Joe Wilson

“House Republicans and President Trump have made this Congress one of the most productive in modern history. We passed nearly 900 measures, cut over 1 trillion dollars in wasteful spending, and lowered taxes for families, seniors, and workers. At the same time, President Trump is keeping the peace by standing strong against Russian President Vladimir Putin's attacks on Ukraine.”

“Mr. Speaker, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, Speaker Mike Johnson, and House Republicans, the 119th Congress has been the most successful, aggressive, and productive for the House since 1949, with nearly 900 measures having passed. Republicans are keeping money in the pockets of American families, while demanding accountability from the government, eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse, and creating jobs. The Working Families Tax Cuts Act has cut over $1 trillion in wasteful spending, in addition to: Delivering a deduction for seniors on Social Security. Creating Trump tax accounts to help children begin saving. Lowering tax rates for millions of American families. Eliminating tax on tips and overtime. Increasing the child tax credit to $2,200. Promises made; promises kept. In conclusion, God bless our troops. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump, firing at Ukrainian civilian service stations with Putin increasing diesel prices worldwide, as Putin also attacks children’s hospitals to intimidate the civilians of Ukraine.”

“President Trump and South Carolina Republican leaders have helped our state grow fast. People have bigger paychecks, more jobs, and lower taxes. Outside our country, Trump is bringing peace through strength, while Russia's leader is lying and helping Iran attack Americans.”

“Mr. Speaker, under the progrowth agenda of President Donald Trump--and backed by Republicans, Governor Henry McMaster, Speaker Murrell Smith, and Senate President Thomas Alexander--South Carolina is one of the fastest growing States in America, driven by the creation of jobs and affordability. South Carolinians are achieving bigger paychecks, opportunity, business growth, and creating jobs. The Working Families Tax Cuts Act keeps money in the pockets of families and seniors. Workers no longer pay taxes on overtime. Seniors benefit from the deduction on Social Security. Taxpayers saw average tax refunds reach over $3,000. South Carolina’s gross domestic product is $393 billion, increasing by $26 billion since the current Trump administration. Promises made. Promises kept. In conclusion, God bless our troops. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing that war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump. Yesterday, Putin announced: ``Necessary assistance’’ to Iran as Putin provided Iran targeting assistance to kill Americans and our Gulf allies with new missile strikes today.”

“Russia invaded Ukraine and is killing civilians, but Ukraine is fighting back with help from the United States and other allies. I am cosponsoring a bill to put stronger sanctions on Russia and Iran. I also send my sympathy to the family and colleagues of Columbia Police Officer Christopher DeLong.”

“Mr. Speaker, with the insidious invasion of sovereign Ukraine by war criminal Putin on February 24, 2022, over 1 million people have been murdered, with nearly 70,000 Ukrainian civilian casualties. Putin falsely believed Ukraine would fall quickly, but brave Ukrainians have inspired the world, with America and over 50 other countries supporting Ukraine. War criminal Putin continues the cowardly bombing of families and infrastructure, including this hospital for children in his failed invasion. In contrast, Ukrainians have achieved 35 years of independence with victory for Ukraine. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to cosponsor with Chairman Mike McCaul the bipartisan President Donald Trump-endorsed Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, introduced by Senator Darline Graham, with a vote in the Senate of 86-11. In conclusion, God bless our troops. President Donald Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing that dictator Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump with Trump now supporting stronger sanctions. Our sympathy to the family of city of Columbia Police Officer Christopher DeLong; his wonderful, devoted widow, Hannah DeLong; Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook; Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann; and his colleagues and friends.”

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  Speech in the House

  Signal 44 of 100

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“Socialism is becoming too popular, especially among Democrats. It gives the government too much control and hurts faith, families, and businesses. America must choose freedom instead of big government. The House should also take up the bill to put sanctions on Russia.”

“Mr. Speaker, since its founding 250 years ago, America has fought to defend personal freedoms for each citizen. Sadly, socialism is gaining in popularity. Warning signs are growing within the Democratic Party. Socialism puts government in control, replacing faith, families, and small businesses, destroying jobs. It gives all power to the elite of Big Government. Only 54 percent of Americans view capitalism positively, the lowest level recorded compared with 39 percent who viewed socialism positively, revealing ignorance of history. Socialism now holds a 24-point lead over capitalism among Democrats. Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher explained that the problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people’s money. America should continue freedom over control, not Big Government. In conclusion, God bless our troops. President Donald Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump, leading Trump to support the Lindsey Graham Russian Sanctions Act, which successfully passed in the Senate with the leadership of Senator Darline Graham and should come before the House any day.”

“I want the House to pass this defense bill. It gives our military modern weapons and new technology to face our enemies and protect our allies.”

“Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to support the National Defense Authorization Act. We all appreciate Chairman Mike Rogers for his leadership and commitment for our men and women in uniform and for promoting peace through strength. We are in a conflict we did not choose between dictators with rule of gun invading democracies with rule of law. This National Defense Authorization Act prepares America for emerging threats from our adversaries who, working together, seek to destroy our hard-won freedom. This bill makes clear that we stand with our allies against murderous invasion. America is engaged in worldwide competition. There is inclusion of robust authorization for nuclear modernization, emerging technologies, information operations, and industrial capacity advancements. President Donald Trump has made it clear: We will defend American families with our allies and give our warriors the tools they need to win. Israeli research has been vital for missile defense, and Ukraine is leading on drones and robotics. The late Sergeant Thomas Caughman of Lexington, South Carolina, an American hero, is correct: Freedom is not free. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.”

“Republicans created new savings accounts for children. Families can put in up to $5,000 a year, and the government will give $1,000 to babies born from 2025 to 2028. At 18, they can spend it on college, a home, or a business. Also, Donald Trump is keeping us safe, standing up to Vladimir Putin, and helping Ukraine win.”

“Mr. Speaker, led by President Donald Trump, Speaker Mike Johnson, and House Republicans, the Working Families Tax Cut Act created Trump Accounts, giving families the opportunity to invest in the future of their children. The account is a new tax-deferred opportunity for children under 18, providing retirement savings. Contributions can add up to $5,000 a year. Additional support is provided by leading companies and generous philanthropists. Children born between 2025 and 2028 will be eligible for a one-time, $1,000 Federal Government deposit. Once the child turns 18, they can use the money for expenses such as education, first home purchases, starting a business, or other use. Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, God bless our troops. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump, mocking Trump, providing targeting intelligence to Iran to murder American troops, and leading President Trump to endorse the Lindsey Graham sanctions act to enable victory for Ukrainians.”

“I move that the House end its work for the day.”

“Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn. The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 7 o’clock and 36 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 9 a.m.”

“I am giving Representative Sheri Biggs time to speak.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Russell Fry from the Seventh District. Indeed, 2 Timothy is a proper reference from the Bible of a person whom we so admire. We are so fortunate to be joined this evening by the Congresswoman from the Third District of South Carolina, Sheri Biggs. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentlewoman from South Carolina (Mrs. Biggs).”

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  Speech in the House

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“One year ago, Republicans passed a major tax cut. It lowered taxes for families, workers, and seniors, but Democrats voted against it. Also, Donald Trump is keeping the country safe and supports sanctions against Russian leaders.”

“Mr. Speaker, delivering on promises made by President Donald Trump and House Republicans, led by Mike Johnson, this is the first anniversary of the Working Families Tax Cut Act. This big, beautiful bill cuts taxes, limits government, expands freedom, and will create jobs. Sadly, every Democrat voted against it. This historic legislation resulted in the largest tax cut in American history, benefiting families. Millions have received historic tax refunds. More than 29 million workers claimed the no tax on overtime deduction. More than 35 million seniors have claimed no tax on Social Security. In addition, nearly 8 million have claimed no tax on tips. Promises made, promises kept. In conclusion, God bless our troops. Trump is reinstating peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, insulting Trump and mocking Trump, with President Trump now supporting the Lindsey Graham Russian sanctions act to bankrupt the Putin oligarchs who oppress the talented people of Russia.”

“I move that the House finish work and adjourn for the day to honor the memory of the late Senator Lindsey Graham.”

“Madam Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn. The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 7 o’clock and 14 minutes p.m.), under its previous order and pursuant to House Resolution 1424, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 10 a.m., for morning-hour debate and noon for legislative business, as a further mark of respect to the memory of the late Honorable Senator Lindsey Graham.”

“I am asking the House to take up this resolution.”

“Madam Speaker, I send to the desk a privileged resolution and ask for its immediate consideration in the House. The Clerk read the resolution, as follows: The resolution was agreed to. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.”

“I am honoring Senator Lindsey Graham, who recently passed away after a heart attack. He served South Carolina and the country in the military and in Congress, and he worked hard on foreign policy until his death. I ask the House for a moment of silence.”

“Mr. Speaker, I thank very much Congressman Clyburn for yielding. Indeed, it is bipartisan this evening with our delegation, and South Carolina so appreciates the remarkable service and successes of Senator Lindsey Graham. It is so personal to me that I got to meet him in his public service. As staff judge advocate to the army air guard, he was staff judge advocate to the air guard. I thank him for his public service and service in the military. He served in the State House of South Carolina, the U.S. House of Representatives, and obviously in the U.S. Senate, but he was dedicated to the people of South Carolina. It is really incredible that during the last week of his service, he was present with President Trump for the NATO meetings with Ankara. While he was there, he met with President Ahmad al-Sharaa of Syria and proclaimed that we need to give Syria a chance. He understood how important it is to have a stable and secure Syria as himself being a proponent of a stable and sovereign Israel. He has always stood with Israel. Then, on Friday, of all things, he had the opportunity to be in Kyiv, Ukraine, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy where he, again, was so forceful in pointing out that indeed the sanctions bill, as has been agreed to by President Donald Trump, puts sanctions on war criminal Putin. While he was there, he also toured a drone manufacturing facility. He returned back to the United States on Saturday, and he actually had a very positive conversation with President Donald Trump. Then, almost immediately after that call, he sadly had a chronic acute heart attack and passed away. In the meantime, today is a very significant day in that our Governor Henry McMaster I think has made an incredible choice and that is to appoint the sister of Senator Lindsey Graham, Darline, to be the new U.S. Senator from South Carolina. As we are remembering Senator Graham, we can just cherish so many memories that all of us had. Mr. Speaker, I now move for a moment of silence.”

“I am honoring Senator Lindsey Graham, who has died. He served South Carolina and the country well, and my family sends our sympathy to his family.”

“Madam Speaker, South Carolinians are shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham. Senator Graham enthusiastically served the people of the Palmetto State and America as a public servant and veteran. As a patriot, tireless for peace through strength, he successfully challenged totalitarians. President Donald Trump memorialized Graham as one of the greatest people and Senators he has ever known. The New York Post analyzed that ``all Americans of good will should be inspired to keep up his lifelong fights for freedom, decency, and justice.’’ The Wall Street Journal editorialized that the death of Lindsey Graham ``is a loss for the country and the cause of global freedom.’’ All three generations of the Wilson family extend deepest sympathy with our thoughts and prayers for the family led by his sister, Darline Graham Nordone, of Lexington. In conclusion, God bless our troops. Trump is reinstituting peace through strength, revealing war criminal Putin lies, and insulting Trump and mocking Trump, which inspired Senator Graham to successfully achieve legislative sanctioning of war criminal Putin.”