mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
STRATEGIC PRODUCTION RESPONSE ACT
Marjorie Taylor Greene (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-1-27

. Mr. Chair, my colleague across the aisle pointed out exactly what I was saying, that the entire reason why President released our very precious oil--that the American people paid for with their hard-earned tax dollars for our emergency reserves--the reason why it was released was to reduce gas prices before an election. Our colleague completely admits that. prgtoken He then goes on to blame the war in Ukraine for the reason that we have a low supply. Talk about serious. prgtoken Let's talk about the most unserious decisions: that the Senate would not take up this bill to protect the American Strategic Petroleum Reserves; that the Senate would not take up this bill and pass my amendment to stop any President, or , from selling oil out of our SPR for political reasons; and to imagine that President would say that he would not consider this bill. prgtoken President is telling America that he doesn't care about our emergency supply or our national security. President gives a serious, clear message to the American people that he will destroy the fossil fuel energy industry and that that will hurt every single American. There are no politics that can play with that. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to pass my amendment and H.R. 21.
REMEMBERING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF HANS ``HARRY'' FRISCH
Kevin Kiley (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-1-27

this week, we celebrate School Choice Week, and it certainly is something to be celebrated. prgtoken Across the country, school choice has been an abundant source of opportunity and force for good, lifting the life prospects of millions of students. prgtoken It is important to recognize at the outset that for a particular group of people across this country, school choice exists to the fullest extent. Those are the families who are fortunate enough to have the financial means to create choices for themselves by moving into a community that has good public schools or by sending their kids to private schools. This form of school choice exists in all 50 States. prgtoken When it comes to everyone else, there is a stark difference among the 50 States. You see, there are some States that have decided that school choice should be available not just for some but for everyone. prgtoken For example, you have States like Florida that have offered a variety of different school choice options. In fact, Florida is ranked number one in the country when it comes to educational freedom and, not coincidentally, also ranks near the top when it comes to the performance of their kids ranked among the States across the country. prgtoken But then there are other States that have opted to have a two-tier education system, where they say we will have school choice for those that can afford it, but everyone else, they say, we are going to tell you where you will send your child to school. You will have one option, and they will go to that school whether your child is learning or not; whether they are learning how to do math or not; whether they are learning how to read or not; whether they are being prepared for success in life or not. prgtoken This is the two-tiered education system that prevails in far too many States in this country, and perhaps nowhere more so than in my home State of California, where it has become a business model--a perverse business model of keeping kids trapped in failing schools, which each year is further entrenched by politicians and the special interests that support them. prgtoken No individual personifies this two-tiered education system more than the Governor of California, Gavin Newsom. Soon after taking office, Governor Newsom enacted an aggressive, anti-school choice, anti-parent, anti-student agenda that went after charter schools, and was condemned by civil rights groups like the NAACP and the Urban League. prgtoken After the COVID-19 shutdown began, Newsom and the California legislature went even further trying to reduce the number of options that parents had from one to zero. prgtoken At the beginning of the shutdown, with schools not operating at all, many lacked even a distance learning option. Parents started enrolling their students in charter schools that already had well-developed, personalized learning models. prgtoken Newsom and the California legislature passed a bill to stop this: to def
REMEMBERING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF HANS ``HARRY'' FRISCH
John H. Rutherford (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-1-27

a nation without borders is not a nation. prgtoken Since President took office, we have seen a record number of illegal border crossings at our southern border. This has led to more drugs and fentanyl entering the United States, increased crime, and a demoralized Border Patrol. prgtoken Instead of solving this crisis, the President and House have turned a blind eye. They continue to double down on their radical open borders policy that focuses on processing illegals faster and moving them throughout the country. prgtoken To this President, there is no crisis at the southern border. This is his policy--until now. We saw the President visit the border for the first time this month, and now the administration wants to be focused on solving the issues at the border. Well, he is about 2 years too late. prgtoken Instead of taking responsibility for this national security crisis, the President is shifting blame to us here in Congress, claiming House s have failed to take the necessary steps to defend our border. prgtoken , that is absolutely astounding. Since President took office, CBP has recorded 4.5 million illegal border crossings. That doesn't include their estimated 1.2 million got-aways. prgtoken Under one-party ic leadership, ICE removed, last year, only 72,000 migrants, down from 186,000 removals in the final year of the administration. prgtoken In December, under Pelosi's leadership, we saw a record for the most illegal crossings in a month, ever. The tenth month in a row, more than 200,000 immigrants were apprehended at the southern border. prgtoken How did the administration respond? By releasing more than 1 million people into the country's interior last year, only a third of which are under ICE supervision; by building an app for immigrants to schedule their illegal entry into the country; they responded by creating parole programs that bring tens of thousands of migrants into the country without a pathway to legal status; finally, by cutting ICE detention beds last budgetary cycle. prgtoken Eleven thousand beds were cut by ICE, decreasing our capacity to detain migrants, not because border crossings are down, but because, with this administration, negligence is preferable to accountability. prgtoken Make no mistake, we are in the middle of a historic border crisis because of President and House . prgtoken During my trip to the border last spring, I met with discouraged Border Patrol agents overwhelmed by the influx of migrants attempting to cross our border, with absolutely no relief in sight. prgtoken While these agents do their best to handle groups of hundreds and sometimes thousands of people, the cartels are taking advantage of the holes in our border to smuggle in dangerous drugs like fentanyl and dangerous people. Hundreds of terrorists, known terrorists, on the watch list have come into this country. prgtoken Every State has now be
CONGRATULATING MR. MILAN MORA, P.E. ON BEING CHOSEN THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS 2022 JOHN W. MORRIS CIVILIAN OF THE YEAR
Jenniffer González-Colón (Republican, PR) \u2014 2023-1-27

I would like to congratulate engineer Milan Mora of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Jacksonville District, on his selection as the 2022 LTG John W. Morris Civilian of the Year. prgtoken In the recovery process from natural disasters, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been a reliable partner for emergency response as well as infrastructure construction and protection of river and coastal resources for Puerto Rico, Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Milan Mora has been a key part of this team, as the Chief of the Jacksonville District's Water Resources Branch. prgtoken Mr. Mora has shown true commitment to service in the protection of our communities and resources in the face of disasters and climate risks, and in support of American national security. In Puerto Rico he has been and continues to be a partner we can count on. prgtoken Having been chosen for this award by his colleagues shows their recognition and respect, and I join in congratulating him, a true friend of Puerto Rico, for this achievement.
HONORING THE LIFE OF LOU MOORE
Mike Garcia (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-1-27

it is with great sorrow but also with great pride that I rise today to honor the life of one of my constituents, a hero of America's Greatest Generation. prgtoken On December 6, 2022, Mr. Lou Moore, a veteran of World War II and a truly valiant warrior who took the fight to the Nazis in Europe, passed just shortly after turning 100 years old. prgtoken Today, he is with the Lord. I had the pleasure of presenting Lou with the Congressional Gold Medal last year. While he was a man of small physical stature, his heart, his love of country, and his passion for this beautiful Nation's youth and its veterans were of mammoth proportions. prgtoken My friend Lou cherished the marriage he had with his true love, his wife, Nellie. While she passed away slightly before Lou, he always had family in our district in the form of thousands of veterans throughout our area. They loved him dearly. prgtoken Lou blessed us with his special gifts of patriotism and honor, and God blessed us with Lou's presence and, now, has brought him home. prgtoken We are all grateful for the life of a truly great American, Mr. Lou Moore.
GRAVE CONCERNS FOR TRICARE BENEFICIARIES
Doug Lamborn (Republican, CO) \u2014 2023-1-27

I am pleased to come to the floor of the House of Representatives to discuss the need for TRICARE beneficiaries to have access to quality healthcare. prgtoken I thank Mr. Buddy Carter, my friend from Georgia, for his leadership on this important issue. prgtoken The military population in my home district of Colorado Springs is well over 100,000 people. It includes Active-Duty, National Guard, Reserves, retirees, and veterans, including their families and dependents, the number of TRICARE beneficiaries in my district is substantial. prgtoken The impact of Express Scripts cutting the number of in-network pharmacies and reducing reimbursements has been felt in Colorado Springs. prgtoken I have heard from constituents who have had trouble finding quality pharmacies for their prescriptions and who are faced with increasingly long wait times, decreased hours of service, and unscheduled closures. prgtoken Additionally, beneficiaries in my district have had to change their pharmacy numerous times as TRICARE rates continually fluctuate. prgtoken The process of finding a new pharmacy takes up a substantial amount of time and beneficiaries ultimately cannot reliably depend on a pharmacy to consistently deliver their necessary medicine. prgtoken The men and women serving in our military, retirees and their families who serve alongside them, deserve more options for their healthcare, not less. prgtoken Access to quality, accessible, reliable pharmacies should not be something that our military families have to worry about. prgtoken I urge the Defense Health Agency and Express Scripts to carefully consider the impact these recent changes have made on military families and to make the changes necessary to facilitate increased pharmacy access and availability to beneficiaries of the TRICARE network.
STRATEGIC PRODUCTION RESPONSE ACT
Jeff Duncan (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-1-27

. Mr. Chair, this amendment will prohibit the leasing plan from including a whole new swath of Federal lands. prgtoken This is a solution in search of a problem because many of these areas are already protected. I went through the list. I don't see any that aren't. prgtoken Under existing law, many of these places aren't open for oil and gas leasing. Nothing in H.R. 21 would change that fact. prgtoken President campaigned on a platform to end fossil fuels, and on day one of his administration, he imposed a moratorium on energy production on Federal lands. The administration has leased fewer acres than any other administration dating all the way back to World War II. H.R. 21 will reverse the dangerous precedent set by President and his administration and unlock the natural resources owned by the American people for the benefit of all. prgtoken The SPR shouldn't be used for political purposes. Drawing down to influence gas prices is wrong when the SPR is set aside for national emergencies, a time of war. It is a strategic asset for the American people, not to be used to influence elections. prgtoken This amendment will increase gas prices and weaken our energy security by reimposing the administration's leasing moratorium. prgtoken It is wrong. It is messaging. I get it. You are okay with releasing gas and oil out of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to influence gas prices, weakening our Nation if a natural disaster should strike. prgtoken We need to replenish the SPR. We need to do it with the American resources that we are blessed with in this country. That is what H.R. 21 does. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment, and .
ERNIE REYNOLDS SR. OF OROVILLE, CALIFORNIA
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-1-27

I rise in sadness to acknowledge the loss of a local icon and hero, Ernie Reynolds, Sr of Oroville, California. prgtoken Ernie was born in a very small cabin in the woods in 1930. He was one of ten children. Indeed, he knew the value of hard work and faith. prgtoken He left home at the age of 12, and at only 16 he wanted to join the military. So he embellished his age and signed up for the Coast Guard. He went on and eventually served in the Merchant Marines during the Korean war and sailed around the world seven times. prgtoken After his service, Ernie and his wife, Sally, settled down in Oroville. He founded A-1 Masonry which went on to build many local projects, including brickwork on banks, the historic Eagles Hall, a sporting goods store, the Chinese Temple, and McDonald's, among many others. prgtoken He knew the value of service, having served on several local boards in districts that make his community better. prgtoken He was a local hero. One day in 1972, he was testifying at a trial in the downtown courthouse. A gunman came in, shot the judge, and killed an attorney. Ernie managed to wrestle this guy down and disarm him. For his courage, Ernie was awarded the Certificate of Valor from the State Attorney General. prgtoken Ernie raised a strong family who also knew the value of hard work, serving their community, and their Christian faith. prgtoken Ernie was preceded in death by his wife, Sally. After 72 years, he still has a beautiful, strong family who are going strong in Oroville, California. prgtoken Ernie was the man to come see and visit whether it was about politics or to just spend time in his living room or out on his front porch. We are going to miss him. He was a true hero and icon in our community.
GETTING TO KNOW MY CONSTITUENTS
Tim Walberg (Republican, MI) \u2014 2023-1-27

since being sworn in as Michigan's Fifth Congressional District Representative, I have been fortunate to get to know so many great people. prgtoken From Lake Michigan to Lake Erie, I have been traversing southern Michigan to meet with my constituents and discuss the many issues that are important to them. prgtoken I have met with Michigan DNR at Warren Dunes State Park to discuss how we can protect the Great Lakes and our natural resources here in Michigan. prgtoken I have been able to tour several small businesses and manufacturing facilities across the district, meet with law enforcement from Berrien County to Monroe, and have meetings with local leaders in Adrian, Jackson, Marshall, Monroe, New Buffalo, Niles, Stevensville, and Three Rivers. prgtoken , I look forward to continued meetings with my constituents and serving the great people of Michigan's Fifth District that celebrate Michigan's 186th birthday this very week.
CELEBRATING LUNAR NEW YEAR
Young Kim (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-1-27

I rise today to join my community in celebrating Lunar New Year as we ring in the Year of the Rabbit and Year of the Cat. prgtoken We cannot ignore that this year's celebrations in southern California were rocked by the worst of evil. I have attended the Monterey Park Lunar New Year celebrations in years past, and my heart is with the loved ones of the victims of the shooting and our AAPI community. prgtoken However, I know that in the face of this tragedy, as we heal our wounds, we will persevere, come together, and come back even stronger. Our best days are yet to come. prgtoken Good prevails over evil. Love triumphs hate. Light surpasses darkness always. That is what Lunar New Year is all about. prgtoken I am rallying with my AAPI community, and I wish all who are celebrating joy, renewal, and many blessings. prgtoken I want to greet all the public in my special New Year's greetings. (English translation of the statement made in Korean, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Vietnamese is as follows:) ``Happy new year.'' Korean: ``Saehae bok mani badeuseyo'' Mandarin: ``Xinnian kuaile'' Catonese: ``Gong hei fat choy'' Vietnamese:``Chuc Mung Nam Moi''
NATIONAL SCHOOL CHOICE WEEK
Nathaniel Moran (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-1-27

as we recognize National School Choice Week, I rise to support educational freedom and efforts to empower our Nation's parents to make the educational decisions best for their families. prgtoken Over the last 2 years, we have seen our school systems and classrooms weaponized, pushing political agendas on our Nation's children. prgtoken These agendas have undermined the core purpose of our school systems: educating our children and preparing them for a successful future. These biased agendas are nothing more than liberal propaganda forced on our children, and they simply do not belong in the classroom. prgtoken As the proud parent of four school-age children, I understand how critical it is for parents to direct the education of their children, whether through the public school system, private schools, charter schools, homeschools, or otherwise. Each is a vital part of our educational system. prgtoken As one of the newest members of the Committee on Education and Workforce, I look forward to restoring the rights of parents to direct their child's education, not the Federal Government acting in loco parentis.
INTERNATIONAL HOLOCAUST REMEMBRANCE DAY
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-1-27

I rise today on International Holocaust Remembrance Day to honor the memory of those who were murdered during the Holocaust. prgtoken The Holocaust was the systematic, government-sponsored persecution and murder of 6 million Jews by the Nazi regime and its collaborators. prgtoken We honor the resilience of survivors, and we rededicate ourselves to uphold the sacred promise of ``Never Again.'' prgtoken The events and results of the Holocaust were so devastating and so extreme that we can barely imagine how such a horrendous event could even take place. But we remember because it is an unthinkable scar on humanity. We not only remember but, more importantly, we say ``Never Again.'' prgtoken Today, we mourn the lives of those we lost, and we celebrate those who saved them, and we honor those who survived. prgtoken We must eradicate hatred and never become indifferent to the suffering of prgtoken others. On the day of remembrance, the most important thing to remember is the humanity that exists in all of us. prgtoken May we always remember and always pledge ``Never Again.''
COMMONSENSE SOLUTIONS FOR FARMERS AND RANCHERS
Mark Alford (Republican, MO) \u2014 2023-1-27

I rise today as a voice for the farmers and ranchers of Missouri's Fourth Congressional District and our Nation. prgtoken I promised to listen to their concerns and their needs, find real solutions, and serve their voice here in Congress. Today, I am proud to stand before you as I introduce our very first bill, the Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States Act. We call it the A-PLUS Act. prgtoken This is our first bill, and as a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I am dedicated to finding commonsense solutions for our farmers and ranchers, whom I represent. prgtoken The good people of Missouri have asked that we introduce this legislation, which releases the livestock industry from unnecessary and decades-old regulations. prgtoken The A-PLUS Act increases packer competition for livestock and meat processing capacity at the local level. It fixes local supply chain issues, and it supports small businesses. prgtoken I am committed to our farmers and our ranchers and will always serve their voice here in Congress.
RECOGNIZING THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE AUSCHWITZ CONCENTRATION CAMP LIBERATION
George Santos (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-1-27

today, I rise to acknowledge that the 27th of January marks the anniversary of the Auschwitz concentration camp being liberated by the Red Army in 1945. prgtoken Let this day serve as a reminder that we must honor the victims and the survivors. We must also pay tribute to the liberators, who rescued millions of people who nearly fell victim to the Holocaust. prgtoken In fact, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the grandmother of one of my D.C. staffers, who is a 93-year-old survivor of Auschwitz and is also one of the few survivors of her family, who was tragically lost at the hands of Nazi murderers. prgtoken Anti-Semitism is a plague in this Nation, and it is undoubtedly up to us to ensure this kind of tragedy is never to be seen again. prgtoken This is a tribute to aging survivors and the Jewish community. We must guarantee access to the services they need to live long and dignified lives. prgtoken This day and every day, we give credence to the dark side of humanity but strive for a better and brighter future.