mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
Bob Good (Republican, VA) \u2014 2021-3-8

. Madam , the bottom line is this rule would advance unconstitutional legislation that undermines the Second Amendment for law-abiding citizens. It is amazing that lawful gun ownership has been so politicized by the left that it is now common to ask someone their position on the Second Amendment, as if our constitutional rights are subject to opinion. prgtoken The question before us is not: Do we believe in gun rights? It is rather: Do we believe in the Constitution? prgtoken Currently, any firearm purchase from a federally licensed dealer is subject to a background check. But this legislation would expand this system--along with the fees and bureaucracy that comes with it--to private transfers. prgtoken For what other constitutional rights will we now assign a fee or a tax? prgtoken Our First Amendment rights? prgtoken Our Fifth Amendment rights? prgtoken This bill creates a de facto gun registry by involving the Federal Government in every gun transfer, including private transfers and gifts. prgtoken How else would we enforce these requirements? prgtoken For my friends who suggest that Conservatives and gun owners are paranoid about a national registry, Madam , you bet we are. We know our history, and we know what has happened in other countries. prgtoken Madam , I oppose this rule and all three of these bills.
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-3-8

. Madam , I thank the gentlewoman for the time. prgtoken Madam , I am concerned about H.R. 1446, the Enhanced Background Checks Act, that is part of this rule. This bill would eliminate the 3-day waiting period for a National Instant Criminal Background Check system determination. Under current law, if no determination is made within 3 days, a firearms sale may proceed. This bill that will be before Congress this week would expand the 3 days to require a 10-business-day waiting period with an additional 10 days allowed for the Attorney General to process any petitions. prgtoken But rather than eliminate the 3-day waiting period, we should be removing from commerce those firearms that are sold to individuals who are later found to be ineligible. prgtoken In 2016 the Department of Justice Inspector General audit found that less than 1 percent of those who were sold a firearm and then found later to be ineligible through the delayed background check were investigated and prosecuted. prgtoken According to a 2018 Government Accountability Office report, the FBI conducted just over 25 million firearm background checks through the NICS system that year. One percent of attempted purchases were denied, or about 181,000. If only 1 percent of those denials were investigated, that still leaves 179,000 NICS denials where an individual may have been inappropriately sold a firearm, but, in fact, were never investigated. Even one firearm illegally in commerce, unfortunately, can lead to tragedy. prgtoken Rather than place further burdens on law-abiding gun owners, we should be investigating and prosecuting those who have obtained a firearm illegally. Enforcement of our existing laws would be the first step to preventing gun violence. prgtoken During rules consideration, I submitted an amendment to H.R. 1446 to require the Department of Justice Inspector General to report to Congress on the number of NICS denials referred for investigation.
Stephanie I. Bice (Republican, OK) \u2014 2021-3-8

. Madam , I thank the gentlewoman from Minnesota for yielding. prgtoken Madam , I rise today in opposition to the combined rule and to the underlying measures, including H.R. 842, the PRO Act. prgtoken We find ourselves today, Madam , at a time when businesses are struggling just to stay afloat, and in many States, unemployment numbers remain high. The last thing Congress should be doing at a time like this is making it harder for workers to find good employment. prgtoken But that is just what the PRO Act would do. It cuts the opportunity for employers to make decisions based on what is right for their businesses, takes away the freedom of choice for workers who want to keep more of their paychecks, and makes it impossible for entrepreneurs to operate as independent contractors. prgtoken Proponents of this bill don't want you to know that the so-called ABC test, based off a flawed California State law and used in this bill to define employment, would essentially abolish independent contracting and upend the gig economy. prgtoken There is a reason that in the last few decades 27 States, including my home State of Oklahoma, have passed right-to-work laws. We the people want freedom in the marketplace, not a bill that does the bidding for union bosses. I implore my colleagues to oppose this bill and instead focus on solutions that make it easier for Americans to find good jobs in the economy.
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2021-3-8

. Madam , I was hoping when I flew back last night that the fence would be gone from around the Capitol. Unfortunately, it is still there. But given the bills we have before us today, maybe it is only fitting when you look at the Capitol you see a fence around it. It makes the Capitol appear as if it is a capital of a more totalitarian state looking at the bills we have before us today. prgtoken The first bill is H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act. They call this an assault on the Second Amendment, something our forefathers put in the Constitution because they knew that the power in this country has to rest with the people. Instead, we have a bill here making it much more difficult to transfer a firearm and putting one in a position where they could face prison or a $100,000 fine if they do something wrong. prgtoken It is just beyond belief. It is hard to believe when you look at this bill, Madam , that until 4 years ago when they began a war on the police, the murder rate in this country had fallen over 20 years in a row. Unfortunately, the majority is going to try to make it much more difficult to transfer a firearm as well as create a situation when you are waiting for your NICS check, if the FBI doesn't get back to you, you are delayed in getting a firearm. prgtoken Madam , I urge rejection of the rule.
CONGRESS IS MAKING PROGRESS
Bill Posey (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-3-8

over the past 10 years we have made a lot of progress in making Congress more transparent and accountable. prgtoken After years of persistence, I was pleased to see that the House finally adopted the comparative text rule that I proposed. prgtoken The comparative text rule made it possible for Members of the House and the public to actually see and understand exactly what a bill changes. prgtoken Every legislature in the country does that. But sadly, boom, in an instant this year the House abolished that rule, even though it was a top priority with the bipartisan Government Efficiency, Accountability, and Reform Task Force for commonsense solutions to a better government. prgtoken Now, , that is shameful.
THE MARS ROVER IS AN INCREDIBLE MARVEL
Anthony Gonzalez (Republican, OH) \u2014 2021-3-8

2 weeks ago our country witnessed the incredible marvel of American ingenuity when NASA successfully landed its Perseverance rover on Mars, laying the groundwork for the next generation of space travel and exploration. prgtoken Perseverance has four primary goals: determine whether life ever existed on Mars, understand the climate of the planet, characterize the geology of Mars, and finally, make any preparations necessary for human exploration. These goals are crucial not only for our Nation's eventual mission to send humans to Mars, but also for the continued advancement of mankind as a whole. prgtoken Before making its journey to the red planet, Perseverance spent some time in my backyard in northeast Ohio. It was researchers and scientists at Cleveland's NASA Glenn Research Center that developed the rover's power source and oversaw testing the rover's parachute needed to land safely on Mars. prgtoken Mars truly is the next frontier in space travel and exploration. I am incredibly grateful that northeast Ohio has added yet another chapter to our State's already rich history in space travel and exploration. prgtoken I look forward to what Perseverance can teach us about this new unknown and what our next endeavor will be.
Kat Cammack (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-3-8

. Madam , I rise today in opposition to this rule as well as H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446, a/k/a the legislation to deny Americans their Second Amendment rights. prgtoken Common sense and data tell us that these bills will do nothing to prevent criminals from obtaining firearms or stop mass shootings in the United States. Instead, these bills will make it more difficult for law-abiding citizens to exercise their constitutionally protected rights. prgtoken H.R. 8 would lead to a national gun registry which every American should be concerned about. Even former officials acknowledge that universal background checks are only effective with a national registry in place. H.R. 1446 would lead to unnecessary and potentially indefinite delays in law-abiding citizens purchasing the tools necessary to defend their families and their homes. prgtoken My colleagues on the other side of the aisle claim that H.R. 1446 would close a loophole, but we know the truth. The only loophole will be that the criminals will continue to get guns on the black market while lawful citizens are denied their rights. prgtoken As Members of Congress we swore an oath to defend the Constitution, and that includes the Second Amendment; and it reads plainly: shall not be infringed. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to stand up for all Americans' rights to bear arms, uphold their constitutional oath, and reject this rule and these horrendous bills.
HONORING JIM KENNEDY, EAGLE SCOUT
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-3-8

I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my dear friend and fellow Eagle Scout, Jim Kennedy. I got to know him well over the years through the Juniata Valley Council where he was the Council Scout Executive. prgtoken Jim embodied the Scouting oath and law. He was trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, and courteous, to name just a few. Jim dedicated himself to service and worked diligently to better his community, making significant improvements to the Seven Mountains Scout Camp and earning national recognition for the Council. prgtoken Jim is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Andrea, and their three sons: Matthew, Phillip, and Lincoln. Jim, his family, and the Juniata Valley Scouting community are all in our prayers as we grieve this loss together. prgtoken Trail signs taught in Scouting, , show a circle of stones with one stone in the center as the sign for gone home. Jim Kennedy reached the end of his trail in life and returned home living Scouting values. prgtoken Rest in peace, Scouter.
GUN CONTROL
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-3-8

this week our colleagues on the other side of the aisle are proposing more gun control measures under H.R. 1446 and H.R. 8. prgtoken , our Constitution protects all your rights, not selectively by the State or issue. One bill makes you ask permission via background checks with no limits when and how you can purchase a firearm. If they don't complete their work in time, then no gun for you. prgtoken This is an indefinite delay of your rights. prgtoken Another supposed background check bill is designed to make criminals out of Americans who are merely trying to help out others. Under this bill if a neighbor with issues, domestic violence, or maybe a suicidal situation decides to give you their gun for safekeeping, you could end up with a fine and a year in prison--$100,000 fine and a year in prison for helping them by possessing that gun for them. prgtoken The same if someone has a problem with stalking or domestic violence. Maybe you loan a woman a gun. You could be also threatened with prosecution under that guise. prgtoken Neither of these bills work because they violate a simple truth: criminals don't follow gun laws. They are criminals. I have a more reasonable path: amendments to guarantee your rights under the Second Amendment.
Michelle Fischbach (Republican, MN) \u2014 2021-3-8

. Madam , the balance of my time. prgtoken Madam , the Centers for Disease Control has indicated schools can operate safely with students in the classroom, yet many schools across the country remain closed. prgtoken President has chosen to side with political allies and big labor groups over scientists, and our students are being denied their right to a good education as a result. prgtoken Kids need to be in school, and we should follow the science and reopen the schools for in-person instruction now. prgtoken Madam , I urge a ``no'' on the previous question and ``no'' on the underlying measure, and .
FOR THE PEOPLE ACT OF 2021
Victoria Spartz (Republican, IN) \u2014 2021-3-8

. Madam , today I rise in opposition to H.R. 1 on account of several major issues with the bill. First, this bill did not go through committees and proper deliberations. Second, this bill takes drastic steps to federalize our elections and infringe on States' rights. Third, this bill increases opportunities for fraud without proper guardrails or internal controls. To mitigate some fraud risks, I proposed an amendment dealing with election audits, which was rejected by on the House Rules Committee.
Ashley Hinson (Republican, IA) \u2014 2021-3-8

. Madam , I thank the gentlewoman from Minnesota for yielding. prgtoken Madam , I rise today in opposition to the rule. I think we can all agree that guns should not be allowed to fall into the wrong hands. But these bills do nothing to stop the bad guys from illegally purchasing guns or reduce gun violence meaningfully. Instead, they punish law-abiding gun owners and arbitrarily deny Iowans their Second Amendment rights. prgtoken H.R. 1446 allows the government to delay the sale of a firearm for an indefinite amount of time. H.R. 8 infringes on the rights of law- abiding gun owners, criminalizing everyday transfers of guns between friends, family, and neighbors, including lending of weapons that were obtained lawfully. prgtoken Madam , these bills trample on the constitutional rights of Iowans, and I strongly oppose them.
RECOGNIZING JEANNETTE RANKIN ON INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
Matthew M. Rosendale, Sr. (Republican, MT) \u2014 2021-3-8

on this international day of women, I remind everyone that the first Member of this body who was a woman was Jeannette Rankin. prgtoken She was elected from the State of Montana in 1916 and again in 1940. She served us well; she served us admirably. prgtoken , I wanted to remind everyone that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle do not have a monopoly on having women represent them.
HONORING THE LIFE OF ROBERT HOLTS
Don Bacon (Republican, NE) \u2014 2021-3-8

. Madam , I rise today to honor two women from our district for Women's History Month because of their commitment to advancing opportunities and experiences for women. Gina Ponce and B.C. Clark are historymakers, as they work to empower women in our community. prgtoken Born and raised in the Bronx, Gina has been in Nebraska for 25 years and is the mother of two sons and grandmother to one granddaughter. She credits her father as her inspiration in serving others, as he led by example in his service to the community. prgtoken Gina has been in her current position as director of Latino community outreach at Bellevue University since 2015, where she is responsible for managing outreach and admissions including the Latino community. prgtoken She sees her two biggest accomplishments as founding the Women on a Mission nonprofit 11 years ago and opening the El Camino Latino Center at Bellevue University. Women on a Mission engages in outreach to build up and empower women and girls spiritually, physically, and emotionally. prgtoken Recent awards she received include the 2020 Heartland United for Puerto Rico Award, the 2017 Women of Color Leadership Award, and the 2013 Latina of the Year. However, Gina says she sees her award every day in the success of those she has helped, and she credits her own success to the passion and gifts that come out of the South Omaha community. prgtoken Also passionate about assisting women in their visions and dreams is the founder and president of the Metro Omaha Women's Business Center, B.C. Clark. She continues to inspire women and accelerate their success by creating economic opportunities through programs offered by her center. Those opportunities include a monthly business forum, quarterly Success Series, and various workshops and trade shows to educate, inspire, and encourage entrepreneurs and businessowners. prgtoken In 2014, B.C. also started the Business Connection Nebraska, a local television show on public access TV, where she showcases businessowners from across the State. She is also a well-respected speaker and mentor for several community and minority business groups, where her knowledge of how to increase profitability and operational efficiency, as well as satisfy customer expectations, has helped many businessowners excel professionally. prgtoken In addition, B.C. volunteers at Carole's House of Hope, where she mentors inner-city young women. She is a former president of the Midlands Latino Community Development Center, encouraging and promoting Latino businesses. prgtoken B.C. credits her faith as a factor in her own achievement and is quick to recognize others who have helped her in her quest to help others find success. She also recognizes that a belief in yourself will make you successful. As she told her own granddaughters: ``You don't have to wait for a man to give you a diamond ring. If you want it, you can work for it.'' prgtoken Both Gina Ponce and B.C. Clark are
LET'S NOT RESTRICT AMERICANS' FREEDOMS
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-3-8

. Madam , here in this Chamber, I have pledged to support and defend the United States Constitution in its entirety. The Second Amendment is a key tenet of the U.S. Constitution and Americans' inalienable rights. prgtoken The right to keep and bear arms is a basic freedom that was enshrined in law by the Framers of our Constitution, the leaders who overcame tyranny to form a representative government of, by, and for the people. More than two centuries later, their extraordinary vision for our country still endures. prgtoken In Congress, it is our job to uphold the Constitution and to protect Americans' fundamental rights. Yet, this week, the House will consider radical legislation that would encroach on citizens' freedoms while doing so little to prevent mass shootings or illicit violence. If enacted, both H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446 would impose restrictive background checks and unnecessarily burden law-abiding gun owners. prgtoken Thanks to the work of the previous administration and s in Congress, our Nation already has safeguards in place to prevent wrongdoers from acquiring firearms. Rather than impose new restrictions, we should work together to ensure that the current laws on the books are enforced. prgtoken Instead of attempting to defund the police, we should equip our law enforcement officers with the necessary resources and training that they need to identify and respond to threats. Rather than make criminals out of law-abiding citizens, we should increase penalties for those who break the law. These are commonsense steps that would save lives and protect constitutional rights of citizens in my home State of Pennsylvania and across our country. prgtoken In recent months, I have heard from hundreds of Pennsylvanians who are concerned by the mounting attacks on the Second Amendment. I share these concerns, and I will continue to oppose any attempts to restrict Americans' lawful gun rights. Unfortunately, the majority is set on restricting Americans' personal freedoms and propelling an extreme agenda. This playbook is not the answer. prgtoken Right now, Congress should be focused on crushing the pandemic, getting Americans back to work, allowing our kids to safely return to the classroom. Instead of attacking Americans' constitutional rights, we could be making real progress on accelerating vaccine production, rebuilding our economy, and restoring our American way of life. prgtoken As we consider H.R. 8 and H.R. 1446 this week, I urge all of my colleagues to reject this challenge to our Constitution, to uphold Americans' intrinsic freedoms, and return this body to good-faith legislating that drives results for all of the American people.
EQUALITY ACT DESTROYS WOMEN'S RIGHTS
Marjorie Taylor Greene (Republican, GA) \u2014 2021-3-8

on International Women's Day, I would like to discuss the Equality Act. prgtoken The Equality Act has completely destroyed women's rights. It has taken away women's rights in sports. It has completely canceled women, and I think it is a terrible thing that has happened to the women in America who have come so far. prgtoken Our grandmothers and mothers worked so hard to achieve our rights, and now with the passage of the Equality Act, they have put men in our little girls' bathrooms, sports locker rooms, playing fields, and seem to care less about women's rights whatsoever. prgtoken They have also completely destroyed religious freedoms and violated our freedoms and rights in every single way. prgtoken The Equality Act is atrocious and evil. It completely erases gender. God created us male and female in His image. He created us. prgtoken Women deserve their rights. We deserve our sports. We deserve our privacy and should not have the invasion of biological men in any of these areas.
Barry Moore (Republican, AL) \u2014 2021-3-8

. Madam , if enacted, H.R. 8 would turn law-abiding citizens into criminals in the name of preventing crime. prgtoken H.R. 8 would establish universal background checks that aren't universal at all, nor would we have prevented any of the recent crimes involving firearms. The criminals involved either passed a Federal background check or stole the firearms they used. This should prove that background checks aren't the problem. prgtoken This bill doesn't stop at the transfer of firearms, but it also requires background checks for temporary transfers of possession. Under this bill, simply handing a gun to someone could result in a penalty of up to 1 year in prison and a $100,000 fine. prgtoken For example, this weekend, my son brought some of his friends over to the house to shoot skeet, and one of the young men borrowed my gun. So now, are we criminals when we loan a young man a gun for learning to shoot skeet? prgtoken I don't understand how in the world we are going to start to criminalize everyday activities in this country. prgtoken We are talking about a waiting period. Remember, when we got this mask, they told us 2 weeks to flatten the curve? We are a little over a year now.
BIDEN'S EXECUTIVE ORDERS AND IMMIGRATION POLICIES
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-3-8

I rise to recognize Sarah Bridges of Reidland, Kentucky, a Marshal County High School student who is using her talent at sewing to provide swaddling blankets for infants at the ICU. prgtoken According to recent reporting from the Paducah Sun, Sarah has been busy crafting swaddling blankets for Baptist Health Paducah's neonatal intensive care unit. She rose to this challenge and produced over 20 blankets in the last 2 months, which are used by nurses at Baptist Health Paducah to meet the comfort needs of local infants. prgtoken Sarah's drive to use her talents to fill a vital need reflect her high character and desire to positively impact her community and region. Given her extensive track record of community service and school involvement, it is no surprise that she is now giving back in this admirable way. prgtoken On behalf of the entire First Congressional District of Kentucky, I thank Sarah Bridges for this outstanding and caring project she has taken on. Honoring Ocie Key on her 100th Birthday