mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
A FRIEND CLOSER THAN A BROTHER
Keith Self (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-2-8

Jesus said: ``Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.'' prgtoken These words guided the life of the late Sam Johnson who served the great State of Texas 27 years in this House, 6 years in the Texas House, and nearly 7 years as a POW in the infamous Alcatraz annex of the Hanoi Hilton. prgtoken , if you had the honor to shake Sam's broken hand, then you felt the permanent damage that he endured for our Nation. Sam Johnson laid down his life for his friends throughout his life. It is an honor to serve in the House seat where he honorably served. prgtoken Those words of Jesus guided me through my military career and through my introduction to the 118th Congress that first week, and they will continue to guide me just as they did my friend Sam Johnson. prgtoken Our Nation is facing tremendous uncertainty. Misguided policies are causing inflation, incentivizing criminals, promoting out-of-control spending, and projecting America as weak on the world stage. prgtoken Now is the time for Congress to restore fiscal restraint, embrace family values, offer certainty to our citizens, and stand firm against tyranny that encroaches on freedom around the world. prgtoken There is a model for our Nation's leaders to follow. The Texas model provides a roadmap to guide this House in its effort to restore America's future. prgtoken The Texas economy ranked ninth of all nations by GDP, ahead of countries like Canada, Australia, and Russia. The Texas delegation in Congress has the most Members because people are flocking to Texas for economic prosperity, improved quality of life, and greater opportunity. That description is the American Dream. But that dream should not be limited by geography. prgtoken Everything that is right about America can be found in Texas: from the feedlots in the panhandle where I grew up to ports along the Gulf Coast, from farms in the Rio Grande Valley to the piney woods of east Texas, and from the oil patch to military bases scattered across the State. Texas has agriculture, manufacturing, finance, defense, and tourism. Big cities and small towns--Texas has it all. prgtoken Unfortunately, we also feel the pain of what is wrong with America: a flood of illegal immigrants crossing our border along with drugs like fentanyl and victims of human trafficking. Texas families are hurting just like other families across this great land. Crime is rising, inflation is still out of control, and children are being exploited right before our eyes. prgtoken The day after the November election, pundits called the GOP weak. Two months later, they called us crazy for working to restore the House to the way it operated for over 200 years. We worked until we achieved the rules that govern a Congress that now operates efficiently. I believe that, standing shoulder to shoulder with McCarthy, this Congress with these rules will help lead America back to its place as a beacon
IMPERIAL SUGAR REFINERY EXPLOSION OF 2008
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-2-8

I rise today to remember the Imperial Sugar Refinery explosion in my hometown of Port Wentworth, Georgia, in 2008. prgtoken , 15 years ago, 14 lives were tragically taken, and several others were severely injured. I want to honor the victims of this tragedy, as well as the first responders and doctors who worked bravely to save lives. prgtoken After the explosion, emergency vehicles quickly lined the access road leading out to the refinery. In total, there were around 60 first responders on the scene after the accident, working around the clock. prgtoken After survivors were transferred to the Burn Center in Augusta, doctors worked diligently to save lives. Some patients were covered with burns on upwards of 90 percent of their bodies. prgtoken If it had not been for the heroic work of everyone involved, the death toll could have been much higher. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the families of those whom we lost and with those who were injured. prgtoken Thank you to our first responders and medical experts for this lifesaving care they gave to all of those involved.
TERMINATING CDC REQUIREMENT FOR PROOF OF COVID-19 VACCINATION FOR FOREIGN TRAVELERS
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-2-8

for yielding time. prgtoken I rise in strong support of H.R. 185 to end the international travel COVID vaccine mandate. prgtoken I am a doctor, and unlike my colleague on the other side of the aisle, I am also a former director of the Iowa Department of Public Health, so I am speaking for public health. prgtoken The vast majority of Americans are either vaccinated or have natural immunity. There is no recognition of natural immunity by continuing the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for travelers into the United States. prgtoken This is, as previously alluded, not 2020. It is 2023. This timely measure prgtoken nullifies the CDC's order that restricts noncitizen entry into the United States unless the traveler can prove they are vaccinated against COVID-19. It doesn't say to prove immunity or prove testing negative. prgtoken , it is time to move forward. Entry restrictions were necessary during the early stages and the height of the pandemic, but that was when we, as a Nation, were still learning the details of the virus and experiencing soaring death and hospitalization rates. prgtoken Now, over 95 percent of Americans have various forms of immunity, whether from vaccination or prior infection, and health professionals have deep knowledge of the coronavirus that has led to multiple vaccines and therapeutics. prgtoken People have returned to work, children to school, and Americans have resumed international travel at prepandemic rates. prgtoken Some of the countries with the most stringent lockdown and protocols, Canada, Australia, and Germany, all have eliminated their severe entry restrictions. All have suspended their vaccine requirements. It is time that we, as a Nation, do the same. prgtoken This does not mean that we do not still have circulating virus. We are aware of that, but it is time for the mandate for travelers entering the United States to end. prgtoken s and should be able to agree that the pandemic is over. President even said so himself. prgtoken House s will continue to move our country past the pandemic, which is exactly what this bill does. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues as a public health professional to vote ``yes.''
DISAPPROVING THE ACTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COUNCIL IN APPROVING THE LOCAL RESIDENT VOTING RIGHTS AMENDMENT ACT OF 2022
Nicholas A. Langworthy (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-2-8

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.J. Res. 24, disapproving the action of the District of Columbia Council in approving the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022, introduced by the chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability, James Comer of Kentucky. prgtoken Our Nation's Capital City is in crisis. Crime is rampant. Students in D.C. Public Schools suffered historic learning loss because kept schools closed. Buildings are sitting empty while Federal workers continue to work from home. prgtoken The D.C. Council has prioritized a bill to allow noncitizens, including illegal immigrants and foreign employees at embassies openly hostile to the United States to vote in local elections. prgtoken This move by the D.C. Council dilutes the votes of American citizens, including the many residents of the District who struggled and sacrificed to obtain legal citizenship the right way. prgtoken Voting is a pillar of American democracy and a constitutional right that must be protected and preserved for citizens of our country. Voting is how Americans exert their will upon their government. prgtoken Voting ultimately determines how laws are written and enforced so that citizens can shape the rules under which they can earn a living and be protected from harm. prgtoken Voting is an essential privilege and responsibility established at great cost throughout our Nation's history. prgtoken To quote one of our Founding Fathers, Samuel Adams: ``Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote . . . that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society.'' prgtoken On November 21, 2022, the D.C. Council chose to trash this solemn trust by granting this sacred right of voting to anyone residing in the District, including those here illegally and other noncitizens. prgtoken Just think about the immediate implications of this law. Our Nation's Capital City plays host to virtually hundreds of foreign organizations and embassies. Many of these foreign nationals have interests directly opposed to those of the United States, and they make no claim otherwise. prgtoken D.C.'s law makes zero exceptions for such individuals whose role may be to disrupt or destroy the American way of life and principles our Nation stands upon. prgtoken For years, in Washington decried potential foreign influence in our electoral process, but D.C.'s new law potentially allows foreign agents from China, Russia, and other adversaries to participate in local elections held within this Nation's Capital City. prgtoken It is no secret that President 's policies have created the worst border crisis in American history, bar none. Just this week, the Committee on Oversight and Accountability heard from the U.S. Border Patrol about how the administration's policies are undermining their ability to secure our southern border. Now, D.C. a
TERMINATING CDC REQUIREMENT FOR PROOF OF COVID-19 VACCINATION FOR FOREIGN TRAVELERS
Lloyd Smucker (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-2-8

. Mr. Chair, I thank my friend, Mr. Massie, for introducing this bill. prgtoken I am listening to some of the arguments on the side here today, and I hear about vaccine conspiracies. I am not hearing that over here. In fact, I am vaccinated. I have the boosters. I think it was important to do that. prgtoken I am proud of what we were able to get done through Operation Warp Speed. We protected many Americans. But I don't understand the argument that this has anything to do with vaccine conspiracies. prgtoken I was contacted by a constituent, Hunter McBryde, who informed me that this particular mandate, that almost no one else in the world has in place, is keeping his family separated. This is keeping his kids from seeing their grandparents. prgtoken He is from the district that I represent in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He happened to be studying in Australia for his Ph.D. when the pandemic started. His wife is an Australian citizen. They share three beautiful children. prgtoken Because of this shortsighted policy, Hunter and his family have been unable to move back home to Lancaster County to be with the rest of their extended family here simply because of the family's vaccination and immigration status. prgtoken I contacted the CDC on behalf of the family and was told that the agency still believes that COVID vaccines, not testing, not quarantining, are necessary to protect public safety, despite the fact that President has said the pandemic is over. prgtoken , 147 countries, including Canada, U.K Italy, France, Australia, South Korea, and many others are totally open to tourists, regardless of their vaccination status. Another 57 nations allow tourists to take a COVID test or quarantine if they are unvaccinated. prgtoken The worst of this pandemic is clearly over. There is no reason that the CDC should continue to discriminate against tourists or residents who, for health or religious reasons, do not wish to receive the COVID vaccine.
REMEMBERING MAINI WOOD
Max L. Miller (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-2-8

. Madam , I rise today in memory of a great Ohioan, Maini Wood, who recently passed away at her York Township homestead. prgtoken Maini lived an incredible life. She was born in Finland in 1930 and survived the Russo-Finnish War of 1939 and 1940. prgtoken As a young girl, she actually had to ski to school, wearing white robes to hide from the Russian bombers that flew overhead. prgtoken Maini immigrated to the United States in her early 20s, but she met her husband, Dee, aboard a ship during a visit to her native Finland. The couple eventually settled in York Township where they raised their children in what they described as--and I happen to agree with them--a beautiful, idyllic rural community. prgtoken We learned so much from Maini about survival, about taking chances, and about finding joy in life's simple pleasures. prgtoken Ohio and America are less with her loss. prgtoken My thoughts and prayers are with Maini's family as they grieve the loss of this amazing woman.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF JOSEPH A. HARDY III
Guy Reschenthaler (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-2-8

I rise to celebrate the life and legacy of Mr. Joseph Hardy, a pioneer in the building materials industry from Fayette County, Pennsylvania, who passed away on his 100th birthday on January 7, 2023. prgtoken During his final year attending Lehigh University, Mr. Hardy answered the call of duty, enlisting in the United States Army at the outbreak of World War II. After serving his nation as a radioman for the Army Air Corps in the Pacific, he returned home to pursue an industrial engineering degree at the University of Pittsburgh. prgtoken After working part-time for his family's farm and jewelry store, Mr. Hardy founded Green Hills Lumber. After several successful years, he purchased land in Eighty-Four, Pennsylvania, and opened a ``cash and carry'' lumber yard, the 84 Lumber Company, which would prgtoken become the nation's largest privately-held building materials supplier. prgtoken In 1987, Mr. Hardy began purchasing 400 acres of land in Fayette County. This mountainous landscape became home to what is now the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. Today, Nemacolin is one of North America's premier resort destinations and a shining example of Mr. Hardy's vision in the Keystone State. prgtoken In addition to the job creation in southwestern Pennsylvania, he generously invested in the redevelopment of the resort's surrounding area. Mr. Hardy was famously quoted as saying, ``I want to die broke. For the remainder of my life, I want to enjoy and participate in the giving of money to help improve people's lives.'' This selfless spirit nourished in his roles as Vice Chair of the Board of Commissioners of Fayette County and the Board of Trustees at the University of Pittsburgh and Washington & Jefferson College. prgtoken , Joseph A. Hardy III's entrepreneurial spirit, commitment, and generosity to southwestern Pennsylvania, in addition to his service to our Nation, exemplify a well-lived life. On behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, I extend my condolences to Mr. Hardy's family and wish them healing during this difficult time.
A MISSED OPPORTUNITY
David G. Valadao (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-2-8

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , last night, the President had a real opportunity to put partisanship aside and speak to all Americans, not just or s, but to all Americans. prgtoken Instead of sending a unifying message, we heard even more divisive rhetoric from the President. There were a lot of people who were here willing to work with him across the aisle to get good things done for our people and our constituents all across the country, and I consider myself one of them. prgtoken But the President makes it very difficult to do this when he continues to push lies about s and our policies. prgtoken My constituents in the Central Valley are struggling to put food on their table and gas in their tanks because of this administration. prgtoken Unfortunately, the President failed to take accountability for many problems Americans across the country are experiencing under his failed leadership, from the rising cost of energy to the fentanyl coming across our open border. prgtoken One issue that hits home for me in particular was what President said last night about energy. During his address, the President told the Nation that under his watch, energy bills and gas prices are going down. prgtoken This is not true for my constituents. Over the last few years, my office has received countless calls from people whose natural gas bills have tripled due to the high price of natural gas in California. prgtoken These are the same people who over the summer were paying over $6 a gallon to drive to work or to take their kids to school. These energy prices are crushing working-class families in my community and across the country. prgtoken In my district, the oil and gas industry is critical, not just for energy production but for the entire community. prgtoken The industry is responsible for billions of dollars in State and local tax revenue that funds vital community services like public schools, hospitals, and law enforcement. prgtoken Kern County is the leading energy provider for the State of California and the number seven oil-producing county in the Nation. prgtoken Yesterday, my guest to the President's address was Chad Hathaway. Chad owns and operates an independent oil company in Bakersfield and knows firsthand just how disastrous the energy policies of this administration have been. prgtoken Energy producers like Chad not only provide resources to California but the entire country. We have the resources right here in our own back yard, and we can and should be using them. prgtoken While we as a country should continue to develop and pursue other sources of energy, we cannot abandon traditional energy sources like the President made clear last night that he wants to do. prgtoken The administration's energy policies are destroying affordable energy, high-paying jobs, and energy security for our Central Valley families. prgtoken There are a lot more stories to share
ECONOMIC FORECAST
David Schweikert (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2023-2-8

I have done this chart. There is an update on this chart coming in a couple of weeks, and I am told it is going to look substantially uglier. But this is the reality. prgtoken Remember, this chart was built 2 years ago. Every dime of the $114 trillion of borrowing in today's dollars that we expect to have 30 years from now, 75 percent of it is functionally Medicare, 25 percent is if we actually reach into the general fund and backfill the collapse of the Social Security Trust Fund which happens in 10 years, oh, and the rest of the budget is actually calculated to be about $1.9 positive. prgtoken We got old. I am a baby boomer. I am a crazy baby boomer. I have a 7- month-old. He is the greatest little boy you ever met, . I wanted to bring a big picture of him. He is so cute. I will do whatever is necessary to protect my kids. prgtoken This is the truth: unless this is part of every conversation around here we are not telling the truth because this is going to drive every discussion on policy. prgtoken I want to spend more on defense. prgtoken Have you figured out this? prgtoken I want to spend more on the environment. prgtoken Have you figured out this? prgtoken I want to help other countries. prgtoken Have you figured out this? prgtoken , unless you are willing to work on the reality of here is what is about to happen to us because these are our demographics, are you going to adopt policies from immigration to the Tax Code to technology, everything that grows like crazy in this Nation and then are you going to take on the cartels that cost us so much money? prgtoken Are you going to actually build a world where we crash the price of healthcare because we use technology and we cured diseases? prgtoken Some of that maybe you tell him that we don't have a choice. prgtoken For everyone else who says: I just want my money back, if you are someone out there who will say to Social Security and Medicare: Just give me my money back, then we will take that deal in a second. prgtoken Now, people forget Social Security is progressive. If you are a lower-income worker and you work your 40 quarters, then you get actually quite a spiff on the taxes you paid. prgtoken If you are a higher-income worker on Social Security and you had your 40 quarters, then you actually get less than what you actually paid in. prgtoken If you do the mean of the average couple on Social Security, you will have paid in about $625,000 in taxes over your 40 quarters, and you are going to get back $698,000. prgtoken , you would have made a hell of a lot more money if you had been allowed to take a portion of that and put it in the markets. President tried doing that. He got the crap kicked out of him by the left. prgtoken So fine. You are poorer today, but for the average American you get your money back. You get a little spiff on Social Security. prgtoken The primary driver of those debt numbers is this right here. That average couple would have put $161,00
A MISSED OPPORTUNITY
Mike Johnson (Republican, LA) \u2014 2023-2-8

I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Valadao) for handling this Special Order tonight and bringing our colleagues here to talk about the reality of this State of the Union Address that we experienced here less than 24 hours ago. prgtoken I appreciate what you said, and I thought it was appropriate that you brought as your guest a constituent who is in the energy industry because you explained how domestic energy production has been decimated by this President and his administration and how it is having an untold cost on the American people. prgtoken But I wanted to begin with a quote, and I want to encourage my colleagues to listen carefully to these words of warning. This is really important. ``The tsunami of debt created by the policies of this administration has to go somewhere. . . . ``But as the rest of the world copes with the waves of U.S. debt, we are now all in the same leaky boat. There is just so much of our debt other nations want to hold. The more of it they accumulate, the closer we are to the day when they will not want any more. ``When that happens, slowly or rapidly, our interest rates will go up, the value of their U.S. bonds will drop, and we will all have big problems. We need both more awareness and more understanding of this fundamental threat to our economic well-being and the global economy. ``But the roots of that threat lie in the disastrous policies of this administration. ``Because this massive accumulation of debt was predicted, because it was foreseeable, because it was unnecessary, because it was the result of willful and reckless disregard for the warnings that were given and for the fundamentals of economic management, I am voting against the debt limit increase.'' prgtoken Now, do you want to guess who said that? It was not McCarthy. It was not Leader McConnell. In fact, it wasn't any . prgtoken That quote that I just read to you is from himself when he was a Senator in 2006. If he was honest, he would have used that same language right up here last night, but he didn't. Of course, he wasn't honest. prgtoken By the way, in addition to his vocal opposition when he was a Senator in 2003 and 2006, Senator joined Senate in opposing clean debt limit increases. prgtoken In 2004, he missed the vote, but he said publicly he would have opposed it there, as well. So three times as a Senator he opposed the debt limit increase. prgtoken Well, he is singing a completely different tune now. Everybody heard it. prgtoken , President 's address to the Nation last night was a missed opportunity. Our country is mired in crisis after crisis of the President's own making: at home, at our border, abroad. prgtoken Simply put, the President's rhetoric last night didn't match the reality that most Americans have been experiencing since he took office 2 years ago. prgtoken John Adams said, ``Facts are stubborn things,'' and the actual state o