mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE UPPER PENINSULA LUGE CLUB OF NEGAUNEE, MICHIGAN
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2022-7-29

. Madam , it is my honor to recognize the Upper Peninsula Luge Club (UPLC) of Negaunee, Michigan for all their accomplishments this past year. A non-profit organization, UPLC has been serving their Yooper community for over forty years with the goal of promoting the sport throughout the region. Through their commitment to excellence and inclusivity, UPLC creates a fun, safe, and accessible activity during the long winter season of the Upper Peninsula. prgtoken Built circa 1990 by Swedish Civil Engineer, Per Vinberg, the Lucy Hill Naturbahn Luge Track is the only full-length natural luge track in the United States. In addition to maintaining and operating the track, members of the UPLC help introduce Yoopers to the sport and provide instruction for new sledders, as well as participate in community events like Negaunee's annual Heikki Lunta Winter Festival. On top of promoting local luging, the UP Luge Club supports a national competition team that competes all over the world--including the FIL Junior World Cup in Latzfons, Italy. They also host U.S. athletes that come to the course to train before going to World Cup and World Championship Competitions in Europe. Through more than four decades of dedication to the sport and their local community, the UPLC has become an indispensable part of the Upper Peninsula. prgtoken Madam , it is my honor to recognize the Upper Peninsula Luge Club for their contributions and service to Michigan. On behalf of Michigan's First District, I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF MAJOR EARL ``RUSTY'' LESLIE RUSSELL, USA (RET.)
Ronny Jackson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-7-29

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Major Earl ``Rusty'' Leslie Russell, USA, Ret. Rusty exemplified the American fighting spirit. He lived his life honorably through serving his country, loving his family and friends, and devoting himself to his faith. Rusty embodied the bravery, honor, and patriotism of what it means to be an American. prgtoken Born January 25, 1944, at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Rusty was n man of many talents, interests, and pursuits. Most importantly, he was a loving husband, father, brother, uncle, and a man of God. prgtoken At his core, Rusty was a deeply patriotic person. He began his military career in middle school in the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) and continued to serve in the ROTC throughout his high school and college years. In September 1966, upon graduation from Fort Hays State University, Rusty received his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. Soon afterwards, Rusty attended the Army Aviation Center and School at Foti Rucker, Alabama, where he earned his pilot wings. He served two tours in Vietnam (1967-68 and 1971-72) where he flew reconnaissance missions and aligned artillery. prgtoken During these intense combat tours, Rusty earned the following military honors: Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Meritorious Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 7 Bronze Service Stars, Cross of Gallantry with Silver Star, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Palm. In 1975, having attained the rank of Major, Rusty was honorably discharged from the United States Army. prgtoken Following his military career, Rusty and his wife, Jan, opened a real estate firm, Hallmark Homes, in Manhattan, Kansas. In 1982, the opportunity arose to join Edward Jones as a Financial Advisor. Without a backup plan, Rusty and Jan decided to move their family to Gainesville, Texas, to start their new adventure. Throughout his quarter-century career with Edward Jones, Rusty was valued as a trusted advisor, educator, confidante, and mentor. prgtoken Rusty was civic minded and generous with both his time and financial blessings. He served his community by participating on several boards including the Gainesville Municipal Airport Board, the North Texas Medical Center Board, the First United Methodist Church Board, the State Bar of Texas Ethics Committee Board, and the Longhorn Council. Rusty was also an active member of the Gainesville Masonic Lodge No. 210 where he served as Past Master. prgtoken A lifelong supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, Rusty earned the rank of Eagle Scout and later in life, the Order of the Arrow's Vigil Honor. He served as leader of Gainesville's Troop 668 for many years, mentoring new generations of Scouts. He lived his life according to Scout Law, to be: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient,
CONGRATULATING THE WARWICK WARRIORS
Lloyd Smucker (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-7-29

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the young men of Warwick School District's baseball team. prgtoken The Warwick Warriors baseball beat Liberty High to close out a successful 23-2 season by winning the district's first PIAA 6A State Championship. prgtoken The game, held last month, was impacted by a prolonged weather delay, but the warriors held firm to the early lead to capture the championship. prgtoken Throughout their dominating season, the Warriors also clinched the District Three title, as well. prgtoken Madam , it is no surprise that the community is very proud of these students for their achievement on the baseball diamond. It was great to see the local law enforcement and volunteer firefighters join with the community by participating in a parade to honor their achievement. prgtoken Congratulations to the members and coaches of the Warwick Warrior State championship baseball team. The whole community is wishing them continued success. May they carry the lessons they learned playing as part of a successful team toward their future goals.
INFORMATION REQUEST TO CAPITOL POLICE
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-7-29

a law today that I was not aware of is 2 USC 1979, Release of Security Information. And section (c) says, ``Nothing in this section may be construed to affect the ability of the Senate and the House of Representatives, including any Member . . . to obtain information of the Capitol Police regarding the operations and activities of the Capitol Police that affect the Senate and House of Representatives.'' prgtoken , they have thousands and thousands of hours of video, and I have seen what notice was given to one of the January 6 defendants. It said, You will get this section, this section. That is what we will use to prosecute. They were not given any of the exculpatory evidence. prgtoken So today, we requested this information--all the video--from the Capitol Police, and it is worth fighting for because we need to know all the truth.
CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL COMPLETION ACT
David G. Valadao (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-7-29

. Madam Chair, my constituents have faced drought conditions for years. Communities throughout the Central Valley and the entire American West are running out of water for daily use in homes, businesses, and agriculture production. Farmers are being forced to fallow their fields and dry out their orchards, and hundreds of thousands of acres will be unable to be planted again this year. prgtoken Instead of coming to the table to work on real solutions that would give families and farmers in my community the water they desperately need to survive, the majority has decided they would rather play politics with the most critical resource in the valley. prgtoken Apparently, passing political messaging bills to check a box is more important to my ic colleagues than trying to save the livelihood of thousands of valley farmers trying to put food on the tables of Americans across the country. prgtoken This bill is completely silent on the desperate need for enhanced water storage infrastructure to better prepare us during wet years. It does not cut red tape, decrease time delays, or address increased project costs due to redundant requirements under NEPA. prgtoken The bottom line is this bill is bad policy and bad for the Central Valley. My colleagues don't seem to understand that the fewer agriculture products the Central Valley produces, the worse off our own domestic food supply will be. Reduced ag means more of a reliance on other nations for our food, which is an issue for national security. prgtoken We must do better to address the severe drought we are suffering through in the American West. prgtoken The WIIN Act, which passed with bipartisan support under President in 2016, provided real relief to valley farmers by increasing operational flexibility of the Central Valley Project and the California State Water Project. It also authorized millions of dollars for important water infrastructure projects to improve the Friant-Kern Canal, the Delta-Mendota Canal, and the California Aqueduct. prgtoken The WIIN Act was critical to ensuring that valley families in rural communities across the United States have clean, reliable water. We made great progress because of this legislation. Unfortunately, authorities under the WIIN Act expired in 2021. prgtoken This is why I introduced the RENEW WIIN Act, to extend storage and operation provisions of the WIIN Act and authorize funds for critical water storage projects. prgtoken Over three quarters of the in this House supported these positions in 2016. But this week, they refused to include my bill in this so-called drought relief package. They are blocking an actual solution to the crisis in the name of environmental justice. prgtoken Madam Chair, where is the justice in letting thousands of valley farmers lose their livelihoods because they cannot get something as basic as water? prgtoken If this drought bill was truly about solving the water crisis in the We
HONORING SUMNER COUNTY MAYOR ANTHONY HOLT ON HIS RETIREMENT
John W. Rose (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-7-29

. Madam , today I rise to honor a great Tennessean and public servant, Sumner County Mayor Anthony Holt. prgtoken Mayor Holt was born in 1956 and spent his childhood in the Neely's Bend area of Madison, TN, in Davidson County. In 1974, he graduated from Madison High School in Madison, Tennessee. From there he went on to attend college and graduate with cum laude distinction from the University of Memphis in 1980, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. prgtoken Thirty years later he decided to continue his formal education by earning his Certified Public Administrator certificate from the University of Tennessee, even though I'm sure he could have written the textbook by then. Mayor Holt retired from American Airlines in 2008 after holding various financial and accounting roles during his tenure there. Additionally, he has owned and operated a number of small businesses throughout his time living in Sumner County. prgtoken For eighteen years, from 1990 to 2008, he served as a Sumner County Commissioner and was on the Planning Commission for the county during much of that time. In 2008, Anthony Holt was elected to be the Sumner County Mayor during a special election. He was the perfect man for the job. Now, with his retirement on the horizon at the end of August of this year, he will be ending his fourth term in office as county mayor, serving a total of fourteen years in that position. prgtoken During his time as county mayor he has represented Sumner County well and in many different capacities, including membership on the following: the Greater Nashville Regional Council (GNRC), serving as president from 2019 to 2021; the Regional Transportation Authority and Audit Committee; the Transportation Policy Board (TPB)/Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO); the Mid-Cumberland Human Resource Agency; the Tennessee Central Economic Authority; the Middle Tennessee Workforce Board; the Sumner Regional Medical Center Board; the Middle Tennessee Mayors' Caucus; the Forward Sumner Economic Partnership Board; and the Emergency Communications Center Board. prgtoken Mayor Holt has received numerous distinctions and awards for his service, including most recently the title of Mayor of the Year for 2021 from the Council of Governments. Receiving this award for his laudable crises management of the Covid-19 pandemic and tireless leadership as Sumner County Mayor in 2021, during what was arguably one of the most difficult years in which to govern in modern history, speaks volumes about Mayor Holt. prgtoken On his retirement from Sumner County government, he will be starting a new career as the Executive Director of the Association of County Mayors for the State of Tennessee. In this new capacity, he hopes to visit all 95 counties in Tennessee to better understand the needs of county mayors throughout the Volunteer State. prgtoken He has faithfully served the good people of Sumner County, and now he will
STATEWIDE WRITING CONTEST WINNERS
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2022-7-29

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the winners of the 2022 Arkansas PBS KIDS Writers Contest. prgtoken This competition was created to assist in advancing the literacy skills of young children by way of hands-on, active learning. prgtoken The criteria for which these young authors were judged included originality, creative expression, storytelling, and integration of text and illustrations. prgtoken Ninety-three students between kindergarten and 3rd grade submitted entries for this year's competition. prgtoken Submissions were divided by grade, with 3 winners for each group. prgtoken First place winners from Arkansas Second Congressional District include Abigail Wharton of Conway and Elijah Smith of Benton. prgtoken Beginning July 6th, all students who entered the competition were given the opportunity to read their stories during a summer learning broadcast series, produced by Arkansas PBS. prgtoken Congratulations to the winners of the 2022 Arkansas PBS KIDS Writers Contest, and I commend all who submitted stories.
THE ECONOMY IS SHRINKING
Fred Keller (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-7-29

. Madam , the economy shrank for the second quarter in a row. Americans are now facing a recession that was totally avoidable but brought on by President and prgtoken Washington ' Big Government spending and war on American energy. prgtoken Proving just how out of touch President is, he shrugged off talk of a recession and said Americans are just facing an economic transition. prgtoken This administration has spent more time trying to convince Americans we are not in a recession than actually working on the problem. prgtoken Americans are hurting right now, and as the price of gas and groceries continues to rise, Washington are preparing legislation in Congress that will raise taxes on farmers, businesses, and working families. prgtoken The elite don't live in the real world, and they continue to put the priorities of their radical agenda over working American families--the same people they profess to help. prgtoken Our economy is shrinking, and Big Government spending is growing. prgtoken Americans cannot afford Washington ' far-left agenda.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF PETER J. DALEY II
Guy Reschenthaler (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-7-29

. Madam , I rise to recognize the life of Pennsylvania State Representative Peter J. Daley II, who sadly passed away last month. prgtoken Representative Daley dedicated his life to the people of the Keystone State. He began his career as a schoolteacher before becoming mayor of California Borough at the age of twenty-two, the youngest mayor in the history of the Commonwealth. Representative Daley taught and led the borough for seven years before being elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1982. prgtoken During his 34 years in the Pennsylvania House, Representative Daley served as Chairman of both the Agriculture and Rural Committee and the Commerce Committee. Representative Daley's legislative achievements included enabling farms to co-exist with residential areas and reforming mortgages during the 2008 financial crash. His leadership also led to the creation of thousands of jobs in Pennsylvania. prgtoken Beyond his civil service, Representative Daley worked as an attorney after earning a degree from the Widener School of Law. He was widely known as a friendly and knowledgeable lawyer, affectionately earning the nickname ``Uncle Pete'' from many he mentored. prgtoken Representative Daley was an active member of his community. Every Easter and Thanksgiving, he helped organize and sponsor food distribution events. He will be greatly missed for this generous spirit. Peter is survived by Sally, his wife of 47 years, 3 children, and 5 great-grandchildren. prgtoken Madam , please join me in recognizing the life of Representative Peter J. Daley II. May we be inspired by his dedicated service to the Commonwealth.
CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL COMPLETION ACT
Tom McClintock (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-7-29

. Madam Chair, this is the ic equivalent of fiddling while our forests burn. They call it the Wildfire Response and Drought Resiliency Act, but while it spends lavishly, it accomplishes almost nothing. prgtoken For 14 years in Congress, I have dealt extensively with issues of fire and water, and here is what I have learned: Excess timber will always come out of the forest. Either we will carry it out or nature will burn it out. When we carried it out by logging, we enjoyed healthy forests and a thriving economy. prgtoken We stopped active forest management decades ago due to radical environmental laws that have made it impossible. Today our forests are now morbidly overgrown, and nature is again burning out the excess. prgtoken This bill does nothing to reform the laws that have made active forest management impossible, and instead it consigns us to fight a losing battle that will cost us our forests for generations to come. prgtoken When it comes to water, droughts are nature's fault. They happen. But water shortages are our fault. They are the choice we made when the same radical laws made new dam construction impossible. Dams save water for wet prgtoken years so that we have plenty in the dry ones. We will not solve our water shortage until we build more dams, and we can't build more dams until we overhaul these same laws. prgtoken Instead, this bill pours hundreds of millions of dollars into desalination. The most successful desalination plant is in Carlsbad, California. At a time when we can't guarantee enough electricity to keep your lights on, Carlsbad consumes enough electricity to power 250 homes in order to produce enough water for one home. prgtoken This bill is pure folly. It will consume billions of dollars of our resources while condemning us to a dismal future of chronic forest fires and water shortages.
ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN OF 2022
Ben Cline (Republican, VA) \u2014 2022-7-29

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken My fellow Americans, the are coming for your guns. This assault weapons ban is unconstitutional because it would ban firearms that are currently in common use, making the scope of the bill, a semiautomatic assault weapons ban, overly broad by capturing millions of sporting rifles, shotguns, and pistols that simply have certain accessories and cosmetic features. In fact, the bill focuses mostly on appearance, which would arbitrarily ban some firearm models while exempting others with the same functionality. prgtoken This bill would not reduce violent crime, as claim. Studies have shown that the effect of the last assault weapons ban in 1994 on violent crime was perhaps too small for a reliable measurement. Instead, what this bill and all other legislation from aimed at gun control would do is directly infringe on the rights of law- abiding Americans. prgtoken They are not going to stop here. There will always be a scary-looking gun that they think needs to be banned. There will always be another loophole that they have created out of thin air that they need to close with more bans. prgtoken , this document says ``shall not be infringed.'' I urge a ``no'' vote.
CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL COMPLETION ACT
Blake D. Moore (Republican, UT) \u2014 2022-7-29

. Madam Chair, while I cannot support the entirety of the package we are considering today, I am grateful that my bipartisan, bicameral Saline Lake Ecosystems in the Great Basin States Program Act was included in this bill. prgtoken This important legislation, which moved through the House Natural Resources Committee with unanimous support, will be the first step in addressing the challenges many Utahns know we are going through right now with the Great Salt Lake and other saline lakes. prgtoken Let me say a special thank-you to my friend from California, Congressman Huffman. He and I disagree on many issues, the entirety, almost, of this bill or this approach, but I do appreciate the relationship that we have been able to establish so we can get this to the point where we got it today. prgtoken It is very important to my State. My State legislature has been working on this, as well as our Governor. It has been a key aspect. prgtoken Let me add one piece about what we are going to be talking about today. The team, led by Mr. Westerman, has exceptional ideas on how to get out ahead of this issue that we are facing with wildfires, and we want to have that voice and have that be implemented more on these issues.