mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
WE LIVE IN INTERESTING TIMES
Debbie Lesko (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2022-5-13

I thank Representative Gohmert for yielding. I am a survivor of domestic violence, and it is still hard for me to talk about it, and it has almost been 30 years ago since I left my abusive ex-husband. prgtoken Domestic abuse and violence is very common, unfortunately. I think one in four women are abused by either a boyfriend or a husband, and it is a very, very big issue that I am glad Mr. Gohmert is showing attention to and shining light on. prgtoken At this time, very briefly, I thank our U.S. Supreme Court Justices for the hard work and dedication that they have, and I condemn the intimidation tactics that are taking place against our U.S. Supreme Court Justices. It is an absolute shame. It needs to be stopped. prgtoken As we await the U.S. Supreme Court's decision that may overturn Roe v. Wade, I stand with the vulnerable women and girls grappling with unplanned pregnancies and the precious infants that they carry. prgtoken Pro-abortion advocates and some elected officials push vulnerable women and girls toward abortion and deem it as an empowering choice. There is no empowerment nor compassion in abortion. There is no encouragement in crushing, dismembering, poisoning babies, and sucking them out of the womb with a vacuum. prgtoken That is why it is so important that we support vulnerable women and girls who are facing unwanted pregnancies and help them during that critical time. That is why myself and millions of women across the country support pro-life pregnancy centers, support adoptions, support housing for vulnerable women. prgtoken What is often forgotten in this argument is the long-term psychological mental health of the mother who aborted their baby. prgtoken One of the reasons that I believe I have been led to serve in Congress is to help save the lives of innocent babies in the womb. And now as you see on this floor, s over and over again have called on Pelosi and the to put up a bill to save babies that are born alive--yes, born alive--from a botched abortion. Right now we have found that they are being laid aside on a table or they are found in a wastebasket and left to die. Certainly America can do better. We must do better.
RECOGNIZING SENIOR PASTOR THOMAS ZOBRIST
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2022-5-13

. Madam , I would like to recognize Reverend Thomas (Tom) Zobrist, Senior Pastor of Liberty Bible Church in Eureka, IL, for being conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Calvary University. prgtoken Prior to his service as senior pastor, Tom served in the U.S. Air Force for six years as a B-52 crew chief. After returning home from his time in the military, Tom graduated from Cavalry Bible College with a Pastoral Degree. Tom was later called as pastor of the Liberty Bible Church. As Senior Pastor of Liberty Bible Church for the past 34 years, Tom has faithfully been a shepherd for the congregation of Liberty Bible Church. prgtoken Tom's commitment to the Eureka community and central Illinois is unquestionable. Over the years, Tom has held influential roles with the Board for the Brazil Gospel Fellowship Mission, Calvary University Board of Trustees, and IFCA Board of Directors. He has selflessly dedicated his time as senior pastor to improving the lives of his congregation and strengthening his community. The religious values instilled through Tom's teachings will continue to strengthen our community for years to come. prgtoken Our community has been fortunate to benefit from the service and leadership of Tom Zobrist. I extend my sincere congratulations to Tom on being conferred an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Calvary University. I wish him much success as he continues to lead a life of service to the Eureka community and central Illinois.
WE LIVE IN INTERESTING TIMES
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-5-13

I appreciate my friend from Arizona so much. I miss her on the Judiciary Committee because of the very type of insights that we just heard from her. I am grateful for her service, her intellect, her insights, and especially her pugnacious nature that did not cause her to back down, that caused her to stand up after being a victim herself. prgtoken I was approached by a lady in a store in Longview, Texas, an adjoining county to where I was a district judge, and she asked if I remembered her. I didn't. She never testified in court, but she said she was there in the courtroom when I sentenced her husband. She said she and her daughter had been abused year after year, and her husband had been arrested different times, but he was such a smooth salesman that he always convinced judges to give him a slap on the wrist and probation and be on his way. She said that I was the first judge in all those years to be able to see through her husband's great salesmanship and send him to prison. prgtoken There are a lot of things that aren't pleasant about being a judge or a justice, been that, too, but to have somebody say, ``You gave my daughter and me our lives, and we are doing great, and she is doing great, and she is going to go to a great college now,'' but you have got to be able to see through gaslighting. You have got to be able to see through lies and get to the facts. prgtoken Now, we are being told about what a terrible shortage of baby formula there is in this country; and there is. You go in the stores, the shelves have a tremendous shortage. We hear different excuses. But if you had a businessman like President in the White House, when he would see a shortage of something that was needed, he would find out where the problem is. He would call the people that could do something about it, ``Hey, we have got to do something about this,'' and they would figure out a way to get something done about it, find out where the holdup was, where the problem was. prgtoken But, instead, when there seems to be a shortage or a problem, s say, ``Hey, why aren't we doing something about the baby formula?'' This gaslighting technique is used. And then we find out not only is there a shortage in the store, but you just shipped truckloads of baby formula to the border, which acts as a draw to more illegal immigration, especially women with babies or parents with babies to come across and get the baby formula that is not being allowed to go to Americans and American citizens or people who are legally here. prgtoken The thought comes of the flights. Every week we are in session, flight up here, flight back, we sit through the same presentation over and over again by the flight attendants. Sometimes they do it live, sometimes they are just going through the motions and there is a tape playing, but they make very clear, if we have a problem like the fuselage depressurizing, the oxygen mask will drop down, and adults
HONORING BILL JONES OF PADUCAH, KENTUCKY
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-5-13

I rise to honor my very dear friend, Bill Jones, of Paducah, Kentucky, upon his retirement from U.S. Bank. Over his 37 years with U.S. Bank, Bill took on numerous leadership posts with the company and thrived in each role. prgtoken His time in the financial business totaled 45 years and spanned significant changes in industry operations. As a leader, he was frequently forced to adjust to modern trends to ensure customer needs were met. And time and time again he has passed that leadership test with flying colors. prgtoken In addition to his work in the banking industry, he has also served his community in the Commonwealth of Kentucky on numerous boards, including Kentucky Educational Television, Mercy Health Hospital, and other commissions geared toward economic development. prgtoken As someone who has spent a lot of time in the banking industry myself, I know that the industry is better off thanks to Bill's contributions and leadership. prgtoken Bill Jones is a west Kentucky legend. On behalf of all the residents of the First Congressional District of Kentucky, I wish Bill Jones a very happy retirement.
COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2022
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-5-13

. Madam , I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken Today, we have the great opportunity to move one step closer to reducing poverty across the Nation. The community services block grant is the only Federal program with the explicit and overreaching goal of reducing poverty regardless of its cause. prgtoken Originally, created in 1964, the program established local community action agencies to help identify why people were in poverty and how to address it using public and private resources. It was a public-private partnership. Community action agencies are governed by boards that are largely made up of business and industry community leaders in those counties. prgtoken Funds for this program help families and individuals achieve self- sufficiency, find and retain meaningful employment, attain an education, make better use of available income, obtain housing, and achieve greater participation in community affairs. Virtually every county in the United States has a community action agency which helps low-income individuals and families move from poverty to independence. prgtoken CSBG has not been reauthorized in more than two decades, and today's vote will renew our commitment to reducing poverty and strengthening communities across the country. prgtoken H.R. 5129 reauthorizes the community services block grant program for 10 years at an annual level of $1 billion for the first 5 years. It maintains local control of community action planning and activities. It is largely business and industry leaders that constitute those boards. It authorizes a broadband navigator program to respond to the broadband and digital needs of low-income families and communities to find pathways out of poverty. prgtoken Madam , it does so much more. prgtoken CSBG requires some modernization to allow agencies the ability to tap their full potential and better serve families and communities. While this program has a strong history of bipartisan support, some of my colleagues have alleged faith-based organizations will no longer be able to participate in the CSBG program if this bill becomes law. This is simply untrue. prgtoken Faith-based organizations are longstanding and essential partners in community action networks. They serve as incredible forces of good in their communities. prgtoken Philippians 2:4 tells us, ``Let each of you look not only to his interests, but also to the interests of the others.'' prgtoken Madam , as a man of faith and longtime member of the Congressional Prayer Caucus, the last thing I would do is support legislation that removes faith-based organizations entirely from actively and equally participating in CSBG. There have been longstanding Federal regulations which were expanded under the administration that allow faith-based organizations to partake in Federal programs without compromising their religious beliefs. These regulations now apply to nine Federal departments and agencies, including
COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2022
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-5-13

. Madam , the balance of my time. prgtoken Madam , if CSBG programs were fulfilling their statutory purpose, we would be hearing lots of numbers of people lifted out of poverty. But those numbers have been notably absent in the committee debate and here today. prgtoken We have been given no proof, no proof at all, that these programs are working as they have been set up. We are asking hardworking taxpayers-- let me repeat that--hardworking taxpayers to give money to support these programs that have no accountability. prgtoken The goal is to take people out of poverty and have them become hardworking taxpayers to balance out the burden here in this country, but that is not happening, Madam . prgtoken This bill would appropriate $1 billion. I said in my opening comments that we are $30 trillion in debt. We are going to add to our debt with this program with no accountability. We should not spend a dime of taxpayer dollars without knowing that those dollars are being spent effectively. prgtoken s support commonsense efforts to fight poverty and provide a safety net for Americans truly in need. We want to make our Nation's antipoverty programs the best they can be, a streamlined network that specifically focuses on aiding those in dire need and helps lift them out of poverty, but that is not what we have here. prgtoken H.R. 5129 fails to reform CSBG. In fact, the program widely expands the pool of eligible beneficiaries, leaving those most in need with fewer resources. prgtoken It goes along with other programs that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle and the administration keep proposing, and that is to put more people in dependency in this country, not make them independent. prgtoken It also attacks religious liberty. I believe my colleagues have basically admitted that in the last few minutes. prgtoken Over 19,000 vital faith-based organizations work tirelessly to help their communities through the CSBG program. Yet, H.R. 5129 sets a terrible and destructive precedent. Preventing faith-based organizations from competing for grants while remaining true to their religious character means fewer low-income Americans will receive the help they need. prgtoken This legislation is another Washington-knows-best approach that will keep Americans dependent on hardworking taxpayers' dollars. My colleagues should reject this legislation, and .
HONORING BAILEY FORD ON THE GRAND OPENING OF THEIR NEW DEALERSHIP IN PLATTSBURGH
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2022-5-13

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Andrew Bailey on the grand opening of Bailey Ford's new state-of-the-art facility in Plattsburgh, New York. The Bailey family has been proudly serving the Plattsburgh community in the auto industry for four generations, and I look forward to their continued success in the North Country. prgtoken The Bailey name has an extensive history in the North Country auto industry. In 1942, Albert Bailey, Sr great-grandfather of current prgtoken company President Andrew Bailey, opened his first dealership in Dannemora. After the success of his first dealership, Albert Sr. opened a Ford dealership in the 1960's with his son, Lloyd. prgtoken In the eighty years since Albert Sr. opened the first dealership, Bailey Ford has become a staple in the North Country. In 2019, they acquired an 8,000-square-foot facility in Plattsburgh. Bailey Ford quickly outgrew this location as sales skyrocketed by over 90%, despite challenges posed by the pandemic. In 2021, the Baileys were ready to expand, and they began construction on a brand-new 40,0000 square-foot dealership across town. The new dealership is five times the size of their current location, which will allow them to expand their inventory and service capacity. They will also bring new jobs to the Plattsburgh community, as they are expected to double their staff once the project is complete. prgtoken The Bailey family has continued to be committed to the development and success of the North Country community for over eighty years. We look forward to the opening of their new dealership on May 14, 2022. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to thank and congratulate Andrew Bailey and the entire team on this incredible achievement and wish them the best of luck.
COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2022
Lisa C. McClain (Republican, MI) \u2014 2022-5-13

. Madam , I would agree with my colleague across the aisle, this bill should be about lifting families out of poverty and providing hope to underserved communities. Let's do that, and let's actually for once in agreement, let's put our money where our mouth is and let's actually make sure that the dollars are actually used for what the bill intends them to be used for. prgtoken We should not be blurring lines between workforce issues and political campaigns. This isn't a political campaign, correct? Facilities used for community service block grants should not be open to political activities during operation hours. Sadly, this is exactly what my colleagues on the other side want, and they are notorious for talking about a bill and then packing it full of something that has nothing to do with the bill. So let's do what we say we are going to do and actually help the communities. prgtoken Where does this end? This is the foot in the door to allow real partisan action to be commingled with Federal programs. We have a clear example of this that is happening today. prgtoken Need I remind everyone about ACORN? That should be example enough to illustrate why this is a terrible idea but, apparently, not for my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. prgtoken My amendment is simple. It would remove the troubling language in this bill that allows taxpayer-funded community action centers to be used to increase voting registration. prgtoken Let's keep the bill to what you say it is going to be. It would also prohibit community service block grant funds from any lobbying activities. Again, let's actually use the funds for the people in the community, not the politics. prgtoken We all want eligible Americans to register to vote and actually get to the polls on election day. But that is not the purpose of the community block grants. This bill should not blur the lines between educational and political activities.
COMMUNITY SERVICES BLOCK GRANT MODERNIZATION ACT OF 2022
Tim Walberg (Republican, MI) \u2014 2022-5-13

. Madam , I offered an amendment during a markup that would have protected faith-based providers, making sure they don't have to leave their faith at the door when they work to serve America's families in need. This is not only good for the religious organizations serving these families but also for the neediest among us. prgtoken Unfortunately, my colleagues rejected this commonsense amendment. I was further disappointed when they did not make my amendment in order for floor consideration. This is a forthright attack on religious liberty by the , and we cannot stand for it. prgtoken Madam , if we adopt this motion to recommit, we will instruct the Committee on Education and Labor to reconsider my amendment to restore these current law provisions. prgtoken Madam , I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of this amendment in the Record immediately prior to the vote on the motion to recommit.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steve Scalise (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-5-13

. America knows how to do it better. prgtoken By the way, it is American innovation that has opened up the ability to produce more energy cleaner than anyone else in the world, and the President of the United States is the one saying no to America. He is not saying no to all energy. He is saying no to the cleanest American energy. But then he is begging foreign countries, which actually produce energy without American standards, begging them to give us our oil at a much higher price than just doing it here in the best place to do it in the world. prgtoken It perplexes me why the President of the United States says no to American energy while begging dictators to give us our energy at a higher cost, but that is where we are. prgtoken , .
HONORING THE CHARITABLE WORK OF WILLIAM LORENZ, JR.
Chris Jacobs (Republican, NY) \u2014 2022-5-13

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of Mr. William Lorenz, Jr.'s devotion to our Western New York communities. prgtoken Mr. Lorenz was born and raised in Buffalo, New York and has lived there his entire life. After high school, Mr. Lorenz attended Canisius College and graduated with a degree in political science and a classics minor. Mr. Lorenz was also member of the Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity at Canisius College, and after completing his undergraduate studies, Mr. Lorenz attended the University at Buffalo School of Law, where he graduated with an intellectual property concentration. Since graduating from law school, Mr. Lorenz has worked in the legal field, currently serving as a Senior Associate for the Mura Law Group. prgtoken Mr. Lorenz has been volunteering in our Western New York communities for several years. He has raised thousands of dollars for various charities including the Mental Health Association of Erie County, Compeer of Greater Buffalo, Mercy Flight, Inc and Hearts for the Homeless. Mr. Lorenz has also donated his time and expertise as a litigator by teaching and coaching the Canisius College Mock Trial Team. prgtoken In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Lorenz volunteered at social distancing parades for children with special needs, collected donations at food and blood drives, and delivered groceries to those unable to get groceries for themselves. prgtoken While selflessly volunteering at these events, Mr. Lorenz found that there was a food shortage emergency in Western New York. After this realization, he partnered with FeedMore WNY to organize the first-ever Superhero Food Drive and he is now recognized as ``Buffalo's Best Batman.'' Through Mr. Lorenz's efforts, the Superhero Food Drive collected over 1,300 pounds of non-perishable donations in a single day. These donations were critical to helping those in need within our Western New York communities. prgtoken I thank Mr. Lorenz for his commitment to community service and his dedication to our Western New York communities, and I believe that Mr. Lorenz exemplifies what it means to be a Western New Yorker. prgtoken Madam , please join me in thanking Mr. Lorenz for service to our communities and in honoring the positive impact he has made and continues to have on New York's 27th Congressional District.
HONORING RALENE BERGQUIST FOR HER TEN YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Ron Estes (Republican, KS) \u2014 2022-5-13

. Madam , I rise on behalf of the people of the 4th District of Kansas to pay tribute to Ralene Bergquist as she retires after ten years of service to our congressional district. prgtoken Ralene Bergquist has faithfully served the people of Kansas' Fourth Congressional District for ten years. She began her career as a U.S. House of Representatives district staffer during the tenure of my predecessor, former Kansas' Congressman Mike Pompeo. When Congressman Pompeo accepted the call to become Director of the Central Intelligence Agency, Ralene was instrumental in facilitating the smooth and successful transition when I first took office. prgtoken Ralene joined my district office shortly after my special election. Despite all the changes that come with a change in a district's Member of Congress, Ralene remained as the familiar, constant voice and compassionate listener for the constituents of the Fourth District of Kansas. She has served as the friendly face in the lobby and office manager of our district office for five years, following her five years of service with former Rep. Pompeo. prgtoken Ralene's dedication and work has been very much appreciated and a great service to two members of Congress as well as the constituents of Kansas' Fourth Congressional District. I speak for myself and the entire D.C. and district staff when I say we will miss Ralene after she retires from congressional service. prgtoken We are excited to see what the future holds for Ralene and wish her many blessings as she enjoys more time with her husband, Kansas State Representative Emil Bergquist, their children, and their grandchildren. prgtoken I congratulate Ralene on a wonderful career and say thank you from a grateful district.