mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PUERTO RICO STATUS ACT
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2022-12-15

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken I thank the distinguished gentleman, the leader of the ic Party, for his remarks. I agree with many things that he said. I think all of us would agree with many of the things that he stated. I was with him right up there until the part about using D.C. statehood as a metaphor with Puerto Rican statehood. If the gentleman wanted to talk about the residents of D.C we can talk about taking those residential neighborhoods and commercial neighborhoods in D.C. and putting them back with the State of Maryland if that is an issue. D.C. statehood is totally different from Puerto Rican statehood, and it shouldn't even be brought into this discussion. prgtoken The gentleman talked about the inherent right to self-determination. He said it is something that shouldn't be dictated by the Congress of the U.S. to the people of Puerto Rico. He said the decision belongs to the people of Puerto Rico. Their destiny belongs to them. I think we would all agree with that in principle, but that is not what this bill says. prgtoken Section 102 talking about the independence option. I am reading directly from the bill: ``The constitutional convention under section 101 shall formulate and draft a constitution for Puerto Rico that guarantees the protection of fundamental human rights . . . '' prgtoken We all agree that should happen, but if they are an independent nation, what right do we have to tell them that? It says it shall include: ``Due process and equal protection under the law; freedom of speech, press, assembly, association, and religion; the rights of the accused; any other economic, social, and cultural rights as the constitutional convention may deem appropriate and necessary; and provisions to ensure that no individual born in the nation of Puerto Rico shall be stateless at birth.'' prgtoken I don't disagree with that, but if they vote for independence, what right do we have to dictate to them how they write their constitution and what is included in it? prgtoken The other option of free association, section 202 of the bill: ``The constitutional convention under section 201 shall formulate and draft a constitution for Puerto Rico that guarantees prgtoken the protection of fundamental human rights . . . '' prgtoken Again, if they have the sovereignty under a free association, what right does Congress have to dictate what their constitution will say? The leader's words that their destiny shouldn't be dictated by the U.S. Congress. Their destiny belongs to them. Yet, this bill tells them what they shall do if they vote for either of those options. prgtoken Madam , I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from Puerto Rico (Miss Gonzalez-Colon).
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2022-12-15

reserving the right to object, first of all, let me say that I concur with the chairman of the committee on the remarks he has made regarding his position. It is an important position, and the points he makes about countering what China is doing certainly is well-taken, and I completely agree with it. prgtoken I am going to object to this, but it is for process reasons, not because the individual or because of the lack of importance of the position it is. prgtoken In the past, we have always moved these together when we have a partisan situation like this. When we discharge them from the committee, they are discharged in pairs. On this particular one, we haven't done that. prgtoken I know the chairman is going to say that that is our fault because we haven't put a person up yet to move in tandem with this. To that, I will concede. But having said that, again, the process is we have always done this in pairs in the past. prgtoken I commit to the chairman--I have already talked to the chairman about this--that we will do this. And before the end of January, we will have such a person to move together with this. prgtoken If he asks after that, I will not object. But at this time, I have been requested to object so that we can have the opportunity to put that person up. prgtoken So at this point, I would object.
FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS AND EXTENSIONS ACT, 2023--Continued
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-12-15

everyone in this Chamber spoke about the pain American families are feeling as they deal with the raging inflation brought on by 's reckless spending, so it was shocking to many of us when Senate approved $70 billion to supersize the IRS with 87,000 new agents. That means more audits on families and small businesses just as they struggle to get by thanks to skyrocketing prices. prgtoken What is worse, the administration is also changing IRS standards to begin tracking financial transactions Americans make in excess of $600 to vendors like Cash App and Venmo and PayPal. It is an outrageous violation of Americans' privacy. It is stuff we see in communist China. prgtoken That is why I filed an amendment to strike the funding for the new IRS agents to prevent the IRS from spying on your bank accounts. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to protect Americans' privacy, stop the ridiculous audits on families, and support my amendment. prgtoken .
VA EMPLOYEE FAIRNESS ACT OF 2021
Mike Bost (Republican, IL) \u2014 2022-12-15

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , in response, as we have talked about the concerns we have heard from the employees, how do we really know the bill is needed? Because the have never, in nearly 2 years of working on this bill, they did not hold one oversight hearing. Not one. prgtoken They did not call the Secretary and answer the allegations that the group pushing for this legislation is asking for. They didn't conduct public investigations into those allegations. They simply passed a bill out of committee, on a party-line vote, over a year ago. prgtoken Madam , it is our committee's job to hold the Secretary accountable, and all of the administration, prgtoken over these employees. I would have gladly worked with the to do that. Sadly, that is not what happened. prgtoken Now, we are coming out here on the 11th hour of our last week or two of being here, and we are jamming through an 11th-hour bill with no clear idea that it does what my colleague says it does. prgtoken How can we support legislation like this in the last hour? That is why they call this lameduck. It is because we try to shove things through right at the last. prgtoken This has not been vetted. It did not have more hearings. We did not do our job when it came to what our job is on oversight. We could have handled this a different way. prgtoken Madam , .
RECOGNIZING JUDGE STEVE FLOYD
August Pfluger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-12-15

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Tom Green County Judge Steve Floyd, a faithful leader of our community who is retiring from elected office at the end of this year. prgtoken Judge Floyd has dedicated his life to our community with more than 30 years of service as justice of the peace, county commissioner, and now as county judge. prgtoken Whether he was leading the county, handing down justice, or just mowing the courthouse lawn, he led with wisdom and kindness. prgtoken Judge Floyd had a monumental impact on the partnership between San Angelo and Goodfellow Air Force Base, where his community leadership and visionary ideas strengthened the bond and paved the way for San Angelo to receive three unprecedented Altus Award trophies for exceptional community partnership, more than any other base has received. prgtoken Judge Floyd's retirement is bittersweet today. If you are watching this morning, Judge, please know that we are not just saying farewell to a good friend and a good leader but someone who has been an incredible public servant for over 30 years. prgtoken We are grateful for the decades of service to our community, and we wish you the very best in your upcoming retirement. Congratulations on a job well done, Judge Floyd.
HONORING THE EXEMPLARY CAREER OF DR. THOMAS ZACHARIA
Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-12-15

I rise to honor Oak Ridge National Laboratory Director Dr. Thomas Zacharia, who will retire at the end of this year, concluding an exemplary career. prgtoken Throughout his 35 years at ORNL, Dr. Zacharia has delivered groundbreaking scientific and technical accomplishments for energy, national security, and economic benefit to the Nation. Through the 1980s and 1990s, his extraordinary vision served as the guide for establishing a world-leading computing institution at Oak Ridge. prgtoken His visionary leadership has resulted in the deployment of four number one computers in the world since 2009, with the Frontier supercomputer breaking the exascale barrier in May 2022. As laboratory director, Dr. Zacharia has expanded ORNL's scientific impact in national security, isotopes, biology and environmental systems science, and energy technologies. prgtoken Dr. Zacharia's extraordinary journey from postdoctoral researcher in 1987 to lab director from 2017 to 2022 is well recognized. I thank him for his service, and I wish him well in his future endeavors.
HONORING MR. JOE SUTTON AND MR. ROBERT MARLING
Yvette Herrell (Republican, NM) \u2014 2022-12-15

. Madam , today I rise to honor Mr. Joe Sutton and Mr. Robert Marling, two long term friends who have emulated the important values of true friendship. prgtoken They will always cherish their friendly bets, usually paid in full in the form of 1 dollar bills, for their countless rounds of golf. And even more so, they will cherish the everlasting memories that they've formed together over the years. prgtoken Through their friendship, Robert and Joe are both found to be philanthropic spirited and humble individuals, stewards of their communities, and serve as role models for many. prgtoken Robert is smart, kindhearted, community-minded, and a great entrepreneur and mentor. He has been a major supporter of the American Heart Association, United Way, and dozens of other major charities. prgtoken Joe proudly served in the U.S. Army and retired at the rank of Colonel. During his time in the Army, he held numerous command assignments in armor and aviation, served 2 tours of duty in the Pentagon and was an Army Ranger. Joe authored a children's book and has donated the proceeds from the book to ``Children at Risk'' focused on fighting child trafficking. It is my sincerest hope that their friendship continues to be a role model for others to see and learn from. In the world we find ourselves living in today, I can think of nothing better than to celebrate friends that truly last a lifetime.
MATH REALITY
David Schweikert (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2022-12-15

I am going to finish this up in 6 minutes and yield back to you. prgtoken I need us all to come back and think creatively. If I came to my brothers and sister here who are elected, our staff who are all freaky smart--a lot of them institutionalized, but they are smart. The public, who, if they knew the underlining numbers, their creativity could break us through on the crap we are doing. prgtoken If I came to you tomorrow, and said, I need ideas that crash the price of healthcare. That for the 5 percent of our brothers and sisters who have multiple chronic conditions that are well over 50 percent of our healthcare spending, what do we do to make them less sick--maybe even cure them? prgtoken What do you do to deal with environmental issues but do it in a way where the economy still grows instead of this model the have brought us--we are just going to subsidize everyone--and then wonder why the math ultimately blows up on us. prgtoken There is one opportunity that specifically interests me. I never want to hear another Member basically come behind the microphone and say, We need to regulate this more--or on my side--we need to deregulate this more. Can I beg of us to use the language--why don't we try some smart regulation. Why don't we join this century and use the technology we all walk around with. We all walk around with supercomputers in our pocket. prgtoken We had the Supreme Court case, it was West Virginia v. EPA, that basically says Congress has been derelict in its duties for years-- decades. Hey, EPA, wink, wink, nod, nod, we want you to do this, but we are not willing to tell our voters what we are willing to do because we are getting lobbied over here, so we are just going to hand over all of our congressional authority, our constitutional authority to a bureaucracy. The Supreme Court said we got to stop doing that. prgtoken We do it with the EPA, we do it with securities regulations, we do it with everything. Guess what it means? We are going to have to start acting like adults in this body and actually start reading our bills, working on the details, coming up with rational ways to make society safe, healthy, but prosperous. prgtoken I have a little video out there if someone wants to go look at it, it is Schweikert environmental crowdsourcing on YouTube. It is just the simple concept of--you know there are things that you can attach to this that actually would calculate air quality, you know, PM10 or organics and other things. prgtoken What would happen if you had a couple thousands of those floating around your community? You would always know what is going on. If you had someone painting cars behind your house, you would catch them immediately. If you had a model like that, do you need the same 1938 command and control system? prgtoken So I am the motorcycle paint shop--do they really need to file paperwork and fill up file cabinets full of paper because we all know file cabinets ful
RECOGNIZING STAFF DIRECTOR RUSSELL ANELLO
Carolyn B. Maloney (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2022-12-15

. Madam and my dear friend, Nydia Velazquez, from the great State of New York, I rise today to recognize the outgoing staff director of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, Russell Anello. prgtoken Russ became my trusted adviser and leader of our committee staff in May 2021. Before his promotion to staff director, Russ served under three of our distinguished colleagues: Chairman Henry Waxman, Chairman Jim Clyburn, and Chairman Elijah Cummings. prgtoken Russ is a tireless leader who defended democracy when democracy needed defending the most. Under his leadership, the committee passed landmark legislation, held high-profile hearings, and skillfully navigated complex investigations to hold government and private actors to account. prgtoken Russ' sharp legal skills and political instincts have helped to make our government more effective and efficient and have improved the lives of Americans. prgtoken On behalf of the members of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, and on behalf of the American people, I thank Russ for his selfless, dedicated service to our Nation.
JAMES M. INHOFE DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023--Resumed
Jack Reed (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2022-12-15

I have a much longer statement, but I want to briefly rise to express my support for the Fiscal Year 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. I am pleased that we are about to pass it. prgtoken First, let me acknowledge Ranking Member Inhofe, whose leadership on the Armed Services Committee and in this Chamber has been monumental. prgtoken For more than 20 years I have had the privilege of serving with him on the committee. In turn, we have been chairman and ranking member. And I am honored that this year's bill will be named the James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act. (Applause, Senators rising.) prgtoken , I would also like to add my congratulations and thanks to the House Armed Services Chairman, prgtoken Adam Smith, and Ranking Member Mike Rogers. Their partnership was absolutely invaluable to make this moment possible.
Introductory Statement on S. 5266
Tim Kaine (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2022-12-15

the COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the need to expand mental health services for children in the United States. More than 20 percent of parents with children aged 5-12 years reported that their children experienced worsened mental or emotional health as a result of the pandemic. In Virginia, one in five children experience symptoms of a mental health disorder. Schools, childcare settings, and communities are in need of additional support to address the needs of our Nation's children and families. prgtoken Early identification and intervention for emotional or behavioral disorders for infants and young children may help to prevent more severe mental health issues in later youth and adulthood. That is why Senator Collins and I are introducing the Investing in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Act to reauthorize the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health--IECMH--program through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA. First prgtoken authorized in 2016 under the 21st Century Cures Act, the goal of the IECMH program is to improve outcomes for children, from birth up to 12 years of age, by developing, maintaining, or enhancing infant and early childhood mental health promotion, intervention, and treatment services. prgtoken Since 2018, SAMHSA has provided $20 million in funding to support infant and early childhood mental health programs across the country. This funding has been used to train the mental health workforce and provide screenings and referrals for evidence-based mental health services for children and families. To date, grantees have trained nearly 10,000 mental health professionals and screened over 17,000 children and families. prgtoken Reauthorizing the IECMH program will allow SAMSHA to continue this important work to address childhood mental health through fiscal year 2027. The bill also includes a $30 million increase in funding to expand these services and would allow SAMSHA to provide technical assistance to grantees, either directly or through grants or contracts to nonprofit entities. Language to reauthorize the IECMH program was included in the Supporting Children's Mental Health Care Access Act of 2022 introduced by Representatives Kim Schrier and Mariannette Miller- Meeks, which was included in the Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act that passed out of the House in June 2022. I urge my colleagues to support this bill so we can continue to address the mental health crisis among our children.
WELCOMING REVEREND DR. WILLIAM J. BARBER II
G. K. Butterfield (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2022-12-15

. Madam , the House is honored today to welcome a great theologian and humanitarian, my friend and constituent, the distinguished William J. Barber, II. prgtoken I have known Bishop Barber since he was a college student. A native of Roper, North Carolina, Bishop Barber has dedicated his life to preaching God's word of salvation and embracing the least of these in civil society. prgtoken Bishop Barber's trajectory to national prominence began when he organized a multiracial, multigenerational social justice movement in Raleigh, North Carolina, to expose the racial and economic inequities facing our Nation. prgtoken The Moral Monday protests catapulted Bishop Barber to a place where he is now a nationally recognized voice for the poor. As the founder of Repairers of the Breach, Bishop Barber leads a movement that challenges systemic racism, systemic poverty, ecological devastation, and what he calls the distorted narrative of religious nationalism. Bishop Barber seeks to build an agenda rooted in love, justice, and morality. prgtoken Bishop Barber is the senior pastor of the Greenleaf Christian Church in Goldsboro, North Carolina. He and his wife, Rebecca, have five very accomplished children who have distinguished themselves in their respective fields. prgtoken We are honored today, Madam , to have Bishop Barber with us today to pray over this sacred institution that we call the House of Representatives.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Robert Menendez (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2022-12-15

I thank my distinguished colleague, the ranking member on the Foreign Relations Committee, for his remarks and for the conversation we had before. I appreciate that, and I look forward to making this happen in the very early part of the new Congress. prgtoken But I will just simply say that the Board, of course, is comprised of nominees recommended by the majority and the minority, and, ideally, that is how they would move forward. I am ready to be supportive of moving forward on other nominees for this position as well. prgtoken But as has been said, the reality is that the minority has yet to make their recommendations, despite having had more than 2 years to do so--2 years. prgtoken So, in a sense, it is not fair to reject those who are waiting and went through the process and did their disclosures and everything else and have been hanging out there because the minority has not chosen to make their nominations. prgtoken I understand the Senator is objecting on behalf of his leadership. I just hope that this draws attention to the leadership so that they, hopefully, will come up with their two names so that as we start the new session of Congress, we can get this done right away. prgtoken With that, . prgtoken .
FURTHER CONTINUING APPROPRIATIONS AND EXTENSIONS ACT, 2023--Continued
Ron Wyden (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2022-12-15

colleagues, I would strongly urge opposition to the Scott motion. The Scott motion would strip funding the IRS needs very much to go after wealthy tax cheats who are refusing to pay taxes they already owe. The most recent IRS Commissioner, a appointee, estimated that the amount of taxes owed that are not collected could be as much as $1 trillion per year. prgtoken Working Americans--firefighters and nurses--who pay their taxes with every paycheck believe that the IRS must have the resources it needs to go after the sophisticated, wealthy tax cheats at the top, but powerful special interests who don't want to pay what they already owe are lying to the American people about how the additional IRS funding will be used. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to strongly oppose the Scott motion.
PUERTO RICO STATUS ACT
Raúl M. Grijalva (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2022-12-15

. Madam , pursuant to House Resolution 1519, I call up the bill (H.R. 8393) to enable the people of Puerto Rico to choose a permanent, nonterritorial, fully self-governing political status for Puerto Rico and to provide for a transition to and the implementation of that permanent, nonterritorial, fully self-governing political status, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.