Media

May 19, 2005Wilson, Taylor Secure Tricare for Reserve PersonnelWASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Armed Services Committee yesterday approved an amendment sponsored by Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) and Congressman Gene Taylor (D-MS) to permanently provide Tricare coverage to all Reserve Component service members. "Reservists are playing an indispensable role in the War on Terror, making up over forty percent of our forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Today, Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) was appointed to the House Democracy Assistance Commission by Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-IL). The new, bipartisan Commission was established by the House Democracy Assistance Commission Resolution and is comprised of sixteen Members of Congress. "Governments around the world are waking up to the benefits of democracy, and millions of people are becoming free citizens. As the world's oldest democracy, the United States can offer a unique perspective on the day to day processes of free nations," said Wilson.

Today, Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) gave the following remarks on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of Justice Janice Rogers Brown and in opposition to Senate Democrats' partisan and unprecedented obstruction of President Bush's judicial nominees. Congressman Wilson strongly supports the constitutional option, which would ensure that all judicial nominees receive a fair, up-or-down vote on the Senate floor. "Mr. Speaker, for over 200 years, judges have been confirmed by a simple majority," said Wilson.

Today, Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) gave the following remarks on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of Justice Priscilla Owen and in opposition to Senate Democrats' partisan and unprecedented obstruction of President Bush's judicial nominees. Congressman Wilson strongly supports the constitutional option, which would ensure that all judicial nominees receive a fair, up-or-down vote on the Senate floor. "Madame Speaker, yesterday The Wall Street Journal highlighted the extreme and politically-charged use of the Senate Democratic filibuster," said Wilson.

Today, Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) made the following announcement regarding the Department of Defense's (DOD) Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) recommendations: "Today is a great day for the Second District of South Carolina. The Department of Defense has reinforced its commitment and confidence in Ft. Jackson, Parris Island, Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort, and the Beaufort Naval Hospital," said Wilson.

Today, Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) reminded all high schools in the Second District of South Carolina to submit their nominations for the 2005 Annual Congressional Art Competition, "An Artistic Discovery." The nationwide art competition is an excellent opportunity to showcase the talent of area high school students and acknowledge South Carolina's gifted young artists. "The Congressional Art Competition is a wonderful way to nationally recognize South Carolina's young artists," said Wilson.

Today, Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) issued the following statement praising the new employment numbers released by the Department of Labor reporting that the U.S. economy gained a larger-than-expected 274,000 jobs in the month of April: "I'm thrilled that over 274,000 Americans found new jobs last month," said Wilson. "Today's great news is another indication that Republican efforts to reduce spending and decrease taxes are helping Americans and strengthening our economy.