mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
REVERSING THE YOUTH TOBACCO EPIDEMIC ACT OF 2019
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-2-28

. Madam , few would deny that we are facing a dangerous epidemic of youth vaping. prgtoken But the bill before us today is not about youth vaping. Instead, this legislation seeks to eliminate consumer choice of flavored tobacco products for law-abiding adults over the age of 21. prgtoken With this bill are seeking to play politics with a crisis and ram through an extreme, partisan measure that is government overreach at its finest. prgtoken We should be focused on reducing youth consumption and removing counterfeit products from the market. That is what this debate should focus on, not reducing the freedoms of law-abiding adults. Unfortunately, are making clear that they are uninterested in further action to reduce youth tobacco use. By banning flavored tobacco products and the sale of menthol cigarettes for adults, they are seeking to destroy consumer freedom in this country. prgtoken Thankfully, if this bill were to pass today, this anti-consumer choice overreach will be stopped in its tracks in the Senate.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF ARLEIGH BIRK
Pete Stauber (Republican, MN) \u2014 2020-2-28

. Madam , this week we said good-bye to a brave member of the Greatest Generation. Arleigh Birk, Minnesota's last known survivor of the horrific attack on Pearl Harbor, passed away just 2 days before his 100th birthday. prgtoken Arleigh Birk was born and raised on a farm in North Dakota and joined the Navy when he was 19 years old. He was a 21-year-old Navy gun director stationed aboard the USS Honolulu when Pearl Harbor was attacked on Sunday, December 7, 1941. prgtoken As enemy forces dropped bombs, Arleigh courageously returned fire. His ship suffered damage during the attack, and Arleigh was transferred to the USS Denver, where he fought numerous battles throughout the Pacific theater. prgtoken After that war, he was honorably discharged and married the love of his life, Marion. Together, they had five children. prgtoken On Minnesota's Iron Range, Arleigh became a local legend, known for his kindness and record of service. prgtoken Over the years, he kept in touch with many of his fellow veterans through the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association and often attended local events to honor the Americans lost on that infamous day. prgtoken Madam , Arleigh lived an inspiring life, and I am proud to honor him here today. While he may be gone, Arleigh's legacy of service, sacrifice, and courage will live on in our hearts and our minds forever.
REVERSING THE YOUTH TOBACCO EPIDEMIC ACT OF 2019
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-2-28

. Madam , we have a crisis of youth vaping, and we have seen a disturbing number of lung injuries and deaths tied to the oil used in marijuana vaping, but this bill does nothing to impact either. In fact, s offered an amendment in committee to ban flavored marijuana vaping, the root cause of lung injuries and deaths, and every single voted ``no.'' prgtoken The fact is, working with President , this Congress has already taken major bipartisan actions to combat the youth vaping epidemic. We have already raised the age to purchase tobacco products to 21; the President banned flavors in e-cigarettes; and the House passed legislation to require an ID check at every tobacco point of sale. prgtoken Clearly, there is bipartisan support on this issue. Unfortunately, this is not what we are voting on today. prgtoken The bill before us today is a partisan publicity stunt. This bill is not about youth vaping. This bill is the worst example of Big Brother, liberal elites telling the rest of us how to live our lives. prgtoken They say tobacco vaping, a safer alternative to smoking, is bad, but marijuana vaping, the root cause of injury and death, is okay. prgtoken The $100 cigars that their liberal elite campaign donors smoke, those are okay, but cheaper cigars and menthol cigarettes smoked by working men and women in this country, those would be banned. prgtoken You can vape flavored marijuana in San Francisco, but they are going to take away your flavored dip in Scranton. prgtoken Let's set aside this partisan overreach and continue to work together to solve this crisis, to deal with the real root causes. prgtoken This is not a public health response to an epidemic. It is Big Government, liberal elites telling adults what they can and cannot do. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''
RECOGNIZING THE WINNERS OF THE HELEN RUFFIN READING BOWL COMPETITION
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-2-28

. Madam , I rise today to honor schools from Georgia's First Congressional District--Lyman Hall Elementary, Midway Middle School, and Savannah Arts Academy--for winning the regional Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl competition in Valdosta. prgtoken With their hard-fought victory, they now move on to compete in divisional competition in Statesboro on March 7. The competition started more than 30 years ago when Helen Ruffin, a librarian from Georgia, wanted to find a way to make reading more exciting for students at her school. prgtoken The Reading Bowl gained traction, and now it is a statewide tournament. In the competition, participants from each school answer questions prepared by the committee for points. Teams of students that answer the most questions correctly about certain award-winning children's books win the competition. prgtoken These three schools from the First Congressional District of Georgia beat over 40 teams to make it to the next level. I am proud we have this degree of passion for reading in Georgia, and I am thankful these schools are working hard to teach their students the value of reading. prgtoken Madam , I congratulate them on their accomplishments this year, and best of luck to them in Statesboro at divisional competition.
REVERSING THE YOUTH TOBACCO EPIDEMIC ACT OF 2019
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-2-28

. Madam , we all agree that the current youth vaping trend is cause for concern, and we must evaluate strategies to prevent young people from using e-cigarettes and tobacco products. But this bill does nothing to address the youth vaping epidemic or the use of illicit products that have been linked to the outbreak of lung illnesses as just described by our ranking member. prgtoken That is why this body has taken steps to address this issue, including passing legislation to raise the minimum age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21. prgtoken But the flavored tobacco ban and excise tax increase act is a textbook example of Federal overreach. H.R. 2339 would instead ban all flavors for all tobacco products and impose a new excise tax on nicotine used in vaping. prgtoken I find it confusing that many of my colleagues who support banning these tobacco products also support legalizing marijuana. Where is the common sense in this House? prgtoken Instead of putting a partisan, overreaching bill on the floor, should work with s on bipartisan solutions that actually address the youth vaping epidemic that we are going to talk about here probably the entire time we are debating this issue.
COMMEMORATING LEE COUNTY'S 150TH ANNIVERSARY
Harold Rogers (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-2-28

. Madam , I rise today to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Lee County, Kentucky's 115th county established on March I, 1870. prgtoken Nestled in Kentucky's Appalachian region, legendary explorers like Dr. Thomas Walker and Daniel Boone are among the first recorded frontiersman in Lee County and the Three Forks area, a land rich with beautiful hillsides and streams serving as an undisturbed habitat for wildlife and premier hunting. Some of the earliest successful industries were birthed from natural resources on the land, including pine tar, saltpeter, coal mining, and oil and timber operations, connecting this small Appalachian community to the U.S. Navy, the Great Lakes and the nation's energy grid. For many years, the Three Forks Region served as an economic hub in Eastern Kentucky with access to the Kentucky River and railroads to transport timber, coal and oil. prgtoken Utilizing former coalfields and the Daniel Boone National Forest, which covers much of the region, Lee County offers premier territory for the tourism industry. In fact, the Beattyville Coal Seam will soon serve as a starting point for challenging hiking and mountain biking trails, leading visitors and residents through a beautiful autumn canopy and the unique limestone cliffs that draw countless rock climbers from around the world. prgtoken Among all of the resources in Lee County's 150-year history, the very best resource has been local residents. The people of Lee County have proven to be resilient and loyal, innovative and resourceful, exhibiting the enduring compassion and charm that draws visitors to our unique corner of the world. Over the last two decades, volunteers from across the county have dedicated time and energy to the Eastern Kentucky PRIDE organization, enhancing the environment and restoring the beauty of our hillsides and streams. Likewise, through joint local, state and federal efforts, we have been able to expand access to clean water and sanitary sewer for residents and businesses over the last 40 years, paving the way for new industry and job creation. Since 2003, countless volunteers have partnered with Operation UNITE to combat the deadly drug abuse epidemic in Eastern Kentucky, promoting prevention in our schools and connecting families to critical recovery resources and support. Through SOAR--Shaping Our Appalachian Region, we continue to work together toward innovative solutions to diversify our economy, expand access to high-performing broadband in every community, and pave a brighter future for upcoming generations. prgtoken Finally, any time I think of Lee County, I'm reminded that it is the homeplace of highly respected war heroes, like the late retired Army Major General Charles Beach, Junior, as well as outstanding individuals, like Will Smith, my former Chief of Staff and Staff Director on the House Appropriations Committee, who served as my long- time advisor. Many sons and daughters of Lee County
REVERSING THE YOUTH TOBACCO EPIDEMIC ACT OF 2019
Adrian Smith (Republican, NE) \u2014 2020-2-28

. Madam , the balance of my time. prgtoken As we wrap up this discussion, I think perhaps both sides have good intentions. This would not be the first time that both sides would have good intentions, and the outcome would accomplish the exact opposite from what we would want. prgtoken We want youth to not vape, to not smoke. It is dangerous. And, certainly, I think we should also respect law-abiding adults exercising the choices that they wish to make in a reasonable context. prgtoken Madam , I think that this bill would actually set us back in many ways. As I mentioned earlier, the National Bureau of Economic Research found that Minnesota's efforts to bring so-called parity to the taxation of cigarettes and e-cigarettes actually flatlined the State's smoking-cessation trend, while other States that didn't raise taxes continue to see smoking decrease. That is very telling. And I think it is very instructive for all of us here as we formulate policy and, hopefully, keep future generations in mind with good public policy along the way. prgtoken Madam , I certainly urge a vote ``no'' on this bill, and .
COMMEMORATING CENTENNIAL OF ADVANCE CTE
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-2-28

. Madam , as co-chair of the bipartisan House Career and Technical Education Caucus, I rise to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of Advance CTE: State Leaders Connecting Learning to Work. prgtoken Advance CTE was founded in 1920 and is the longest standing national nonprofit that represents State career and technical education directors and leaders responsible for secondary, postsecondary, and adult career and technical education across the Nation. prgtoken Each year, CTE provides 12 million learners with the tools to succeed in a skills-based career of their choice. With more than 7 million jobs available in the United States, CTE learners are helping close our Nation's skills gap. prgtoken Advance CTE is committed to supporting States for another 100 years to ensure high-quality CTE programs are available to all individuals, no matter their age, background, or ZIP Code. prgtoken Earlier this week, I introduced a resolution with my friend and colleague, Jim Langevin, to recognize February as CTE month. In the same spirit, I ask my colleagues to please join me in celebrating 100 years of Advance CTE and all that they do to promote skills-based education and opportunity in life.
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Steve King (Republican, IA) \u2014 2020-2-28

. Madam , it is my honor to be recognized by you to address you here on the floor of the United States House of Representatives. Recognizing the centuries of debate that have taken place before our s over the years, every time that anyone has this privilege to address you and be heard by the Members of this House of Representatives and by, today, with our technology, all the people of the United States of America, it is an honor. And it is an honor that goes along with the vote card and with the endorsement of a majority of our constituents back in our various districts. prgtoken I would say, Madam , that too often we don't think about how this mix works out; how our Founding Fathers had so much wisdom to put this together when it was 13 original colonies and there were far fewer seats in this House of Representatives than there are today; and yet, to put the mix together here so it is a voice from every corner of America. prgtoken We started out with 13 original colonies--and I should have probably memorized how many House seats there were in the beginning--but it grew to 435 and then they capped it, because as the country got bigger if we had used that population balance, we would have many more seats here in the House of Representatives. prgtoken Some would say that 435 is unmanageable; in fact, all of us would have said that on one day or another. prgtoken But the wisdom of it, the beauty of it, the genius of it is this: That 435 Congressional districts in America, every corner of America is represented here, Madam , in front of you in the House of Representatives. prgtoken Whether you go up to Alaska and you hear from the dean of the delegation, in fact, the dean of the House, Don Young, who has been here longer than anybody else, and the wisdom that he brings from way up in the northwest country; or whether you go down into the southern tip of Florida, or up into Maine, or down into, let's say, San Diego, right across the border from Tijuana, or out to Hawaii, or even Guam, for that matter, and the Marianas, you hear the voice of America here. prgtoken I have listened to the debate here on this floor and in our committees for a long time; and what I hear, when I hear that debate come, you will hear geographical identifications going on. People will stand up for--a lot of times it is ``ag'' products that you can determine. We don't do too many pineapples in Iowa. When I hear about that, I think, well, are we talking Hawaii? Yes, usually. prgtoken When we are talking about cotton, that is the South. When it is corn, that is the Corn Belt. That is the ``ag'' side of this. prgtoken But also, we have different weather circumstances. If you want to do a little research, or if you want to find out what is going on in America, you walk down here on the floor, Madam , and go find somebody that represents the area that is affected. prgtoken Whether it is weather; whether it is crops; whether it is current events;
RECOGNIZING HAROLD ``RAY'' HERRON
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2020-2-28

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life of Harold ``Ray'' Herron, who passed away on Saturday, February 22, at the age of 81. Ray was born on February 26, 1938, in Senatobia, Mississippi. He was an American patriot who served our great nation in the United States Army for over 21 years. Ray set an example of faith for his family to follow and was a member of the Crockett Church of Christ in Senatobia. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 27 years, Betty Herron; his children, Tom Herron, Donny Herron, Anne Austin, Terry Hallmark, Pamela Hallmark, Dudley Hallmark, and Kenny Russell; his grandchildren, Alex and Emily Herron, Amy and Phillip Corly, Dewayne, Jamie, and Latashia Russell and Heather, Sam and Cody Hallmark, as well as many friends and extended family members. Ray's life was one of service, grace, and love for his family and community. He will be greatly missed by all whom he encountered.
CONGRATULATING THE EVERETT HIGH SCHOOL RIFLE TEAM
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-2-28

. Madam , it is my honor to congratulate the Everett prgtoken High School Rifle Team on their victories as the 2020 PIAA 3 Position Smallbore Rifle Champions, Air Rifle Champions, and Prone Champions. prgtoken The top four shooters, as well as one alternate in Smallbore and Air Rifle, were selected to compete in the statewide competition hosted by the Meyersdale Rifle Team. The 3 Position Smallbore and Air Rifle teams were declared state champions after the weekend-long event. This is the fourth consecutive state championship title for 3 Position Smallbore and the second consecutive state championship Air Rifle Title. prgtoken The 2020 Everett High School Rifle Team consists of 19 athletes from Everett Area School District and Bedford Area School District, including: Boyd Becker, Jesse Chamberlain, Travis Kendall, Allison Klavuhn, Joseph Kovach, Deegan Ramsey, Abigale Rose, Claudia Sigel, Evan Sigel, Abby Walters, Rylee Weaverling, Morgan White, CJ Humbertson, Emily Kendall, Layni Miller, Ava Penatzer, Matthew Semanek, Sam Sheppard, and Gracie Walters. prgtoken The students were coached by Coltin Rice, Ethan Cessna, Lynn Whetstone, George Kuhne, Denver Deremer, Dave Eppinger, Ken Ritchey, Cindy Ritchey, Mark Donahoe, Dan Klavuhn, and Angie Klavuhn. prgtoken On behalf of the 13th District of Pennsylvania, I congratulate these students and their coaches on a successful season and wish them every continued success.
REVERSING THE YOUTH TOBACCO EPIDEMIC ACT OF 2019
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-2-28

. Madam , for yielding. prgtoken Madam , I rise in opposition to H.R. 2339. While I don't doubt the majority's sincere interest in reducing nicotine use among minors, this bill is a premature and poorly thought-out attempt to do so. prgtoken Instead of building on bipartisan efforts to address teenage smoking, such as raising the age to purchase tobacco to 21, H.R. 2339 broadly overreaches and contains provisions that would unacceptably restrict the choice of adult consumers. It would have a negligible impact on teenage tobacco use and, instead, could actually increase the use of illicit and more dangerous tobacco products. prgtoken As my colleagues have pointed out this morning, most on the other side of the aisle favor legalizing marijuana, which has proven to be harmful and leads to worse drugs, but will vote for this bad bill. If one is concerned about teenagers, don't push marijuana. prgtoken This bill does nothing to address the actual injuries we do see from vaping products, which are typically associated with illegal THC vapor products and not the products covered under H.R. 2339. prgtoken This is a bad bill, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''
RECOGNIZING ROBERT WILSON'S EAGLE SCOUT ACHIEVEMENT
Jefferson Van Drew (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2020-2-28

. Madam , I recognize Robert Wilson on his achievement of the rank of Eagle Scout. prgtoken Robert is with Troop 4 in Millville in southern New Jersey. prgtoken Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America. It is a prestigious honor bestowed upon only the most worthy and the most qualified individuals. Only 4 percent of all Boy Scouts ever achieve this prestigious recognition. Eagle Scouts are likely to dedicate their lives to service, becoming future leaders in industry, politics, the military. prgtoken My office was proud to be at Robert's ceremony to celebrate his achievement earlier this week with his scout leader, Lou Charlesworth. prgtoken I am proud of your accomplishments, Robert, and I am looking forward to big things in the future from you. prgtoken Some people look for heroes with celebrities, God help them. Some look in Washington, God help them, too. My hero is Robert. prgtoken God bless you and your family, Robert.
REVERSING THE YOUTH TOBACCO EPIDEMIC ACT OF 2019
Carol D. Miller (Republican, WV) \u2014 2020-2-28

. Madam , I rise in opposition to the legislation before us, because today my colleagues across the aisle are trying to tax people who want to quit smoking. It is cut and dried. That is the issue, and it is just plain wrong. prgtoken I commend this House for the advances we have made this year when it comes to addressing youth nicotine use. Up until this point, we have already raised the purchasing age of tobacco products to 21 years old. We have already increased age verification standards for the online sales of e-cigarettes, and we are continuously performing oversight over vaping-associated lung injuries. These are serious actions to address serious problems. prgtoken But this bill before us today completely misses the mark and punishes the very people who should be supported. Give me a break. prgtoken Studies show that taxing vaping products increases cigarette use, not inhibits it. And further, this doesn't even address the root of vaping- related lung injuries, because the supporters of this bill remain silent--silent--on black market THC products. prgtoken Federal health officials recently reported a case study that found 95 percent of vaping-related injuries were caused by using these illicit products. This is the real problem. prgtoken Instead of overregulating this industry and overburdening taxpayers trying to take control of their healthcare, I request that my colleagues vote against H.R. 2339.