mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-6-29

. Madam , I was unable to vote on June 29, 2021 due to an invitation from the Governor of Texas to travel to the border to observe the ongoing crisis that is happening there. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: YES on Roll Call No. 196. prgtoken I am exceedingly concerned with the 's determination to pass H.R. 3005, To direct the Joint Committee on the Library to replace the bust of Roger Brooke Taney in the Old Supreme Court Chamber of the United States Capitol with a bust of Thurgood Marshall to be obtained by the Joint Committee on the Library and to remove certain statues from areas of the United States Capitol which are prgtoken accessible to the public, to remove all statues of individuals who voluntarily served the Confederate States of America from display in the United States Capitol, and for other purposes. This bill is Cultural Marxism brought to the House floor for a vote. prgtoken This bill attempts to strip individual states of their right to choose the statues they are paying for. In doing so, it seeks to erase their history--the bad, the good, and everything in between, that informs whom we've been and whom we are, as well as where we've been, so we can aptly navigate where we are going. As George Orwell presciently foreshadowed, ``Every record has been destroyed or falsified, every book rewritten, every picture has been repainted, every statue and street building has been renamed, every date has been altered. And the process is continuing day by day and minute by minute. History has stopped. Nothing exists except an endless present in which the Party is always right.'' prgtoken But is the Party always right? Surely it is not. This point highlights another grievous flaw in H.R. 3005. Although it purports to cleanse the Capitol complex of Confederate statues and busts, in doing so it actually removes only statues and busts. Yes, are removing their forefathers for the sin of their slavery, or other support for the Confederacy, committed in times past. prgtoken So why vote YES? Because having fought this battle for a state's right to choose--warning about the dangers of arbitrarily banishing history from our midst--I am sick and tired of defending states' rights so can try to rewrite history and say s are defending racists. We are doing no such thing. In fact, I've even gone further and tried to get an amendment made in order that reveals the dirty secret of just how racist, pro-slavery, and anti-freedom have been in the past. They want their own statues removed for two unspoken reasons: (1) People won't look up their former heroes and find out how racist have been, and (2) A move to Marxism requires destruction of history first. If people don't know their nation's true history, they're more easily duped into accepting a totalitarian government. So, if want to remove all statues and busts in the
REQUEST TO CONSIDER H.R. 18, NO TAXPAYER FUNDING FOR ABORTION ACT
Doug Lamborn (Republican, CO) \u2014 2021-6-29

I rise today to protect the sanctity of human life, especially the lives of the unborn. prgtoken The Hyde amendment has saved nearly 2\1/2\ million lives since its first inclusion in an appropriation bill in 1976. prgtoken This historically bipartisan amendment which prohibits the use of taxpayer dollars paying for abortion is supported by a majority of Americans. prgtoken H.R. 18, of which I am an original cosponsor, codifies the Hyde amendment and applies it to all government funding, cementing the protections for the most vulnerable Americans. This bill is called the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent that the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 18, and I ask for its immediate consideration in the House.
SUPPORTING STRONG NATIONAL SECURITY
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2021-6-29

. Madam , a century ago, the Chinese Communists took control of one of the great countries in global history. The Chinese Communist Party marks, this month, a century since the beginning of China's descent into authoritarianism. prgtoken Just as the Chinese Communist Party used violence to impose its will onto the Chinese people during the Chinese Civil War, now it uses that same violence and threat of violence to crush any dissent within its borders. prgtoken We saw this last summer, when the CCP silenced the democratic voices of Hong Kong, swiftly marching troops into the city to stop demonstrations for freedom. Beijing has blatantly ignored the terms of its 50-year treaty with the United Kingdom and ignored Hong Kong's legislature, arresting pro-democracy activists and lawmakers en masse and crushing a long history of press freedom with the recent closing of Apple Daily. prgtoken As I speak, over a million Uighurs and other Muslims have been interned in concentration camps for reeducation. Families have been separated, lives destroyed, and cultures all but erased in the name of the magnificent Chinese Communist Party's ultimate authority. prgtoken Respect for human rights is a fundamental tenet of American foreign policy. The continued suffering of the Uighurs, the citizens of Hong Kong--and all other individual rights of speech, privacy, assembly, and religious belief are trampled by the Chinese Communist Party. prgtoken It is no 100-year celebration here on the House floor, Madam . The American people stand with the hardworking people of China. The Congress of the United States stands with the hardworking people of China, and we will work to continue to advocate for freedom of people, assembly, belief, and press in China. Applauding FBI Cyber Busts
IN REMEMBRANCE OF DARLENE TALLENT
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2021-6-29

. Madam , it is with deep sadness but great respect that I take this time to remember one of my constituents, Mrs. Darlene Agnes Tallent, of Chiltons, Virginia. prgtoken Mrs. Tallent passed away on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at the age of 74. Darlene was born and raised in Westmoreland County. She married her high school sweetheart, Joe Tallent, and together they raised their two daughters Kathleen and Lisa in Montross County. prgtoken Darlene spent her career working as the Westmoreland County Museum's Genealogical Library Assistant. She assisted countless researchers, authors and visitors in her 25 years of employment by sharing her extensive knowledge on the history of Westmoreland County and helping others trace their heritage and connect with who and where they came from. prgtoken Therefore, Madam , I ask you to join me in honoring the life of Mrs. Darlene Tallent, and applauding her contributions to Westmoreland County and the Commonwealth. On behalf of America's First District, we say thank you.
RECOGNIZING LIEUTENANT GENERAL BRIAN D. BEAUDREAULT, UNITED STATES MARINE
Gregory F. Murphy (Republican, NC) \u2014 2021-6-29

. Madam , I rise today to honor Lieutenant General Brian David Beaudreault, United States Marine Corps, for his service to our great Nation and his family's faithful service as well. The theme of his distinguished career has been one of achievement with highest honors throughout his 38 years of unconditional service to the United States of America. prgtoken Lieutenant General Beaudreault is a second-generation Marine--his father, Rene, served in the Marine Corps in World War II. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1983 after graduating from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. In his 38 years as a Marine Infantry Officer, he has commanded at every level from the platoon to the Marine Expeditionary Force. prgtoken Over the course of his career, Lieutenant General Beaudreault has deployed in support of military operations in Somalia, East Timer, Iraq, and Pakistan. Notably, while in command of 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit in Iraq, his masterful leadership in combat helped change the balance of power in Al Anbar Province and accelerate the multi-national force's successful counterinsurgency fight. In various higher headquarters staff positions, including his time as the Marine Corps' Deputy Commandant for Plans, Policies, and Operations, Lieutenant General Beaudreault significantly impacted the Nation's military readiness to face challenges around the globe. We are all safer due to his selflessness and dedication. prgtoken Lieutenant General Beaudreault's final tour in the Marine Corps is as the Commanding General, II Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), based at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. It is no easy task to command and care for over 40,000 Marines, Sailors, and their families, but Lieutenant General and Mrs. Beaudreault have excelled at it. During his time in command, II MEF has deployed forces in support of every Geographic Combatant Commander, achieved greater naval integration, and improved the MEF's readiness as a warfighting headquarters. Much of this occurred while II MEF was simultaneously dealing with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lieutenant General Beaudreault's leadership during these challenging times is just one more example of the type of Marine that he is--one of the very best. prgtoken Over his years of faithful service, Lieutenant General Beaudreault has earned the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star, among other awards. prgtoken Lieutenant General Beaudreault has served 38 outstanding years in support of our beloved Nation and will retire on 8 July 2021. I am delighted to have this opportunity to recognize not only Lieutenant General Beaudreault, but his entire family for their undeniably incredible service to the U.S. Marine Corps and our great nation. Their sacrifice and dedication to our nation is truly remarkable. I wish him and his beloved wife, Karen, well as they embark on a new chapter in their lives. God bless the Beau
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2662, IG INDEPENDENCE AND EMPOWERMENT ACT; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3005, REPLACEMENT OF BUST OF ROGER BROOKE TANEY WITH BUST OF THURGOOD MARSHALL...
Guy Reschenthaler (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-6-29

I am prepared to close, and the balance of my time. prgtoken , once again, this Chamber is considering legislation that could easily have passed with bipartisan support. If would stop appeasing their radical, progressive base and they would stop worrying about what whiny, spoiled millennials are saying on Twitter, if they decided they would finally try to approach their work here in some kind of bipartisan manner, then we could work for real solutions for real Americans that would help the country. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the previous question and ``no'' on the rule, and .
MOMENT OF SILENCE RECOGNIZING THE PASSING OF EARL MICHAEL WILLIS
Garret Graves (Republican, LA) \u2014 2021-6-29

. Madam , 28 years ago, Earl Michael Willis was born in Brusly, Louisiana. When he was 14 years old, his sister, Rachael, died of cancer. He went on to go to Catholic High, my high school, and went on to LSU. prgtoken In 2018, he got engaged to his wife, Megan. He and Megan got married just last year. prgtoken In order to honor his sister Rachael's death, he said he was going to run a 100-mile ultramarathon, and he did so earlier this year in Key West, Florida. Unfortunately, Madam , that effort to honor his sister Rachael's life resulted in his death. The day after the ultramarathon, Michael Willis, at the young age of 27, passed away. prgtoken Madam , I want to honor his life. Our best wishes and thoughts and prayers to his mother, Cristal; his father, Earl; his brother, Nicholas; and his wife, Megan. prgtoken Madam , I ask that we have a moment of silence to honor his life.
IG INDEPENDENCE AND EMPOWERMENT ACT
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-6-29

. Madam , this amendment strips out the three provisions of this legislation that do not have bipartisan support in order for the IG Independence and Empowerment Act to move forward with the full support of the U.S. House. Both sides of the aisle can then come back to the table to fix the remaining provisions in a manner that addresses concerns on both sides of the aisle. prgtoken Specifically, my amendment strikes title I, which would artificially constrain the President from removing or reassigning an IG to one of nine specific reasons listed in the provision. prgtoken As drafted, title I would have the effect of prohibiting a President from removing an IG who is acting in bad faith and undermining a duly elected President's policies in a purely partisan manner. prgtoken My amendment also strikes title III, which strictly limits who the President could name as the acting inspector general to the ``first assistant.'' This provision does not include any commonsense exceptions, creating unintended consequences. prgtoken For example, it could elevate an individual to acting IG who may be engaged in the same misconduct which caused the original IG to have been removed. prgtoken Lastly, my amendment strikes title V of the bill, which grants inspectors general the authority to issue subpoenas to compel the testimony of former Federal officials, including political appointees. prgtoken While I support granting IGs testimonial subpoena authority, the current provision lacks necessary safeguards and could result in it being used in a politically abusive manner. prgtoken Madam , I support the goals behind these provisions, as well as the other seven titles of the bill, which have strong bipartisan support. However, my amendment addresses the problematic language in these three sections. That is why I ask my and colleagues to pass this amendment to enable us to negotiate a bipartisan solution for the inspector general community that can be signed into law. prgtoken Madam , .
REPLACEMENT OF BUST OF ROGER BROOKE TANEY WITH BUST OF THURGOOD MARSHALL
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-6-29

. Madam , you have been a dear friend for a long time. You have been in my office, and you sat on the couch. I sat across, in the chair. And you know the portrait that hangs in my office, a portrait of Abraham Lincoln. I am proud that he was the first President of the United States. I am proud of the action that he took in a defining time of our Nation. The greatest challenge ever to our Constitution was the Civil War, by long and by far. prgtoken The bill we are voting on today we voted on before. I supported it then, and I support it now. prgtoken But let me state a simple fact: All the statues being removed by this bill are statues of . Madam , as I heard the talk earlier about removing the four portraits of s in the hall, the same answer goes for that, as well. They were all . prgtoken What is interesting is the statues that need to be removed were sent to the Capitol by States that were a majority controlled by sent to a House that had a majority controlled by accepting of these statues. prgtoken I think the bill should go further. Maybe it is time the change the name of their party. They may be desperate to pretend their party has progressed from the days of supporting slavery, pushing Jim Crow laws or supporting the KKK. prgtoken But let's be honest, at any place at any time if those fundamentals rest somewhere, we cannot let them. prgtoken Let's go through some of the words and actions of a few . Just a few years ago then-Vice President praised Senator Robert Byrd. He was an ``exalted cyclops'' of the Ku Klux Klan. In his eulogy for Byrd he said: ``For a lot of us, he was a friend . . . mentor . . . and guide.'' prgtoken Another leading who praised Byrd at the time was Pelosi. She called Byrd a friend, a great person, and a great American patriot. prgtoken Madam , today the ic Party has doubled down on what I consider this shameful history by replacing the racism of the past with the racism of the critical race theory. prgtoken They continue to look at race as the primary means of judging a person's character. We saw this just last week. Senate voted to confirm one of President 's appointees who said: ``We must do everything in our collective power to realize Dr. Kendi's vision for America.'' prgtoken Let me be clear about what that vision is. Kendi, the author of ``How to Be an Antiracist'' proposed in his book that the solution to past discrimination is present discrimination. Now that is what the person who is now in charge of the personnel of the entire Federal Government is endorsing. And this divisive vision isn't confirmed or just confined to one person or department. prgtoken The Navy included Kendi's book on its official reading list for sailors and the Department of Education has praised the debunked ``The 1619 Project,'' citing it as an example of what should be taught to o
PTSD AWARENESS MONTH
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-6-29

I rise today to recognize this past Sunday, June 27, as National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day; and June as National PTSD Awareness Month. prgtoken We must do more to defy the stigmas surrounding mental health. National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month is intended to raise public awareness about issues related to PTSD, reduce the stigma associated, and to help ensure those suffering receive proper treatment. prgtoken Currently, about eight million people in the United States are struggling with PTSD. PTSD treatment is a crucial tool that helps many individuals, particularly our Nation's veterans, process, cope, and treat emotional and mental trauma. prgtoken While PTSD can develop among any individual who faces a traumatic experience, it is often common in our servicemen and -women. Many of our servicemembers return home with injuries and scars, but in some cases it is the invisible scars that hurt the most. prgtoken The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a variety of resources to help those suffering with PTSD. There are a wide variety of options, group meetings, individual meetings, meetings via telemedicine. This ensures our veterans can receive timely assistance wherever they may live. prgtoken , I thank our Nation's veterans for their service, and I encourage those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder to pursue treatment.
ESSENTIAL CAREGIVERS ACT
Claudia Tenney (Republican, NY) \u2014 2021-6-29

. Madam , I rise before you today to share the heartbreaking stories from Americans around the country, including my own district, who were cut off from their loved ones in long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken For the next several months in this Chamber, I will share harrowing testimony submitted to my office from these families. prgtoken Essential caregivers were prohibited from entering nursing homes, group homes, and other long-term care facilities to provide an extra level of care and love, which is so desperately needed and deserved by those who call these facilities home. prgtoken Over the past year, long-term care facility residents suffered in isolation. Alone, many lost the will to live, and many others deteriorated physically and mentally. prgtoken While we cannot go back in time to fix what has been done, we can take steps today to prevent this from ever happening again. If Congress fails to act, we could see thousands more Americans die or suffer in isolation again. prgtoken I have introduced the bipartisan Essential Caregivers Act to fight for the rights of our seniors, our constituents living in group homes with disabilities, and anyone who resides in a long-term care facility. This also includes young children with developmental disabilities. prgtoken Under Federal law, residents in long-term care facilities have a right to receive visitors at any time. But during the pandemic, this right was curtailed completely. Many residents, including children with disabilities and seniors, were not allowed access to loved ones who had been caring for them prior to the pandemic. This took a tremendous toll on them. prgtoken My bipartisan bill addresses this issue by striking a commonsense compromise. It implements a new Federal standard that will end this indignity. This bill permits each facility resident to designate up to two essential caregivers who will be provided safe, reasonable, and transparent access to residents during any future public health emergency. prgtoken The Essential Caregivers Act is a compassionate step to ensure the most vulnerable among us never suffer alone again. prgtoken Why is this so important? prgtoken Because essential caregivers aren't just visitors; they are, as the name implies, caregivers who help with activities of daily living and provide emotional support and companionship. prgtoken This care enriches the lives of residents, enhances their well-being, and helps them thrive personally and socially. Without it, residents ultimately suffer. This is exactly what we saw during the 15-month lockdown. prgtoken The importance of the essential caregivers in no way diminishes the critical role that facility staff place in residents' lives, which during this pandemic was nothing short of heroic. Essential caregivers simply supplement the care provided by facility staff. They are a force multiplier that enhances the ability of residents to thrive and to live th
RECOGNIZING CHARLES JACKSON FRENCH
Don Bacon (Republican, NE) \u2014 2021-6-29

today I rise to recognize Charles Jackson French, a World War II hero with ties to Omaha who made one of the most underappreciated sacrifices in American military history prgtoken The story of Charles Jackson French is an American story: One of courage, sacrifice, and hope. Charles, a Black man, was born in a racially segregated Foreman, Arkansas, on September 15, 1919. In 1937, Charles enlisted in the United States Navy. After completing his enlistment, he moved to Omaha, Nebraska, to be with family, but after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he reenlisted. prgtoken According to accounts, on September 5, 1942, Petty Officer First Class French was serving as a mess attendant in the racially segregated USS Gregory. As a Black man growing up in 1930's Arkansas, Charles lived in a time when segregation laws prohibited Black people from swimming alongside White people in public pools and beaches, yet when the USS Gregory was attacked and sunk by Japanese gunfire off the coast of Guadalcanal, it was Petty Officer French who dove into the treacherous waters of the Pacific to save his fellow sailors who had been wounded. prgtoken Petty Officer French loaded 15 of his fellow sailors into a lifeboat and saved his injured comrades from drowning. However, Charles knew that they could not simply float to shores controlled by the Japanese where they would meet a fate worse than death. Prisoners were often tortured then executed. Military.com recounted how Charles tied a rope around his waist with the help of his shipmates and towed his fellow sailors through shark-infested waters for 8 long hours until they were finally identified and saved by an American landing craft. prgtoken In his book ``Black Men and Blue Water'' Chester Wright recounted his conversation with Petty Officer French who told him that when he and the raft full of survivors were rescued, persons aboard the ship told Charles to go ``where the colored boys stay'' while the crew tended to the wounded White survivors. Charles further shared that the sailors rescued by him told the crew: ``He ain't going nowhere. He is a member of the Gregory's crew and he damned well will stay here with the rest of us.'' prgtoken Just like the sailors who stepped up at the time for French, it is our time to stand up and recognize with full measure the sacrifice and service of French, whose story has been underappreciated by the Navy and history. A real-life hero like Charles must be recognized by the military and the country that he devoted his life to. prgtoken In World War II, the Navy gave French a commendation letter. I have now asked the Navy to review and consider upgrading to a medal, and the Navy is reviewing this now. prgtoken Full recognition of U.S. Navy Petty Officer First Class Charles Jackson French is long overdue. We owe it to Charles, his family, and to the millions of Americans who learned from Charles' story. prgtoken Last Friday, I also introduced legislation