mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RAISING CORPORATE TAX RATE TO 28 PERCENT
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-3-10

. Madam , yesterday, the President's budget proposal was announced. It contains some of the largest tax hikes in American history. If enacted, it would set the corporate tax rate at 28 percent, a higher level than even Communist China. prgtoken Combined State and Federal taxes would amount to 32 percent. prgtoken This tax burden will primarily fall where? prgtoken On American workers and consumers. prgtoken It is broadly accepted by economists on the left and right that corporate taxes hurt wage growth, with labor bearing as much as 25 percent of the cost of corporate taxes. prgtoken Some estimates even place that burden as high as 70 percent. Raising the corporate tax will hurt American workers, depress their wages, and lower their purchasing power. prgtoken This is not a progrowth or proworker budget proposal. It is not even serious. prgtoken The President must meet with House s and negotiate in good faith for spending reductions and work toward an actual balanced budget like everyday Americans do in their homes and their businesses.
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2023-3-10

I would like to discuss three issues. Some have gotten attention, and some have not this week, but all of them are important, and I would say none of them got the attention they deserve. prgtoken The first issue to talk about is the size of our Federal debt. prgtoken Now, I know, ever since I was a child, people have talked about deficit spending and the amount of the Federal debt that someday the children or grandchildren will have to pay off. prgtoken I think it is important to look, though, that this time things really are different. The only time the Federal debt ever got to the total gross national product in this country--which is one way to compare debt at different times in our country's history--was when it actually hit 100 percent at the end of World War II. That is not surprising. prgtoken If you know people who lived during World War II, , the entire economy was devoted to munitions, a huge percent of our population was in the armed services, and we hit 100 percent. prgtoken However--unlike now--when the war ended, it was easy to reduce Federal spending. Hundreds of thousands of troops were, in essence, laid off and sent back to work in the private sector, we stopped building the ships, planes, and tanks we needed during the war, and as a result, over the next 30 years, the amount of the Federal debt dropped from 100 percent of GDP down to around 30 percent. It bounced back and forth around that level, maybe 40 percent, all the way to about 1995. prgtoken Even then that was too big, and people commented at the time, but the debt was about 30 to 45 percent of GDP. prgtoken Then, beginning with around 2010, things began to shoot up, and in COVID they shot up even more. We are now--or within a couple years will be--where we were at the end of World War II. But there are no tank factories or ship factories to shut down, and we can't lay off hundreds of thousands of troops. prgtoken Indeed, any Congressman knows that basically our day is spent attending meetings in our offices when we are here with various groups asking for spending increases and saying that they absolutely need them. prgtoken So this time, we really are in a crisis. prgtoken Not only are we in a situation in which we are approaching 100 percent of our debt equaling 100 percent of GDP, but because interest rates are going up and the huge increase in debt the last 2 years, the amount we are paying in interest is skyrocketing. prgtoken We cannot reduce the interest. If we had interest on our debt--which we anticipate will go up in the next year from $640 billion a year to $740 billion a year--that is a $100 billion spending increase that we have no control over. prgtoken As the debt continues to go up and as the Federal Reserve feels--and I was in a committee hearing yesterday both the witnesses and witnesses felt given what inflation was going on, as the Federal Reserve continues to raise interest rates, the amount of inte
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF MASTER TROOPER JAMES R. BAILEY
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2023-3-10

I rise today to honor the life and service of Master Trooper James Bailey. He was killed in the line of duty 1 week ago today. prgtoken Trooper Bailey, a native of Auburn, Indiana, was a decorated, 16-year veteran of the Indiana State police. prgtoken He was a warrior. He beat cancer three times. prgtoken In 2010, Trooper Bailey was off-duty and leaving lunch with his wife when an 87-year-old man collapsed in the parking lot. Trooper Bailey and his wife Amy, a nurse, began CPR and saved this man's life. prgtoken While many people called them heroes, Trooper Bailey simply said: It is what we do, it is what we are trained to do, and that is why we get into this profession. prgtoken That is who James Bailey was: a humble and dedicated public servant. prgtoken But I want to be very clear, especially to his children, Joseph and Sophia: Your dad was a hero, and that is how he will be remembered. We will never forget his service and his sacrifice to northeast Indiana. prgtoken God bless the Bailey family. God bless all of the law enforcement officers who risk their lives every single day to keep our families and our communities safe.
PRESIDENT BIDEN'S BUDGET
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-3-10

I rise today to support President 's new 2024 budget proposal. prgtoken This budget is just what the country needs to move forward. It includes caps on insulin payments to $35 for all Americans. It restores the enhanced child tax credit and provides up to $3,600 per family per child. It contains $4.5 billion for infrastructure projects. It has $700 million for the Hudson River tunnel and Gateway Program, and it includes $219 million to eliminate lead pipes from drinking water around the country. prgtoken This budget represents strong leadership, and it supports investments in the future of American prosperity. I am proud to support President 's new budget. prgtoken Now we need McCarthy to show the same responsibility and leadership with his budget proposal.
NATIONAL SALES TAX WOULD BE A DISASTER
Wiley Nickel (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2023-3-10

I rise today in support of H. Res. 212, a resolution I was proud to introduce earlier this week with Congressman Sorensen and Congresswoman Pettersen. prgtoken My resolution is simple and opposes the 30 percent national sales tax plan proposed by several of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. prgtoken A 30 percent sales tax would be a disaster for working families in my district who are already dealing with high prices of gas, exorbitant housing costs, and rising costs of living. It would hit seniors living on a fixed income especially hard. prgtoken , the American people deserve more than mere messaging and performative politics over the next 2 years, and this plan is just that. prgtoken I came to Congress to get things done, and I will work with anyone-- , s, and Independents--to lower costs, simplify the Tax Code for the middle class, and tackle the most pressing kitchen table issues facing North Carolina families.
SANDUSKY VOTED BEST COASTAL SMALL TOWN
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2023-3-10

I rise today to celebrate the recently named Best Coastal Small Town in America, Sandusky, Ohio. Now, Sandusky is the home of Cedar Point, America's Roller Coast. We invite you to come. This town is the pride of Ohio's Ninth Congressional District, and this recognition is a true accomplishment. prgtoken Clubhouse No. 3 SportSocial, a local sports bar, erupted into cheers last Friday when dozens of residents at a watch party heard the results come in. Their enthusiasm is emblematic of small towns across America where people will gather as a community to celebrate achievements, both big and small. While this is a big accomplishment for a small Ohio town, it truly represents the best of America. prgtoken Sandusky derives its name from the Seneca Native American Tribe and translates into ``cold water,'' but the residents of this town are some of the warmest, kindest people you will ever meet. prgtoken I encourage people from across America to visit Sandusky, come to enjoy our hospitality, and enjoy the astounding beauty of Lake Erie's freshwater south coast and the warmest coast in the entire freshwater Great Lakes.
COVID-19 ORIGIN ACT OF 2023
Robert Garcia (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-3-10

. Madam , the issue at hand is actually a simple one: it is whether or not to declassify data pertaining to the investigations into the origins of COVID. This is a simple vote. The simplicity of this vote is in stark contrast to the magnitude of the ramifications of this declassification process. prgtoken By declassifying, we will be able to seek clarity, give transparency, and gain security, which is what the American people deserve. prgtoken By declassifying, we have a chance to ensure that the 7 million people who died of COVID are honored correctly. This is a chance to hold China accountable for COVID and seek justice and a reckoning. Perhaps most importantly, it is a chance to prevent another man-made pandemic such as this from wreaking havoc on the planet again. prgtoken I think it is shameful that some have politicized this issue. This isn't political at all. Declassifying this information is simply the right thing to do. prgtoken I have personally been cleared to handle classified information since I was 18 years old, and the point of classifying information is to protect American lives, whether it is civilians and/or military personnel. prgtoken Information that is classified is material that would cause damage, serious damage or exceptionally grave damage to national security if made publicly available. prgtoken Now, the irony of this debate, however, is that the release of this data will actually save lives and help prevent the loss of life in the future. It will enhance our security, not degrade it. The continued overclassification of this data at the highest level actually poses the greatest threat to our Nation's security. prgtoken This is an easy and simple ``yes'' vote. The implications of this will determine whether or not we are able to prevent such another catastrophic pandemic from paralyzing us and taking so many lives. prgtoken I encourage all Members from both sides of the aisle to vote ``yes'' and enable us to get to the bottom of this, hold China accountable, and defend us against any future CCP threats.
CELEBRATING VIRGIN ISLANDS HISTORY MONTH
Stacey E. Plaskett (Democrat, VI) \u2014 2023-3-10

it is so exciting to be up here and to be able to have this discussion. prgtoken I want to thank the minority leader, my colleague and good friend, Mr. Hakeem Jeffries, for allowing me this time to direct everyone's attention to the importance of this month. prgtoken I know that it is Women's History Month, and we have been hearing so much about this. But what an honor it is for me to stand in front of you today because it is also Virgin Islands History Month. prgtoken I stand on the shoulders of strong Virgin Islanders who came before me, a people who are known for their courage, leadership, sacrifice, and, most importantly, their resilience. prgtoken The Virgin Islands are known for so much more than just white sandy beaches and as a popular vacation destination. I tell people all the time, there are more than just the beaches. There is a reason why seven nations have fought, fought, and done what was necessary to attempt to own these beautiful islands. prgtoken We are made of culture-rich lands and a diverse history. Though not always pretty, there is great beauty in prgtoken our past that shaped our present and directs us toward our future. prgtoken Like most Caribbean countries, the Virgin Islands history begins with the story of precolonial inhabitants of the island and, of course, of slavery, and even beyond that to a rich history of people, of families, of communities working and striving every day. prgtoken Many people are unaware that the Virgin Islands is the only place that is part of the United States where Columbus actually set foot. Many other places he just looked out and said, I am going to name it this or that or the other. But the Virgin Islands and, in particular, the island of St. Croix is the place where he actually had resistance from the inhabitants who lived there, and we know that from his own logbooks, from people on the boat who fought, who recognized that the Caribs that were there were putting up a resistance to these men coming in 1492. prgtoken In 1733, on the island of St. John, we have recorded the first major slave insurrection in the western hemisphere. The individuals and people there were so incensed at being enslaved that they organized themselves, actually overthrew those who had enslaved them, and held the island for a year before the Danes could organize with the English, the Spaniards, with others to fight back and take back the land. prgtoken I am so grateful that in this last Congress, this body, in a bipartisan way, were willing to support a recognition of that. This year, there will be a plaque put up at Ram Head on the island of St. John, the site of where the organizers brought themselves together and made the determination that they would rather commit suicide than go back to slavery. Ram Head is the location where they engaged in collective suicide by jumping off of the cliff rather than going back to slavery. prgtoken In 1848, the Virgin Islands, on the island of
COVID-19 ORIGIN ACT OF 2023
Ami Bera (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-3-10

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken This should be an easy vote because this is just about science. It is about understanding the origins of this virus prgtoken that created this pandemic that took at a minimum 7 million lives-- probably many more than that. It is just about science. We are not debating the geography of where this virus originated. We know that. We are debating how this novel virus evolved. This is a brand-new virus, and that should go without question. prgtoken I hope this is a strong ``yes'' vote by both and s. prgtoken I think about this as a doctor and a scientist, someone who has spent a lot of my time in Congress looking at global health security, looking at pandemic preparedness. I am proud to serve on the select committee that is looking at coronavirus and the impact of this pandemic. My colleague, another physician, Dr. Wenstrup, is the chairman of that committee, and the ranking member is Dr. Raul Ruiz. prgtoken Again, I think if we can take the politics out of this, we can actually understand what happened over these past 3 years, the impact it had not just on the United States but on the entire world. prgtoken We can work together as and s and hopefully the global scientific community to prevent the next pandemic. That is what this is about. prgtoken I don't know if we will ever find those origins if the Chinese Communist Party doesn't work with us. It is in their interests as well because they have suffered greatly. The Chinese people have suffered greatly from this pandemic. prgtoken They ought to allow the best scientists in the world to go to ground zero, to the hot zone, to Wuhan, and try to understand how this virus evolved. prgtoken Maybe it was a wet market. Maybe it was a lab leak. It is important for us to understand what it was because that then will allow us to address and shore up the system. prgtoken If it was a lab leak, we ought to have the highest safety standards in the world if we are doing this kind of research. We ought to look at whether we should do gain-of-function research. That is a legitimate question. There is scientific debate about that, et cetera, but if it was a lab leak, we ought to understand that. prgtoken We ought to come together as a global community and make sure we have the highest standards. If it was a wet market, if this was a naturally occurring virus that came from an animal into a human, we ought to understand that, as well. We ought to put in the safety and precautions to make sure that doesn't happen in the future. prgtoken Let's take the politics out of it. Today, we have a chance as the United States Congress to take a big vote, and s, to say: Let's try to figure out what happened. prgtoken It affected all of us, and we ought to do everything we can as the United States Congress, and s, and as a global scientific community to prevent this from ha
CELEBRATING THE CAREER OF CORPORAL ROBERT MAHON
Sharice Davids (Democrat, KS) \u2014 2023-3-10

I rise today to celebrate the career of Corporal Robert Mahon of Kansas. Corporal Mahon spent 30 years exemplifying the motto of the United States Marine Corps--Semper Fidelis, or ``Always Faithful'' in his service to the Third District as a member of the Leawood Police Department and the United States as a Marine. prgtoken After graduating high school in Placerville, California, Corporal Mahon joined the United States Marine Corps in October of 1993. Corporal Mahon proudly served four years in the Marines as an anti-tank missile gunner, or ``TOW.'' At his honorable discharge in 1997, his years of leadership and hard work allowed him to rise to the rank of corporal. prgtoken Following his discharge, Corporal Mahon moved to Kansas City and began working with the Johnson County Sheriff's Office. On July 19, 1999, Corporal Mahon began his 24-year service to Leawood Police Department. During these years, Corporal Mahon spent much of his time on patrol in addition to a 4 year stint in the traffic unit as a motorcycle officer. He continued to lead as a firearms instructor, armorer, and less-lethal projectile instructor for nearly 15 years. prgtoken Corporal Mahon's leadership did not end there. He worked to educate and inspire others as a police marksman, a police cyclist, an active shooter instructor, an original member of the department's honor guard, and was the first Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) drone pilot in the department. His outstanding performance was rewarded with a promotion to the supervisory ranks of the department, and he was named a patrol corporal on May 11, 2019. prgtoken Corporal Mahon received the Metro Chiefs and Sheriffs Association Bronze Award for Valor, two Leawood Police Department Lifesaving Awards, and the Leawood Police Department's Medal of Valor in 2022. In addition to his career achievements, Corporal Mahon is a devoted husband and father to his wife Vicki, and their children, Garrett, Alyssa, and Julia. prgtoken , please join me in honoring and congratulating Corporal Mahon on his three decades of service and his distinguished career. I thank Corporal Mahon for his leadership and valor and wish him the peaceful and prosperous retirement that he deserves.
TRIBUTE TO KEVIN ALEXANDER GRAY
James E. Clyburn (Democrat, SC) \u2014 2023-3-10

I rise today to pay tribute to a community leader, political activist, talented writer, and dedicated entrepreneur. Kevin Alexander Gray transitioned from this life on March 7, 2023, in Columbia, South Carolina. He was a not-so-gentle giant in the community who tirelessly advocated for improving the lives of those in need, and his presence will be sorely missed. prgtoken Kevin Gray was born on July 1, 1957, in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He was raised with his four siblings, by his parents who owned the Spartanburg establishment, ``Gray's Groceries''. From an early age, Kevin found his voice as a fearless advocate for civil rights and took to political organizing. In 1988, Kevin served as the South Carolina Coordinator for Reverend Jesse Jackson's Presidential campaign. He also worked diligently on the Presidential campaign of Tom Harkin in 1992 and Tom Clements' United States Senate campaign in 2010. prgtoken In addition to organizing both state and national political campaigns, Kevin was also a skilled writer. He worked as an editor for Black News of Columbia, South Carolina and as a writer and editor for other African American newspapers across the state. He went on to write, Waiting for Lightning to Strike: The Fundamentals of Black Politics, and edit Killing Trayvons, among other pieces on activism and the fight for equality. prgtoken Kevin understood the connection between good political discussions and good food, and he opened the well-loved Barbeque restaurant ``Railroad BBQ'' on Hampton Street, in the shadows of Benedict College and Allen University. The restaurant is adorned with political posters and created a space for enjoying fulfilling food and conversation. Despite opening at the early onset of COVID, it quickly became a cornerstone of the community. prgtoken Throughout his life, Kevin was a highly involved member of the community, offering support to families who had lost loved ones to poverty, violence, drug use, or were imprisoned. In formal civic roles he served as head of the Rainbow Coalition, a civil rights organization originally founded by Rev. Jackson and led protests against apartheid in South Africa. He also served eight terms as President of the South Carolina American Civil Liberties Union, and for four years on the national board of the American Civil Liberties Union. He was a key voice in advocating for the removal of the confederate flag from the dome of the South Carolina State House. prgtoken , I ask that you and our colleagues join me in honoring the inspiring life of Kevin Gray. Throughout his life, he remained steadfast in his dedication to his state and furthering the opportunities of all who lived there. His commitment to public service touched the lives of all who knew him, and he will remain cemented in the bedrock of Columbia, South Carolina forever.
HONORING THE LIFE OF J. PAUL TAYLOR
Gabe Vasquez (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2023-3-10

today I rise to honor the life of a local educator, State legislator, and hometown hero, Mr. J. Paul Taylor. He was a visionary leader who made a lasting impact on our community and across the State. prgtoken When I think of public service and what it means to be a public servant, I think of J. Paul Taylor. I think of his kindness, passion, and dedication to our State. New Mexico is a better place because of him. prgtoken J. Paul Taylor served in the New Mexico House of Representatives for nearly 20 years. Many referred to him as the conscience of the legislature. He led with his heart, found common ground through his bipartisanship, and did everything with New Mexico in mind. prgtoken His service to New Mexico continued after he retired. A longtime educator, serving as a teacher and principal, he served on the New Mexico Education Association two times as president. prgtoken Last August, we celebrated his 102nd birthday with a visit to his home in Las Cruces. prgtoken He had a reputation as a passionate educator and advocated for the arts and culture, and was a leader in bilingual education in the State. prgtoken J. Paul Taylor was a true friend and mentor to many in New Mexico. From the bottom of my heart, I thank him for being a true public servant and dedicating his life to making a positive difference in our State. Let's all remember his love for public service and for advancing equitable education in New Mexico.