mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING JAMES J. MOSCONI
Brandon Williams (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-12-1

I rise today to honor James J. Mosconi, Jr. of Liverpool, NY for his distinguished career with the United States Postal Service. prgtoken Mr. Mosconi was born in Syracuse, NY on Oct. 14, 1951, to Roslyn and James Mosconi, Sr who was also employed by the USPS. James, Jr. followed in his father's footsteps after having graduated from LeMoyne College with a degree in sociology. He started his career with the USPS part-time during the Christmas season in 1973 at the main post office in downtown Syracuse. In 1979, he was promoted to a full-time clerk/ carrier at the office in Liverpool, NY. prgtoken At various points, Mr. Mosconi was called on for assignments outside his main location. For instance, he was the Officer in Charge at the Hastings, NY office for a stint in 1991. He also worked as an instructor at the Taft Road Main Office, and later taught computer usage at the downtown office. He even ran stamp shows at local parks and the New York State Fair. prgtoken Throughout his nearly 50-year career, Mr. Mosconi embodied everything an employer could hope for in an employee, namely, dedication, product and service knowledge, a passion for customer service, and unparalleled reliability. His work ethic, the processes he helped to implement, and his amiable and gentle nature will undoubtedly live on at this branch for years to come. And, most importantly, he remained a devoted father, making his five children incredibly proud of his hard work and dedication over the years. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 22nd Congressional District, I would like to commend Mr. Mosconi for his nearly five decades of federal employment and his outstanding commitment toward improved Postal Service operations and serving our Central New York community. James J. Mosconi's many contributions to the United States Postal Service--and to the Liverpool branch in particular--will be felt for many years to come.
THE GAZA STRIP
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2023-12-1

one more issue I would address so that the American public is aware, is that when we put together what I think a normal person would refer to our budget, we try to break it into 12 different parts, which we call appropriations bills. prgtoken The Senate has an appropriations bill--we are trying to get them to break things up--and the House has separate appropriations bills, and then negotiations take place between the House and the Senate to see what the new law will be. prgtoken Now, there are a variety of the things that the press should be paying attention to in these bills. A lot of things are details with regard to spending. prgtoken We have to remember that right now we are borrowing about 22 percent of our budget. I hope all Americans are paying attention as debates are being had over every item in these appropriations bills, as to whether we are spending more or spending less. prgtoken Remember, the reason we have these high interest rates, which are making it almost impossible for young people to buy a house, is because of inflation, which comes from excessive spending. That is one thing for people to look up. prgtoken The thing I want to address today is that in almost every one of these bills there are efforts being made to increase the number of bureaucrats who are involved in diversity. prgtoken In other words, people are going to get into these agencies, and rather than doing something productive, they are going to stick their nose in and say when we hire somebody, when we promote somebody, when we fire somebody, whether we give somebody a grant or not, one of the things to look at is that person's ethnic background. prgtoken This is an incredibly divisive thing to do. These people add nothing--by the people, I mean the diversity bureaucrats--add nothing to the wealth of our country, but they do create divisiveness because they begin to cause people to view themselves not as Americans first, but they begin to say: What are you going to give me because my ancestors are from Africa? What are you going to give me because my ancestors are from Southeast Asia? What are you going to give me because my ancestors are from India? What are you going to give me because my ancestors are from Bolivia? prgtoken That is a very dangerous thing to do. Also, this is something that is going to result in kind of lower standards, because rather than just saying we are going to hire the best person for the job, you begin to look at people's ancestry. prgtoken There are going to have to be debates on every one of these 12 bills in which we say, are we going to let new committees into these bills? Are we going to let new bureaucrats into these bills who use their power to judge people solely by ancestry? prgtoken I hope that, again, our press corps, which is sometimes missing the boat on these issues--and in there, I will even include the conservative press corps--I hope that they pay attention as each one of these bills
HONORING STUDENTS FROM THE NATIONAL YOUTH ORCHESTRA
John H. Rutherford (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-12-1

I rise today with great pride to honor five students from my district who were selected to perform at the 2023 National Youth Orchestra. prgtoken Each summer, Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute invites some of the brightest young musicians from across the country to travel the world in a free, multi-week training residency with world-class professional musicians. prgtoken The National Youth Orchestra participates in a platform to shine on a global stage. Today, I recognize five of the 2023 National Youth Orchestra participants from my district. prgtoken They are Beckett Miles from Jacksonville; Leila Warren from Ponte Vedra Beach; Nelson Keakopa from St. Johns County; and Luke Valian Malobay from Jacksonville; and Theodore ``TJ'' Shistle from Jacksonville. prgtoken Thanks to countless hours of practice, determination, and dedication, these students have participated in performances which have touched the hearts of audiences around the world and demonstrated an outstanding proficiency, grace, and commitment to excellence. prgtoken On behalf of Florida's Fifth Congressional District, congratulations to each of these young musicians for their contribution to the field of music performance, their passion for their craft, and their willingness to share their talent. prgtoken , our community is behind them as they go on to accomplish their future accolades.
WELCOMING GUEST CHAPLAIN JARED TIMBERLAKE
Brad R. Wenstrup (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-12-1

. Madam , I rise today to welcome Reverend Jared Timberlake and his family to the House Chamber. prgtoken Reverend Timberlake has dedicated his life to selfless service, first through his time as a fellow Army soldier and then later through his work as a youth minister and pastor at Sandhill Baptist Church in Scioto County, Ohio. prgtoken As President George Washington said in his farewell address: ``Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports.'' prgtoken Nearly 250 years later, I am glad we welcome our religious leaders to the people's House to open our work with prayer. prgtoken Madam , I thank Reverend Timberlake for his decades of service to our country and to the local Scioto County community.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE BUREAU OF CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION RELATING TO "SMALL BUSINESS LENDING UNDER THE EQUAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITY ACT (REGULATION...
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-12-1

. Madam , I rise today in support of S.J. Res. 32, which would repeal the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) 1071 rule, which mandates burdensome personal data collection from small businesses when they apply for loans from financial institutions. prgtoken I very much thank Mr. Williams, the chairman of the Small Business Committee, for introducing a similar resolution here in the House for which I am a cosponsor. prgtoken Madam , we are hearing some information that should be of great interest to us all, that there is no need for small businesses to comply with the 1071 rule if, in fact, what we just heard is accurate. prgtoken I will take it a little bit further here. It is clear in Dodd-Frank at section prgtoken 1071 that any applicant for credit may refuse to provide any information requested pursuant to subsection B in connection with any application for credit. prgtoken However, the CFPB 1071 rule says a low response rate to this rule may indicate a failure to comply. Therefore, the CFPB gets the statute wrong, and this is another example of their overreach. If the statute is clear that any applicant may refuse, then how can refusal somehow be a sign that a lender is not complying with the statute? Lenders know and are rightfully concerned that failing to get a high response rate will likely result in running afoul of the CFPB or being publicly named and shamed by progressive activists. Regulating to generate fear among law-abiding businesses is terrible public policy, Madam . prgtoken I urge us to be real here, to deal with the real world, to actually engage small businesses as the CFPB should do along with consumers, along with homeowners, along with small businesses. prgtoken We need to support this resolution, and I urge all Members of this House, as well as President , to stand with small businesses.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE BUREAU OF CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION RELATING TO "SMALL BUSINESS LENDING UNDER THE EQUAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITY ACT (REGULATION...
Patrick T. McHenry (Republican, NC) \u2014 2023-12-1

. Madam , small businesses are the lifeblood of the American economy. When you burden small business, you limit job growth, economic gain, economic opportunity, and American growth. With more regulation on businesses, it drives up the cost of doing business. prgtoken I commend the chair of the Small Business Committee for this resolution that we have on the House floor today that is in support of American small business. This resolution would stop the CFPB's small business data collection rule, which is onerous, overly complex, and difficult to implement. All American businesses would be burdened by it--disproportionately, the small businesses that create most of the jobs in America. prgtoken This rule would stifle American businesses' access to affordable credit, and it will facilitate the naming and shaming of lenders whose business practices are legal, nondiscriminatory, and safe and sound. prgtoken The progressive activists on the left want to use that database so they can call out the things that they don't like for political activism. I don't think that is responsible. I don't think that is in the interest of the American economy, and it surely is not in the interest of consumer protection. prgtoken Madam , let's support this resolution. Let's oppose the rule. Let's support small business.
CELEBRATING RUTH SELLERS' 100TH BIRTHDAY
Tom McClintock (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-12-1

I rise to wish a happy 100th birthday to Ruth Sellers of Mariposa, although the general consensus is she is really in her midfifties. Skeptical or not, the town is going to celebrate with her tomorrow. From our Nation's Capital, I want to join them to express our love and respect. prgtoken An Army brat, she spent her youth in prewar China and the Philippines. In the war, when she wasn't Rosie the Riveter at the Newport shipyard, she was a USO volunteer, where she met her husband, Earl. prgtoken After a successful career at IBM, she retired to Mariposa in 1986 and has since been a terrifyingly inexhaustible force of nature in so many community endeavors it would take an hour to catalog. prgtoken She will be celebrating many more birthdays in the year ahead, and Mariposa will be better for it. prgtoken Happy birthday, Ruth.
CONGRATULATING KIT SEKELSKY
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-12-1

I rise today to recognize Warren County native Kit Sekelsky for her success on ``Jeopardy!.'' In 2021, Kit won three games, taking home nearly $40,000. prgtoken Earlier this month, she had the opportunity to compete again as part of the Second Chance Tournament. The Second Chance Tournament gives champions from past seasons an opportunity to qualify for this season's Tournament of Champions. Kit was able to make it out of the quarterfinal before finishing second in the semifinal match. prgtoken While she was unable to move forward in the competition, Kit earned the elusive ``Jeopardy!'' champion title. prgtoken Congratulations, Kit, on this special achievement.
RECOGNIZING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF WDSU CHANNEL 6
Steve Scalise (Republican, LA) \u2014 2023-12-1

I rise to honor and recognize a local television station, WDSU Channel 6, on their 75th Anniversary. On December 18, 1948, WDSU became the first television station to ``sign on'' in the State of Louisiana and the Gulf Coast region and for the next nine years would remain our only local station. prgtoken Starting with the invocation of archdiocesan chancellor Monsignor Charles J. Plauche in 1948, WDSU has been an eyewitness for historical moments that have shaped our region. WDSU was on the scene during the building of the Crescent City Connection which connects New Orleans' East Bank to the West Bank. The station was there to provide the first live election results in the Greater New Orleans area, and WDSU reporters were the only ones to live broadcast the World's Fair in New Orleans in 1984. The station chronicled the moments leading up to landfall of Hurricane Katrina, with coverage during the storm, and the days, months, and years following as the people of Southeast Louisiana recovered and rebuilt. The station has since covered other major storms to hit the area including Hurricanes Gustav, Ike, Laura, and Ida. prgtoken The name WDSU is widely recognized across the Greater New Orleans area but not prgtoken many know the significance behind the name. The ``W'' in WDSU is used by stations east of the Mississippi River. The ``D'' honors the Desoto Hotel where the original radio station, formerly known as WCBE, broadcasted above. The ``S'' is a nod to the old New Orleans States newspaper, and the ``U'' recognizes Joe Uhalt who bought the original radio station. prgtoken It is truly my pleasure to recognize WDSU's 75th Anniversary. On behalf of the great people of Louisiana's First Congressional District, I thank the anchors, photographers, journalists, and the whole staff at WDSU for their continued coverage of breaking news, historical events, and representation of the Greater New Orleans area, ensuring our community is informed and entertained. WDSU's commitment to public service and broadcasting does not go unnoticed and is appreciated by the entire New Orleans region.
WHAT WE CAN TAKE TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE
Mike Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-12-1

. Madam , one of our colleagues recently asked what our House majority has been doing that we can campaign on, things we can take back to the American people. prgtoken In addition to James Comer and Jim Jordan exposing 's corruption, all committees have exposed Federal agencies, keeping them in check. It is not just here in D.C. We have been taking our hearings all over the country to learn what needs fixing from the American people. prgtoken We have passed bills to unleash our energy sector, secure our border, and cut spending. We have sent bills over to the Senate to modernize Federal agencies and reduce regulations. We have passed 7 of 12 appropriations bills that cut spending and rein in unelected bureaucracies. We would have had all 12 of our appropriations done by now if Members would not stop making perfect the enemy of the good by taking down rules and bills that cut spending. prgtoken To those who want to make more cuts, I do, too, and we can work on that. Let's at least start by getting off the Pelosi budget and cutting something. That is something we could campaign on, but only if we do it.
RECOGNIZING THE 15TH ANNUAL FAMILY CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA
Bill Posey (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-12-1

on Saturday, December 16, 2023, Brevard County families, businesses and local community organizations will gather to celebrate the 15th Annual Family Christmas Extravaganza. This wonderful event, which will take place at Fred Poppe Regional Park in Palm Bay, FL, will provide an uplifting message of hope and future during this Christmas season. prgtoken The House Church, River of Life Christian Center, Elevation Church, Eastwind Pentecostal Church, Grace Bible Church, Jornada al Cielo, Church on the Rock, Truth Reveal Ministries, Wings of Grace Ministries, CITA Rescue Mission, have all united to bring the 15th Annual Family Christmas Extravaganza to our City and County. prgtoken Working with several community and business partners such as the City of Palm Bay Parks & Recreation, Thrifty Specialty Produce, Chick-Fil-A, Fruits of my Labor, Engel & Volkers, Gator Automotive, the Mortgage Firm, Frog Bones-Family Shooting Center, Z88.3FM, All Digital All Day, Grifols Plasma Distribution Center, Double Scope, Al Dia Today Newspaper, Martin's Famous Potato Rolls, SMTC Manufacturing, and Premiere Oaks 10 Cinema, the mission is to provide a positive venue for residents and children to celebrate Christmas, serve others and give back to their community. prgtoken Over sixty local businesses and organizations have made donations of toys, food, gift certificates, equipment, finances, and goodie bags, and will feature musicians and artist such as Unified Sound with Joel Lopez, Peabod, Carl Lewis and the Intensity Band, Eddie Anthony as Eddie Frost, Jalixa Morales as FA-LA-LA-LA-LIXA and Corey Sprenkle with S & S Sound. prgtoken Senior Pastor Ken Delgado of The House at Palm Bay said: ``With today's news being filled with division, contention, and expressions of hatred, it is exciting to see the City of Palm Bay, along with the city's businesses and the citizens, create an event where love, joy and peace are expressed. The Family Christmas Extravaganza is the greatest expression that so many people yearn for and is what the angels proclaimed at the birth of Jesus, saying `Peace and good will towards all men'.'' prgtoken The Mayor of the City of Palm Bay, Rob Medina, issued a proclamation in support for this year's celebration, recognizing the Extravaganza has become the largest Christmas party on the Space Coast and December 16, 2023, as Family Christmas Extravaganza Day. prgtoken The spirit of the holidays is all about giving and spending time with loved ones. This year's Extravaganza brings our community together to remind us of that. I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting all those who are doing their part to spread the Christmas spirit this holiday season and those who have worked so hard to make the 15th Annual Family Christmas Extravaganza possible.
CELEBRATING GARDEN CLUB OF ORANGE PARK ON THEIR 75TH ANNIVERSARY
Aaron Bean (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-12-1

do you know what always works when you are in trouble with your spouse? prgtoken Flowers. prgtoken Science has shown that not only do flowers make us happier, but they have a strong positive effect on our emotional well-being. prgtoken No stranger to the power of flowers are the dedicated members of the Garden Club of Orange Park. prgtoken Since 1948, this club has bloomed into a staple for the beautification of northeast Florida, and today I rise to commemorate them on their 75th birthday. Let's all agree, they don't look a day over 29. prgtoken Through countless projects, they have nurtured a spirit of environmental awareness and sustainable living. The fruits of their labor include actual fruit trees at homes built by Habitat for Humanity and gardens at local elementary schools. prgtoken The Garden Club has not only enriched our physical surroundings, but it has also transformed public spaces, creating havens of tranquility and beauty for all to enjoy. prgtoken On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Florida, I thank each member, past and present, for their commitment to environmental preservation and exceptional community service. I trust that their legacy will continue to bloom for generations to come. prgtoken , it is a joy to wish the Garden Club of Orange Park a happy 75th anniversary.
HONORING THE MEMORY OF NANCY PALMER
Kevin Kiley (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-12-1

following the discovery of a secret, illegal Chinese biolab in California, I requested an investigation by the House. prgtoken The Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party recently released its highly disturbing report, and I commend the select committee and Chair Gallagher for getting to the bottom of many of the disturbing facts in play here. prgtoken The lab was run, we have learned from the committee's report, by an international fugitive from China named Jesse Zhu. prgtoken After running various state-connected companies in China, Mr. Zhu moved to Canada where he set up dozens of corporations to steal valuable American intellectual property and unlawfully transfer it to China. prgtoken The Supreme Court of British Columbia found he committed fraud on an epic scale, resulting in a $330 million judgment. prgtoken He then fled to America, assumed a new alias, David He, and set up several more companies, including the one behind this lab in Reedley, California. prgtoken The lab was discovered nearly a year ago when a code inspector came upon a suspicious warehouse in Reedley. There was a hose out of the back of the warehouse. Inside, she found many Chinese nationals wearing white lab coats, glasses, masks, and latex gloves, along with thousands of vials of biological substances, and 1,000 mice. Some of the mice were actually found dead. prgtoken It was later learned that these were transgenic mice, genetically engineered to catch and carry the COVID-19 virus. prgtoken A further inspection found blood tissue and other bodily fluid samples and serums, along with thousands of vials of selected biological material. Some of the vials were labeled with the names of infectious agents, while others were labeled in a code that was never deciphered. prgtoken At first, the CDC refused to investigate. They even hung up on local officials who had called to ask for help when they learned about the lab. prgtoken The local Representative got involved and, finally, the CDC did do an inspection. They found at least 20 potentially infectious agents, including HIV, tuberculosis, and the deadliest known form of Malaria. Yet still, the CDC didn't bother to test any of these samples. They simply accepted what was on the label even if the contents were unknown. They didn't test it even if there was a code they couldn't decipher. prgtoken The committee said this made it impossible for them to fully assess the potential risks that this specific facility posed to the community. prgtoken The select committee report calls this decision by the CDC ``baffling.'' Later, local officials discovered a refrigerator in the lab that had eluded the CDC that was labeled ``Ebola.'' prgtoken Now, while the supposed purpose of the lab was to sell various medical test kits, all this company actually did was buy counterfeit kits from China and then resell them here in the United States. Thus, as the committee put it, there was a lack of apparent leg