mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE TRANTHAM FAMILY AS ALABAMA'S OUTSTANDING YOUNG FARM FAMILY
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2023-1-10

I ask for the House's attention today to recognize Daniel and Carla Trantham and their children, Davis, Sadie, Anna Kate, Sawyer and Callie for being named Alabama's Outstanding Young Farm Family as well as being named the nation's top young farm family during the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention. This is the first time an Alabama Farmers Federation farm family has won this award. prgtoken The Tranthams are row crop and cattle farmers who run their own feed operation. They bag and sell over 80 tons of feed and grain on a weekly basis at their storefront in Alexandria and through feed stores. prgtoken The Trantham family also sells wheat straw and Bermudagrass hay while improving yields on 1,000 acres of corn, wheat, soybeans and cotton through irrigation and seed selection. Since 2010, Daniel has more than doubled grain storage and tripled his cattle herd. prgtoken The family also operates a trucking company where Carla manages payroll. prgtoken The Tranthams are members of Leatherwood Baptist Church. Daniel is the local Young Farmers chair and serves on the Alabama Farmers Federation State Soybean Committee. Carla serves on the local Women's Leadership Committee. prgtoken , please join me in recognizing this young family on these 2 great honors. Congratulations to the Tranthams.
SECURING OUR BORDER
Richard McCormick (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-1-10

we have, right now, a situation where the President is visiting the border. prgtoken In my line of work, as a young lieutenant, I flew along the border and knew that there was a problem in the early 1990s. As a matter of fact, in the mid-1990s, as a forward air controller, we had to stop operations at nighttime as vans bouncing around in the middle of our operations made us cease fire so we could chase illegal immigrants out of our firing ranges. Then, as an emergency medicine doctor, I treated patients who came here illegally. prgtoken Most people don't realize the consequence of our actions, of our poor border security, and what it has done. We understand the numbers. We understand the millions that are coming across the border, 4 million since we have had a new President, but not the downwind consequences when you provide laws that encourage bad behavior and punish good behavior. prgtoken One of the things that most people don't realize is that when you go to the emergency room and are waiting in line behind a lot of people who came here illegally, you are not only waiting in line behind them but you are also paying for their bills. Many people are coming across the border to receive treatment for their chronic illnesses that cost millions of dollars per year, and those are several patients per hospital. We are talking about billions, even tens of billions of dollars, spent on people who come here illegally. It comes from taxpayer money, both out of your pocket and through your taxation, which adds to our debt, which, of course, is going to be paid for by our children. prgtoken To make it worse, we punish those people who come here the right way. In my district, we have a huge immigrant population, people who come here from all over the world, whether it be India, Europe, South America, and they have to wait in line with a glutted immigration policy that makes it very difficult for them to follow the law. Meanwhile, we reward those people who break the law. prgtoken I think we need to change our laws. I think we need to make it more streamlined for people who follow the law, who are good citizens, who paid their taxes, who have jobs, who create jobs, and make it more difficult for people who break laws. prgtoken I think, right now, when you talk about the overwhelming number of people coming across the border, and when you have the President go down there and have the borders cleaned up so he can view something that doesn't really exist, which is a problem where we don't protect our sovereign border, which is one of the President's main responsibilities; where you have people's property violated; where you have people's rights violated; where you have crimes. prgtoken Of course, as an emergency medicine physician, this last year I lost four patients who came in from fentanyl overdoses that I was not able to revive. Now, almost every single night, I do revive somebody, so it is something I literally wi
COMMEMORATING THE RETIREMENT OF BETSY RUSSELL
Michael K. Simpson (Republican, ID) \u2014 2023-1-10

I rise to call attention to the retirement of Betsy Russell, 1 of the most effective and respected reporters in Idaho, from 37 years of remarkable reporting and editing in Idaho politics. As reported by Clark Corbin, of the Idaho Capital Sun, Russell started her reporting career early, joining her high school paper and covering her own graduation. She earned a political science degree from the University of California-Berkeley and a master's degree in journalism from Columbia University. Russell moved to Idaho in 1986 to cover Boise City Hall for the Idaho Statesman. Over the next 36 years she covered the Idaho Legislature, government and politics for the Statesman, the Spokesman-Review and Idaho Press newspapers. Along the way, she was a part of a team of Spokesman-Review journalists that was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in 1993 for their coverage of Randy Weaver and the Ruby Ridge standoff in Boundary County, Idaho. Her coverage exposed false claims made by and ic elected officials from the campaign trail to the floor of the Idaho House of Representatives. Russell's stories led to prison reform and changes in state policy, while her work with the Idaho Press Club and Idahoans for Openness in Government sought to increase transparency in halls of power across the state. When Russell first arrived at the Idaho Statesman, she covered then-Mayor Dirk Kempthorne and the debate about downtown Boise's redevelopment and an ill-fated proposal to build an indoor shopping mall. Gov. John Evans was nearing the end of his last term in office and Russell got her first taste of covering the Idaho Legislature and the governor's office when Kempthorne would testify at the Statehouse. Russell went on to cover six other Idaho governors closely-- Cecil Andrus, Phil Batt, Kempthorne, Jim Risch, Butch Otter and Brad Little. Russell's career included several highlights. Russell created and wrote the Eye on Boise blog, first for the Spokesman-Review and later for the Idaho Press. that was a must-read for anyone interested in the Idaho Legislature and state government--including many of the most highest ranking and influential elected leaders in the Gem State. In 2004, Russell and Dean Miller, a veteran Idaho and Washington newspaper editor, created Idahoans for Open Government, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to openness and compliance with the Idaho Public Records Act and Idaho Open Meetings Law. Russell's 1997 series investigating Idaho prisons revealed the fact that nearly a quarter of Idaho's prison population was incarcerated for 4 crimes that are not even considered felonies--simple drug possession, drunk driving, driving withou
HONORING DENNY KELLINGTON
Claudia Tenney (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-1-10

I rise today to honor and thank Buffalo Bills assistant athletic trainer Denny Kellington for his heroic actions saving the life of Bills safety Damar Hamlin during the Bills' January 2 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals. prgtoken Kellington graduated from Oklahoma State in 2000 and spent time working for the Denver Broncos, Ohio State, and even working for upstate New York's very own Syracuse University. prgtoken After Hamlin collapsed, Kellington jumped into action and began performing CPR, continuing this lifesaving treatment for 9 minutes, saving Hamlin's life and opening the door for his speedy recovery. prgtoken , Denny Kellington is a hero. All of New York's 24th District, the Bills Mafia, and America are forever grateful for his heroism and leadership during a truly terrifying moment. prgtoken Due to his valiant actions, I support the calls for the National Football League to make Denny Kellington the first athletic trainer to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. prgtoken There is power in prayer, and we are so grateful for Damar's promising recovery. prgtoken Go Bills.
CONGRATULATING THE TCU HORNED FROGS
Kay Granger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-1-10

I rise to congratulate Texas Congressional District 12's very own TCU Horned Frogs on a memorable college football season. prgtoken Even though last night's result was not the one we were hoping for, the Horned Frogs proved to be the ultimate underdog story of the year. prgtoken TCU was the smallest college or university to ever play a national championship in the modern era. They have shown great resolve and resiliency this year, which has inspired people across the Nation. prgtoken I congratulate Coach Sonny Dykes, quarterback Max Duggan, and all the staff and players on a tremendous season. The whole Fort Worth community is incredibly proud of TCU's accomplishments. prgtoken It is a privilege to represent Texas Christian University in Congress, and it was a pleasure to cheer on the team all season. Go Frogs.
SELECT SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE WEAPONIZATION OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Lauren Boebert (Republican, CO) \u2014 2023-1-10

in response to the blue anon rhetoric, I rise in favor of H. Res. 12 to establish a subcommittee on the weaponization of the Federal Government. prgtoken The authoritarian left has used the full might and authority of the Federal Government to force its agenda on the American people. The Federal Government has been weaponized to pressure private companies to censor conservatives; target parents as domestic terrorists simply for caring about their children and their education; manipulate the American people by declaring Hunter 's laptop as Russian disinformation; even failing to inform American citizens about classified documents that a former Vice President had in his possession; and launch an unwarranted investigation into President 's Presidential campaign. prgtoken , our Constitution is a contract with the American people and our government. That contract is designed to produce maximum freedom and minimum tyranny for this great country.
GRATEFUL FOR NEW LEADERSHIP
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-1-10

I am grateful that with a new Congress is new leadership. prgtoken Congratulations to Kevin McCarthy. prgtoken McCarthy has a proven record of accomplishments for the American people, and his leadership will be enhanced with Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, Conference Chair Elise Stefanik, Conference Vice Chair Mike Johnson, National Congressional Committee Chairman Richard Hudson, and Policy Committee Chairman Gary Palmer. prgtoken The majority will immediately begin to implement the Commitment to America that McCarthy coordinated with input from across the country. It promotes an economy that is strong, a Nation that is safe, a future that is built on freedom, and a government that is accountable. prgtoken Legislation begins with the Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act, which defunds 's army of 87,000 new IRS agents. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops who have successfully protected America for 20 years in the global war on terrorism as it continues from Afghanistan's safe haven to America. prgtoken Our sympathy to the family of magnificent Lynette ``Diamond'' Hardaway of North Carolina, and we welcome Delegate Jim Moylan of Guam.
SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE STRATEGIC COMPETITION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY
Victoria Spartz (Republican, IN) \u2014 2023-1-10

I rise in support of the select committee on China. prgtoken In February of last year, President Xi of China and President Putin of Russia issued a joint statement redefining democracy proclaiming: ``A trend has emerged towards redistribution of power in the world.'' prgtoken We must take this statement seriously. prgtoken Also, in February of last year, the White House released its annual report on domestic supply chains, highlighting the heavy reliance of many U.S. industries on China. prgtoken For example, China provides more than 70 percent of certain pesticides, and three Chinese companies account for 96 percent of the world's dry cargo. The recent COVID pandemic underlined our dependencies on vital medications, like 90 percent of U.S. antibiotic imports are from China. prgtoken Such heavy dependencies on any country would be a major risk but being dependent on a communist country with expansionist policies is a significant national security risk. prgtoken We must address it.
SELECT SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE WEAPONIZATION OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Dan Bishop (Republican, NC) \u2014 2023-1-10

. That is not just all illegal, it is un- American, and it cannot continue. The government's massive surveillance apparatus is well-documented, but there is still much more that we do not know. We owe it to the American people to reveal the rot within our Federal Government and cut it out so that it can no longer harm everyday Americans. prgtoken , today we are putting the deep state on notice: We are coming for you on behalf of everyday Americans.
SELECT SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE WEAPONIZATION OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Chip Roy (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-1-10

I listened with interest to my colleague from Texas as she recounted some of the realities when talking about school boards. Well, I have come to know Scott Smith of Loudoun County. I consider him a friend. I have been talking to him since the actions against his family--in response to his daring to go to the school board to question the abuse of his daughter--resulted in his name being put out as the poster child for the weaponization of government against parents who dare question school boards. prgtoken And, yes, in fact, the National School Board Association sent a letter. But what became increasingly clear is that it was in collusion with the White House seeking the letter. That has become readily clear from the emails that we have gotten through Freedom of Information Act requests, that the White House was seeking the National School Board Association to have that kind of a letter request in order that they, the administration, be able to target Scott Smith and other parents around this country. prgtoken Every American should shudder at the power of the government, the Federal Government, being targeted at parents for daring to stand up and defend a daughter who was abused in a bathroom in the Loudoun County Public Schools. prgtoken By the way, the superintendent in Loudoun County has been indicted. This is the truth. Yet, this administration wanted to make Scott Smith the bad guy--not the rapist, not the school board that allowed this to occur in the schools in Loudoun County. It is not just parents. prgtoken What about Bunni Pounds in the Christians Engaged organization? The IRS was targeting their nonprofit status because they happened to be religious. This is the power of the IRS. prgtoken How about the power of our public health elite who made decisions and put out misinformation that undermined the ability of Americans to stand up and to continue their jobs and continue to go to school? prgtoken Instead, they were masked and had needles put in their arms.
COMMEMORATING THE SERVICE OF RON BUTLER
Jodey C. Arrington (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-1-10

I rise today to commemorate one of west Texas' best, Ron Butler, on his induction into the 2023 Texas Bankers Hall of Fame. On April 27, Ron will be recognized for his outstanding leadership and service in the banking community. prgtoken After graduating from Texas Tech University, Mr. Butler went on to join the First Financial Bank family, where he remained for 30 years, and now serves as vice president and chief administrative officer. prgtoken Ron is a dedicated family man. He is passionate about serving his community there in Abilene and is not an avid but a rabid Red Raider fan. prgtoken I know his wife, Lorilei, and his two children, Trey and Sydney, are very proud of him, and so am I. prgtoken God Bless, guns up, and go west Texas.
SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE STRATEGIC COMPETITION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2023-1-10

for over three decades post- Tiananmen Square massacre, Congress was deeply divided; not between and , but among the majority here and in the Senate who favored unfettered engagement and prgtoken trade without serious human rights conditionality. prgtoken Indeed, President Clinton delinked human rights in trade on May 26, 1994. I went up there and gave a press conference. I was joined by a few others saying how serious that was to give up on human rights and allow profits to trump human rights. prgtoken We have seen the brutal nature of the Communist regime, especially under Xi Jinping, and the Chinese Communist Party's ultimate desire to seek hegemony. prgtoken Over the years, I have chaired 76 congressional hearings on China and authored several pieces of legislation, including the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, and was the sponsor of Jim McGovern's Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. We now have to make sure those laws are being faithfully implemented. prgtoken , 20 years ago when China became a member of the WTO, most Members of Congress, and certainly in the business and community on foreign policy establishment, bought into what James Mann rightfully called ``the China fantasy.'' prgtoken In other words, if you just trade more with a dictatorship, somehow they will matriculate into a democracy. prgtoken That fantasy has been shown to be demonstrably naive, at best. The CCP has become more powerful because of the trade and dual use items that have accrued over there that are now being used by their military and by their police. prgtoken I would note, parenthetically, I chaired two hearings on why China should not be invited into the WTO and no one--no one--listened. prgtoken The record is clear, . As predicted, we have become more like them. Thankfully, that is changing, but many in our corporate establishment, as we saw with the Olympics, were standing right by Beijing and the CCP and Xi Jinping and wouldn't utter a word, including Coca-Cola and others, about the terrible killing of the Uyghurs and the use of forced labor camps. prgtoken We have stood by as the Chinese embassy and the Ministry of State Security have harassed people of Chinese heritage and nationality living lawfully in the United States. prgtoken We have not done all that we can do for the people of Hong Kong, Tibet, and the Uyghur people in the autonomous region. prgtoken But today, thankfully, we are turning a page, and I applaud our for pushing hard for this select committee. Hopefully, it will make a difference.
SELECT SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE WEAPONIZATION OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-1-10

I rise today in support of the creation of the Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government. prgtoken The Federal Government exists to serve the American people, administer the law impartially, and protect our cherished freedoms enshrined in the Constitution. prgtoken However, some unelected, unaccountable Federal bureaucrats have abused their positions of power. The other side of the aisle likes to talk about ``threats to democracy,'' but they refuse to do any congressional oversight as the Federal Government weaponized its authority, influence, and power to target American groups and citizens based on their political and ideological views. prgtoken Just yesterday, we learned that classified documents from 's time prgtoken as Vice President were stashed in an unsecured closet. The National Archives knew about these documents several months ago, before the election, but the American people were just informed yesterday, thanks to some investigative reporting. prgtoken Meanwhile, the FBI conducted a raid on former President 's Mar- a-Lago residence for the same violation. Why has President , who has repeatedly kept classified materials in an unsecured location for years, never faced a raid? Is it because we have a two-tier system of justice? prgtoken The left also continues to push for an expanded IRS, even though the agency has a history of targeting conservative political groups. They have pushed for more audits of middle-class Americans instead of better customer service. In another example, at President 's direction, the Department of Homeland Security formed a dystopian disinformation board tasked with policing American speech online. prgtoken While this board has been disbanded, we continue to learn more almost every day about how the administration pressures big tech to censor and oppress Americans' views online that are contrary to their political narrative. prgtoken The administration's Justice Department also actively targeted parents concerned about woke curricula in their children's schools and labeled many as domestic terrorists. The American people have made it clear that they want accountability for these abuses.
RECOGNIZING THE PELLA MARCHING DUTCH
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-1-10

I rise today to recognize the Pella Marching Dutch of Pella High School, who recently participated in the Rose Bowl Parade. prgtoken Each year, only 21 bands across the world receive an invitation to play in the parade. The Pella Marching Dutch have joined the ranks as one of the greatest marching bands of our time. prgtoken This is not the first time the Pella Marching Dutch have received this high honor, having appeared in the parade in 1988 and 2002. I was fortunate enough to watch the Marching Dutch on Monday, and I was amazed by the talent that was demonstrated by the students at Pella High School. prgtoken I congratulate the Pella Marching Dutch again on representing Iowa in the Rose Parade, and I look forward to watching their future performances. prgtoken , from Georgia (Mr. Collins). Go Dawgs