrocketed. In February 2020, the CBP announced that over 35,000 migrants tried to cross the border illegally. To put this in context, this past February, that number far surpassed 100,000.

Despite having the statistics to prove it, President Biden refuses to call this situation a crisis, which it is.

Aside from halting construction on the border wall as performed by President Trump, the Biden administration

has reimplemented a system of catch and release and implemented selective enforcement of our immigration laws.

They have suspended the removal of most people with active deportation orders and even released COVID-positive detainees into our country. Really? If you go out of the country as an American and come in, you have to be tested. This administration has no policies in place to test or provide masks and definitely not to know what is coming into the country for other viruses.

The problems we are experiencing are more than politically motivated. They are counterproductive and put the safety of the American people in jeopardy. Our social systems and border officials don't have the capacity or the resources to handle an overwhelming surge in illegal border crossings.

Let me be clear, our immigration system needs judicial review and legislative reform. Americans want a secure southern border. Disregarding any form of success on our border is not the answer that we need.

As I said before, legal immigration has countless benefits to this great Nation. We have a right and a responsibility to know who and what comes into our great country.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 682, the Reopen Schools Act, to get our kids out from behind screens and back in the classroom.

Mr. Speaker, the right of the people to keep and bear arms in the United States is a fundamental principle expressed in our Bill of Rights.

Let me be clear: I will never do anything to infringe upon this right clearly laid out in our Second Amendment, but this bill, H.R. 8, will do just that.

H.R. 8 is a sweeping piece of legislation that imposes burdens on the constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens. It is plain and simple. This bill is another attempt by Democrats to limit the rights of the American people.

This legislation would make it a crime, subject to limited exceptions, to simply hand a firearm to another person. This bill could trigger penalties of up to a year in prison and a $100,000 fine.

This bill would make it illegal to transfer a firearm to another person during a life-threatening emergency. That could be considered a crime punishable by a fine of monetary dollars.

Also, just so we are on the same page, universal background checks do not stop criminals from possessing firearms. As my colleagues on the other side of the aisle have said: In the United States less than one percent of criminals who had possessed a firearm during their offense got firearms through legal channels--less than one percent. That means that these criminals obtained their firearms outside of the setting that would require a background check to begin with.

What makes you believe that this legislation would change that, Mr. Speaker?

Our solution should be focused on improving access to mental healthcare services, addressing the root causes of violence, and carrying out our existing laws through investments in our law enforcement and community programs--not walking all over law-abiding citizens for protecting their loved ones. We all swore to uphold the Constitution, and it should be our goal in this Congress to work against legislation like this that would clearly infringe on our Second Amendment rights of American citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I will be a resounding ``no'' when it is time to vote.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Diana Bramble on her selection as the new superintendent of South Carolina's Cowpens National Battlefield, located in Gaffney, South Carolina, and Kings Mountain National Military Park, located in Blacksburg, South Carolina. In her new role, Diana will also oversee the management of Overmountain Victory National historic Trail and Ninety Six National Historic Trail which she has managed on a temporary basis since September.

Diana has a tremendous reverence for the history of these sites and their place in the history of our Nation's founding. They form the National Park Service's Southern Campaign of the American Revolution Parks Group and are also part of the Liberty Trail, a path of preservation and interpretation across South Carolina telling the remarkable story of American victory in the Revolutionary War.

Many historians believe the Revolutionary War to have been decided in the swamps, fields, woods, and mountains of the South, won by the grit of Continental soldiers and Patriot militia. It is because of the important work of men and women like Diana that the history tied to this land will not only be preserved, but also interpreted and brought to life for the public.

Diana has served the National Park Service for the last decade. She began her career with the National Park Service in 2011 as the supervisory horticulturist for Rock Creek Park in Washington, D.C. Four years later, she became the chief of maintenance at the National Capital Parks-East. In 2019, Diana was awarded the honor of being the National Park Service National Capital Area Manager of the Year. Diana is also a graduate of the National Park Service Facility Manager Leaders Program and now serves as a program mentor to others.

Diana is both a team player and a tremendous leader. She is passionate about leadership and strives to mentor others to bring out their best attributes and support their aspirations. Throughout her tenure with the National Park Service, Diana has been able to combine her educational background in natural resources with her appreciation for storytelling into a successful career in public service.

I am grateful for the work of Diana and the National Park Service and all they do to care for our national parks and preserve our legacy. I am excited to welcome Diana to South Carolina's 5th District, and I wish her luck in her new role.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Sergeant Tommy W. Cudd, a faithful American hero from Union County who passed away on January 28, 2021.

Born on March 10, 1960, Tommy was raised by two lovely parents, the late H.C. and Myrtle Smith Cudd. As a child, he assisted his family on their cattle farm where he learned to work with animals and bail hay. Tommy's natural comfort outdoors gave rise to his love for hunting, fishing, camping, and riding tractors. He graduated as a charter student from Union Academy--the very school in which he built alongside his father and lifelong friend, Robert Brown.

Tommy spent 37 honorable years in law enforcement. He served as a Reserve Officer, Fireman, and Public Safety Officer with the City of Union before joining the Union County Sheriff's Office. Despite his lengthy and challenging battle with leukemia, Tommy persevered through all facets of his job and was awarded ``Officer of the Year'' on three separate occasions. A true veteran of his field, former colleagues assert that his enduring work ethic was rare to come by and will certainly be missed.

Gary was happily married to Beth Cudd and had two sons, Caleb and Tommy. His two beautiful granddaughters, Ella and Abby, were his utmost pride and joy. He wanted nothing more than to make them proud. In the words of Sheriff Jeff Bailey, ``Tommy was a person who always put everyone first.'' He was a remarkable husband, father, and friend who chose to dedicate his life to serving a special community. There is no doubt in my mind that he has left an everlasting mark on Union County.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Major General Thomas Lee Sinclair who passed away on February 17, 2021.

Born to the late John Albert Sinclair and Gladys Lee Sinclair on September 22, 1947, Thomas was raised in Union and graduated from Union High School. He pursued a Bachelor of Science at Clemson University and received both a Master's in Education and EdS degree at Winthrop University. Furthering his studies, Thomas attended the United States Army War College where he received a Master's in Strategic Studies. Thomas served his country as a decorated United States Army veteran of 38 years, retiring after earning the rank of Brigadier General for the South Carolina Army National Guard. While on active-duty, he amassed notable honors including the Legion of Merit, the Army Achievement and National Defense Service Medals, and the South Carolina Palmetto Cross for his dedicated efforts during Operation Hugo. Thomas spent half of his military career in command roles, leading his surrounding staff through significant assignments.

For 27 years, Thomas found a fulfilling career in the Union County School System as a high school teacher, junior high school principal, and assistant superintendent. He enjoyed mentoring students and retired as a Union County supervisor. A member of Grace United Methodist Church, Thomas remained faithful and humble through all facets of his life. Former Chairman of the Union Community Foundation and President of the Union Civitan Club, he was determined to leave a lasting mark on his hometown. Thomas was happily married to Kathryn Bowers Sinclair with three adult children, Libby, Kelly, and Tommy, and ten beautiful grandchildren. His presence will certainly be missed by those who knew him, but his legacy will shine on for years to come.