[Page H2170]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING SOUTH CAROLINA POLICY COUNCIL

  (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, in 1986 a group of South 
Carolina civic leaders dedicated to improving their State joined 
together and created the South Carolina Policy Council. South Carolina 
at that time was dominated by a legislature which controlled an array 
of semi-autonomous boards and commissions that fostered red tape and 
hindered accountability. Through the visionary leadership of the late 
Thomas A. Roe, the Policy Council was formed to fill the void of 
reformist conservative philosophy.
  By publishing timely reports, comprehensive white papers, and hard-
hitting editorials, the Policy Council grew in stature and membership. 
In the beginning of the Republican Revolution, Ed McMullen was chosen 
as its president. The Policy Council has played a role in every major 
reform debate. From modernizing State government, to promoting 
performance audits, to reforming welfare, to cutting taxes, the Policy 
Council was there. It was further energized by dedicated researcher Hal 
Eberle and now South Carolina Senate Clerk Jeff Gossett.
  Today the South Carolina Policy Council boasts a membership of over 
5,000 and regularly participates in policy debates with political, 
religious and business leaders throughout the Palmetto State.
  I am honored to take this opportunity to thank the Policy Council and 
to wish them well on the ongoing fight to conserve the principles of 
limited government and traditional values.

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