mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE LIFE OF ROWLAND HILL GEDDIE, JR.
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2023-1-12

I rise today to celebrate the life of Rowland Hill Geddie, Jr. Rowland attended the University of Alabama, graduating with a degree in business in 1954. While there, he met and married Mary Martha McGaughy in 1953. Together they had four children; Rowland Hill Geddie, III (Peggy), Ginger Geddie Roark (Steve), Martha Leanne Geddie Ward (Darrell), and Norton Brown McGaughy Geddie (Tammy). prgtoken From 1954 to 1956, he served in the U.S. Army at Fort Lee in Virginia and Fort McPherson in Atlanta as a Lieutenant. After his military service, he began a civilian career. He moved back to Martha's hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi, in 1957 after a stint of working at Rich's Department Store in Atlanta. While in Tupelo, Rowland ran her family's store, McGaughy's, until 1976, when he closed the store as well as its affiliated businesses and then began attending the University of Mississippi School of Law. In 1978, he graduated with a Juris Doctorate in the same class as his son, Rowland H. Geddie, III. Rowland began his law career as a solo practitioner, working cases of various types and developing a focus in criminal defense. prgtoken In 1981, he found his true calling when he began working with the Office of the District Attorney for the First District of Mississippi, serving under District Attorney Johnny Young. He prosecuted thousands of criminal cases over the course of his twenty-five years in the office until his retirement in 2006. He reveled in being in front of a jury and the opportunity to allow what he referred to as ``Truth, Justice, and the American Way to once again triumph over the forces of Darkness and Evil.'' He believed that the courtroom was the last best opportunity for a victim's voice to be heard and for justice to be done and that such justice became the voice for a victim. prgtoken After the untimely death of Martha, his first wife. in 1982, Rowland met June Sawyer Hamilton, and, after a long-distance courtship between Tupelo, Mississippi, and Tucson, Arizona, Rowland and June married on December 12, 1987. June brought to the family three daughters; Jennifer Hamilton Lee (Derek), Molly Allison Hamilton, and April Zilpha Hamilton. Rowland loved his family dearly and was an involved stepfather to the new family members. prgtoken Rowland was an avid photographer, a pilot, a scuba diver, a lifelong CB and ham radio enthusiast, and actor in community theater, a motorcyclist, a gun enthusiast, a hunter, a fisherman, a canoeist, a camper, and a water skier. prgtoken In addition to his time in the District Attorney's Office, Rowland served his community through numerous volunteer roles, including Cub Scout Pack Master; Rotarian, serving as president of the Rotary Club of Tupelo; Mock Trial Judge for Tupelo High School; a founding member of Tupelo Community Theater; and president of the Mississippi Merchants' Association. prgtoken Rowland is survived by his loving wife, June; his children, Rowland,
HONORING THE LIFE OF JOHN ELLIOTT OF WARSAW
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2023-1-12

I rise today to remember the life of John Elliott of Warsaw, Indiana, who passed away this month. prgtoken John was a cherished member of the Warsaw community who devoted decades of his life to civic and community service. John was a longtime, successful banker who retired from 1st Source Bank in Warsaw but is mostly remembered for his numerous roles in the community outside of work. John's contributions range from involvement with the Baker Youth Club, Indiana Right to Life, and the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club, in which he attended over 2,392 meetings with perfect attendance. He played an instrumental role in bringing bands such as the Marine, Penn State, Oklahoma State, and his alma mater, Ohio State University bands to Warsaw, Indiana. John was a key supporter of athletics at Warsaw Community High School and Grace College, where he sponsored and hosted many of the teams that came for the Grace College basketball toumarnents. As a respected and accomplished soccer referee, he was at one point responsible for placing all soccer referees in the state of Indiana. prgtoken John is remembered as a selfless individual who was always ready to get involved to help others and his community, which he loved dearly. In the wake of his passing, I wish his wife Elaine, their children and grandchildren, peace, and comfort. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit and example live on for us to strive to emulate every day.
CONGRATULATING SHINGLEHOUSE AMERICAN LEGION POST 503
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-1-12

I rise today to congratulate the Shinglehouse American Legion Post 530 in Potter County on its 100th anniversary. prgtoken This Friday, January 13, will be 100 years since its charter was enacted. prgtoken In celebration of this monumental anniversary, Shinglehouse is hosting a weeklong open house for the public. Events include special meals, activities for all ages, and lots of prizes. prgtoken In the early years of the Shinglehouse American Legion, members gathered at the drycleaning shop of ``Shorty'' Klinger. As time went on and membership grew, the post reached its top membership in 1999 when it had 284 members and 271 social members. prgtoken Today, it remains a traditional-style legion, with community engagement and a focus on projects that support the legions four pillars: Veterans affairs and rehabilitation, national security, Americanism, and children and youth. prgtoken The post continues to support community projects like Adopt-a- Highway, local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops, and the Wounded Warriors. prgtoken , the Shinglehouse American Legion Post 530 continues to serve as a community pillar. From supporting local charities, to providing a meeting house for veterans of all ages, they remain an important part of the community. prgtoken Congratulations to all Shinglehouse American Legion members on their centennial anniversary.
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2023-1-12

. Madam , first of all, I would like to start out with some housekeeping. prgtoken A lot has been said over the last few days about the huge number of IRS employees that are intended to be added by the administration, and I just want to clarify some numbers. prgtoken There are new employees who are going to replace retired employees, but there are still 25,000 new employees who are going to be added to the Internal Revenue Service. prgtoken I should point out that, over time, you would expect--and this apparently surprises some people--you would expect the number of IRS employees to drop. prgtoken I used to do taxes. I haven't done those for over 25 years now. Even at that time, as things became more computerized, if you got interest income or dividend income or capital gain income, the IRS would match up those numbers with what appeared on your tax return. prgtoken If you got from U.S. Bank $1,000, and you didn't put it on your return, you could expect a letter in the mail: Where is the $1,000? Please give us another $300 in taxes. prgtoken You do not need more employees to do that sort of thing. Again, when you talk about 25,000 more employees than the past, for a State the size of Wisconsin, that is really a small army of 500 new employees. prgtoken Sometimes, it is easier to bring down to the State level because we deal with such big numbers. Whether you are talking about Massachusetts, Maryland, Missouri, or Washington State, they all can expect about 500 new employees. While there may be some people cheating, an increase of that size is just inappropriate. Immigration
PROTECTING AMERICA'S STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE FROM CHINA ACT
Randy K. Weber, Sr. (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-1-12

I have paid attention to the SPR since 2008 when I got elected to the Texas House. As you know, 60 percent of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve is housed in my district. prgtoken I am pleased to announce that the Independent Petroleum Association of America endorses this legislation put forth by House s aimed at reining in the administration's misuse of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, or SPR, as we call it. prgtoken The SPR was not intended to be used as a political tool to bring down gasoline prices in an election year. Next thing you know, the President will be giving away free college tuition. Oh, he did that, too. This is only a Band-Aid on the overarching situation. prgtoken The long-term solution is to enhance, rather than hinder, America's leadership in natural gas and oil production. Our true domestic natural gas and oil reserves, from production to pipelines and through the supply chain, are ready to work, and s' legislation puts them and our American allies at the forefront.
PROTECTING AMERICA'S STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE FROM CHINA ACT
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-1-12

I congratulate the gentlewoman on her chairmanship and I look forward to working with her. prgtoken , I rise in support of this legislation. It is high time to stop the administration from continuing to provide China with oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. prgtoken Under the current administration we have only seen a war against domestic energy production. As a Band-Aid to cover up the consequences of 's policies, resulting in unprecedented high energy prices, it chooses to draw down the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, a critical national security asset. Drawing down these reserves to cover up failed policies is wrong but doing it and then selling that oil to China, our chief adversary, is un-American, in my opinion.
PROTECTING AMERICA'S STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE FROM CHINA ACT
Robert E. Latta (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-1-12

I rise in support of the Protecting America's Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act, legislation offered by my good friend, the gentlewoman from Washington State and the chair of the Energy and Commerce Committee. prgtoken Over the first 2 years of the administration we have seen an unprecedented level of hostility toward America's energy producers. The administration has made every effort to undermine, avoid, and restrict oil and gas production in North America, while at the same time moving to drain our strategic reserves in an attempt to offset the price increases caused by the President's own policies. prgtoken Playing politics with the Strategic Petroleum Reserve has resulted in the lowest level it has been in decades. prgtoken If this wasn't alarming enough, just wait until you hear who has benefited from our reserves being drained: the Chinese Communist Party. As part of this administration's Strategic Petroleum Reserve sales, a little under 1 million barrels were bought by UNIPEC, the Chinese Petrochemical Corporation. prgtoken The shortsightedness shows the administration is willing to put our national security at risk by selling vital reserves to our adversaries to manipulate market prices in hopes of getting political advantage. This is not right, and every single Member of this body should be opposed to such actions. prgtoken While we investigate these actions, we must ensure they never happen again. That is why I am proud to be an original cosponsor to the Protecting America's Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act. prgtoken This bill would prevent the Secretary of Energy from selling any products from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to any entity owned or under the control or influence of the Chinese Communist Party, or to any other entity that intends to export products to China. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.
PROTECTING AMERICA'S STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE FROM CHINA ACT
Michael Lawler (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-1-12

the bottom line is America needs to be energy independent. We should not be relying on foreign governments. We should not be relying on China, least of all. prgtoken , 60 percent of New Yorkers, for instance, rely on natural gas. We need to expand our energy portfolio. We need to increase domestic production of energy. We need to protect our reserves. prgtoken We should not be engaging in the type of behavior that the administration has with respect to China, and we should continue to do everything we prgtoken can to reduce the cost of energy here in America and increase our production. prgtoken That has to be the goal at all times.
PROTECTING AMERICA'S STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE FROM CHINA ACT
Steve Scalise (Republican, LA) \u2014 2023-1-12

I thank the gentlewoman from Washington (Mrs. Rodgers), chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and my dear friend, for yielding and for bringing this legislation, H.R. 22, to the floor. It is such an important piece of legislation to start standing up for America's national security. prgtoken If you think about the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, just think of the first word in that name, ``strategic.'' It is there for America's national security. prgtoken First of all, raiding SPR, as it is referred to, President has done over and over again, depleting 40 percent of our national security strategic reserve, not to move world oil prices. prgtoken As you can see, , multiple times, starting in November 2021, President has raided SPR because he has attacked American energy. As he attacked American energy, starting on his first day in office, the price of oil and gasoline at the pump subsequently has risen dramatically, crushing middle-class families. So, he started feeling the heat. prgtoken His answer should have been to reverse the failed policies that are dramatically increasing gas prices by crushing American energy. That is not what President did because the extremists on the left don't want that. They won't allow him to do it. prgtoken Then, he turned to SPR, and he said, well, maybe we can just try to trick the American people by raiding SPR. So, he did. When he raided it, what happened? You got a sugar high for about a week, and, boom, the price started going back up again because the world markets recognized President has taken American energy off the market. prgtoken By the way, , we are the only country in the world that can produce massive quantities of oil that is a free-market country. The rest of the countries that have an abundant supply are cartels: OPEC, Russia, Iran, Venezuela. They want a high price. The only check- and-balance to high prices of oil is a free-market, producing America. prgtoken By the way, if you want to hide behind the Green New Deal and global warming and whatever other names they attach to it, climate change-- they change the name every couple of years because the American people figure out that all it is is an attack on American energy. prgtoken The price keeps going up because we are shutting off the cleanest producing country in the world. prgtoken Do you want to lower carbon emissions in the world? Produce more oil in America. It is not just about creating more jobs. It is not just about our national security, . It is about actually reducing global emissions. prgtoken This bill addresses President selling our strategic reserves to China. China is building about a new coal plant every week, dramatically increasing carbon emissions, while President shuts down American manufacturing and production, shuts down oil, which, by the way, we were reducing emissions during those times when we were producing energy. prgtoken Over and over aga
HONORING DAMAR HAMLIN
Burgess Owens (Republican, UT) \u2014 2023-1-12

. Madam , I thank my teammate for pulling this together. prgtoken Damar Hamlin's fighting spirit and his faith inspired all Americans. prgtoken His miraculous recovery has reminded us of the power of prayer. He has been in the prayers of millions over the last 2 weeks, his teammates, his opponents, and Americans throughout our country regardless of race, creed, or color. prgtoken As we stand on the House floor today, we see the vision of our Founders, a promise to become a more perfect Union. It is a celebration of meritocracy, of a young man whose strength comes from God and his family. prgtoken We have seen our Nation's heart of empathy, one that blesses us with the opportunity to dream, to struggle, to overcome, and, the ultimate prize, to inspire and bless others. prgtoken God bless Damar, the Hamlin family, his teammates, and the entire football community.
PROTECTING AMERICA'S STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE FROM CHINA ACT
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-1-12

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding, and I congratulate her on her historic leadership position. prgtoken , our Nation and our national security have always been tied to our ability to utilize the resources that we have right here in America to remain free. prgtoken The energy resources that are underneath the feet of my constituents were vital to the production and fueling of the tanks, the planes, and the ships that gave Americans the advantages that we needed to win World War II. prgtoken And now, the Chinese Communist Party threatens free nations with oppression. prgtoken The administration has allowed our Strategic Petroleum Reserve to be sold to Chinese companies for political purposes. Instead of approving new leasing permits, delayed new drilling projects and canceled on day one the Keystone XL pipeline. prgtoken Instead of incentivizing companies to use the resources that we have in Pennsylvania, targeted American energy producers with new regulations that made natural gas and oil more expensive for American families. prgtoken Selling away our Strategic Petroleum Reserve for political gain has left our Nation less safe and our economy less secure. prgtoken , 950,000 barrels of American strategic petroleum to the Chinese Communist Party? prgtoken This boggles the American mind. prgtoken It is time to refill our strategic reserves. It is time to stop risking our national security to score cheap political points. prgtoken I urge all of my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this important legislation.
HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. JAMES MADISON ``JIM'' THOMAS
Aaron Bean (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-1-12

I rise today to honor the life of Marine TSgt (retired) James Madison ``Jim'' Thomas, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather, veteran, first responder, and dedicated public servant. At 101 years young, Jim was a pillar of the community. He served as Chairman of the Nassau County Commission, Chairman of the School Board, a Nassau County Sherriff's Deputy, and a Marine Tech Sergeant. prgtoken He was born in Yulee, Florida and was the son of the late David M. and Chal Treatie May Thomas. He attended school in Yulee and would eventually earn his GED after joining the U.S. Marine Corps. prgtoken Jim's love for his country was unparalleled. At the age of 17, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps before the beginning of World War II. Jim was a highly decorated combat veteran of World War II and the Battle of Guadalcanal serving with the 1st Marine Division, 1st Expeditionary Force, 1st Combat Engineer Pioneer Battalion--nicknamed ``The Super Breed.'' His battalion was awarded The Presidential Unit Citation for their extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions. Jim was honorably discharged at the rank of Technical Sergeant with over 14 years of service to the nation. Never someone who would accept accolades for his military service--he would quickly reply, ``I was just doing my duty.'' prgtoken Jim returned home to Nassau County and quickly became an integral part of the community. Through the years he served Nassau County in a variety of ways. He worked for the School Board as Maintenance Supervisor, and the Nassau County Sheriff's Office as a Juvenile Officer. Along with being a Sheriff's Deputy, he was elected to the School Board. During his tenure, he was instrumental in constructing 2 new schools in his first 4 years--Emma Love Hardee Elementary and Callahan Elementary. prgtoken He went on to serve the community as the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners. When asked to describe his most rewarding act as a commissioner, it was a quick and easy response. He was responsible for the monument that is standing today at the base of Center Street to publicly display the names of residents who gave their life in the service to our country. prgtoken Jim was also an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Fernandina Beach where he taught Sunday School and was an Elder and Deacon. prgtoken Jim served his God, his family, his community, and his country with honor and devotion. prgtoken In addition to his parents and his siblings, Jim was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Ann Thomas, a son, Phillip Terry Thomas and a son-in-law, Fred Armstrong. He leaves behind his 3 daughters, Linda Armstrong, Brenda Wall and her husband, James, and Beth McDonald and her husband, Larry, all of Fernandina Beach as well as a daughter-in- law, Alicia Thomas of Glen St. Mary; 17 grandchildren; 39 great- grandchildren; 18 great
PROTECTING AMERICA'S STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE FROM CHINA ACT
Pete Stauber (Republican, MN) \u2014 2023-1-12

I rise in support of H.R. 22. prgtoken The bottom line is, do we sell our Strategic Petroleum Reserve to China or not? prgtoken The answer is we should never sell one ounce of our Strategic Petroleum Reserve to the communist country of China. prgtoken Remember, as a candidate on day one declared war on American energy by shutting down the Keystone XL pipeline. He still commits to the war on American energy. prgtoken We in America are paying way more for energy than we should because of the policies of this administration. prgtoken H.R. 22, , is an easy one. The United States of America should not sell one ounce of our Strategic Petroleum Reserve to the communist country of China. prgtoken , I rise in strong support of H.R. 22.
PROTECTING AMERICA'S STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE FROM CHINA ACT
John R. Curtis (Republican, UT) \u2014 2023-1-12

I rise today in support of H.R. 22. prgtoken This morning, I listened very carefully to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle talk about this bill, many of whom I have great respect for their expertise in energy. I have, however, heard terms like ``political,'' ``political games,'' ``partisan.'' While this may be their perspective, I wish for just a moment that we could transport all of us to my district to see the perspective there, which is one of great hypocrisy. prgtoken On the one hand, instead of utilizing the vast American resources we cleanly produce, including in Utah, the President chose to use this country's strategic reserve to try to lower prices. prgtoken On the other hand, in fact, the President did this while attacking energy jobs in Utah by suspending energy development on Federal lands and raising the royalty to produce oil, two contributing factors to rising gas prices. prgtoken Not only did this release from the reserve barely make a dent in the cost of gas and weaken our national security, but it also directly strengthened our number one geopolitical adversary, China. Under no circumstances should our reserve be used to fund our adversaries. prgtoken Regardless of our views in this Chamber on the use of the reserve by the administration, we should all agree our emergency supplies shouldn't be sent to our adversaries.