mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
JOSEPH WOODROW HATCHETT UNITED STATES COURTHOUSE AND FEDERAL BUILDING-- Continued
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2022-6-23

I rise today in strong support of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. prgtoken Once again, our Nation has been horrified by mass shootings, this time of shoppers killed in Buffalo, NY, and of schoolchildren and teachers murdered in Texas. prgtoken Twelve of us have come together to develop the bipartisan proposal before us to help address the gun violence that is plaguing our country. We were led by Senators Chris Murphy, John Cornyn, Kyrsten Sinema, and Thom Tillis. I want to thank and recognize each of them for their efforts. prgtoken Our commonsense plan increases needed mental health resources, improves school safety and support for students, and helps ensure that dangerous criminals and those who are adjudicated as suffering from mental illness cannot purchase firearms. If enacted, our bill will save lives. At the same time, it steadfastly protects the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners. It is not hyperbole to say that this legislation represents the most significant gun safety legislation in decades. prgtoken I would like to highlight two specific provisions of this bill that I worked on and that will have a significant impact in Maine and across the country. prgtoken First, our bill will fund crisis intervention programs, like Maine's yellow flag law, which our State supreme court just upheld as constitutional this very week. prgtoken Maine's law, which has robust due-process protections, allows the court--following an assessment by a medical professional--to determine if individuals should temporarily lose possession of firearms because they pose a serious threat to themselves or to others. Maine's law was developed in consultation with the Sportsman Alliance of Maine, and it has likely saved lives. prgtoken This Federal legislation will provide Maine with more resources to fully implement this important program. It will help connect law enforcement, medical professionals, and people in crisis through telehealth services, as well as provide additional financial help to ensure that the law can be efficiently and effectively utilized when necessary. prgtoken Second, our bill will also help keep guns out of the hands of dangerous criminals. The bipartisan package includes the Stop Illegal Trafficking and prgtoken Firearms Act that I coauthored with Senator Patrick Leahy. It cracks down on straw purchasing and firearms trafficking. prgtoken I would like, particularly, to thank Senator Heinrich, with whom I worked to further refine this proposal so that it could be included in this bipartisan package. Senator Heinrich was a wonderful partner as we worked through all of the details of this provision. prgtoken The trafficking of firearms to violent criminals, gangs, and drug trafficking groups presents a serious threat to public safety in communities across America. Straw purchasers--individuals who purchase guns for other people who are prohibited by law from receiving such weapons
HONORING THE SERVICE OF COLONEL MICHAEL F. BRESLIN
Barry Moore (Republican, AL) \u2014 2022-6-23

. Madam , today, I recognize the service of Colonel Michael Breslin. prgtoken Over 30 years ago, Michael began a long and storied career in the U.S. Army. Michael began his career in 1992, attending flight school at Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he learned to fly the U.S. Military's premier medium lift tactical transport aircraft, the UH-60 Black Hawk. Michael then went on to serve in a myriad of commands starting at Fort Campbell and Fort Bragg, then moving to several locations in Asia and Europe--ultimately becoming the Commander of the 1-214th Aviation Regiment in May 2005, where he served until May 2007. prgtoken At the conclusion of his service with the 214th Aviation regiment, Michael went on to earn his Master of Business Administration degree from Webster University. Upon completion of his degree, he assumed the position of Directorate of Evaluation and Standardization Operations Officer, where he established Army aviation policy and ensured compliance across all mission sets and components. He also went on to plan and execute four separate team deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan to assist deployed commanders and bring back evolving tactics to follow on units. Immediately following this assignment, he served as the Commander of the 1-228th Aviation Regiment in Central America. prgtoken In 2012, Michael was assigned to the Pentagon, where he served as the Chief, Current Operations, U.S. Army Aviation G3, and was responsible for the movement of over 1,000 aircraft in and out of numerous combat zones, sequencing all redeployed aircraft to the Reset program while ensuring Commanders were adequately resourced for their mission. While serving in this capacity, Michael simultaneously managed over 300 taskings over the course of his two-year assignment. prgtoken Michael was subsequently returned home to Alabama, where he served as Director, Army Medical Evacuation Proponency, defining and articulating Aeromedical Evacuation requirements for the entire U.S. Army. He also managed all programmatic efforts to sustain and improve the aeromedical evacuation fleet of over 600 aircraft, and he successfully collaborated with over twenty different entities--centered on the training, organizing and funding of the Army medical evacuation program. prgtoken Colonel Breslin's final assignment came in 2018 as he took on the title of Assistant Dean of the U.S. Army School of Aviation Medicine. In this position, he oversees fourteen programs of instruction, including 37 staff members and over 2,000 students. prgtoken After 30 years of military service, Michael began his hard-earned and well-deserved retirement on June 1, 2022. Colonel Breslin represents the best of what this country has to offer. Michael and his family have given so much over the years, and I could not be prouder to pay tribute and honor his decades of selfless, dedicated service to our country.
BIDEN MUST ADDRESS OPEN BORDERS FOR TERRORISTS
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2022-6-23

. Madam , American families are at greater risk of mass murder terrorist attacks than ever before due to the failing border policies of President . prgtoken Intentionally opening the southern border, nearly 3 million illegal aliens from over 160 countries have intruded since took office. prgtoken American jobs are destroyed. Deadly drugs are smuggled by cartels, leading to over 100,000 deaths last year, devastating American families. Most gruesome is the imminent danger of known terrorists from the Terrorist Screening Database crossing into America. prgtoken Last year, in Del Rio, Texas, officials would not reveal to me the number of terrorists crossing. Now, we see the threat is real, with 50 terrorists just this year. These terrorists are skilled, well-financed, fully equipped, and maniacally motivated mass murderers. prgtoken Open borders for terrorists must be addressed. should now take every action to protect American families. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully protected America for 20 years in the global war on terrorism, as it continues, moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America.
PENDING ECONOMIC DISASTER
David Schweikert (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2022-6-23

. I promise you, I am going to use all 5 minutes. prgtoken This is the cruelty now to poor people, to the working poor, to that hardworking middle class, to those retirees. When you come to them and say, all right, let's take a look here. prgtoken Forgive the colors, but the green would have been if we had hit the 2 percent sort of Federal Reserve benchmark inflation goal. This here is where we seem to be annualizing right now, and this is some of the newest projection for the next couple years. It is about 7.4. prgtoken But when you see this bar come down, it basically means the $100 you had in 2022, if you get to 2032, so a decade, that $100 you have, if we stay at this sort of inflation rate, functionally, you have lost half of its purchasing value. prgtoken So you have saved and saved and saved and saved and saved, and if you start running--if the current interest or current inflation environment were to hang around for a decade, at the end of that decade, half the value is gone. You have lost half of your savings. prgtoken This is what is going on. What if it is just for 2 years? You start just doing it for 2 years, and you start to realize you have lost almost a quarter. Then you compound that out to you want to retire one day. You want to finance your kids' school. You want to do these things. prgtoken Do you understand how the difference of your earning power has to change just to make up for the loss of the value? I represent a community that is going through 11 percent inflation rates. prgtoken Then the last one in the last how many seconds I have. Please. Please. Someone hire an economist to talk to the White House. A gas tax holiday? I mean, you can hear the economists rolling on their backs laughing right now. prgtoken pro tem, thank you for your tolerance tonight. .
SUPPORTING THE SECOND AMENDMENT
Mary E. Miller (Republican, IL) \u2014 2022-6-23

. Madam , today is a historic day as the Supreme Court upheld the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms. prgtoken I thank President for appointing Justices who defended the constitutional rights of gun owners. prgtoken It is unfortunate that at the same time the Supreme Court is upholding our Second Amendment rights, Congress is working behind closed doors to push unconstitutional red flag gun confiscation. prgtoken I strongly oppose efforts by the House and Senate to infringe upon the Second Amendment rights of my constituents, and I urge this body to reject the gun control legislation.
FARM BILL IMPACT SERIES
Tracey Mann (Republican, KS) \u2014 2022-6-23

I rise today to deliver the twelfth installment of my Farm Bill Impact Series: The Second State of Agriculture. prgtoken We are at the end of the second quarter, and one of the biggest issues facing agriculture across the board is the cost of things. Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers are laboring under the skyrocketing input costs while they work hard to keep our country fed, fueled, and clothed. They deserve workable solutions to this inflation crisis before the situation gets any worse. prgtoken The U.S. farm economy crashed in the early to mid-1980s due in part to surging inflation. From 2000 to 2020, the average annual rate of inflation was 2.1 percent, which economists consider a normal rate of inflation that helps drive overall economic growth. Last year, prices increased 7 percent overall throughout 2021, which was the largest December-to-December percentage change since 1981. prgtoken Inflation is a matter of life and death for the American farm. We saw it in the early 1980s, and now we are seeing it again. Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers are feeling the effects of inflation more acutely than almost anyone else in America. prgtoken In agriculture, commodity prices generally rise during periods of inflation, but input costs rise as well. Data collected by USDA shows that over the past three decades, on average, the input costs for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers tend to increase more than the rate of inflation and more than the prices that they receive for their products. To make matters worse, USDA estimates that input costs will continue to rise at least 5 to 6 percent throughout 2022. prgtoken In the last 12 months, feed, supplies, and repairs are all up 13 percent while ag chemicals, building materials, and machinery are all up 21 percent. prgtoken Most shockingly, just during the last 12 months, fuel is up 115 percent, natural gas is up 202 percent, and fertilizer is up 220 percent. prgtoken Think about that. This year it is costing farmers more than double what it cost last year to farm their land. prgtoken The farm bill contains relief safety net programs like crop insurance and livestock indemnity, but these programs don't account for the rising costs of fuel, fertilizer, pesticides, and seed. Agriculture is a business, and business owners can't afford to lose money year after year, which is happening now thanks to skyrocketing inflation. We need to get this situation under control. prgtoken A Kansas wheat grower recently said to me: ``Fertilizer is one of the largest expenses on any commercial farming operation. My farm has already used more than 450 tons of fertilizer for this cropping season, which includes nearly 350,000 pounds of UAN, specifically. Even though we cut back on how much we use because of the increased price, it will still cost our farm almost $70,000 more than last year. Looking forward, we will undoubtedly have to cut back on fe
SUPPORT THE RESILIENCY OF OUR NATION'S GREAT VETERANS ACT OF 2022
Mike Bost (Republican, IL) \u2014 2022-6-23

. Madam , the balance of my time. prgtoken First off, I say thank you to all the people who have worked on this important piece of legislation for the support that it is has received. prgtoken The important thing is that we get the care, treatment, and support for all the veterans who are considering suicide and the families who suffer from the fact that they have done it. prgtoken Madam , I encourage all of my colleagues to support this bill, and .
RECOGNIZING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF OTTUMWA'S COLLINS CLINGMAN
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-6-23

I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of Maxwell Rantilla of Bettendorf, Iowa. prgtoken Maxwell is currently a junior at Bettendorf High School. This past year, Maxwell joined millions of students across the country in taking the ACT test. This test is used by colleges to help with admissions decisions and tests students on their knowledge of English, reading, math, and science. prgtoken Maxwell's commitment to studying paid off when he got a perfect score on the ACT. Out of the millions of high schoolers who take the standardized test, only 0.5 percent receive a perfect score. prgtoken Maxwell is very involved at Bettendorf High School, qualifying for the national tournament the past 3 years in the speech and debate club. He is a member of the school band and the president of Bettendorf High School's National Honor Society. prgtoken I congratulate Maxwell on this outstanding accomplishment. I know that this is just the beginning of his journey, and I cannot wait to hear about his future accomplishments and endeavors.
LGBTQI+ DATA INCLUSION ACT
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-6-23

. Madam , the amendment admits that the ultimate purpose of this bill is to steer taxpayers' hard-earned dollars to yet another demographic subgroup. prgtoken The amendment requires GAO to report on how the bill will impact Federal agency provision of services to individuals--in other words, how Federal prgtoken grant programs and financial assistance will be provided based on people's sexual orientation and gender identity. prgtoken House s believe that all Americans deserve equal treatment and respect. In fact, that is guaranteed under our Constitution. We oppose the continual dividing of Americans for political purposes. This amendment is pure identity politics and an abuse of taxpayer dollars. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to vote against this amendment, and .
PENDING ECONOMIC DISASTER
Alexander X. Mooney (Republican, WV) \u2014 2022-6-23

as a competitive college rugby player at Dartmouth College, I picked up a love for the game of rugby. I continue to enjoy watching the sport as a Member of the U.S. Congress. I proudly serve as the co-chair of the Congressional Rugby Caucus, and I am honored to be an advocate for the Rugby World Cup. I am thrilled to rise today to celebrate that the United States has been named the host site of both the 2031 Men's Rugby World Cup and the 2033 Women's Rugby World Cup, a monumental accomplishment that brings the third largest sporting event in the world to our shores. prgtoken Earlier this year, my caucus co-chair, Eleanor Holmes Norton, and I introduced a bipartisan concurrent resolution to recognize and support the efforts of USA Rugby and its partners to bring upcoming Rugby World Cup tournaments to the United States. Rugby is one of the fastest growing sports in the United States with more than 100,000 USA Rugby members playing in over 2,500 clubs nationwide. prgtoken The United States possesses all the necessary state-of-the-art infrastructure in its stadiums and potential host cities to ensure that the tournaments set a new standard of quality, comfort, security, and safety for players, fans, and sponsors. The eventual location of U.S.- based Rugby World Cup events will be chosen from a group of over one dozen cities in the United States. prgtoken Rugby is about so much more than the tailgaiting and tackling. At its core, rugby teaches comradery, resilience, and respect for the opposition. It is also a sport with a massive international reach. With rugby boasting 405 million fans across the globe, the Men's Rugby World Cup has become among the most popular sporting events in the world. I congratulate all the hardworking individuals at USA Rugby who have spent a huge amount of time and effort on the lengthy and involved bid process. I would also like to recognize the efforts and vision of the leadership from World Rugby and the World Rugby Council. prgtoken This moment marks a pivotal turning point for the sport of rugby in the United States and around the world. This will be the first time a Men's Rugby World Cup has been held in North or South America. A new hosting concept has been put in place as the United States stages consecutive men's and women's events within the same organizational structure. prgtoken A projected 4.1 million fans will attend both the men's and women's Rugby World Cup events in the United States. Recent Rugby World Cup tournaments have brought more than 242,000 international fans from around the world into the host countries and seen more than 1.7 million spectators flock to the stadiums, generating significant revenue at the local and national level. prgtoken USA and World Rugby will now lead a multi-year effort to build anticipation for 2031 and 2033 while developing infrastructure to guarantee successful tournaments. Additionally, USA Rugby will use the next decade t
KEEP KIDS FED ACT OF 2022
Michelle Steel (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-6-23

. Madam , the balance of my time. prgtoken Madam , the Keep Kids Fed Act is a bipartisan, budget-neutral bill that supports students and protects taxpayers. This bill will return our school nutrition programs back to normal, pre-pandemic operations. I appreciate the majority working with us to ensure this is a true transition back to regular operation, which is fully paid for and includes a requirement to support parents and school leaders. prgtoken This legislation will also support schools dealing with the supply chain and inflation crisis. This allows our Nation's schools to focus on delivering healthy meals for students so they can focus on being successful in the classroom. I am pleased we were able to come to a bicameral and bipartisan solution, and I urge my colleagues to vote for the Keep Kids Fed Act. prgtoken Madam , .
CELEBRATING THE MILITARY SERVICE AND RETIREMENT OF LTC JASON MALONE
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2022-6-23

. Madam , today I rise to recognize the outstanding military service and retirement of Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Jason Malone. He has demonstrated a devotion to America throughout hit long and distinguished military career in the U.S. Army and as a member of the Mississippi Army National Guard. prgtoken In 1995, LTC Malone completed Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training. Additional professional development training included the Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Course (2000), Reserve Officer Training Corps (Commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in 2003), Armor Officer Basic Course (2003-2004), Advanced Military Transition Trainer Course, Combat Lifesavers Course (2008), Logistics Captain's Career Course (2008), Logistics Captain's Career Course (2009), Command General Staff College (20I3-2014), Division Transportation Officer (2014), Joint Planners Course, and Airborne Course. prgtoken LTC Malone is proud of his military service. He served in the Mississippi Army National Guard (155th Armored Brigade) from January 1998 until May 2003. LTC Malone is a third generation 82nd Airborne Paratrooper. He led troops in combat as a Tank Platoon Leader with 3rd Infantry Division and Company Commander in the 82nd ABN Division. LTC Malone was selected as an Infantry (enlisted active duty), an Armor Officer (Tanks) and a Logistics Officer. He was also selected for Battalion Command (declined due to family reasons). Additionally, LTC Malone was selected as one of twelve Division Transportation Officers in the U.S. Army. LTC Malone served on four combat tours, six months in Europe for Operation Atlantic Resolve (Russian Deterrence Operations) and is most proud to have always served in critical and the most sought-after positions in his field for the Army. Prior to retirement, LTC Malone served at the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) from June 2018 until July 2022. prgtoken LTC Malone's combat tours were as follows: Iraq (Samarra) 2005-2006 as a Tank Platoon Leader (3rd Infantry Division), Iraq 2008-2009 (Mosul) as a Military Transition Trainer to the Iraqi Army, Afghanistan (Bagram) 2014-2015 as the Mobility Chief for all U.S. Forces- Afghanistan with the 3rd Infantry Division, and Iraq (Al Asad Airbase or AAAB) May-December 2011 as a Company Commander with the 82nd Airborne Division. prgtoken LTC Malone's proud and accomplished military service has earned him prestigious awards. His awards are the Bronze Star Medal (BSM) x three, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (DMSM) x two, the Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) x three, the Army Commendation Medal (ARCOM) x two, and the Army Achievement Medal (AAM) x three. prgtoken LTC Malone is a graduate of Saltillo High School. In addition to his distinguished military accomplishments, LTC Malone earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice. He is the proud husband of his wife, Cheryl, and father to their three