hazylavender/hi huggingface dataset:
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 19, 2023)] [House] [Page H1875] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-19
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. NICKEL: we need to raise the debt ceiling and we need to do it soon. I rise today in support of the bipartisan debt ceiling framework unveiled today by the Problem Solvers Caucus. In such a closely divided Congress, the only real solutions are bipartisan solutions that can get 218 votes in the House, 60 votes in the Senate, and on to the President's desk. This framework proposes reasonable and responsible steps to ensure that we won't default on our debt while also ensuring that Congress takes short-term and long-term steps to address spending and balance the budget. I came to Washington to get things done, and I am firmly committed to working with the Problem Solvers Caucus and my colleagues across the aisle to find solutions for the most pressing issues facing our Nation. I am proud to support this bipartisan framework, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 19, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1874-H1875] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-19
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. MEUSER: I rise today to celebrate the 194th birthday of the best beer in the world, Yuengling, whose birthday was yesterday, April 18. Yuengling is the oldest and most iconic brewery in America. Founded in 1829 by David G. Yuengling, this family-owned business has been producing quality beer for almost two centuries and six generations while employing thousands of Pennsylvanians along the way. From its humble beginnings as a small brewery in Pottsville, it remains in Pottsville, and is now a large brewery, serving millions who enjoy it across the country.  Yuengling has a rich history and has survived through Civil War, two world wars, Prohibition, the Great Depression, and recessions. In the words of its owner Dick Yuengling, a friend of mine, ``The brewery is a survivor.'' Just recently, I met with the sixth generation Jen Yuengling, who gave a great speech on the history of Yuengling at Bucknell University, the open discourse forum. Her passion for the brand will stand the test of time. Today, let's raise a pint to the Yuengling family and to the best American brewery and beer there is made in America. Cheers.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 19, 2023)] [House] [Page H1874] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-19
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. LANDSMAN: I rise today to talk about freedom in the context of the Supreme Court's decision to extend their decisionmaking timeframe as to whether or not this country is going to ban a pill that has been approved by the FDA for over 20 years. This is a safe pill, and it is about reproductive freedom. Make no mistake, it is also about control. This is about stripping Americans of their reproductive freedom, and I think immediately to my own 13-year-old daughter and her freedoms. We need everyone in this body to object to this national ban and to come together to restore freedom to millions of girls and women across America. This is a defining moment in our country. We need the majority of us to stand on the side of freedom.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 19, 2023)] [House] [Page H1874] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-19
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. THOMPSON : I rise today to honor the veterans of Potter, McKean, and Warren Counties who flew to Washington, D.C. on Saturday, April 15 as part of the Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight. The Buffalo-Niagara Honor Flight is part of the National Honor Flight Network, which ``recognizes United States veterans for their sacrifices and their achievements by flying them to Washington to see the memorials at no cost to the veteran.'' Honor Flights prioritize World War II veterans, Korean war, and Vietnam veterans, and veterans with medical issues requiring special attention. Honor Flight guardians fly with each veteran on every flight helping them have a safe, memorable, and rewarding experience. In patriotic spirit, Bradford Area High School welcomed participating veterans for lunch, a celebration, and community escort on Friday before the flight. This month, the following veterans from Potter, McKean, and Warren Counties made the flight: Ronald Bosworth, Richard Dugan, Robert Langfitt, and Donald Shinn, all of whom served bravely in the Vietnam war. We honor and thank these brave men and women for their service to our country and the communities they call home.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 19, 2023)] [House] [Page H1874] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-19
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. PAYNE: I rise today to denounce the MAGA Republicans' failure to support Americans. They want to remove an FDA- approved medication and control women's rights to their own healthcare choices. They deny the freedom of speech and the freedom of assembly to minority elected officials, and they support putting guns in the hands of people with severe mental issues. Thankfully, the Democrats put people over politics and address the country's real issues. We are lowering inflation and protecting the right to vote. We have created 12.6 million new jobs for hardworking Americans in the last few years. We are lowering prescription drugs to help American seniors. We are fixing highways and bridges nationwide to help Americans travel. Clearly, we are the party that cares about America.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 19, 2023)] [House] [Page H1874] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-19
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. LAWLER: as a point of personal privilege, I wish my daughter, Julianna Elena, a very happy first birthday today, April 19. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the success of some of our athletes in schools across New York's 17th District. Earlier this month was Student Athlete Day, a date on which we celebrate the achievements of the young men and women competing in interscholastic sporting events across our country. It has been a great winter season for our Hudson Valley athletes, and I would like to take a moment to congratulate some of these teams and individuals. Congratulations to Section 1 Boys Basketball champions, Tappan Zee High School, as well as the Boys Swimming champions, Horace Greeley High School. Congratulations also to Carly Sardo from Tappan Zee High School who was this season's floor champion in gymnastics, and Dami Modupe from North Rockland High School who won the girls 55-meter hurdles in indoor track and field. Our athletes should all be commended for their hard work during this season and throughout the year.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 19, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1873-H1874] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-19
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. BUSH: due to health reasons, I was not present during today's vote series. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 188 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 189.  PERSONAL EXPLANATION
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 19, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1873-H1874] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-19
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. KILDEE: I was unable to attend votes due to a medical procedure. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 188 and ``yea'' on rollcall No. 189.  HOUR OF MEETING ON TOMORROW
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 19, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1872-H1873] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-19
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. ARRINGTON: unfortunately, I was unable to be present for one of today's votes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 188.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 19, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1852-H1858] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-19
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. RASKIN: I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, just a few points about the last contribution from the gentleman from Georgia. Georgia reported 892 murders in the last year, the fourth highest in the country. He said that Washington, D.C., is overrun by violent criminals. The only time I have seen an institution overrun by violent criminals was here in the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021, an event that that gentleman described as a tourist visit and has consistently likened to a tourist visit. I don't know that he is going to be the best and most reliable witness for determining when an institution is being overrun by violent criminals. The rhetoric I hear from the Freedom Caucus is about defunding the FBI and defunding the ATF. No one on our side of the aisle is talking about defunding any of them or defunding the police. On the contrary, we have advanced initiatives to increase local government funding for police and other services. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton).
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 19, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1852-H1858] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-19
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. RASKIN: I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia for her eloquent remarks and also for making the specific point that the D.C. reform legislation is perfectly congruent with the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which we passed in the 117th Congress. In fact, the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act goes further than D.C. went. D.C. did not touch qualified immunity, which was something that was dealt with in the Federal legislation. Mr. Speaker, I also wanted to correct one other piece of misinformation that was left by the gentleman from Georgia. He said that it is against the law under the D.C. law for a police officer to touch someone's neck. That is not the definition of the law against choke holds and neck restraints.  It requires the use of any body part or object by law enforcement against a person with the purpose, intent, or effect of controlling or restricting the person's airway or severely restricting the person's breathing. That does not involve just touching a person's neck. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 19, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1852-H1858] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-19
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. LEE : I rise today in solidarity with the almost 700,000 residents of the District of Columbia that this Congress seeks to disenfranchise once again. D.C. voters and councilmembers saw the problem of police perpetuating different forms of violence plaguing not only their city, but the entire country, and they chose to act. They saw the reports of fired officers being rehired, cases dropped for faulty evidence and excessive use of force. They saw that marginalized folks were bearing the brunt of the violence and were being disproportionately prosecuted. What are we doing here today? Debating a resolution that seeks to circumvent the will of those D.C. voters. Congress does not have the authority to pass a disapproval resolution such as this for any other State or municipality. The principle of no taxation without representation helped launch the American Revolution and is enshrined in the Declaration of Independence. D.C. residents drive around with that on their license plates. Yet, this joint resolution is telling all 670,000 taxpaying residents that their voices don't matter. I am sure it is no coincidence that those residents are over 45 percent Black. We must affirm their right to self-determination. D.C. residents have been petitioning for voting representation in Congress for over 200 years. In 2016, they approved a referendum for statehood by 85 percent. Instead of acting on that, this Republican-led Congress has taken every chance to strike down the will of the people. You cannot support self-rule for jurisdictions as long as they don't make choices you oppose. The bill this resolution seeks to strike down mirrors the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act that this Congress passed last year. Among other things, it prohibits choke holds, removes military-grade weapons from officers, bans the hiring of officers with prior misconduct, and requires officers to inform people of their rights.  Frankly, the bill doesn't go far enough, leaving out crucial reforms such as ending qualified immunity. None of these reforms are radical anti-police measures. None of them are particularly transformative. They are the first, small steps toward justice. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to reject this joint resolution and allow the will of the D.C. people to stand.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 19, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1852-H1858] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-19
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. NORTON: I thank my friend for yielding, and I would like to respond to something that was said on the other side of the aisle. Both public- and private-sector employers across the country have had difficulty recruiting and retaining employees in recent years. In fact, the difficulty law enforcement agencies across the country have with recruitment and retention predate the police reforms enacted after the killing of George Floyd.  {time}  1245  Prior to the killing of George Floyd, a 2019 survey conducted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police found that ``the challenge of recruiting law enforcement is widespread and affects agencies of all types, sizes, and locations across the United States.'' The survey also found that ``the difficulty in recruiting law enforcement officers and employees is not due to one particular cause. Rather, multiple social, political, and economic forces are all simultaneously at play.''
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 19, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1852-H1858] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-19
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. PRESSLEY: I rise in strong opposition to this measure because it is nothing more than an attack on D.C. statehood and a barrier to confronting the crisis that is police brutality. When I hear from D.C. residents on this vote, they all tell me the same thing: Republicans need to keep their hands off D.C. The residents of the District of Columbia elected the members of their council to determine what laws will govern their city. D.C. residents did not elect the sponsor of this bill or any of the Republicans who are in favor of violating D.C. home rule. Unanimously, those duly elected council members passed police reform legislation and the Mayor signed it into law. It is clear why: because it will help save lives. Now Republicans are violating the District of Columbia's right to self-govern. It is hypocrisy. It is cruelty. It is another demonstration of Republicans standing in the way of progress, especially when Black lives are in danger. The families and friends who are robbed of loved ones at the hands of police deserve laws and policies that hold officers accountable and improve public safety. That is why I oppose this measure and urge my colleagues to vote ``no.'' Democrats are already on the record supporting these modest, commonsense reforms. Your constituents are taking note. Do not be misled by the misinformation and fear tactics on the other side of the aisle.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 19, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1852-H1858] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-19
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. PELOSI: I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank him for his leadership on this important committee and for giving all of us the opportunity to express our support for the District of Columbia. I come to the floor with great pride on this. As Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton knows, I take pride in the fact that my father, when he was a Member of Congress many, many years ago from Baltimore, was the chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on the District of Columbia. He was a big supporter of home rule which didn't exist at that time and then, of course, we saw home rule, then we saw Mayor, and we see the District of Columbia. Now our aspiration for statehood has always been but continues to be. So when we hear this debate on the floor, what are we talking about here? Has this become the city council of the District of Columbia that we are debating issues? That is up to the District of Columbia. What we do is respect their ability to make their own rules whether we like them or not. So the point is that this is sort of a gotcha kind of an amendment that I think is most unfortunate and unworthy of the debate on statehood and representation for the people in the District of Columbia who fight our wars, pay our taxes, contribute to the greatness of our country, but do not have representation in the Congress of the United States and fall victim to any criticism of their individual legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``no'' vote on this.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 19, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1852-H1858] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-19
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. RASKIN: I thank the gentlewoman for her remarks. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee).
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 19, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1852-H1858] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-19
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. RASKIN: I yield myself the balance of my time to close. Mr. Speaker, the gentlewoman from Texas I think makes the essential point which is the people of Washington and their representatives are governing in their best interests. That is the essential gamble of democracy. This is why American federalism is such a beautiful thing. The laws in Kentucky passed by the colleagues of my friend, the chairman of our committee, the laws in California, the laws in Alaska, the laws in South Carolina, and the laws in Washington, D.C., differ in certain ways. That is how federalism works. It is a massive insult, indignity, and affront to the people of Washington, D.C., to pull the rug out from beneath their comprehensive effort to develop good policing in Washington, D.C. There are lots of States and jurisdictions with higher crime rates. There are lots with lower crime rates. That is neither here nor there. Democracy is not something you earn by virtue of the crime rate or the inflation rate or the employment rate. Democracy is something you earn by virtue of natural rights that we have recognized under our Constitution, which is why our Constitution begins with the words ``We the People.'' The people of Washington, D.C. don't have complete rights yet, which is why they are fighting for statehood. The last thing we should be doing is driving them back to the worst days, which as former Speaker Pelosi evoked, when Congress micromanaged every little thing that took place in Washington.  {time}  1300  It is not fair to the people of Washington, and it is a waste of our time. If they think they have a good proposal that will end crime in America, let's do it nationally and make it apply to everybody. Otherwise, let's agree with the people from D.C.: Hands off Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 19, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1851-H1852] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-19
Chamber: HOUSE
Mrs. BICE: today marks the 28th anniversary of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, a horrific event that took the lives of 168 individuals. This day is forever ingrained in our lives. We continue to pray for those who were senselessly lost and the lives that were changed forever. Through all this, Oklahomans remain resilient and stood together. They rallied and have shown the Nation what it means to be strong, focusing on a message built on hope and love, creating what we know as the Oklahoma standard. I will always be grateful for the courage and dedication of our first responders and the outpouring of support from citizens across the country and world. The work done at the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum is important in ensuring that we treat each other with respect and dignity. Mr. Speaker, at the ceremony today in Oklahoma City, this verse was referenced, and I find it very fitting: Micah 6:8, And what does the Lord require of you? To do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 19, 2023)] [House] [Page H1851] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-19
Chamber: HOUSE
Mrs. LESKO: I ask all of you to join me in praying for Eric Morgan. Eric Morgan is a constituent of mine in Arizona, and he also served as the former Republican chairman for the legislative district in my congressional district. On April 5th, Eric was involved in a very serious motorcycle accident. They thought he was going to die. Fortunately, with the help of the doctors and nurses and multiple surgeries, he has now been released out of the critical care unit in a hospital in Arizona, but he has a long road for recovery. Mr. Speaker, the prayers have helped Eric and his wife, Heather, and their family. I want Eric and Heather to know that all of us here in the U.S. House of Representatives and the people in the gallery are praying for Eric's total and complete healing.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 19, 2023)] [House] [Page H1851] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-19
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. ROSENDALE: I rise today to acknowledge an extraordinary Montanan whose service to his country is a powerful reminder of the legacy we inherit from the Greatest Generation. Jack Kindelman grew up in Roundup, Montana, during the dark days of the Great Depression in World War II. At the age of 17, Jack joined the United States Navy during the final months of the war and served with distinction despite his youth. Unwilling to sit on the sidelines at the war's conclusion, Jack would answer the call to service in Korea, where he rescued dozens of refugees fleeing the conflict in a small fishing boat. Since then, Jack has been a pillar of the community in Billings where he volunteers at St. Vincent Healthcare, having served over 10,000 hours to date. Mr. Speaker, Jack Kindelman's dedicated service has touched countless lives in Montana and across the United States. It is an honor to represent him and thousands of veterans just like him in Congress, and it is my privilege to recognize Jack on the floor of the United States House of Representatives.