hazylavender/hi huggingface dataset:
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [House] [Page H1742] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. LANDSMAN: I rise today to call for a bipartisan House and Senate select committee to address gun violence. Later this week, the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force will meet, and I pray that substantive work will emerge. The Second Amendment provides Americans the right to have a gun to protect themselves and their families and rifles to hunt. Weapons of war are different. To be clear, we are talking about the weapons that spray hundreds of bullets in seconds, tearing bodies to shreds. The folks in my district, whether they are Republicans or Democrats or Independents, are on the same page. They want us to double or triple the number of mental health professionals, pass red flag laws, safe storage laws, and have commonsense, comprehensive background checks to keep these guns and rifles away from people who want to hurt others. Most agree that these weapons of war have no place in our communities or anywhere near our children. We need both parties to be about public safety. This bipartisan group of both House and Senate Members can make it happen, and we have to act fast.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [House] [Page H1742] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. CARTER : I rise today to celebrate the life of Ruth Stuenckel, a loving wife, mother, and social worker. A native of Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, Ruth held positions with Children's Seashore House and the New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services. In 1989, Ruth and her husband, Elton, moved to Savannah. Shortly after, Ruth became an active member of the choir at Wesley Monumental United Methodist Church. She traveled internationally with the choir, singing in cathedrals across Europe. Ruth also traveled to Israel and Jordan with the Cape May United Methodist Church. As an artist and avid gardener, she painted much of the beauty she saw in nature. Ruth was also a member of the Savannah Art Association and the Garden Club of Savannah. Another passion of Ruth's was reading. More than being an avid reader, Ruth was a proponent of learning for learning's sake. Every week for more than 20 years, Ruth read to children at Royce Learning Center at Chatham Academy. She will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1741-H1742] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. PAYNE: I rise today to celebrate the 106th anniversary of Abyssinian Baptist Church. For 106 years, the Abyssinian Baptist Church has helped thousands of people find salvation and spiritual health. Itserves the community through faith-based initiatives and brings hope to residents who need it. The spirit of this congregation is represented in one of the church's original names. In 1939, the church was called Friendship Baptist. It is through friendships that this congregation shows how much it cares about people. In addition, it inspires the community with a strong dedication to serving the Lord our Savior. In the process, it has helped thousands of people who have walked crooked roads to find a straight path. Congratulations again to Deacon James Destin and the pious congregation of Abyssinian Baptist Church. It is an exceptional faith- based community in my district.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [House] [Page H1741] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. THOMPSON : I rise today to commend Del Spafford of DuBois, Pennsylvania, for receiving the 2023 James M. Roche Spirit of Volunteerism award. The Roche award is the highest volunteer award given by the Department of Defense's office of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. The award calls attention to significant achievements made by volunteers in contributing to and accomplishing the ESGR mission of promoting cooperation between civilian employers and servicemembers of the National Guard and Reserve. Since retiring as Battalion Commander from the famous 28th Division of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, Spafford has demonstrated the spirit of patriotism and service. For more than 34 years, Spafford has served the ESGR in many capacities and has the distinguished honor of being the longest continuing serving committee member in Pennsylvania. Most notably, he has accumulated an astonishing 1,285 volunteer hours with the ESGR in the past 8 years alone while serving in a variety of overlapping roles. I commend Del Spafford for earning the James M. Roche Spirit of Volunteerism Award for his commitment to our citizen soldiers and for his dedication to supporting military-civilian relations in north- central Pennsylvania.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1740-H1741] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: HOUSE
Mrs. SYKES: I was absent for today's vote so that I could help find a path forward for my community following today's grand jury decision to not indict Akron police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Jayland Walker. Had I been present, I would have voted yea on rollcall No. 183 and yea on rollcall No. 184.  personal explanation
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1740-H1741] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. PORTER: I was unable to be present to cast votes today. Had I been present, I would have voted yea on rollcall 183 and yea on rollcall 184.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1739-H1740] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ: due to extreme weather and the subsequent travel delays in South Florida, I missed the first vote of the series today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 183.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1738-H1739] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. MEEKS: I rise in strong support of this resolution, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, Putin's Russia has abandoned the international systems that help countries interact and help build good faith and greater security. As someone who believes in the power of diplomacy and dialogue as a path to peace, the state of today's Russia is tragic and testing the international community's resolve, but I am so thankful that President Biden is indeed more responsible than Mr. Putin. It is that kind of responsibility that is truly important and that we make sure that we are utilizing diplomacy along with our allies together, not America alone, not America by itself, but America and its friends. That is restraint. I can recall if you have a red line, it is easy to draw a line, but the person that is most reserved steps back and if someone truly crosses that line, the United States is ready. That Russia ignores the rules and standards is really not new. It is not surprising, but it has become more consequential and detrimental. We haveseen Russia's ill-advised and criminal behavior in Ukraine. That is why the United States under President Biden's leadership has created the strong bond with our NATO and European allies and others all across the world. Again, when I think of March 14 and the Russian pilots' decision to release jet fuel upon an American surveillance drone and clip the aircraft, it indeed was a reckless move that caused the drone to crash into the Black Sea. It was an unprofessional and dangerous maneuver, and it marked the first time since the Cold War that Russia has downed a U.S. aircraft.  This incident added to the already heightened tensions between the United States and Russia as Vladimir Putin continues his war of aggression in Ukraine. While our pilots and military work carefully to avoid such incidents--again, prudence, responsibility--I don't want to be like Vladimir Putin or the Russians. I don't want to imitate them, but Russia is about to play with fire. Thankfully, we have a professional military that knows the power of restraint. This resolution rightfully condemns the March 14 incident and will let them know that we are watching, and we will not be silent about it, especially here in the United States Congress. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to support this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1738-H1739] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. MAST: I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Williams), the author of this resolution, and a submarine driver, who colleagues affectionately refer to as ``bubbleheads.''
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1738-H1739] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. WILLIAMS : I am equally honored to stand here with the gentleman and fellow veteran, Mr. Mast, as well as my New York colleague, Mr. Meeks. Mr. Speaker, America has always stood up to bullies. I am a veteran of the Cold War. For half a century, our Nation stood against the tyranny of the Soviet Union. I volunteered to serve in the Navy, making six strategic deterrent patrols in the Pacific aboard a nuclear submarine. The mission was clear: to project strength, to stand ready to defend our Nation and our allies, and to deter the aggression of our enemies. Today, we are reminded what happens if American leaders fail in that mission. The Russian military, emboldened by their invasion of Ukraine, making veiled threats of nuclear escalation, suppressing the voices even of their own people, they have deliberately provoked this Nation-- you and me. On March 14, 2023, one of our MQ-9 Reaper drones, flying safely in international airspace and in accordance with international law, was attacked by two Russian Su-27 fighter jets. These lawless pilots dumped their fuel, hitting our aircraft in mid- flight, forcing an American reconnaissance asset to ditch in international waters. I remain shocked not only at the unprofessional and reckless nature of the Russian pilots, but also of the Russian Government's accolades and awards that it heaped upon them. Mr. Speaker, I am reminded from my naval service that the only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing. That is exactly why I have proposed H. Res. 240, a resolution condemning the reckless actions of the Russian military resulting in a loss of a U.S. aircraft. The resolution is simple. It recognizes the events that took place, highlighted by the declassified video from European Command. It resolves that the House of Representatives condemns the Russian military's actions and reaffirms that the United States will not be deterred from operating our drones in the Black Sea. This resolution speaks not for a single political ideology but on behalf of all Americans who desire peace. I would take a moment to thank Representative Costa, who has joined me in this bipartisan effort of standing up to tyranny and the direct act of aggression against our military. At this time of escalating tensions around the world, we must speak out against brazen provocation. Today, the world can see that Americans across the political spectrum speak with one voice in condemnation of this act. By standing together here on the floor of the House of Representatives, we project strength by standing together, we reassure our allies that we are committed to defend ourselves and our friends, and together, we will ensure the peace through deterrence in unity.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1738-H1739] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. MEEKS: I yield myself such time as I may consume for the purpose of closing. Mr. Speaker, let me thank Congressman Williams for this resolution, along with Mr. Costa, again working in a strong, bipartisan way. Congressman Williams' resolution appropriately condemns Russia's irresponsible and provocative downing of a U.S. surveillance drone over the Black Sea. It lets Russia and the entire world know that the United States House of Representatives stands strongly together in condemning the actions of the pilot that downed the U.S. surveillance drone. It says unequivocally that the United States of America will stand and stand together and work together with our friends and allies against the provocative and, I believe, criminal actions of Vladimir Putin. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1733-H1735] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. WILD: I rise in support of H.R. 1149, the Countering Untrusted Telecommunications Abroad Act. I first thank my colleague from the other side of the aisle, Representative Radewagen, for co- leading this legislation. This bill is proof and evidence that when it comes to national and economic security challenges, we can find common ground. The purpose of the bill is simple: To investigate and respond to vulnerabilities caused by Chinese telecommunications companies in United States embassies overseas and among our close allies. For far too long, the world has stood by as Chinese telecoms giants have operated as vehicles for the Chinese Communist Party to commit horrific human rights violations against the Uyghur people, to conduct mass surveillance and espionage, and to supplytechnology to other repressive regimes around the world. This bill takes critical steps to ensure that our telecommunications infrastructure requires the State Department to report on the United States collective defense allies that use untrusted telecommunication equipment or services in their 5G networks. Further, it mandates a report on telecommunication vulnerabilities in United States embassies overseas. Finally, it directs the Secretary of State to identify key telecommunications infrastructure projects designed to promote United States national security. Securing these networks is imperative when it comes to national security and human rights, as well as for our economic security. This legislation will help us ensure that the telecoms infrastructure of our country and our allies is secure and effective. The Countering Untrusted Telecommunications Abroad Act enjoyed overwhelming bipartisan support in the 117th Congress and passed the House by a resounding margin last September. I urge my colleagues to reaffirm our commitment to securing our telecommunications network by again voting ``yes'' on H.R. 1149.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1733-H1735] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. MEEKS: I have no further requests for time, and I yield myself the balance of my time for the purpose of closing. Mr. Speaker, Congresswoman Wild's very important legislation, the Countering Untrusted Telecommunications Abroad Act, will take tangible steps to improve our telecommunications security and, thereby, our national security. I appreciate the bipartisan nature with which we have dealt with this bill in the 117th Congress and now are dealing with it in the 118th Congress, working collectively together for our national security. I believe that this bill should have every Member's support, and I urge them to vote for the Countering Untrusted Telecommunications Abroad Act. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [House] [Page H1732] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. WILSON : the Biden budget would destroy jobs, slash wages, and reduce economic growth, according to a new study by the Tax Foundation. The budget will raise taxes by $4.7 trillion and reduce economic growth. Americans are experiencing record-high levels of inflation under Biden, and his plan will cut wages by a full percent. The newly elected Republican majority is focused on fiscal sanity and creating jobs. Congratulations champion Matt Fitzpatrick of Sheffield, England, on victory yesterday at the RBC Heritage presented by Boeing, at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. I appreciate the success of Royal Bank of Canada President Dave McKay, Boeing National Strategy Director Lindsay Leonard, Heritage Classic Foundation Chairman Simon Fraser, and Tournament Director Steve Wilmot. The victory was special as it has been a vacation favorite for the Fitzpatrick family from the United Kingdom for many years. In conclusion, God bless our troops, who successfully protected America for 20 years, as the global war on terrorism continues, moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [House] [Page H1732] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: HOUSE
Mrs. MILLER-MEEKS: I rise today to congratulate Caitlin Clark of the Iowa Hawkeyes women's basketball team for winning the 2023 Naismith National Player of the Year award, the AP Player of the Year award, the Wooden Award National Player of the Year, and the Honda Sport Award for Basketball. Caitlin is a native of West Des Moines, Iowa, and attended Dowling Catholic before taking her career to the next level with the University of Iowa Hawkeyes. Her exceptional play this season captivated audiences far beyond the Hawkeye State. As a junior, Caitlin averaged 27.3 points and led the Nation with five triple-doubles, including a 41-point, 12-assist, 10-rebound effort in Iowa's NCAA tournament win over Louisville to advance to the Final Four. The ESPN telecast of the Hawkeyes' win over Louisville averaged more viewers than any NBA telecast on ESPN this season as Clark became the first player in the NCAA tournament history to record a 40-point triple-double.  In a recent interview, she said: ``I want my legacy to be the impact that I can have on young kids and the people in the State of Iowa, and I hope I brought them a lot of joy this season.'' Madam Speaker, Caitlin is most certainly a joy and an inspiration to all Iowans and numerous Americans. We can't wait to continue watching Caitlin on the court and wish her the best of luck in the future. Go Hawks. Madam Speaker, I wish a very happy birthday to my nephews, Matthew and Joseph Martina.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1731-H1732] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. SALINAS: I rise on Mental Health Monday in defense of the transgender community. Last year, lawmakers introduced 315 anti-LGBTQI+ bills. During that same year, a national survey found that 45 percent of LGBTQI+ youths seriously considered suicide. That is 45 percent, Madam Speaker. This year has far surpassed 2022's record with more than 400 hateful and harmful laws introduced so far, including H.R. 734. Reputable athletic organizations like the International Olympic Committee and the National Collegiate Athletic Association have guidelines for the equitable participation of transgender athletes. With this bill, House Republicans are creating a problem where there isn't one because they think the American people won't see this for what it is: a ploy to distract from their failures. Madam Speaker, this is not a game. It is a mental health catastrophe in the making. The trans community deserves our support, not our scorn. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to consider healing over harm and to reconsider H.R. 734.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [House] [Page H1731] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. JOYCE : I rise to wish Henry Haldeman a happy 100th birthday and to thank him for his service to our country during World War II. After joining the Army, Sergeant Haldeman landed at Anzio Beach in Italy, becoming one of the first Americans to begin liberating the oppressed people of Europe. From Anzio to Germany, Henry Haldeman and the men of the 14th Army Infantry fought bravely and sacrificed much as they helped to turn around the horrors of World War II. Receiving both a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star, Henry Haldeman represents what truly made his the Greatest Generation. After returning home to Port Royal, Henry found joy working on his family's farm, growing corn and feeding young calves. His life has been a beacon of what it means to serve his country and his community both at home and abroad. On behalf of everyone in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I wish Henry Haldeman a happy 100th birthday and continued blessings to come.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [House] [Page H1731] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. WILSON : pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal. The SPEAKER. The question is on the Speaker's approval of the Journal. The question was taken; and the Speaker announced that the ayes appeared to have it.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 63 (Monday, April 17, 2023)] [House] [Page H1731] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-17
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. WILSON : I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present. The SPEAKER. Pursuant to clause 8, rule XX, further proceedings on this question will be postponed.