mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING UNITED STATES NAVY FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION SQUADRON, THE BLUE ANGELS
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-4-28

I include in the Record the following proclamation. prgtoken Whereas: The Blue Angels were formed by the Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Chester Nimitz, on April 24, 1946, to raise the public's interest in naval aviation and boost Navy Morale. prgtoken Whereas: The Blue Angels are recognized as the second-oldest formal aerobatic team in the world. prgtoken Whereas: The 2023 season marks the 77th anniversary of this impressive outfit. prgtoken Whereas: The United States Navy Blue Angels have called Pensacola home since 1955, practicing daring and awe-inspiring maneuvers from the cockpits of F/A-18 Super Hornets in the skies above the city. prgtoken Whereas: The mission of the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron is to showcase the pride and professionalism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to the country through flight demonstrations and community outreach. prgtoken Whereas: An estimated 11 million spectators view the squadron during air shows each year. prgtoken Whereas: The 2023 season marks the first in which the Blue Angels welcome their first female demonstration pilot, Lieutenant Amanda Lee, to the left-wing Number 3 position. Now, therefore, be it prgtoken Resolved: On this occasion of their 77th, birthday, the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, are recognized for their contribution to Northwest Florida, as they have distinguished themselves as ambassadors for the Cradle of Naval Aviation by inspiring and entertaining millions of Americans each year. It is an honor to have them call Florida's First District home. Bravo Zulu and Happy Birthday, Blue Angels.
DISAPPROVING THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE RELATING TO ``PROCEDURES COVERING SUSPENSION OF LIQUIDATION, DUTIES AND ESTIMATED DUTIES IN ACCORD WITH PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION 10414''
Jason Smith (Republican, MO) \u2014 2023-4-28

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I also want to highlight another member of the House Committee on Ways and Means that is a cosponsor and a supporter of this resolution, Ms. Terri Sewell from Alabama. prgtoken , I include in the Record a letter from the Auxin Solar founder and CEO thanking McCarthy and House s for bringing this resolution to the House floor. Auxin is a small California company with 37 full-time employees that filed a petition last year asking the Department of Commerce to investigate whether Chinese firms were circumventing existing tariffs. Auxin strongly supports this resolution so that the company and its workers can get relief from unfair Chinese competition and end what it calls the get- out-of-jail-free card that President gave to duty evaders. Auxin Solar, San Jose, CA, April 27, 2023. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, , House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear : I'm writing to you on behalf of myself, my business partner Sherry Tai, the 37 full-time employees of Auxin Solar, and our families to thank you for bringing to the floor for a vote H.J. Res.39, the Congressional Review Act resolution. By just bringing this resolution to the floor for a vote, you are sending a strong signal that the United States Congress will stand up against the Chinese Communist Party and their unfair trade practices on behalf of American manufacturers and our workers. More importantly, when we see Congress vote on this resolution, you will be giving me and Sherry the strength to continue our fight against unfairly traded solar imports and the confidence to continue to reinvest our personal finances into making Auxin Solar a leader in U.S. solar manufacturing. Sherry and I co-founded Auxin Solar in 2008 and, since that time, we have been providing high-paying jobs to our employees in Silicon Valley, California. In 2008, we forecasted that solar cells and solar modules would eventually become commodity products that could compete on a cost basis with traditional energy sources. That has come true. Solar deployment is reaching year-over-year all-time highs because of the cost parity with traditional energy sources. With our low overhead, competitive costs, and high employee retention rates, we should have been printing money in a growing demand environment. But what we didn't forecast when we started Auxin Solar was the anticompetitive behavior of China and the success that China would have in dominating the solar supply chain. In the early 2010s, China was so far behind the United States in solar technology and know-how. To catch up, CCP agents stole our intellectual property. Then the CCP used
DISAPPROVING THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE RELATING TO ``PROCEDURES COVERING SUSPENSION OF LIQUIDATION, DUTIES AND ESTIMATED DUTIES IN ACCORD WITH PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION 10414''
Claudia Tenney (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-4-28

I rise in support of H.J. Res. 39, critical legislation to undue to administration's job-crushing solar policies. prgtoken Last year, an American solar manufacturer petitioned the Commerce Department to investigate whether China was circumventing tariffs on solar products by sneaking them through countries in southeast Asia. prgtoken Before that investigation even finished, President issued a proclamation to allow the imports of unfairly traded solar products from China. Later, just as we expected, it was discovered by the Commerce Department that China was indeed violating U.S. trade laws. prgtoken President 's irresponsible proclamation is a slap in the face to American manufacturers. It allows Chinese solar companies to flood our market with their products tariff-free, hurting American jobs. prgtoken It is the Green New Deal agenda at work. President 's proclamation also sends the message to trade cheats everywhere that U.S. trade laws don't matter. This invites even more cheating. prgtoken This is only the tip of the spear of the dangerous Green New Deal agenda. A recent report from the Coalition for a Prosperous America revealed that the Chinese manufacturers could earn nearly $125 billion, and that is with a b, in U.S. renewable energy tax credits as a result of the so-called Inflation Reduction Act. prgtoken This would be a specific boon to Chinese solar manufacturers on top of the massive giveaway given to China by President 's proclamation. We must stand with American manufacturers and jobs, not the Chinese Communist Party, and pass this crucial legislation.
MODERN AMERICAN WORKERS WANT FLEXIBILITY AND CHOICE
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-4-28

the modern American worker wants flexibility and choice. However, President and Washington would rather force their radical labor agenda on the American people. prgtoken That is why Senator Tim Scott and I introduced the Employee Rights Act, which represents the vision for the future of the modern American workforce. prgtoken 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. prgtoken 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. prgtoken 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. prgtoken s 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.
HONORING JOHN SIMS
Nathaniel Moran (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-4-28

I rise today to honor my friend, and renowned East Texas radio personality, John Sims. who tragically passed away the morning of Friday, March 31. prgtoken John was a proud Philadelphia native who fully embraced his adopted home of East Texas, where he served our community on air for over forty-three years, most recently with KTBB. prgtoken Through his reporting and commentary, John played a direct role in our daily lives, filling an otherwise silent morning commute with community updates, state and national news, guidance, and laughter. prgtoken When John wasn't filling the radio waves, he was out in our community. John was active in many civic organizations, working with those in need and those with disabilities. prgtoken In particular, John was devoted to his work with the Tyler Together Race Relations Forum, in addition to the League of Women Voters, the March of Dimes, the Tyler Church and Community Network, and East Texas Wheelers and Walkers. prgtoken Even further, John was also the former president of Leadership Tyler and the Smith County Community Partnership Council, raising up new leaders in our community advocating for its success. prgtoken A devout believer, John always prioritized his time serving with the church and other community groups. prgtoken John's un-timely passing will undoubtedly take a toll on East Texas. prgtoken I am proud to join his family, his friends, his colleagues, and the entire First District of Texas in remembering John and honoring his lifetime of service. He will be sorely missed.
CONGRATULATING JENNY GENTRY
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-4-28

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. prgtoken The Legacy of Leadership Award honors a woman who is a Girl Scout alum and has made a significant impact in the local community. prgtoken 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. prgtoken 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. prgtoken Jenny also serves on the Savannah Community Foundation Board, as well as the Chatham-Savannah Homeless Authority. prgtoken I thank Jenny for her continued dedication to the Savannah community and congratulate her on the well-deserved honor.
HONORING THE LEGACY OF KEN POTTS
John R. Curtis (Republican, UT) \u2014 2023-4-28

today, I rise with a profound sense of reverence and humility to honor the legacy of a true American hero, Mr. Ken Potts. prgtoken Mr. Potts was one of the last two USS Arizona survivors who recently passed away at 102. prgtoken On the morning of December 7, 1941, Ken Potts answered the call of duty. As a crane operator, Mr. Potts had the responsibility of ferrying supplies to the USS Arizona. Upon reaching the harbor, he was confronted with a scene of devastation. prgtoken Mr. Potts stood as a beacon of hope. With dauntless courage, he wielded his crane as an instrument of salvation, plucking survivors from the jaws of peril and guiding them to the sanctuary off Ford Island. prgtoken To the Potts family, and especially Doris, Ken's beloved wife, our hearts are with you as you honor his memory today in this esteemed Chamber. prgtoken I am profoundly privileged to pay homage to the indomitable spirit of Ken Potts.
APPRECIATING SOUTH KOREA
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-4-28

this year marks the 70th anniversary of the South Korea and United States alliance, formed in October 1953, with the signing of a mutual defense agreement at the end of the Korean War. Over the past seven decades, the alliance has proved to be successful, as the goal of protecting South Korea, specifically from another North Korea invasion has been achieved. prgtoken South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea, is one of the United States most valuable economic and strategic partners in Asia. South Korea is now our sixth largest trading partner, and we are their second largest, behind China. prgtoken Thursday, I was grateful to greet His Excellency Yoon Suk Yeol, President of Korea, to the Capitol and attend his address to the joint meeting of Congress along with my good Korean-American friend, Mr. Jaehoon Choe, who is also a fellow South Carolinian. prgtoken Amazingly the President cited ``Known as the `Miracle on the Han River,' Korea's economic growth rate was unrivaled. Korea was one of the Least Developed Countries after the war. Its annual income was just U.S. $67 per capita. Now its economy ranks tenth in the world.'' Today, South Korea per capita is $33,340 as North Korea is estimated a gruesome $1,298. prgtoken In His Excellency's address he stated, ``My friends, freedom and democracy are once again under threat. The war against Ukraine is a violation of international law. It is an attempt to unilaterally change the status quo with force. Korea strongly condemns the unprovoked armed attack against Ukraine. ``When North Korea invaded us in 1950, democracies came running to help us. We fought together and kept our freedom. The rest is history. ``Korea's experience shows us just how important it is for democracies to uphold solidarity. Korea will stand in solidarity with the free world. We will actively work to safeguard the freedom of the people of Ukraine and support their efforts in reconstruction.'' prgtoken South Korea is well represented in Washington with Ambassador Cho Hyun-dong who effectively promotes Seoul for defense and job creation for Korea and America. prgtoken As our military continues the fight in the War on Terrorism, we can find inspiration in remembering the Korean War victory over communism, which reminds us that Americans have a long history of defeating enemies of freedom all over the world achieving peace through strength.
JULIE SU'S RECORD OF FAILURE
Kevin Kiley (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-4-28

I thank Mr. McCormick for his words. Indeed, the President should pick someone else. Almost anyone else. prgtoken What is so really puzzling, mind-boggling about this nomination is that the President has chosen to elevate the one person in the country who presided over a fraud on this scale, the single worst performing Secretary of Labor of any State in the country. prgtoken Why would he do that? prgtoken That brings us to the final facet of Ms. Su's tenure that I wish to discuss and that Mr. McCormick touched upon as well, which is her ruthless enforcement of the labor law known as AB 5, which President has cited as his model for the Nation. prgtoken Su's historic failure to deliver unemployment checks to millions of Californians along with her allowance of this massive fraud is disqualifying in its own right, but I actually think it is her mistreatment of California workers that is most concerning of all. prgtoken AB 5 was a law passed in California in 2019. It rendered countless independent professionals unable to earn a living in our State. Writers, interpreters, court reporters, musicians, language pathologists, photographers, forensic nurses, people in literally hundreds of other professions were told they were no longer allowed to practice their profession and serve their clients as they had been doing their whole careers. prgtoken Instead, their only option was to find a single hiring entity to monopolize their services and make them a W-2 employee. For many, that simply was not possible, and so they lost everything. prgtoken Take, for example, a woman named Jodie, who said: I worked years to gain my skills as an American Sign Language interpreter. It was my goal since I was 9 years old. After AB 5, I lost all three of my agencies. The dream I worked for is lost. I can't provide for my family, and thousands of California deaf won't be serviced. prgtoken Andy said: I work with underserved artists of color. None of my career as an artist, technician, designer, and producer would have been possible under AB 5. Artists of color will be less able to create their own work in a field that doesn't favor them. prgtoken Jared said: AB 5 forced me to shut down my business. I went from making $80,000 a year in home services to a minimum wage employee. My family trade is gone. I have gone from working 4 days a week to spend time with my kids to not knowing if I can make ends meet working 7 days. prgtoken Kathy said: I am a 71-year-old transcriber. I raised six kids and went to work in my 40s, but I had to retire at 62 due to health issues. I depend on my at-home transcription pay to survive and pay my bills. For 8 years, I did okay, until AB 5. prgtoken Julie Su has been called an architect of this law, and she is supporting a Federal version that is estimated to cost millions of American workers their livelihoods. After her enactment in California-- and this is the important thing, given that this is now percolati
HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. GEORGE R. ``BOB'' SMITH, JR.
H. Morgan Griffith (Republican, VA) \u2014 2023-4-28

I rise today to honor the life of Dr. George R. ``Bob'' Smith, Jr of Shawsville, Virginia. A proud ``country doctor'', Dr. Smith founded the Alleghany Clinic in 1955, where he worked tirelessly throughout a more than 40-year career as a family physician. prgtoken Shortly after its founding, Dr. Smith convinced his friend Dr. Clarence Taylor to join him in Shawsville to also work at the clinic. Just down the road, they built their own homes next door to one another on a road now appropriately called Pair O'Docs Lane. prgtoken In the mid-1960s, Dr. Smith opened the Meadowbrook Nursing Home and in 1982, he founded a nonprofit, the Mountain Valley Charitable Foundation, awarding scholarships to aspiring nurses so they could work at the nursing home. prgtoken Once Meadowbrook Nursing Home closed in 2001, Dr. Smith oversaw its transformation into the Meadowbrook Center, which featured a library, wellness center, museum, galley, and community center. prgtoken He also helped start the Shawsville Rescue Squad, was a consistent leader in the Shawsville Ruritan Club, served on regional and statewide medical boards, and dedicated his time to multiple volunteer and charitable causes. prgtoken When not serving his patients, Dr. Smith spent time with his family and on the golf course with his golfing buddies. prgtoken He is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years Mildred, and his children George R. Smith III (Melinda) and Julia Stewart (Barry) of Shawsville, Mary Beth Bode (John) of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Linda Paulk of Portland, Oregon, together with his nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren, all of whom knew him affectionately as G- daddy. I offer them my condolences on their loss. prgtoken Dr. Smith leaves behind a lasting legacy in Southwest Virginia, having touched the lives of so many in Shawsville and the surrounding counties. His presence and generosity of spirit will be greatly missed.
HONORING THE LIFE OF DALE SCHNEIDER
Tom Emmer (Republican, MN) \u2014 2023-4-28

I rise today to honor the life of Dale Schneider, who passed away last week at the age of 76. prgtoken Born in St. Cloud, Minnesota, Dale took over the family-owned Sal's Bar and Grill in St. Joseph, Minnesota, from his parents in 1971. Sal's is at the crossroads of St. John's University and the College of St. Benedict, where all things Johnnies and Bennies reign supreme. prgtoken For over 50 years, Dale kept thirsty students, faculty, and community members well hydrated and fed. Dale had a steel trap of a memory that helped to remember names of college prgtoken alumni years after graduation. In some cases, he also remembered their outstanding bar tabs. prgtoken I had the pleasure of getting to know Dale during my many visits to Sal's over the years. No trip to a Johnnies football game was complete without a post-game beer at Sal's. There is some solace in the fact that the next time I am at Sal's, I will likely see his son, Kyle, tending bar just like his dad. prgtoken To Dale's wife, Diane, and the rest of the family, we pray that Dale's lasting memory gives you comfort during this difficult time. A great life lived.
DISAPPROVING THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE RELATING TO ``PROCEDURES COVERING SUSPENSION OF LIQUIDATION, DUTIES AND ESTIMATED DUTIES IN ACCORD WITH PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION 10414''
Robert E. Latta (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-4-28

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 39, a bipartisan joint resolution of which I am proud to be an original cosponsor. prgtoken We are a Nation of laws. It is not up to the President to determine which laws to enforce and which laws to ignore if they don't conform to that President's particular agenda. prgtoken If we allow Communist China to blatantly violate our trade laws with impunity, as the Commerce Department has concluded is occurring, how can we expect other nations to follow those laws and conduct business with us in a fair manner? prgtoken Those who oppose this joint resolution will say the imposition of these tariffs will handicap renewable projects across this country that rely on a continuous supply of solar panels and materials. I understand this concern, and I am not opposed to the deployment of more renewable energy projects. prgtoken However, I am opposed to the United States maintaining a supply chain reliant on Communist China and their forced slave labor. We should instead be working to build up our own solar manufacturing industry and send signals to the industry that the time to shorten supply chains is long past due. Unfortunately, these domestic companies operate at a disadvantage when Communist China gets to break the rules and undermine the markets with their cheap prices. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to stand up for American workers and for American energy independence. Vote ``yes'' on H.J. Res. 39.
RECOGNIZING BECKY HATTAN FOR HER SERVICE
Mike Flood (Republican, NE) \u2014 2023-4-28

today, I want to thank Becky Hattan of Lincoln for her service to my office. prgtoken Becky has worked over the last several months as a constituent services representative. prgtoken During her time on the team, Becky brought exceptional organizational skills playing a key role in establishing our District Office in Lincoln. prgtoken This work was particularly evidenced by her work on behalf of constituents, which helped recover hundreds of thousands of dollars in constituent resources from federal agencies. prgtoken Her coordination of the First District Congressional Art Competition made the program successful. prgtoken But most of all, Becky is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. prgtoken Becky has a passion for serving others and provided quality customer service to people. And that is leading her to return to the healthcare sector. prgtoken As she departs, I want her to know that everyone appreciates her work and that we will greatly miss her. On behalf of the First District of Nebraska: Congratulations and best wishes to Becky.