mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PARENTS BILL OF RIGHTS ACT
Josh Brecheen (Republican, OK) \u2014 2023-3-24

imagine a world where parents, school board members, and teachers were really running the show in the classroom, not bureaucrats thousands of miles away. prgtoken Imagine a world where parents didn't have to worry about a hypersexualized, woke culture when they send their most cherished individuals to the classroom, that they are assured that what is taught in that school system is not going to counter what they taught them at home. prgtoken We had such a world prior to 1979. It was a world that our Founders foresaw. It is why they believed in the concept of laboratories of democracy, laboratories of experimentation where, across State lines, you could learn from both success and failures. prgtoken It is why, in the 18 enumerated powers of Article I, Section 8, you do not find the Department of Education. That is why the 10th Amendment says all powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to prgtoken the States respectively, or to the people. prgtoken It is why Thomas Jefferson said, in order for the Federal Government to be involved in education, you have to have a constitutional amendment and, again, prior to 1979, we had such a world. The creation of the Department of Education has only allowed a reduction in educational attainment. prgtoken I will end with this. James Madison made this statement. He said, imagine a world where we actually ascribe to the enumerated powers. I am paraphrasing. prgtoken He said, Congress can apply this. They can take the care of religion. If they can do this, go outside the 18 enumerated powers, they can take care of religion into their own hands. They can establish teachers in every county, every State, and every parish. They can pay them out of the public treasury. They can take into their own hands the education of children and establish in like manner schools throughout the Union. prgtoken They may assume the provision for the poor, and they may undertake the regulation of all roads, other than Post Office roads. prgtoken In short, everything from the highest object of State legislation, down to the most minute object of police would be thrown to the power of Congress. James Madison foresaw this. In 1792, he stood on this floor and talked about it. We need to return to the brilliance of our Founders.
PARENTS BILL OF RIGHTS ACT
Scott Fitzgerald (Republican, WI) \u2014 2023-3-24

. Madam Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 5, the Parents Bill of Rights. Our students are the future. They need support, particularly parental support. However, school administrators have decided to undermine this support by keeping parents from getting involved in their own children's education, teaching divisive curriculum, and protecting themselves from accountability. prgtoken It is abundantly clear that parents want to be involved. In fact, just the other day in Wisconsin, the School District of Waukesha approved a resolution that established parents' rights and transparency. In this resolution, the school board affirms their commitment to parents, protection for students' religious and moral beliefs from discrimination, and keeping controversial issues out of the classroom. prgtoken There is an innate need for parental involvement in education, which is why I strongly support H.R. 5. In fact, my own bill, the CRT Transparency Act, is included in this legislation. This important bill requires schools to post their curriculums online so that parents can see what their students are being taught. Parents across the nation are seeing violations of their rights and their important role replaced. We must pass H.R. 5 to protect parents' right to be heard and put our children first.
HONORING KEATH MORGAN
Austin Scott (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-3-24

I rise today to celebrate the 100th birthday of a devoted patriot and civil servant in Houston County Georgia, Mr. Keath Morgan. prgtoken On February l7, 1943, Mr. Morgan joined the United States Army in Salt Lake City, Utah. After basic training, he was sent to Fort Benning to attend Airborne School with the intent of becoming a paratrooper. Upon his completion of the program, Mr. Morgan was transferred to Europe and assigned to the 502nd Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division, known as the ``Screaming Eagles.'' prgtoken Mr. Morgan accompanied the 101st Airborne Division to Bastogne, the Battle of the Bulge, the Ruhr Campaign, and finally to the ``Eagles Nest,'' the site of Hitler's residence in the Alps, in Berchtesgaden. prgtoken After his service in the 101st Airborne Division, Mr. Morgan transferred to the 82nd Airborne Division, serving an occupation duty in Austria until coming home on the Queen Mary and marching in the Victory Parade in New York City on January 12, 1946. prgtoken Throughout his endeavors, Mr. Morgan served as a light machine gunner. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the European-African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. prgtoken I would like to thank Mr. Morgan for his years of service to our community and our country. It is an honor to represent such upstanding constituents like him in the Eighth Congressional District of Georgia.
RECOGNIZING BARTRAM TRAILS HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS' SOCCER TEAM
John H. Rutherford (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-3-24

I rise today to recognize Bill Rogers. Bill has dedicated his life and creativity to developing safety equipment for some of our Nation's most highly skilled military and law enforcement elite tactical teams. prgtoken It all began in 1969 when Bill became the youngest candidate to be selected for the FBI Academy. After losing his handgun during a pursuit, Bill decided to craft his own holster, a product which he later named the Kydex Holster. prgtoken In 1973, he presented the holster to the FBI, and the agency went on to buy Kydex Holsters and integrate them for their agencywide use. prgtoken With his newfound success, Bill Rogers began the Rogers Holster Company and developed Rogers Shooting School to begin teaching gun use and safety skills. prgtoken In the 1970s and 1980s, Bill began working with the Department of Defense. He was training Navy SEALS, developing new styles of safety holsters, and accepting shooting school contracts from special operations units within the U.S. military and many international units. Many of these units continue to operate here today. prgtoken In 1980, Bill Rogers sold Rogers Holster Company to Safariland, which is a U.S.-based safety equipment manufacturer and actually helped create Team Safariland, the first professional team in action shooting sports. prgtoken Bill continued to expand his business by developing a series of competition holsters specifically designed for sporting use. prgtoken I met Bill in the late 1980s when I was the training commander for the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office as we were transitioning from wheel guns over to semiautomatic pistols. It was during that time that I asked Bill if he could help us to develop a holster with a locking mechanism, a retention holster. prgtoken Little did I know what would come of that, but I was struck by his humility in the face of such success and his ability to innovate firearm safety and training. prgtoken What I didn't know was that while Bill was developing this retention holster for the Jacksonville Sheriff's officers, he was simultaneously being commissioned by the U.S. Navy to train classes of Navy SEALS. prgtoken In 2017, Bill went on to contract with all five military branches, an incredible achievement and act of service to our Nation. prgtoken Hundreds of recruits have been skillfully trained and protected under his guidance. His security holsters and training methods have also saved countless law enforcement officers from one of the most common events an officer ever experiences on the job, and that is a perpetrator trying to take control of their gun. prgtoken If you look at any uniformed police officer today, it is very likely that that officer is wearing a Rogers retention holster. prgtoken As a lifelong law enforcement officer, I am honored to recognize Bill Rogers' contribution to our Nation and to the safety of our law enforcement officers. prgtoken On behalf of northeast Florida, we thank Bill for his cont
CELEBRATING THE 150TH BIRTHDAY OF CUERO, TX
Michael Cloud (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-3-24

it is an honor to celebrate the 150th birthday of the city of Cuero, TX. prgtoken The city of Cuero's history began in the late 1800s as a stopping point along the Chisholm Trail cattle route to Kansas. Cuero was officially recognized as a city in March 1873 and a couple years after, the city was soon incorporated as the permanent county seat for Dewitt County. prgtoken Over the course of its 150 years, Cuero has built a rich history and robust agricultural industry. Perhaps nowhere is this history more reflected than in Cuero's famous turkey dressing tradition, which began in 1908 as Cuero began farming the product that made them famous. Eventually, the city's historical bond with the turkey grew into an annual turkey dressing tradition called ``The Turkey Trot''--a celebration which still exists today and celebrates Cuero's moniker, ``Turkey Capital of the World.'' prgtoken But beyond the history, the agriculture, and even the turkey, most notable about the city of Cuero are its people--known for faith, hard work, and dedication to their community. As someone blessed to represent this area of Texas, I can attest firsthand how communities like this one represent the best of what America has to offer. prgtoken On March 25, the city of Cuero and its residents will observe the town's 150th birthday with a celebration on Main Street. I would like to recognize and send well wishes to everyone living in Cuero as well as thank those who helped organized the day. prgtoken I now ask my colleagues to join the city of Cuero in celebrating 150 years of progress and prosperity and recognize the residents of Cuero for all their contributions to the city's 150 years of history. It's an honor to represent them in Congress.
COMMENDING HAKELA HAPNER ON HER WORK FOR ALABAMA DISTRICT ONE
Jerry L. Carl (Republican, AL) \u2014 2023-3-24

I rise today to honor Hakela Hapner for her service to Alabama's First Congressional District. prgtoken Hakela received her Bachelor's degree in History and Business Law from the University of Southern California. After graduating, she was hired by the Institute for Justice as a Mafucci Fellow and then as an Activism Assistant. I then hired her in September of 2021 as a Legislative Correspondent, where she managed the mail program and was soon promoted to Military Legislative Assistant. prgtoken Hakela handled the National Defense Authorization Act, Veterans Affairs, Science and Space, Homeland Security, Oversight and Government Reform, Energy and Water Development, Food and Drug Administration, Rural Development, Agriculture Appropriations, and State and Foreign Operations Appropriations. Hakela stepped up and took the lead on my community funding requests and general appropriation requests. She has been a force for Alabama's First District during her time holding these positions. prgtoken We are so proud of all the accomplishments she has made, and I cannot wait to see where the next adventure takes her.
RECOGNIZING MIKAELA SHIFFRIN
Ann M. Kuster (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2023-3-24

I rise today as co-chair of the Bipartisan Ski and Snow Board Caucus to recognize the incredible achievements of New Hampshire's own Mikaela Shiffrin, the most-decorated skier of all time. prgtoken On March 11, 2023, during Women's History Month, Mikaela broke the record for the most World Cup alpine wins by any skier, male or female, earning 87 championship wins and securing her place in history. prgtoken Shortly after, she won another title, breaking her own record and making history again. I love having a woman be the most decorated skier in the world. prgtoken From her earliest days, when I met her at the Dartmouth Ski Way and first watched her race with her late father, my friend, Jeff, Mikaela has taken the world by storm. Her record-breaking win and dedication to the sport will inspire women and girls across the country and around the world. prgtoken Thank you, Mikaela, for inspiring us to be nice, think first, and have fun.
MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS AMONG YOUTH
Becca Balint (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2023-3-24

we are in the midst of a terrible mental health crisis among youth in our Nation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recent youth risk behavior survey reveals that our kids are really struggling. prgtoken One in four teen girls reported seriously considering attempting suicide in 2021, and LGBTQ teens and girls report extremely high levels of mental distress, violence, and substance abuse. prgtoken They need us to stand up for them. They need us to stand with them. We need to make investments that will actually help. We have real work to do. prgtoken But what do my colleagues have us spending time on this week? A sham bill that does nothing for our kids. It inserts the Federal Government between parents and students and schools. It promotes censorship. It promotes banning books. prgtoken It is not about freedom. It is not about protecting kids. prgtoken As a former teacher and as a mom, I know that all children deserve a safe and affirming school environment. When I talk to Vermont families, which I do all the time, they aren't concerned about these kind of culture wars. They need us to take our jobs seriously and address the real everyday concerns. That is why I am in Congress.
PARENTS BILL OF RIGHTS ACT
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-3-24

. Madam Chair, I include in the Record the following letter from First Focus Campaign for Children in opposition to H.R. 5. First Focus, Washington, DC, March 20, 2023. Hon. Julia Letlow, Member, House Education & Workforce Cmte, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Kevin McCarthy, , House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Hakeem Jeffries, ic Leader, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Virginia Foxx, Chair, House Education & Workforce Cmte, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Hon. Bobby Scott, Ranking Member, House Ed & Workforce Cmte, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Congresswoman Letlow, McCarthy, Leader Jeffries, Chairwoman Foxx, and Ranking Member Scott: I am writing on behalf of First Focus Campaign for Children, a bipartisan children's advocacy organization dedicated to making children and families a priority in federal budget and policy decisions, to express opposition to H.R. 5, the Parents Bill of Rights Act. We do not believe this bill strikes the right balance between the duties of schools, the rights and responsibilities of parents, and the oft-ignored but important rights of children. Parental Engagement Is Critical First, let's be clear: Parents are fundamental to the upbringing of children and absolutely should be engaged and involved in the education of their children. In fact, children have better outcomes when their parents are involved. As a parent of four children myself, I have engaged with my children's schools by voting in school board elections, attending all parent-teacher conferences, volunteering in my children's classrooms, scheduling time to meet with teachers and administrators when important issues arise, serving on the PTAs at my children's schools, serving on athletic booster clubs, and volunteering as an assistant boys and girls basketball coach for two county schools. In addition to my personal experiences, I have learned a great deal over the years from both of my parents, my step- mother, step-brother, my uncle, and several cousins, who are all educators. Consequently, I have immense respect for the work, talent, dedication, and concern that the vast majority of teachers and educators bring to their profession on a daily basis--all with the goal of educating our nation's children to best achieve their hopes and dreams while also trying to provide a place of safety and compassion for each and every one of their students. Again, we strongly support parental engagement in education, but parents should not control all curriculum and educational decisio
RECOGNIZING TRIPLE NEGATIVE BREAST CANCER MONTH
Jasmine Crockett (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-3-24

as a congresswoman, and a champion of health care initiatives, and as a voice for breast cancer survivors, a disease that affects minority women and all women, I am here today to talk about the pressing need for increased funding for triple-negative breast cancer. Breast cancer is a devastating disease that affects far too many of us. But triple-negative breast cancer, in particular, is one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of breast cancer. prgtoken Women with triple-negative breast cancer often face a worse prognosis and limited treatment options. This is why we need to increase prgtoken funding for research into this disease. We need to find better ways to detect it early and to develop new treatments that will give women with triple-negative breast cancer a fighting chance. prgtoken But funding for research is not enough. We also need to ensure equity and access to treatment for all women with breast cancer, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. Women from marginalized communities often face barriers to accessing care, and we must work to break down those barriers. prgtoken No woman should have to fight breast cancer alone, and no woman should be denied the care she needs because of where she comes from or how much money she makes. We must come together as a community, regardless of political party, to ensure that all women have access to the care and treatment they need. prgtoken I urge my fellow lawmakers to join me in supporting increased funding for triple-negative breast cancer research and ensuring equity and access to care for all women with breast cancer. Together, we can make a difference and save lives.
TAKING CARE OF HEALTHCARE HEROES
Susan Wild (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-3-24

I rise today to commemorate the recent 1-year anniversary of the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act becoming law. prgtoken Dr. Lorna Breen was an emergency physician who tragically died by suicide after enduring the trauma and burnout of the COVID-19 front lines in New York City. She was, to put it simply, a hero. She is one of the countless healthcare heroes who face mental health crises and a suicide rate twice that of the public due to their demanding, all- consuming work. prgtoken The Dr. Lorna Breen law carries on her legacy, investing in support for healthcare workers' mental health needs. prgtoken I pushed hard to pass this bill, and now I am pushing for its grant programs to receive full funding through fiscal year 2024 because the heroes who take care of us deserve to be taken care of, too. prgtoken Our work to bring mental health out of the shadows is far from over. That work means meeting the mental health crisis among health professionals with the resources it demands. It means fully funding the programs within the Dr. Lorna Breen law. prgtoken Thank you to the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes' Foundation for your continued leadership in shedding light on this crisis. I remain by your side in honor of Dr. Breen and all healthcare heroes whose mental health devastatingly went unmet.
GUN VIOLENCE IN AMERICA
Julia Brownley (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-3-24

the number one cause of death for children in America is gun violence. Yet, instead of making our schools safer and creating environments for children to thrive, House s are focusing their attention on harmful political rhetoric. prgtoken Today's passage of H.R. 5 politicizes classrooms and facilitates the censorship of American stories, American experiences, and factual American history. prgtoken To unreasonably limit the scope of our children's knowledge and to dilute their critical thinking abilities is an immense disservice to America's children and to our country's future. prgtoken Instead of solving real problems, House s are simply trying to distract the American people with divisive political stunts and empty culture wars. prgtoken I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to work with House to pass legislation that will actually help America's children, not exploit them to further divide Americans for political gain.
13TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT
Sylvia R. Garcia (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-3-24

this week, we mark the 13th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act. Thanks to President , Americans have been reassured that they can receive the care they need. prgtoken Since it was passed into law, the Affordable Care Act has lowered healthcare costs for families and insured more than 35 million Americans. prgtoken ' passage of the American Rescue Plan and the Inflation Reduction Act made ACA subsidies more generous, which lowered health insurance prgtoken costs and helped 29,000 people in my district, . Now, they have access to affordable health insurance. prgtoken House continue to protect the Affordable Care Act today. While MAGA s support proposals to cut Americans' healthcare, House will always stand to protect Americans' healthcare. prgtoken I will always put people over politics--today, tomorrow, and every day.
PARENTS BILL OF RIGHTS ACT
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-3-24

this would eliminate all of the targeted resources under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act consolidated into one view. If you just take Title I, that money is targeted toward low-income areas. There are targets to rural areas, to migrants. prgtoken Generally speaking, the mainstream education can be well done with the local and State funding. There are areas where there are troubles, English as a Second Language, migrants, low income, where the Federal Government comes in and targets money because, generally speaking, within the political give-and-take, these are the ones that are left out. Those who are generally left out and supported by ESEA are the exact ones that would be disadvantaged under this. prgtoken When you fund education with the real estate tax, as we do in the United States today, you almost guarantee inequity in education because the more wealthy areas can do better. prgtoken ESEA, primarily under Title I, goes into areas that are low income, have less resources, and they can get help from the Federal Government. That would be decimated by this amendment. I would hope we would defeat it. prgtoken , .
RECOGNIZING SPRINGFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT K9 THOR
Nikki Budzinski (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-3-24

I rise today to honor the service of a beloved member of the Springfield Police Department who recently passed, K9 Thor. prgtoken Thor worked second watch for 8 years as a dual-purpose police K9 until his retirement in 2019. Trained in apprehending criminals and searching for evidence and narcotics, he played an important role in keeping our community safe. prgtoken During his career, Thor won numerous awards at the United States Police Canine Association region 16 trials, including four perfect scores in suspect search and evidence search, distinctions that my little, 20-pound Lulu just might not have cut it. prgtoken When Thor wasn't fighting crime, his favorite activity was chasing tennis balls at home and spending time with his family. prgtoken As we reflect on Thor's service to the Springfield community, we are reminded of the sacrifices that our law enforcement officers and their K9 partners make every day to keep us safe. prgtoken Thank you, Thor, and thank you to all of the first responders in the Illinois 13th Congressional District for your dedication to service.