hazylavender/hi huggingface dataset:
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Pages H2093-H2103] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. BEYER: I believe almost all of us are here to make America stronger, to serve the people who sent us here. This act will do exactly the opposite. It will hurt the 33,000 American solar installers who will lose their jobs. It will raise energy costs for families everywhere, but especially in the Sun Belt. It will hurt all Americans who hope to use the solar tax credit. It will hurt the energy companies, the businesses that built major solar installations in the last 8 months that will be subject to a retroactive tariff of 254 percent. It will harm our endangered planet. It will handcuff us in our fight against climate change. Mr. Speaker, the act will not help our growing domestic solar panel manufacturers that are already sold out till the end of the pause. It won't hurt China, which has abundant buyers in the rest of the world. This is the same China that ships a million packages a day duty-free to the United States because of our $800 de minimis exception. Mr. Speaker, this is an act that only creates losers. There are no winners. I urge my friends to vote ``no.''
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Pages H2093-H2103] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. SMITH : the evidence is clear. Chinese companies have set up shop in Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam to get around U.S. tariffs that were put in place in 2012 by President Obama, yet the Biden administration is turning a blind eye on American workers and American manufacturers by waiving additional tariffs while it acknowledges cheating by Chinese companies. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Pages H2093-H2103] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. PANETTA: I rise in opposition to this resolution because American solar companies need the delay on solar tariffs so that they can keep up with the American demand for clean energy. If we repeal this delay with this CRA, the American solar industry could be hit with more than $1 billion--with a b, billion--in retroactive duties, taxes that would cause cancellations and supply chain issues, stall solar deployment, and set us back on our clean energy goals. Look, we have already seen, just with the threat of these tariffs, a 30 percent decrease in solar deployment last year. Of course, we want to strategically decouple from China, I believe especially with their solar pieces, parts, and equipment. However, American solar companies need more time to adapt, adjust, and reduce Chinese inputs in solar panels. I also realize that we need to do more to bolster our domestic solar manufacturing, but that is why we recently made significant investments for domestic credits. However, if we allow these retroactive tariffs to take place now, it would deprive our solar industry of the incentive to invest in our manufacturing projects at home. That is why we need this delay, and that is why this delay was the right call, not just by this administration but it is also the right call so the American solar industry can catch up to our domestic demands, so Americans can continue to speed up their solar deployment, and America can continue to step up when it comes to the continued success of our economy and the future of our sustainability. Mr. Speaker, that is why I urge a ``no'' vote on this CRA.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Pages H2093-H2103] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. CHU: I rise in opposition to this resolution. Democrats successfully passed America's single largest investment in clean and renewable energy last year in the Inflation Reduction Act, which will quickly decarbonize our economy and shift manufacturing back here to the U.S. That includes production of solar panels that will be critical to the clean energy transition. Last year, the Commerce Department made a thorough and data-driven determination that some companies in four Southeast Asian countries are circumventing U.S. tariffs on Chinese solar panels. Our trade policy requires balance, and the President's emergency order created a short- term bridge to secure the solar materials needed to protect jobs and meet our energy transition goods over the next year. While the emergency order is not perfect, it is necessary to give solar projects in the pipeline enough time to come into full compliance with our trade laws. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Pages H2093-H2103] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. BLUMENAUER: I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the concern I have is that what is being missed here is the reality that we are dependent on the supply chain in which China plays a key role. We don't like it. My Republican friends don't like it. Unfortunately, they have undermined efforts that we have to try to reposition the supply chain. The energy proposals that we have offered up are an opportunity to grow and strengthen America's capacity. Just yesterday, they would repeal a number of those provisions. Their proposal would impose over a billion dollars of retroactive tariffs on our solar industry at a time when we are trying to grow it. We want to give the industry time to reorient the supply chain. That takes time. It is already made clear on the floor right now that the current solar industry is at capacity. They need time to change the supply chains. Sadly, my Republican friends would reduce incentives to strengthen the American supply chain. The reality is in the past we have allowed China to have a dominant position. We don't want that. We have offered up a variety of proposals that would strengthen and incentivize American business, but this proposal, if enacted, would punish American workers, it would punish American business, and it would set us back on our climate goals. That does not serve anybody well. Instead, the Biden administration has offered a reasonable compromise extending for 2 years the ability to continue the course here while we reorient the supply chain. I have a whole host of proposals if my colleagues want to be tough on China. Mr. Beyer referenced the fact that, through the de minimis provisions, we are allowing over 2 million packages a day in the United States' stream of commerce often, no doubt, produced by forced labor, uninspected, and not paying tariffs. This is a simple, commonsense provision that we have offered up that would help change that, and we have others if people want to deal meaningfully with the Chinese challenge. This doesn't. This doesn't change the reality of our current dependence on China for the supply chain, and, indeed, it will complicate our ability to make the transition. I respectfully urge that we reject this resolution and allow the opportunity for our industry to get its footing and make the transition that we all want them to make. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to share my opinions, and I yield back the balance of my time.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Pages H2093-H2103] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. SMITH : I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, my grandfather always told me that actions speak louder than words. We have heard a lot of words about people standing up to China. This resolution will give every Member in this body the opportunity to stand up to China, and this is the way to do it. Mr. Speaker, I am so thankful that we have Democratic Senators-- including my counterpart, Senator Wyden--on the other side of the aisle who are willing to do the right thing for the American worker and to do what President Obama did in 2012 to make sure that the solar industry works for America and does not become beholden to China. Today, the U.S. Congress has the opportunity to send a direct message to China, and really any country that thinks about violating trade policies or attempts to cheat American workers, that the U.S. will not tolerate such behavior. I appreciate the fact that this can be a bipartisan message. The White House made a very misguided decision when it chose to lift additional tariffs from China for 2 years. That action, in my view, sends the wrong message to the world, particularly when we know, based on findings by the President's own Commerce Department, that China is cheating American workers and consumers by circumventing tariffs right now. We have the opportunity today to act on bipartisan legislation that will turn out the lights on that decision and hold China accountable. To be clear, U.S. purchasers of fairly traded solar products will not pay a single penny of additional tariffs if this resolution is enacted. This is about protecting American workers and American jobs and holding China accountable. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for introducing this resolution and fighting to protect American workers and American jobs. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Pages H2093-H2103] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. ROSS: I missed votes today due to a family medical situation. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 202.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Pages H2093-H2103] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. PETERS: due to a long-standing family obligation, planned well before the congressional schedule was available, I could not be present for votes today. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 202.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Page H2093] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. THOMPSON : I rise today to recognize World Autism Month and the efforts of north central Pennsylvanians in supporting those with autism. In America today, 1 in 36 children will be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder beginning in their first years of life. Although several factors may influence the development of autism, each person with an autism diagnosis requires unique support. In Clarion and Venango Counties, Autism Tough Foundation works to raise awareness and support for autism through numerous sensory-free events each year. This month, more than 100 students at Keystone High School joined Autism Tough Foundation to raise awareness in their first Walk for Autism. Meanwhile, neighboring Potter County is one of the first in Pennsylvania to equip county agencies with sensory kits to aid in communication and expressive language. Potter County is also home to Jasmine Floof, a service dog who specializes in assisting those with autism focus their attention and manage anxiety when accessing county services. This World Autism Month, I commend Potter County and Autism Tough Foundation for leading the State in supporting people with autism in their everyday lives.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Pages H2092-H2093] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. CISCOMANI: I rise today in honor of National Park Week to highlight my bill, the Chiricahua National Park Act. From the Grand Canyon to the Petrified Forest and the Saguaro National Park, Arizona is lucky to have some of the most stunning parks in the world. In our own district, Chiricahua National Monument has drawn visitors from around the country and across the globe for almost 100 years. The Wonderland of Rocks showcases the unique beauty of our region through 12,000 acres of towering geological structures, 25 campsites, and over 17 miles of hiking trails. Local communities and leaders from both sides of the aisle have advocated for years to give this beloved landmark the national park designation it deserves. It is my honor to renew this long-awaited effort.  Establishing Chiricahua National Park would create a profound impact on Cochise County by enhancing tourism, boosting the local economy, and fueling opportunity at no additional cost. It is time to make this dream a reality and upgrade Chiricahua.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Page H2092] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. CURTIS: today, I rise with a profound sense of reverence and humility to honor the legacy of a true American hero, Mr. Ken Potts. Mr. Potts was one of the last two USS Arizona survivors who recently passed away at 102. On the morning of December 7, 1941, Ken Potts answered the call of duty. As a crane operator, Mr. Potts had the responsibility of ferrying supplies to the USS Arizona. Upon reaching the harbor, he was confronted with a scene of devastation. Mr. Potts stood as a beacon of hope. With dauntless courage, he wielded his crane as an instrument of salvation, plucking survivors from the jaws of peril and guiding them to the sanctuary off Ford Island. To the Potts family, and especially Doris, Ken's beloved wife, our hearts are with you as you honor his memory today in this esteemed Chamber. I am profoundly privileged to pay homage to the indomitable spirit of Ken Potts.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Page H2092] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. GARCIA : I rise today in celebration of American Libraries Week. This is a perfect time to thank our local libraries and the employees who keep them open to the public to ensure access to reading and learning. While extreme MAGA Republicans are banning books and bashing librarians, House Democrats are protecting and recognizing their public libraries. We are putting people over politics. That is why I am proud to honor my local library, the Houston Public Library. Mr. Speaker, they have announced that with local support, our library will no longer charge late fees on overdue books or other borrowed items. This is one of the many efforts that they are making to make sure that libraries are more accessible. In honor of public libraries, I am reintroducing my bill, the More Social Workers in Libraries Act, today. Public libraries are vital community hubs, and this bill will reinforce America's social worker talent pipeline by creating a paid social worker internship in public libraries across the Nation. Libraries are for learning. They are for seeking resources and finding job opportunities. We need to lift them up and not bash them.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Page H2092] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. OGLES: I rise to speak on the bill I will introduce today, the TEACH Act, the Teachers Empowered Against Classroom Harm Act. This bill would ensure that those who choose to protect children from armed intruders have the opportunity to do so. We are all aware of the tragedy that took place at the Covenant School in my district a month ago. These types of tragedies are indicative of the evil that exists in our world. While we will never be able to ban the intentions of evil people, we can allow men and women to equip themselves in order to protect our children and stop bad actors in their tracks. The TEACH Act would take money from the Education Secretary's slush fund, over $27.5 million, and use that money to provide defensive training programs designed to protect schools and our most precious asset, our children. There are untold numbers of humble, patriotic men and women serving in our schools who would take steps to protect our children. The Teachers Empowered Against Classroom Harm Act, the TEACH Act, would help make our students, our educators, and our classrooms safer.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Page H2092] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. ESPAILLAT: Harry Belafonte was a lifelong public servant and civil rights advocate who selflessly used the power of his voice to entertain us through songs, as well as to build awareness and bring attention to numerous social and political causes for vulnerable communities across the United States and the world. He was a hitmaker and changemaker. From New York City to Hollywood, he broke barriers. His efforts helped propel the civil rights movement and created an appetite for justice across the country. Harry Belafonte was an entertainer, an ambassador for humanity, and an advocate for goodwill across this planet. An alumnus of George Washington High School in my district, Mr. Belafonte was a Harlem treasure, an ambassador for humanity, and he will never be forgotten. Today, I honor his life, his legacy, and the contributions he made to the global community.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Pages H2091-H2092] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. EMMER: I rise today to honor the life of Dale Schneider, who passed away last week at the age of 76. Born in St. Cloud, Minnesota, Dale took over the family-owned Sal's Bar and Grill in St. Joseph, Minnesota, from his parents in 1971. Sal's is at the crossroads of St. John's University and the College of St. Benedict, where all things Johnnies and Bennies reign supreme. For over 50 years, Dale kept thirsty students, faculty, and community members well hydrated and fed. Dale had a steel trap of a memory that helped to remember names of collegealumni years after graduation. In some cases, he also remembered their outstanding bar tabs. I had the pleasure of getting to know Dale during my many visits to Sal's over the years. No trip to a Johnnies football game was complete without a post-game beer at Sal's. There is some solace in the fact that the next time I am at Sal's, I will likely see his son, Kyle, tending bar just like his dad. To Dale's wife, Diane, and the rest of the family, we pray that Dale's lasting memory gives you comfort during this difficult time. A great life lived.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Page H2091] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. THOMPSON : I rise today to recognize my pastor, Pastor Greg Shipe, of the First Baptist Church in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, who offered today's opening prayer in the United States House of Representatives. Pastor Shipe was ordained into ministry in 2009 and has served the congregation of First Baptist Church since 2011. I am fortunate to be a member of the First Baptist Church congregation. When he is not behind the pulpit, Pastor Shipe serves as the chaplain to the Logan Fire Company and coaches recreational youth soccer and baseball. Pastor Shipe and his wife, Connie, are also busy raising six children. They are active foster parents as well. They use their experience to mentor other foster parents in Centre County and beyond. As a foster mentor, Pastor Shipe also serves on the board of Keystone Family Alliance, a bridge ministry helping to connect churches to foster agencies, to equip them in caring for children, and to provide resources to local agencies and foster families.  Mr. Speaker, Pastor Shipe and his family continue to inspire those in our congregation, as well as the entire community, and I am thankful for my pastor and this mighty man of God.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E384] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Mrs. DINGELL: I rise today to recognize Charles Steele, a resident of Manchester, Michigan on the occasion of his 93rd birthday. His dedication and patriotism to his country and to his city is worthy of commendation. Born in 1930, Charles moved to Manchester shortly after his birth. During high school and after graduation, he was a member of the Navy Reserve. Shortly after an honorable discharge from the Navy Reserve, Charles was drafted into the Army in 1951, where he stayed until being honorably discharged in 1953. In April of 1953 he joined the Manchester American Legion, Post 117. Charles' dedication to Post 117 and the veteran's community over the last 70 years cannot be understated. He was heavily involved in the construction of their new hall in the 1970s, which for decades served as a popular location for community events, parties, weddings, and bingo games. The last seven decades has seen him serve as the Commander of Post 117 on five separate occasions, as well as being the Post Chaplain for the last 15 years. As Chaplain, he has spoken at many of the Memorial Day Services in the area, as well as attending military funerals where he presents the flag to the families of fallen veterans. Over the last 70 years, Charles' involvement in his community has been visible to everyone outside of the veteran community as well. He started the Color Guard Team that has been present at every Manchester High School football game since 1953. He missed his first game in 70 years last season but is hopeful to be back this fall. Starting with the Centennial Celebration of the City of Manchester in 1967, there are around 70 flags that are put up and taken down daily on holidays and special occasions on Main St. For 55 years, he has helped with the flags. Most recently and when he is available, he drives the truck with the flags. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring Charles Steele's lifetime of service to this Nation and his community. His commitment and dedication go beyond Legion Post 117. He has demonstrated the same qualities to his community, Emanuel United Church of Christ, the Manchester Athletic Boosters, and his family. We thank him for his service and wish him the happiest of birthdays.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E383-E384] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: EXTENSIONS
Mrs. HARSHBARGER: I rise today to honor my constituent SGT. Kenneth Suter for his distinguished service to the U.S. Air Force. Hailing from Kodak, Tennessee, SGT. Kenneth Suter served on the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squad as an engine mechanic, primarily working on helicopter aircraft.  Stationed in Da Nang, Vietnam, SGT. Kenneth Suter proudly served from 1971 to 1972. May his sacrifice and service and that of his comrades never be forgotten.