mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ELEVEN PEOPLE DIE OF GUN VIOLENCE IN AMERICA EVERY MINUTE
Robin L. Kelly (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-6-28

by the time I am done speaking, 11 people will have died from gun violence in our country. prgtoken By the end of the day, it will be 120. If we continue down this trajectory, more than 43,000 people will die from gun violence this year. prgtoken This legislative body needs to take more action beyond thoughts and prayers. prgtoken I introduced the Wear Orange Resolution this National Gun Violence Awareness Month in honor of Hadiya Pendleton. She would have turned 27 years old this month, but her life was cut short at 15 when she was shot and killed. prgtoken Every time I rise to urge Congress to pass commonsense gun safety laws, I remember Hadiya who should have been safe at a park. prgtoken Two years ago, we passed the first Federal gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years. We cannot wait another 30 years. It has only been a minute and 11 more people have died from gun violence.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF OGLE HARRIS AND THE DEDICATION OF OGLE HARRIS WAY IN OCCOQUAN
Abigail Davis Spanberger (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2024-6-28

I rise to honor and celebrate the life of Ogle and his contributions to the history of Occoquan, Virginia and Virginia's Seventh Congressional District. prgtoken Born in Virginia in 1872, Ogle grew up as one of five children. He spent his life in the Town of Occoquan where he raised his seven children from his marriages to Cora L. Peyton and Lottie Bowles. prgtoken In the early part of the 20th century, opened a business in Occoquan selling handmade ice cream out of his home's summer kitchen on Washington Street and at the African American Odd Fellows Hall. He eventually converted his ice cream shop into one of Occoquan's two main grocery stores. prgtoken Mr. was known throughout the community for his honesty, generosity, and his upstanding character, which allowed his business to flourish. After his death in 1949, his son, Arthur, and his daughter- in-law, Doris, took over the store. The store served as a center for Occoquan's commercial and African American communities and continuously supported the success of the Town of Occoquan until its closure in 1974. prgtoken In recognition of and appreciation for Ogle and his descendants' contributions to the Town of Occoquan, the Occoquan Town Council has bestowed the honorary designation of ``Ogle Way'' to the 100 block of Poplar Alley. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Ogle 's life and his contributions to the Town of Occoquan. His legacy will live on through the designation of ``Ogle Way'' and the memories of his impact on the Occoquan community.
CRISES FACING AMERICA TODAY
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Madam , we had a debate last night, and, obviously, a lot of Americans are discussing public policy. I want to address what I consider the three greatest crises facing America today, only one of which was brought up by the press last night. prgtoken The one brought up by the press last night, which cannot be overstated, is the crisis at the border. I was disappointed that last night, people did not talk about the size of the crisis. prgtoken We are in a situation right now in which we have about a quarter of a million people crossing our border every month. Under President , that number, depending on the month, was between 5,000 and 10,000 people. prgtoken We have gone from 10,000 to over 200,000 people coming here last month, and I think the press should be doing a better job of describing the size of that crisis. prgtoken I think they also have to do a better job of questioning the amount of legal immigrants that are coming here. prgtoken Some people are under the impression or seem to be under the impression that people coming to this country, and as a result, changing this country is only on the southern border. prgtoken Actually, we have almost a million people a year, depending on the year, 850 to 950,000 people coming here legally. prgtoken It is not impossible for people to come here, and I think there ought to be more focus on the 900,000 or 950,000 people who are sworn in every year as Americans. prgtoken I also think there ought to be more focus, depending on the month, on the 7,000 to 9,000 unaccompanied minors coming in this country. prgtoken For those of us who watched the debate last night, President tried to weigh in on supposedly people kept apart from their parents. That was for a short period of time because their parents committed crimes. prgtoken Here we have between 7,000 and 9,000 people coming in every month who are unaccompanied by either parent. As a result, I think it is possible that they will never see their parents again, but the press does not emphasize or talk about what should absolutely be discussed in this country, that being, should we continue to allow children in this country without either of their parents present. prgtoken If we are going to do it, what is going to become of those children because we do know that, depending upon your source, tens of thousands of these children are not only in this country without their parents, but we don't even know where they are. prgtoken I think we have to talk a lot more about what is going on at our southern border and talk a lot more in specifics as to do we continue to allow unaccompanied minors in this country, and exactly how many people coming into this country described as illegally should be allowed. prgtoken We should talk about the fact that we have a new program under President in which 30,000 people a month, or 360,000 people a year, are being let in through the parole program if you are Haitian, if you are Cuba
ENACT STRATEGY TO SECURE SOUTHERN BORDER
Young Kim (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Madam , I just got back from the U.S.- Mexico border in San Diego, and that was my sixth trip to the southern border since I have been in Congress. prgtoken Communities I represent are hurting from this border crisis that has become worse than ever before under the policies of this administration. It is a national security crisis, a humanitarian crisis, and a public health crisis. prgtoken My bipartisan amendment to force the administration to finally create a strategy to secure every mile of southern border was added to the Homeland Security appropriations bill that was passed today. prgtoken President signed into law in 2016 a bill to require a northern border strategy, but no similar law exists today for our southern border. This will change that. prgtoken We must secure our southern border, and I will keep fighting to get this done.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Ken Calvert (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Mr. Chair, Ukraine is in a fight for its survival, and artillery has been a critical part in its defense. Cluster munitions are needed to fill a gap until production of 155-millimeter rounds can catch up. We have a shortage of those rounds. prgtoken The Russians have been using cluster munitions for over 2\1/2\ years, since the beginning of this conflict. We should not limit Ukraine's ability to respond in kind. prgtoken Moreover, the amendment goes beyond prohibiting the transfer of cluster munitions to Ukraine. It would tie our hands in future conflicts, prohibiting the option to use these munitions in contingencies where the only other option are larger munitions that cause even more casualties. prgtoken Additionally, it is not hard to imagine a situation where we might need to transfer these munitions to other allies and partners, such as Taiwan or South Korea. We should not impede our own defense or that of our allies and partners with a complete prohibition on cluster munitions. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote, and .
CONGRATULATING FRED ALLEN SMALLS
Russell Fry (Republican, SC) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Mr. Fred Allen Smalls on receiving an honorary high school diploma from Georgetown High School. prgtoken Mr. Smalls was born in Georgetown County and later lived in Mullins before moving to Washington, D.C with his family. prgtoken His graduation ceremony was attended by more than 100 people voicing their support, a testament to the respect and esteem Mr. Smalls has garnered. prgtoken His determination is an inspiration to all of us in South Carolina. If you ask him, though, Mr. Smalls will credit many of his accomplishments to his grandmother and his aunt, who raised him and instilled in him the value of perseverance. prgtoken I congratulate Mr. Smalls on his inspiring achievement.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Claudia Tenney (Republican, NY) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Mr. Chair, with all due respect, our Constitution clearly states the administration of elections is in the province of the States. It is not for the Federal Government to use Federal agencies to coordinate with third-party partisan groups using taxpayer dollars in order to get out the vote for . prgtoken The mission of our Department of Defense is to protect and secure our Nation, not to get the vote out. We encourage and want every member of the military who is an eligible citizen to vote in our elections. prgtoken We do not want our taxpayer dollars used in a partisan way for a vote harvesting scheme conceived by the and by this executive order. prgtoken First of all, this is mission creep. The Department of Defense has to focus on its very serious mission. This is germane. We are using taxpayer dollars and military members, people paid under the Department of Defense, to work on vote harvesting schemes, not on their mission of protecting the American people. prgtoken I encourage all of my colleagues to vote for this amendment and make voting great again and make our free and fair elections once again possible in the United States of America. prgtoken .
CONGRATULATING BIG SKY RODEO
Ryan K. Zinke (Republican, MT) \u2014 2024-6-28

I rise today to recognize the Big Sky PBR and Outlaw Partners for their remarkable achievement, winning the national Professional Bull Riders' ``Event of the Year'' award for the 10th consecutive year. I salute America and Montana's leadership in rodeo and those that carry that great legacy forward. prgtoken The traditions of rodeo run deep. The prayer and the pledge still observed before each event shows respect to both the rider and the bull. It takes a lot of courage, skill, and grit to ride a bull, and a little luck to ride it for the full eight seconds. prgtoken Many rodeo athletes who cut their teeth in small town arenas go on to do great things in the sport on a national level. A great deal of that success comes from the community that is built up under the Big Sky. That community is epitomized by Big Sky's annual event, with prgtoken the best arena, best landscape, best bulls, and of course, the best crowds. Former professional bull rider Cord McCoy said it best himself: ``I have been around the world three times and Big Sky is my favorite PBR stop.'' prgtoken Big Sky PBR brings fans from all over the world to Montana. It increases tourism, supports local businesses, and allows people to see the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. prgtoken I also cannot neglect to mention the huge amount of charity work that is done at each year's event. Organizers are committed to giving back to the local community that hosts them and a portion of the proceeds from a number of the events go to local nonprofits. They understand that Montana is one small town with one long road, and if you want to be a part of that town, you help your neighbors. prgtoken We have a lot to celebrate in Montana. We have deep traditions that go back generations. We also have growth that sometimes conflicts with our heritage. I am happy to be able to celebrate an event that brings Montana tradition to all of us--whether we're fifth generation Montanans or first. It is organizations like Big Sky PBR and Outlaw Partners that foster the growth of America and Montanan's tradition of Bull Riding. They showcase the values that make America Great. Big Sky PBR is one of the prides of western Montana, and I am honored to be able to recognize them today. Bravo Zulu. prgtoken , my esteemed colleagues, I ask that you join me in congratulating Big Sky PBR and Outlaw Partners for their achievement.
A MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR RHONDA MASSIE
Chip Roy (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-6-28

we were all saddened to learn today of the passing of the spouse of one of our Members, Thomas Massie, the gentleman from Kentucky. His wife, Rhonda, of many years--they were childhood sweethearts--suddenly passed away yesterday. Mr. Massie had to drive home to Kentucky and be home with his family, which is where he is today. prgtoken I ask everybody in the Chamber and everybody around the complex to please rise and observe a moment of silence and offer your prayers and thoughts and condolences for our good friend from Kentucky.
DISAPPOINTING DEBATE
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Madam , like millions of Americans last night, I watched the Presidential debate, and much of what I heard from President was disappointing. prgtoken One statement in particular made me angry, and I know it angered our veterans, it angered the American people, and especially it angered the Gold Star families. prgtoken President said last night: ``Truth is, I am the only President this century that doesn't have any--this decade--that didn't have any troops dying anywhere in the world like he did.'' prgtoken That is a lie, . I remind President of the 13 servicemembers that died on his watch during a terrorist attack at Abbey Gate on August 26, 2021, during his deadly and chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. prgtoken Their names are: Marine Lance Corporal David Lee Espinoza; Marine Sergeant Nicole Gee; Marine Staff Sergeant D. Taylor Hoover; Army Staff Sergeant Ryan Knauss; Marine Corporal Hunter Lopez; Marine Lance Corporal Rylee McCollum; Marine Lance Corporal Dylan R. Merola; Marine Lance Corporal Kareem Nikoui; Marine Sergeant Johanny Rosario Pichardo; Marine Corporal Humberto Sanchez; Marine Lance Corporal Jared Schmitz; Navy Hospital Corpsman Maxton ``Max'' Soviak; and Marine Corps Corporal Daegan William-Tyler Page. prgtoken There they are, the fallen who were killed, blown up by a suicide bomber who, by the way, escaped from Bagram Air Base as thousands of other ISIS-K terrorists did that day. God knows where they are now, threatening the security of the United States. prgtoken It was a deadliest day for the United States in Afghanistan in over a decade, , and it will remain a stain on America and American foreign policy for generations. prgtoken It happened under 's watch. Shame on him. Shame on him for his heartless comments that disregard the ultimate sacrifice of so many Americans under his tenure as Commander in Chief. prgtoken To the fallen heroes, I say: Well done, good and faithful servants, and may God hold you in the palm of his hand. prgtoken Madam , .
CONGRATULATING NEW MANNA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL BASEBALL TEAM FOR THEIR VICTORY
Chuck Edwards (Republican, NC) \u2014 2024-6-28

I rise today to congratulate the New Manna Christian School baseball team for winning their second straight North Carolina Christian School Association's 1A title. prgtoken The WIND won a shutout victory of 10-0 in the quarterfinals, then went on to win the State championship 5-3. prgtoken This win continues a dominant run for New Manna's baseball program with their fourth consecutive year of double-figure wins, back-to-back State titles, and their third State championship in the past 4 years. prgtoken , I congratulate New Manna WIND. They have again made North Carolina proud, as well as Marion, North Carolina.
JOINT ECONOMIC REPORT CONCERNS AND SOLUTIONS
David Schweikert (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Madam , what would happen if I came to you tomorrow and said: Hey, you know that thing you can wear on your wrist, the FDA about 3 weeks ago said it was for your heart, it is a medical device. prgtoken Apple got its watch certified as a medical device because the next generation is so at good managing hearts. prgtoken What if there is a Dexcom or something else you can put on your arm that is over the counter that helps you manage your blood glucose? What if there is something you can blow into that tells you you have a virus? We are going to order your antivirals. prgtoken Those technologies actually exist, and this place lays layer after layer after layer of bureaucratic crap down to make it unable to write you a script. prgtoken My understanding is that the AMA is going to oppose me in my election because I am trying to cut the price of healthcare and make your life healthier and better. prgtoken Unlike the who play these stupid games of we are going to help people get their insulin less expensive, let's give Big Pharma $16 billion and we will buy down the price. prgtoken How about doing things to actually make it so the co-ops, like Civica RX down the street that makes insulin cheaper, why would we have promoted crashing the price instead of subsidizing Big Pharma? prgtoken It is actually insane. The left basically wants industrial policy to control you. prgtoken We want markets to crash the price and make people healthier. Let's legalize the technology. It is moral. prgtoken People have the right to take care of themselves. They have the right to be healthy. They have the right to use this technology, and this place substantially keeps it illegal. prgtoken Let's do some other things. What would happen if I could adopt artificial intelligence to make your life of having to deal with government better, faster, cheaper, and a lot more accurate? prgtoken We are working on an experiment with the IRS, and it is still crap. There was a report that came out just a couple days ago saying only about 80 percent of the calls are getting answered, which is dramatically better than 4 or 5 years ago when it was 5 percent of the calls. prgtoken We have a level of AI chat--because you build a stack and it is just an expert on this; it is not terminator; it is not a generative AI-- that says, I just need help on this form. How do I fill it out? If you use technology, the voice will stay on the phone with you. It will help you fill out your form. It will even email or text you the form you need. Maybe even send you the video so you know how to do it. prgtoken You could crash the cost of government by adopting technology. The IRS has already hired 6,000 more people to answer the phone. What is the pension cost on that? I am not being mean, but at some point I have got to figure out how to finance these things when technology would have been faster, better, more accurate, and you could have called in the middle of the night.
RECOGNIZING ANNIE WOLF
Steve Scalise (Republican, LA) \u2014 2024-6-28

every day in this Chamber, as Members of Congress, s and do the hard work of the House and the people that we represent. We rely heavily on the great staff, people that have dedicated themselves to service, to help us get this House functioning, do the work that we need to do, and to help us do our jobs better. From time to time, some of those great staff members go on to do other things. Today, unfortunately, is one of those days. prgtoken I rise to pay tribute to Annie Wolf. Annie is here with us today. Annie has served here in the House for 10 years on the floor. We know the intensity of floor duty for those staffers that work here. That is when some of the most heated things happen, and you need a level staff. We need staff that really understand the rules of the House, that understand how to keep us on track so that we can still get the things done we need to even when we have some of the hottest debates. prgtoken Annie is one of those people that has always been a calming voice, always been a person you can come to and ask for guidance. Whether she might agree or disagree with what you are trying to achieve, she will help you understand what the rules are to do what you want to do. prgtoken That is what professional staff are all about, and that is what Annie has done for 10 years here on the floor, 5\1/2\ of those in my office. prgtoken I have been honored to have Annie work in my office, and so many people on both sides of the aisle I think have been better legislators because of the professionalism of Annie Wolf. prgtoken She is going to go on and do some bigger things. She is young and she has a bright future ahead of her, but I thank her for her years of service here and all the things that she has done to make this a better institution so that we, the people that serve the people of the United States, can do our jobs properly. prgtoken In the gallery watching, we have her mom, Mary Minkler. Annie's husband is here. Adam Wolf, I know you sacrificed a lot in taking care of things and taking care of the family when she is here working late hours because we have had a lot of late nights, but we have gotten a lot of big things done because of Annie. Her brother, Patrick, is here, as well. prgtoken To the entire Wolf family, we thank you for loaning her to us to provide her great service to this country. She is going to go on to bigger and better things, but we will miss her here, and we thank Annie Wolf for her service to the United States House of Representatives, Mr. .
JOHN L. AUGUSTINE RECEIVES LEADERSHIP NORTHEAST ALUMNI AWARD
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Madam , I rise today to recognize a true pillar of my community, my friend, John L. Augustine, the recipient of the Leadership Northeast Distinguished Leadership Alumni Award. prgtoken Now serving as president and CEO of Penn's Northeast, John's service to northeastern Pennsylvania has extended over the past 25 years. Community leaders like John are essential in economic and industrial development in communities throughout Pennsylvania. prgtoken As president and CEO of Penn's Northeast, John has played a vital role in planning over 45 million square feet of new industrial development throughout our district, throughout our communities, which host over 350 businesses and employ more than 35,000 people. prgtoken I have known John for many years, and it is people like him who make communities thrive, expand job opportunities, and improve the quality of life. prgtoken John Augustine proves that you don't need to be in elected office to make communities better. I appreciate the service of all those who do just that.
CELEBRATING WOODRUFF, SOUTH CAROLINA'S, 150TH ANNIVERSARY
William R. Timmons IV (Republican, SC) \u2014 2024-6-28

I rise today to honor the city of Woodruff as it celebrates its 150th anniversary. prgtoken Established in 1874 with a modest population of just 200, Woodruff has experienced remarkable growth over the past century and a half. Today, it proudly boasts about 5,000 residents and has ambitious plans to expand to 18,000 by 2029. prgtoken In addition to its impressive growth, Woodruff recently received exciting news that the BMW Group will invest over $700 million to establish a high-voltage battery assembly plant along South Carolina Highway 101. This substantial investment signifies a new era of economic prosperity for the city. prgtoken To commemorate this historic milestone, the city of Woodruff will bury a time capsule on June 28. The celebration will feature live music and fireworks, creating lasting memories for the community. The time capsule will be a gift to future generations and is set to be opened in 2074.