hazylavender/hi huggingface dataset:
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Pages H2108-H2112] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. OWENS: I thank my friend for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the nomination of Julie Su for U.S. Labor Secretary. I have always been told that you can get some idea of a person's future judgment and skill based on their past judgments and skill. Ms. Su has a history that is very instructive. It was her tenure as the secretary of the Labor and Workforce Development Agency of California that put the Golden State on a fast track to bankruptcy and economic collapse. Because of Julie Su's leadership, hundreds of business headquarters have fled the State. Between 2020 and 2022, over one-half million Californians left the State for greener pastures. Mr. Speaker, as a California executive, the primary responsibility in representing your State should be growing it, not expelling your citizens.  Ms. Su's reign has shown a failure in both judgment and skills. Under her watch, over $31 billion of California COVID funds were delivered to the bank accounts of fraudsters. At the same time, delays and red tape plagued legitimate COVID relief claims for those who desperately needed it. Caving to the demands of union bosses, Ms. Su has been and will continue to be totally tone-deaf to businessowners. She will never understand Americans who build our Nation's tax base; who power our middle class; who pay her salary; and who, through robust employment, are the source for union dues. She literally turned her back on the goose that laid the golden egg--California's risk-taking businessowners. At the behest of the union bosses, she instead launched an all-out assault on independent contractors critical to the success of the gig economy. At every government post Ms. Su has been appointed to, she has prioritized non-revenue producers: the union bosses and unelected bureaucrats. Her priority has always been those who empty the government coffers instead of the small business owners who, through work, risk, expansion, and paying taxes, replenish them. After forcing Californians who can afford to leave to move out, the Democratic-controlled legislature then figured a way to tax departing citizens several years after the taxpayer's departure. It is sad that wisdom and creativity weren't used at the front end to keep them from leaving the State. Unsurprisingly, the Biden administration plans to continue its disastrous antigrowth and antibusiness policies under the leadership of Ms. Su. American families and the workforce are hurting from 40-year record inflation, supply chain disruptions, and high energy prices. Ms. Su is not the right person to tackle America's pressing economic challenges. Mr. Speaker, I call on the White House to withdraw Julie Su from the confirmation process for Secretary of Labor and prioritize American families, the workforce, and economic growth.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Pages H2106-H2108] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. TAKANO: I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding and I certainly share his commitment and I share your pride. I know you stand for justice. I know you stand for the cause of all folks who have been marginalized. I know of your commitment to our servicemembers during World War II. Mr. Speaker, I thank a member of my staff on the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs for his valued service to veterans, this Congress, and our country. Miguel Salazar joined our committee as our communications director in 2019 as Democrats took back the House, and he was an integral part of the committee's efforts to deliver meaningful change for our Nation's veterans. When my Honoring our PACT Act was signed into law last year, Miguel worked tirelessly with our communications team to ensure that the 3.5 million newly eligible veterans became aware of the benefits they were entitled to. As a commissioned officer in the Marine Corps Reserve, Miguel has embodied the very best of public service. He has been a true leader and an invaluable member of my staff. The work of my committee and this legislative body have been made better by Miguel's contributions. He will be deeply missed.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Pages H2106-H2108] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. GREEN : I compliment the gentleman for recognizing a staffer. This is what I would expect from him, to be quite honest. He has demonstrated in his years in Congress a desire to see that all people are treated fairly. He has not only demonstrated a desire, but he has actually demonstrated it by way of a voting record that evidences the will to see that it is done. Mr. Speaker, I compliment the gentleman and it is what I would expect from him.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Pages H2106-H2108] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. TAKANO: I was trying to remember the gentleman's cause, which was the merchant mariners during World War II. I was at an event with Senator McConnell which commemorated the service of these merchant mariners who played such a critical role serving our Nation during World War II. They weren't in uniform, but they died at tremendous numbers. I share Mr. Green's concern that we need to do something for these surviving merchant mariners before they all die. They served our country in an incredible way.  {time}  1130
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Pages H2106-H2108] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. GREEN : I thank the gentleman for his remarks. I also thank my friend for helping us to shepherd it through the House in the last Congress. We didn't get it through the Senate, but it got through the House because of his hands, and I appreciate it. Mr. Speaker, before I yield the floor, following the example of my colleague, I would like to commend an employee, actually an intern, who has worked in our office and has been of great service to us. Because this is an intern, I won't give the full name, but her first name is quite similar to my name. My name is Alexander. Most people know me as Al. Hers is Alex. Alex is with us today. She is a person who, quite frankly, has matured beyond her years and has rendered a great service to our country. Mr. Speaker, I thank Alex very much for her service to our country, and I yield back the balance of my time.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Page H2106] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. TOKUDA: this week, I voted against the default on America act, a reckless debt limit proposal that would force Americans to suffer through pandemic-level economic pain once again because of brutal spending cuts put forth by House Republicans. The default on America act would buy us less than a year's reprieve from default on the backs of hardworking American families, ``keiki, kupuna,'' ``children, seniors,'' and veterans. The 22 percent across- the-board cuts for critical safety net programs would mean 13 million fewer health visits for our veterans; 300,000 children would lose Head Start slots and families' access to childcare; and 1 million seniors would get kicked off Meals on Wheels. The list goes on. We need to put people over politics. We cannot afford to gamble with the lives and livelihoods of everyday Americans. Instead of these ``pilau,'' ``rotten,'' cuts, we should be focused on ending child hunger, keeping people housed, taking care of kupuna, and improving access to veteran services. The Treasury says we have less than 60 days until our Nation is expected to default on our loans. America is waiting for us to do the right thing and pass a clean debt limit increase now.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Page H2106] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. DAVIS : I rise to highlight the Haliwa-Saponi Tribe. The Tribe has over 4,000 members living in the First Congressional District of North Carolina. The Tribe, led by their fearless Chief Richardson, welcomed people near and far as they celebrated 58 years of State recognition. Mr. Speaker, I had the honor of attending the Haliwa-Saponi Pow-Wow in Hollister, one of the largest pow-wows in the State. The Pow-Wow, the first in 3 years because of COVID, celebrates a rich history and strong cultural heritage filled with traditions passed down from generation to generation. Mr. Speaker, I am thrilled to announce that I will soon introduce legislation calling for their Federal recognition.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Page H2106] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. TONKO: I rise today to recognize Eda DiCaprio in honor of her 90th birthday. Eda and her twin sister, Eleanor, were born on May 10, 1933, in Amsterdam, New York. She worked for New York Telephone then General Electric after graduating from Wilbur H. Lynch High School. In 1956, she gave birth to her daughter, Roberta. An exceptionally hardworking and loving mother, Eda worked a number of jobs over the years while Roberta was in school, including those at Mohasco, Miles Catering, and Lorenzo's on Union Street before working alongside her twin sister at Travelers Insurance. She joined St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary in 2006 and around the same time began volunteering in human resources, where she secured employment and continues to work to this day. Congratulations to Eda on many decades of committed service to the community and a happy 90th birthday.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Page H2106] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. CORREA: today, I rise to commemorate the fall of Saigon, also known as Black April, on April 30. Today, the Vietnamese-American community is comprised of businessowners, teachers, police officers, and American soldiers. The Little Saigon community exemplifies the American Dream and has always stood for the land of opportunity. This Sunday marks 47 years since Vietnamese refugees came to America. Today, I ask my colleagues to remember the 58,000 American soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom of Vietnam.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Page H2105] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. JACKSON LEE: as we approach the month of May, I remind everyone that we honor our mothers of this Nation--mothers who have nourished, calmed, encouraged, celebrated, cheered; those who have made their way in life; mothers who have had difficult times, challenges, yet continue to be there. I honor mothers who are taking care of children who are not their own. In this month of May, I will select mothers from my congressional district and some from around the Nation to honor and thank them for what they do. That is why, as well, I voted against the draconian Republican budget that wanted to cut SNAP, supplemental nutrition, to help our children; wanted to cut veteran benefits for women veterans who are in desperate need; and wanted to again squash women's rights and reproductive rights. Mothers are, in fact, the anchor of this Nation. I celebrate them and will celebrate them this coming month with cheer, applause, recognition, and honor.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Page H2105] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. DAVIDSON: I rise today to recognize the talented and diligent students in our Eighth District who participated in our annual Congressional Art Competition. This year, we received 230 submissions from eight schools. The artwork from these dedicated students is on display at the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum until April 30, and it is available online, as well. One standout student received the grand prize victory for her art submission. I congratulate Paige Harris, who was our grand prize winner of the 2023 Eighth District Congressional Art Competition. Paige is an 11th-grader and attends Badin High School, and her Urban Renewal work will be placed on display in the United States Capitol for the next year. Last week, I had the honor to meet Paige and her fellow art competition participants, and her family, as well. We celebrate their hard work, their skills, and their creativity. I thank them all for their participation.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Page H2105] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. SCHOLTEN: today, I rise in support of the bipartisan Protecting Sibling Relationships in Foster Care Act. Several students from my district have written in to ask me to support this essential piece of legislation. Frankly, they have a really good point. We know that CPS investigations and removals are traumatizing for children. When we keep kids together in foster care, we protect them from adverse experiences, provide them with continuity, and help expedite the delivery of services to them at a critical time. Currently, it is estimated that 53 to 80 percent of these children are separated from one or more of their siblings while in care. This can't continue. There are overwhelming psychological, academic, operational, and humanitarian reasons for supporting this legislation. This bill would increase the placement of siblings together in foster care and encourage the development of programs designed specifically for sibling groups. It is pragmatic, bipartisan, and, most importantly, good for our kids. Mr. Speaker, I call on my colleagues to do right by our children and support this legislation as well.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Page H2105] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. FRY: I rise today to recognize and congratulate Boulineau's IGA, a family-owned, legendary establishment in the Cherry Grove section of North Myrtle Beach, on its 75th anniversary. This iconic brand started with the Boulineau family in 1948. Today, the Boulineau family has eight different businesses--everything from gas stations to ice cream shops, to a seafood restaurant--that occupy over four square blocks, with more than 175,000 square feet of retail shopping. It seems like every corner has a splash of that iconic Boulineau red. Local businesses are the heart and soul of my district in South Carolina and, indeed, the Nation, and I am grateful for the hard work of families like the Boulineaus, who are dedicated to serving their communities. It is amazing to see the growth of a hometown business over the course of the last 75 years, and I wish them nothing but success for the next 75 years.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Page H2105] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mrs. SYKES: I rise today to recognize Workers Memorial Day, a day where we honor workers who have lost their lives, endured injuries, or become ill due to unsafe working conditions or exposure to chemicals in the workplace. Mary Harris Jones--some know her better as Mother Jones--was a champion of workers' rights during the industrial revolution. She reminded us to ``pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living.'' That is what we are going to do today and every day, not by just simply remembering these workers who sacrificed their safety, health, and lives because that is simply not enough. We must continue to fight for safe jobs for all. I am proud to stand with unions to protect workers' rights. Nearly every health and safety protection that working people across our Nation have, can be traced back to the work of unions. I can say with confidence that you cannot find a harder working group of people than those in Ohio's 13th Congressional District. We are resilient, dedicated, and determined, and we deserve strong workplace standards to protect the health and safety of our neighbors, coworkers, and families. I will continue to stand with unions in the fight for dignity in the workplace so all Ohioans can feel safe and secure when they go to work each day. Mr. Speaker, I thank all of my colleagues in advance for remembering and recognizing April 28 as Workers Memorial Day.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Pages H2104-H2105] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. MILLS: today, I rise to recognize and remember Patricia Sutherlin McRee. Patricia Sutherlin McRee, a 30-year resident of Oviedo, and a constituent of mine, passed from us earlier this week. Patricia moved to the Space Coast in 1960 to teach at Melbourne High School, where she met a young Army officer who had been mobilized and sent to Florida during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Patricia took her charm and commitment to service with her all over this Nation and overseas as an Army spouse. She organized support for families whose husbands were serving in Vietnam alongside her beloved Army husband, Marshall McRee. She mobilized love and comfort for new widows and fatherless children traumatized by the sudden loss of a serviceman killed in action. At every military base that the Army sent Patricia and Marshall to, she was a leader, a servant, and an essential part of the fabric of that community. In my district of Oviedo, Patricia served as leader of the Oviedo Women's Club and, for many years, organized the Great Day in the Country Festival to fundraise for that organization. She made every duty station a better place through her service, and she made central Florida a better place. My heartfelt condolences to her son-in-law, Congressman Brandon Williams, and his wife in this loss. May God bless her. Rest in peace.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Page H2104] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. ROBERT GARCIA : I rise today in support of the Green New Deal, which I am proud to cosponsor with Senator Markey and Representative Ocasio-Cortez. We are in a climate emergency, and we must work together to fight back and build an economy for everyone, an economy that just doesn't meet the threats of climate change but also directly invests in our communities. Everyone deserves safe water to drink, clean air to breathe, and a healthy place to live. Right now, we are not just failing the next generation; we are failing Americans today. This impacts all of us, from low-income communities that have been victims of environmental injustice to the millions of people whose livelihoods depend on agriculture. We must be prepared to lead and understand the link between housing and climate justice. Our cities need active and green public transit and walkable neighborhoods. We can build a sustainable future and create good union jobs. Our country needs a Green New Deal, and I pledge to keep fighting for those values every single day.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Page H2104] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. CARTER : I rise today to recognize Jenny Gentry, who has been selected as the 2023 recipient of the Legacy of Leadership Award from the Girl Scouts of Historic Georgia. The Legacy of Leadership Award honors a woman who is a Girl Scout alum and has made a significant impact in the local community. A native of Atlanta, Jenny made Savannah her home after graduating from college. She joined JPMorgan Chase in May 2019 on the commercial banking team covering the Savannah area and surrounding communities. Since moving to Savannah, Jenny has been active in the community, serving on a number of civic and nonprofit boards. She is currently the board chair for Goodwill Southeast Georgia and has previously served as the board chair of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, YMCA of the Coastal Empire, and United Way. Jenny also serves on the Savannah Community Foundation Board, as well as the Chatham-Savannah Homeless Authority. I thank Jenny for her continued dedication to the Savannah community and congratulate her on the well-deserved honor.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Page H2104] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE: I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Harry Belafonte, who passed away this week at age 96. This is a hole in the soul of goodness. He broke barriers in Hollywood, becoming one of the first Black faces on-screen. His unique sound led him to success in the music industry, with classics like ``Day-O,'' ``Banana Boat,'' and ``Jamaica Farewell.'' His artistry spoke to the soul of many Black Americans who did not see themselves represented in music or on-screen. He touched the West Indies diaspora of New York and lent that island sound to his top hits. He had great success with his ``Calypso'' album when it topped the charts for 31 weeks straight before a man known as Elvis Presley came on the scene. He also took up the mantle of civil rights to work alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Stokely Carmichael, and others to promote racial equity. He will be remembered as a multitalented entertainer who shattered barriers while continuing to battle racial prejudice and help clear the way for those who came after him. May we remember his powerful legacy and his remarkable efforts to progress justice, equality, and civil rights.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 72 (Friday, April 28, 2023)] [House] [Page H2104] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-28
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. ALLEN: the modern American worker wants flexibility and choice. However, President Biden and Washington Democrats would rather force their radical labor agenda on the American people. That is why Senator Tim Scott and I introduced the Employee Rights Act, which represents the Republican vision for the future of the modern American workforce. Our bill updates our Nation's labor laws by expanding workforce protections for independent contractors, entrepreneurs, franchises, and anyone else looking to earn a living on their own terms and live the American Dream. This bill also offers political protections to employees by preventing heavyhanded union leaders from abusing membership dues, as well as ensuring the union election process is conducted by secret ballot, a right guaranteed to every American, so employees are not intimidated or harassed for the way they vote. Supported by dozens of national, State, and local organizations, I am proud to introduce this commonsense legislation that ensures workers' rights are protected from partisan union leaders and the heavy hand of this administration. Republicans stand with the 21st century worker, and it is time our labor policies do, as well. Every American deserves the freedom to hold a job and not be forced to pay union dues.