mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 ORIGIN ACT OF 2023
Brad R. Wenstrup (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-3-10

. Madam , I rise in support of S. 619, the COVID- 19 Origin Act of 2023. The American people deserve answers on the origins of the COVID-19 virus, a novel coronavirus that sparked a pandemic and has killed nearly 7 million people worldwide to date. prgtoken The impact of the pandemic on the American people has been catastrophic. We lost loved ones. Everyone has been touched. prgtoken Our physicians, nurses, and healthcare workers were strained beyond capacity. We had to contend with lockdowns and school closures resulting in learning loss, as well as shutdowns and job loss, and depression and suicide that spiked after these measures. prgtoken Many Americans still suffer physically, mentally, and economically from the impact of the virus and the measures taken during the pandemic. prgtoken This bill will provide some sunlight for the American people, scientists, and physicians. I am honored to be one of seven physicians on the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, as Dr. Bera referenced earlier. prgtoken In order for us to be able to predict, prepare, protect, and prevent against a future pandemic, we need to know how and where this pandemic began. prgtoken There are sound reasons to conclude that this particular virus may have resulted from a lab leak in the Wuhan Institute of Virology. prgtoken In the fall of 2019, well before Americans were aware of a problem in Wuhan, four unusual things happened at the Wuhan lab. Multiple researchers became sick with COVID-19-like symptoms, according to a State Department fact sheet. The Wuhan institute deleted the sequences of viruses that they had in their library. They changed control of the lab from civilian to military--highly unusual--and had a contractor redo the ventilation system in the laboratory. Furthermore, we know the Wuhan Institute of Virology was conducting gain-of-function research on novel bat coronaviruses by creating chimeric viruses, combining two viruses together to test infectivity, and infecting mice with these viruses for study. prgtoken The Wuhan lab applied to receive U.S. grant funding in order to insert what is called the furin cleavage site into novel coronaviruses, the same unique genetic aspect of COVID-19 that made it more infectious to humans. prgtoken Last Congress, I was honored to lead the House Intelligence Committee s in producing our second interim report on the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. This Congress, I am fortunate to continue this work as the chairman of the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic, where we will work on a bipartisan basis to follow the facts, conduct a fair investigation, and seek to deliver the truth to the American people. prgtoken This bill we are voting on today to declassify information on the origins of the COVID-19 virus will provide much-needed transparency for Americans who have lost so much in this tragedy, but it is only a start. prgtoken I look forward to continuing to wo
HONORING FOUR WOMEN WHO WENT THE EXTRA MILE
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2023-3-10

I rise today to honor the incredible achievement and sacrifice of four remarkable women. Carmen Bird, Shay Hartley, Kristen Gregor, and Mary Schramko completed the Norwegian Foot March on March 4, 2023. They did so in honor of Hunter Ritter, a veteran who tragically committed suicide. prgtoken These four women have shown remarkable courage, determination, and selflessness in carrying out this grueling march. prgtoken They each carried $500 worth of quarters, which equates to 25 pounds of weight, to donate to Biloxi High School Junior ROTC. In doing so, they also supported our veterans' 22 suicides a day movement as supporters. prgtoken Their physical and emotional sacrifices represent the struggles that our veterans face every day. The march was first held in 1915 as a test of endurance for soldiers in the Norwegian Army. prgtoken Carmen, Shay, Kristen, and Mary completed this march and demonstrated their solidarity with the brave men and women who serve our country. They have shown that they are willing to go the extra mile--or this case, for over 18 miles--to support those who have given so much in defense of our freedom. prgtoken , I ask that we please recognize the epidemic that is causing suicides in our veterans and other young people, and let's please do something to fix it.
COVID-19 ORIGIN ACT OF 2023
Michael R. Turner (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-3-10

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken I want to begin by thanking my ranking member. This bill comes to the House floor from the Senate with bipartisan support in the House, and it does so as a result of the leadership of the Ranking Member, Jim Himes. I appreciate his commitment to both the declassifying of information and to the importance of this information concerning COVID- 19, and for the fact that we are working in a bipartisan manner to do so. prgtoken This will be a very strong statement from this House today that we want to know the origins of COVID-19. The American public deserves to know the prgtoken answers, and that we are moving to declassify the information that we have available. prgtoken Madam , I ask for support of S. 619, and .
HONORING EDNA MORRIS
Nathaniel Moran (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-3-10

I rise today to honor my friend, Edna Morris, who recently joined our Lord in Heaven. prgtoken During my time as a Smith County judge, I had the pleasure of working directly with Edna, an optimistic, gentle, and patient woman who treated everyone around her with kindness. prgtoken Edna was devout in her faith and firmly knew that her eternal future was rooted in it. She never worried. Edna consistently encouraged those around her to see the good in every situation, and she led by example. prgtoken She persevered through many obstacles and lived a full life, passionately serving her community in any way that she could, from serving Smith County as chief deputy of elections to helping in her church office, to volunteering at her granddaughter's school. prgtoken In a world where people have the choice to be anything, she always chose to be kind. prgtoken Edna will be missed deeply by me and so many others in Smith County. My prayers are with her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her.
COVID-19 ORIGIN ACT OF 2023
Austin Scott (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-3-10

. Madam , like millions of people around the world, in 2020, I tested positive for COVID. I was fortunate. After several days in the hospital and 14 days on oxygen, I was able to recover. Many were not. prgtoken Americans and the rest of the world deserve to know exactly where this virus started and any details surrounding the origins of the virus that launched the globe into chaos. prgtoken If the CCP was not fully transparent during these times, people need to know that, as well. How long did they cover it up? How long did they know that this virus had been unleashed? prgtoken If we are going to defeat the Communist Chinese Party, our government has to be transparent about how malicious they have become. The U.S. and other freedom-loving Nations are going to have to join together to make sure that we expose their intent to the world. prgtoken I believe that we all have the right to know about the origins of COVID-19, and I urge my colleagues to support this resolution to require the Director of National Intelligence to declassify any of the information that we have on the origins of COVID and the CCP.
TRIBUTE TO KRIS JORDAN
Jim Jordan (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-3-10

I am honored to commend to the House the memory of Kristopher W. Jordan of Ostrander, who died unexpectedly at the age of 46 on February 25. Kris ably served the people of Delaware County in the Ohio House of Representatives. prgtoken Kris was a man of strong faith and strong conservative credentials. He was a leader of the pro-life movement in the General Assembly and a champion of smaller government throughout his time in government service, which included 8 years in the Ohio Senate and 6 as Delaware County Commissioner. prgtoken His dedication and connection to the people of his district was so strong that he would knock on thousands of doors each election season even when running unopposed. prgtoken , we are grateful that good men like Kris Jordan are willing to dedicate themselves to public service. We offer his family and especially his 3 children--Macy, David, and Everly--our deepest condolences at this difficult time.
GET AMERICANS WORKING AGAIN
Alexander X. Mooney (Republican, WV) \u2014 2023-3-10

going to work is more than just earning a paycheck. It is an important part of human dignity. Unfortunately, too many Americans are getting paid not to work. prgtoken According to a recent study, Americans can receive more money to stay home than they could putting in a hard day's work. According to the findings, a family of four in three States can receive more than $100,000 in cash and benefits per year without working. A further 14 States allow a family of four to receive more than $80,000 in cash and benefits without working. prgtoken In West Virginia, my home State, two unemployed parents with two minor children can make over $73,000 in unemployment benefits and healthcare subsidies. Unfortunately, this is more than essential workers, like our firefighters or our truck drivers, make in a year. prgtoken Hardworking West Virginians helped build America. From the coal industry to the logging industry, our Nation needs Mountaineers to keep America moving forward. prgtoken While it is true that the CARES Act provided unemployment benefits for Americans in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, the pandemic is over. Even President said as much on ``60 Minutes.'' prgtoken Now Congress needs to provide bipartisan solutions to get Americans working again.
HOW YOUR TAX DOLLARS ARE BEING SPENT
Chip Roy (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-3-10

. Right. It is now $26 trillion more than that, and the President is patting himself on the back for saying, well, we are not going to increase the debt by $20 trillion; we are only going to increase it by $17 trillion over the next decade by taxing and regulating the American people into oblivion. prgtoken I would just ask the gentleman a last question here, and then we are going to--in a couple of minutes I want to yield to my friend from West Virginia. prgtoken Would it surprise the gentleman that we are spending $158 million in economic, law enforcement, and military support for Mexico--so, again, the American people, you and I, we are funding to the tune of $158 million, Mexico's law enforcement and military, while it is becoming a narco-terrorist state; cartels are literally killing American citizens in Mexico; infiltrating our country, causing 72,000 dead Americans from fentanyl poisoning? This is the thing the American people don't understand. Does the gentleman agree?
CONGRATULATING CARL AND BETSY LONG OF LONG FARM
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-3-10

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Carl and Betsy Long of Coudersport, Pennsylvania, in Potter County for receiving the 2023 National Outstanding Young Farmers award. The National Outstanding Young Farmers award recognizes that: ``Today's farmer has become an active citizen, participating in everything from local and State government to civic groups and charitable organizations.'' prgtoken Beginning in 2007, the Longs began farming sweet corn on rented land in central Pennsylvania. With hard work, dedication, and help from their three children, the Longs have built a successful farm for green beans, wheat, oats, and potatoes across several thousand acres. prgtoken Though the Long Farm is just 15 years old, it now cultivates 10 million pounds of chipping potatoes each year, helping to supply 11 of Pennsylvania's renowned snack companies. prgtoken The Longs' love for agriculture extends beyond their family farm. Carl and Betsy are active on several agricultural advisory boards in Pennsylvania and participate in Ag Literacy Week and Farm Fridays in local schools. prgtoken The Long family is a model for hardworking Americans with a love for agriculture and community. I commend them on this outstanding achievement.
COVID-19 ORIGIN ACT OF 2023
Eric A. "Rick" Crawford (Republican, AR) \u2014 2023-3-10

. Madam , this bill is the beginning of transparency Americans deserve regarding COVID's entry into our Nation, a virus that has killed more than a million of our loved ones here at home and millions more across the world. prgtoken Our colleagues on the Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic will piece together all the facts and share them with the public, including the role played by elements of our government and the media to try to discredit those who told the truth about COVID. prgtoken This bill is focused on safe disclosure of what our intelligence agencies have learned about the central role foreign actors had in the creation and spread of this deadly virus. prgtoken It is important that Americans and others across the globe learn about the Chinese Communist Party's coverup of COVID's origins at its Wuhan research facility, as well as the World Health Organization's subsequent role in suppressing this truth. prgtoken Until China and others who echo China's false narrative face accountability and consequences for that, we are just inviting the next coverup.
COVID-19 ORIGIN ACT OF 2023
August Pfluger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-3-10

. Madam , for nearly 3 years now, the truth about COVID-19 and its origins have been hidden from the American people. We are at a real crossroads here. There should not be a single partisan fight over this issue. prgtoken We are talking about the lives of so many people, not only in our country, but also throughout the rest of the world. prgtoken Unfortunately, Big Government bureaucrats like Anthony Fauci abused their positions of power to disguise and distort the facts and to further a tyrannical approach to our country. prgtoken Anyone who dared ask the question about the origins of COVID, or chose to make an independent healthcare decision for their own family, were silenced, censored, and ostracized as conspiracy theorists. prgtoken Lo and behold, we stand here today with so many of these truths that were previously called conspiracy theories turning out to be true; the most glaring example being that Fauci knew as early as March of 2020 that the coronavirus leaked from a lab in Wuhan, China. prgtoken He spent the next 3 years dodging, misleading, mischaracterizing the possibility, and even using American taxpayer dollars to pay for studies to discredit that very thing. prgtoken This is not just unfortunate, this is truly astonishing. We wonder why the American people have a lack of trust in our government; it is because of these kinds of things. prgtoken My constituents deserve to know the truth. Everyone that is here, their constituents deserve to know the truth. prgtoken s delivered a Commitment to America that we would deliver accountability; that we would have a government that is accountable, and it starts with things like this. prgtoken We shouldn't fear government institutions. We should not fear the decisions that are made. But when you hide things, you mischaracterize things, and you mislead the public, we do. prgtoken That is part of our Commitment to America, to uncover these things and make accountable and transparent; to put things on the table and let people know the facts. That accountability is going to have to be for the lives that were lost, the livelihoods that were destroyed, and the years together that families were robbed of. prgtoken Pass this bill. Declassify this information, and let's get the truth.
COVID-19 ORIGIN ACT OF 2023
Gregory F. Murphy (Republican, NC) \u2014 2023-3-10

. Madam , I rise today in support of S. 619, a bill to require the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to declassify all information related to potential leaks between the Wuhan Institute of Virology and the origins of COVID-19. prgtoken We had red flags about COVID's origins from day one. If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it is probably a duck. Folks, this screams like a duck. prgtoken In January 2020, Dr. Fauci received emails that promulgated that COVID-19 looked engineered and not from the wild. Yet, 3 weeks later, to save his own skin, he commissioned a scientific paper that ``debunked'' the lab theory. He was academically and intellectually dishonest. Why? He did not want the American people to know the truth. prgtoken The truth is that Dr. Fauci and his institution funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars of taxpayer money to promote dangerous gain-of- function research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology without proper guardrails. prgtoken That is the key. The Wuhan lab was no more set up to deal with this deadly virus than my mother's kitchen. prgtoken We had people--thousands, millions of people--lose their lives, their livelihoods, and their loved ones. prgtoken If this contagion leaked from the lab, if that is the case, the world deserves to know. It is time to call out the duck in the room. Release the intelligence that we need to find out the truth. prgtoken We have been lied to by China. We have even been lied to by our own government leaders. We need the truth. We ask our colleagues to please pass this bill.
COVID-19 ORIGIN ACT OF 2023
Richard McCormick (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-3-10

. Madam , it is about time. It is good to see a bill actually shed some light on a disease process if we want to expose something, if we want to bring the truth. This should have been done a long time ago. prgtoken When we first started seeing this disease in the emergency department, I was there on the front lines seeing people with fevers for no reason, testing negative for flu, testing negative for strep, pneumonia, and urinary tract infections. We couldn't figure out why they were sick. We were sending them home, not really understanding what was wrong with them. prgtoken Then we had a hard time trying to figure out how to treat them. We went through a novel disease process, just like they did back in 1918 when we had the original flu pandemic where 26 million people died in about a year. prgtoken It should never come to a point where we become politically motivated. More to the point of why we have become so critical of people who should be trusted is when they have bias built into their argument to begin with, and that is what we are here to expose. prgtoken When we have transparency, when we have declassified information so we can actually make a good judgment based on public opinion when it is exposed to the truth, I think it will expose that people were politically motivated; that they are embarrassed by their choices, and that they made choices to politicize this, rather than get to the bottom of this. prgtoken We cannot stop a disease by misunderstanding where it came from. We cannot have an honest discussion and heal our Nation until we have accountability. prgtoken I think where the mistrust comes from is the fact that it was politicized to begin with. So I think it is fair criticism when you have emails that expose the fact that they were trying to spin it a certain way, rather than having an honest, scientific discussion. That is fair criticism, and people should be held accountable if we are going to get to the bottom of this. prgtoken As an ER doctor who served during the entire pandemic, since before I even knew what it was, watching people die in front of me, learning lessons--and those are honest lessons, where doctors made decisions and in good faith made mistakes, but it was in good faith--and we want to expose people who made decisions out of bad faith.
RECOGNIZING CFMA AWARD WINNERS--JULIE SCHATZ
Beth Van Duyne (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-3-10

I rise today to recognize Julie Schatz of Comp Group. Julie is a leader in the complex, intricate industry of construction management. She has been identified and awarded Associate of the Year by the Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA). prgtoken CFMA is a figurehead in the construction industry by virtue of its support for financial managers through networking, educational, and informational services. CFMA grants more opportunities and resources to empower advanced, innovative development of infrastructure in the prosperous district of TX-24. The Associate of the Year award goes to an individual that substantially impacts the DFW chapter of CFMA. Julie has established her commitment, contribution, and influence in the industry as she has emerged as a prominent leader. Her unwavering work ethic and devotion to advocating for her clients yield noteworthy results in the expedition of development projects. prgtoken Congratulations to Julie on earning this high recognition for all her impressive work.
HONORING THE LIVES OF CORPORAL BENJAMIN COOPER AND OFFICER JAKE REED
Eric Burlison (Republican, MO) \u2014 2023-3-10

I rise today to honor the lives of Corporal Benjamin Lee Cooper and Officer Jake Alexander Reed, who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives in the line of duty to the Joplin community. prgtoken Cpl. Cooper served his country as part of the U.S. Army for eight years and was stationed in Alaska and Hawaii during his service. Following his service in the military, he started a 19-year career in law enforcement beginning with the Joplin Police Department in 2003. He then served as a Sheriff's Deputy in Colorado, before ultimately returning to Joplin. Cpl. Cooper was an avid bowhunter, fisherman, and family man. He is survived by his wife and 2 daughters. prgtoken Officer Reed graduated with Honors from MSSU and became a Joplin Police Officer upon graduation. Officer Reed served with the Joplin Police Department for five years. He loved gaming, mountain biking, golfing, and spending time with his family and friends. Officer Reed's commitment to service continues as he spread the gift of life to several recipients as a vital organ donor. He is survived by his wife. prgtoken Both lives gone too soon, both lives we must remember forever. Their service to Joplin has left a lasting impact on our community and we owe them an eternal debt of gratitude. prgtoken On behalf of Southwest Missouri, I join the Joplin community today in honoring their lives, memory, and lasting impact they will forever have on our community.
BALANCING THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN AND THE RIGHT TO LIFE
Nancy Mace (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-3-10

I rise today to address a very important issue in South Carolina's First Congressional District, the State of South Carolina, and the United States of America. prgtoken Last week, a member of the State legislature in South Carolina filed a piece of legislation that would execute women who have abortions. To see this debate go to the dark places, the dark edges where it has gone on both sides of the aisle, has been deeply disturbing to me as a woman, as a female legislator, as a mom, and as a victim of rape. I was raped as a teenager at the age of 16. prgtoken This debate ought to be a bipartisan debate where we balance the rights of women and we balance the right to life. prgtoken But we aren't having that conversation here in D.C we aren't having that conversation at home, and we aren't having that conversation with fellow State lawmakers. prgtoken This week, I filed a bill that would give women greater access to contraceptives by cutting the red tape, reducing the application fees with the FDA, and reducing that application process by half. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get on board with these issues today.