Joe Wilson RSS Articles

Wilson Supports All-Of-The-Above Energy Bill

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Joe Wilson released the following statement following the passage of H.R. 3408, the Protecting Investment in Oil Shale the Next Generation of Environmental, Energy and Resource Security (PIONEERS) Act, a bill that creates jobs and promotes an all-of-the-above energy policy:

“Our nation has a vast supply of energy resources, which have yet to be developed. At a time when Americans are paying higher prices at the pump, the President should support the exploration of American resources, enacting policies that will decrease our dependence of foreign oil. Due to the recent decision to delay the Keystone XL Pipeline project, it remains clear that the President’s failed policies are marking our economy much worse.

“In sharp contrast to the Administration’s actions, House Republicans are committed to an all-of-the-above energy policy which will promote job creation through private sector growth. The passage of the PIONEERS Act will grant the ability to move forward with the Keystone XL Pipeline, a project that will create over 100,000 jobs and lay the groundwork for American energy independence. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take immediate action on this legislation, as well as the dozens of other job creation bills which have been passed in the House with bi-partisan support, and help put American families back to work.”

Wilson: Drastic Military Cuts Are A Threat to Our National Security

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel Chairman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement after Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta announced implementation of the Administration’s new defense strategy:

“Today, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta revealed how he plans to cut $47 billion dollars from next year’s Department of Defense’s budget. By cutting our military personnel by 100,000 troops, 80,000 Army soldiers and 20,000 Marines, the President is weakening our military’s strength by limiting our Armed Forces’ ability and threatening our national security. This decision by the President and his Administration is another prime example of how he continues to lead from behind. Throughout our nation’s history, we have learned the severe consequences of downsizing our military.

“Our military service members and their families sacrifice a great deal for this country. As a Congressional body, it is our duty to provide for a strong defense and protect those who fight to protect our nation. Throughout the next few weeks, I look forward to working with House Armed Services Chairman Buck McKeon, and finding way to stop the execution of these drastic cuts which will decimate our military capabilities and threaten the security of the men and women in our armed forces.“

Wilson Responds to the State of the Union Address

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) issued the following statement after President Barack Obama delivered the State of the Union Address:

“Despite the President’s failed stimulus, for the past thirty-five months, our nation’s unemployment rate has remained above eight percent. With over thirteen million Americans searching for employment and a national debt totaling more than fifteen trillion dollars, I had hoped the President would highlight sound ideas to promote job creation and allow for private sector growth during his speech this evening.

“Instead of focusing on ways to stop Washington’s out of control spending and create jobs, the President plans to impose higher taxes on hardworking Americans, threatening more of our nation’s jobs. The President’s decision to delay the Keystone Pipeline, a shovel-ready project that will add 120,000 jobs to our economy without costing taxpayers a single dime, threatens jobs in Lexington at Michelin Automotive and in Aiken at MTU Detroit Diesel.

“House Republicans have sent more than thirty bipartisan bills to the Senate, where twenty-seven of them are awaiting action. It is my hope that the President and the liberal Senate will echo the initiatives of House Republicans and find ways to work together to help restore the American people’s faith in government by putting American families back to work.

Wilson Responds to the President’s New Defense Strategy

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Joe Wilson released the following statement in response to release of the President’s new defense strategy:

“The President’s defense strategy is another prime example of how this Administration continues to offer policies which are damaging our country and its defense. Instead of working with Congress to help prevent these drastic cuts, the President’s new strategy will slash our military personnel by 10-15 percent over the next ten years, which will harm the men and women in our Armed Forces, military families, and veterans. National defense is the primary function of the federal government. Defense spending is at its lowest percentage of the budget in decades at less than 18 percent. These cuts will decimate the military and leave America vulnerable to enemies who are determined to destroy our families and allies, such as Israel.

“I believe that we owe our men and women in uniform and their families a debt of gratitude for their service over a decade of war. We owe them a military that can provide peace through strength instead of risking our national security due to a weakened military capability. I am very concerned about these defense cuts and look forward to working with Chairman Buck McKeon and other members of the House Armed Services Committee to find a solution so that these devastating cuts do not take effect.”

Wilson Encourages the Senate to Take Immediate Action on the Payroll Tax Extension

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Joe Wilson released the following statement regarding the payroll tax cut, unemployment insurance reforms, and Medicare physician payments:

“Last week, House Republicans successfully passed a bipartisan bill that protects American taxpayers and promotes job creation by extending the payroll tax cut and unemployment insurance reforms for one year, while providing Medicare payments to physicians for two years. On Saturday, the Senate amended this legislation to provide only for a two month quick fix, kicking the can further down the road, which will harm American taxpayers and small business owners.

“It is necessary for both houses of Congress to work together to extend the payroll tax cut for an entire year. Today, House Republicans created a Conference committee to reach an agreement and resolve this time sensitive issue. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take immediate action and work with House Republicans to protect the millions of American taxpayers and doctors who will be negatively affected if this legislation is not extended for a complete year.”

Wilson Applauds Dismissal of the NLRB Case Against Boeing

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Joe Wilson released the following statement after the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) announced it has withdrawn the case against Boeing:

“For the past year, the President’s National Labor Relations Board has played the role of a Big Labor Bully by threatening to cut the jobs of hardworking and deserving South Carolinians by stalling the expansion of the 787 Dreamliner project in Charleston. I am very pleased to see that the International Association of Machinists requested to withdraw its complaint against Boeing and that the NLRB approved their request.

“Boeing chose to locate to South Carolina due to its welcoming business climate due in large part to its right-to-work laws. Instead of focusing on ways to promote the influence of unions in our nation’s workforce, I urge the current Administration to enact policies protecting the rights of workers and allowing for growth in our private sector through job creation.”

Wilson Reacts to Latest Unemployment Report

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) released the following statement in response to the November jobs report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

“For the past two and a half years, our nation’s unemployment rate has consistently remained at or above eight percent. This is unacceptable. It is absolutely necessary for Congress and the President to work together to promote job creation and ways to remove barriers to allow for private-sector growth. House Republicans have remained focused on job creation, making the issue our number one priority. Since January, the House has passed over 25 jobs bills with bi-partisan support, 20 of which are still stalled in the Senate. I urge Senate Democrats to take action on these bills and give American families what they deserve: A Job.”

MEDIA ADVISORY: Wilson Announces Town Hall Meeting

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) announced he will be hosting a town hall meeting in South Carolina's Second Congressional District to focus on job creation and ways to remove barriers to allow for private-sector growth.

Wilson invites all residents of the Second Congressional District to attend the meeting next week.

Tuesday, November 22^nd @ 6PM

Forest Acres City Hall

5205 North Trenholm Road

Columbia, SC 29206

Wilson Appreciates National Adoption Day

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Joe Wilson released the following statement in celebration of the 12^th anniversary of National Adoption Day which will be observed on Saturday, November 19^th, 2011:

“This Saturday, the judicial system will finalize the adoptions of thousands of children in over 400 communities nationwide. With over 107,000 foster children living in the United States, it is an encouragement to see that many of these deserving children will be given the loving family and home he or she needs.

“As an adoptive parent myself, I am familiar with the challenges and rewards adoption poses. The adoption process can be exhausting and overwhelming. As an elected official, it is my responsibility to provide for the betterment of the people of the Second Congressional District of South Carolina and all Americans. While serving in Congress, I have fought for tax credits to help other adoptive parents provide financially for their growing families. The desire to see children grow up in healthy, happy environments with loving parents knows no boundaries.”

Wilson Disappointed By Defeat of the Balanced Budget Amendment

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) released the following statement after today's vote on the Balanced Budget Amendment:

"Earlier today, Congress voted on a Balanced Budget Amendment, an amendment to the Constitution that would bring accountability and fiscal responsibility back to the federal government. Under the current President, our national debt has increased at thirty-four percent and grown to almost $15 trillion dollars while our unemployment rate has remained over eight percent for two years. With the federal government borrowing forty-two cents for every dollar it spends, it is past the time to take action for a balanced budget.

"A majority of Americans are supportive of a Balanced Budget Amendment. I am disappointed that Democrats chose to oppose this commonsense reform which would put a stop to Washington’s out of control spending."