mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
GOING BEYOND THE HEADLINES
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2022-3-18

. Madam , I would like to comment a little bit on some of the issues that have been out there this week, issues that are important issues but about which, for whatever reason, I don't think the public has been adequately informed as to what is going on. prgtoken The first issue I would like to talk about concerns the bill yesterday regarding trade relations with Russia and an earlier bill with regard to oil exports from Russia, and that is an incredibly important provision in that bill that has not been discussed in the mainstream media, which is an amendment of something called the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. prgtoken Today, before that bill is signed, the U.S. President can sanction foreign leaders or, I guess, pretty much any foreign person, certainly any foreign elected official, if they violated any human rights, and the definition of human rights is fairly narrowly defined. prgtoken When we think of horrible foreign leaders, we think of murder. We think of kidnapping. We think of holding people without trial for excessive periods of time. And we think if somebody is going to be sanctioned, they should be responsible for those human rights abuses. prgtoken In this bill, we change the definition of human rights to be open- ended, whatever the President thinks human rights are. Furthermore, we allow sanctioning of people who are indirectly responsible for violating human rights. prgtoken Already, the United States weighs in when countries try to preserve laws that were the laws of the United States not long ago, and I will say this with regard to two areas, the LGBTQ agenda and abortion. prgtoken Already, when you talk to people from Eastern Europe; the Caribbean; the Dominican Republic, in particular; Central and South America, people are mad because the United States throws around its substantial economic weight to fight the Christian beliefs of these countries. prgtoken Now, if these bills were signed to become law, if the Senate does not amend them, the President will have a new tool in his toolbox if he wants to force other countries to adopt the views of abortion and the views of LGBTQ that are the views, quite frankly, of the leftwing of the ic Party. prgtoken The President will be able to threaten the parliaments or, for all I know, lobbyists and demonstrators in foreign countries by saying: You can't get a visa to the United States because we don't like your stand on abortion. We don't like your stand on LGBTQ. prgtoken They can take assets in the United States. And we are told this was something that was threatened, at least the visa thing was threatened, with regard to elected officials in the Dominican Republic. prgtoken If you don't follow the U.S. party line, you are not going to get a visa to the United States. We are going to take your assets in the United States, take your bank accounts. prgtoken John Adams said that our Constitution was made for a moral and religious cou
HONORING HERMANTOWN BOYS HOCKEY TEAM
Pete Stauber (Republican, MN) \u2014 2022-3-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor the Hermantown boys hockey team, the 2022 Class A Minnesota State hockey champions. prgtoken Minnesota is the State of hockey, and in northern Minnesota, hockey is not just a proud tradition of ours; for prgtoken the players, coaches, families, and fans, it is truly a way of life. prgtoken It brings me great joy to see these athletes represent some of the best parts of our great Eighth District as State champions. prgtoken This group of hardworking young players has shown what dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment can accomplish. It is a true example of American exceptionalism. prgtoken I also honor the coaches for being outstanding role models and leaders to the Hawks this entire season. Head coach, Pat Andrews, and assistant coaches: Nate Buck, Matt Swanson, and Chad Huttel guided the team to not only the school's fourth State championship, but also a winning season concluding with 29 wins with only 2 losses. The Hawks secured the championship with an exciting 3-2 win over Warroad. prgtoken Madam , I congratulate every player, coach, and fan who lifted the Hermantown Hawks to victory. They have made our district so proud, and I wish every team member the best as they continue their hockey careers.
RECOGNIZING ALABAMA HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL TEAMS
Robert B. Aderholt (Republican, AL) \u2014 2022-3-18

. Madam , I rise this morning to recognize the six teams from Alabama's Fourth Congressional District who recently won State titles in high school basketball. There were a total of 14 that were up for grabs, and schools from the Fourth Congressional District, which I have the privilege to represent, won almost half of them. prgtoken In the girls finals, Marion County High, located in Guin and coached by Scott Veal, won the State title 1A. prgtoken Deshler High School, located in Tuscumbia and coached by Jana Killen, won the State 4A title. prgtoken And Guntersville High School, located in Guntersville and coached by Kenny Hill, won the State 5A championship. prgtoken Over on the boys' side, Covenant, located in Tuscumbia and coached by Bret Waldrep, won the 1A title. prgtoken Plainview High School, located in Rainsville and coached by Robi Coker, won the State 3A championship. prgtoken And Cullman High School, located in Cullman and coached by Stu Stuedeman won the State 6A title. prgtoken Madam , I congratulate all of these teams, all their schools, and all their communities.
CRISIS AT THE SOUTHERN BORDER
Fred Keller (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-3-18

. Madam , U.S. Customs and Border Protection information confirms what we know: The border crisis is getting worse. prgtoken There were 164,000 illegal alien encounters in February of this year, up 63 percent from February 2021. You know what else is up? Fentanyl seizures. Also, what else is up is illegal aliens with criminal backgrounds. prgtoken What is down is deportations. When we are seeing record increases in people coming across our border illegally, deportations are down. What else is down is the morale of Customs and Border Protection agents. I know this because I traveled with them on a ride-along, and they told me that it is down because the current administration is making them out to be the bad guys. Those are their words. prgtoken We need to support our Customs and Border Protection agents to secure our southern border. We need to give them the tools they need to do their job. prgtoken It is time for the President of the United States to make sure he does his job and keeps America safe and secures our southern border.
HONORING CARL T. BAKER FOR RECEIVING THE J. WALTER JUCKETT COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2022-3-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor Mr. Carl T. Baker for receiving the 33rd Annual J. Walter Juckett Community Service Award from the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken Mr. Baker was born in Gloversville, New York, in 1951. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Cornell University in 1973 and earned his Juris Doctorate Degree from Albany Law School in 1978. The following year, he was admitted to the New York State Bar. Mr. Baker then planted his roots in Glens Falls, where he went on to become a founding shareholder of Fitzgerald Morris Baker Firth P.C a renowned legal practice that serves clients throughout the state to this day with attorneys specializing in nearly every major discipline of law. prgtoken Mr. Baker has written several publications in the legal field and has lectured for the New York State Bar Association Continuing Legal Education program. In 2015, he was elected to the American College of Trusts and Estates Counsel and has been recognized with several law awards. In addition to his honorable career as an attorney, Mr. Baker has an illustrious record serving on the boards and committees of several reputable community organizations and charitable groups, including the Glens Falls Kiwanis Foundation, Board of Governors of Glens Falls Hospital, Planned Giving Council of Glens Falls Hospital, Widowed Persons Service of Greater Glens Falls Area, and several others. prgtoken Carl T. Baker has led a life devoted to service, charity, and leadership. It is clear why Baker was chosen as the recipient of the prestigious J. Walter Juckett Community Service Award by the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce. This award is the chamber's most distinguished for community service and is named in honor of J. Walter Juckett, a remarkable businessman and civic leader. On behalf of New York's 21st District, I would like to congratulate Carl on this honor and thank him for his years of service in the North Country.
HISTORY IS REPEATING ITSELF
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2022-3-18

. Madam , inflation is a thief, and many of us believe that the Federal Reserve is behind the curve in fighting that thief. prgtoken History is repeating itself, Madam , and Jay Powell is now fighting and facing precisely what his predecessor Arthur Burns called the ``anguish of central banking'' in 1979. prgtoken Sustained stagflation, high current inflation, growing high inflationary expectations, and now a commodity shock, these are all of the problems that Chair Burns faced in the 1970s. prgtoken While I welcome the Fed's action to shrink the balance sheet and start with the 25 basis-point increase in short-term rate targets, this process should have started in 2020. In my view, they should have been more aggressive this week and supported a 50 basis-point increase in short-term rates. prgtoken It is time for Congress to reassess and debate the central bank's mandate. In my view, the Fed should have a single mandate focused on containing inflation and keeping prices in check for Americans at the pump, at the grocery store, and whenever they pull out their wallet.
HONORING VIETNAM VETERANS OF AMERICA CHAPTER 1032
Lloyd Smucker (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-3-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor Chapter 1032 of the Vietnam Veterans of America, based in York, Pennsylvania. We are forever indebted to the veteran members of Chapter 1032 and the millions of other Vietnam Veterans who selflessly served our nation in the armed forces. We must also remember, honor, and give thanks for the service of those servicemembers who never returned home and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. Recognizing the sacrifices of all those who served is critically important. prgtoken I would like to extend thanks to a resident of Pennsylvania's Eleventh District and Vietnam Veteran, Harold Redding, a member of Chapter 1032 whose citizen advocacy prompted Congress to pass legislation that made possible the creation of the National Vietnam War Veterans Day, which will be observed on March 29. Thanks to Harold's efforts and those who supported him, our nation has a dedicated day where we can come together to recognize the sacrifices that these brave men and women made so that we may live free. prgtoken On this day and every day, we can honor our Vietnam Veterans through providing them with the care, recognition, and gratitude that they deserve. I extend to Harold and all the veterans of Chapter 1032 my most sincere thanks and gratitude, and I stand ready to support them in any way that I can as a Member of Congress.
CREATING A RESPECTFUL AND OPEN WORLD FOR NATURAL HAIR ACT OF 2021
Jim Jordan (Republican, OH) \u2014 2022-3-18

. Madam , such time as I may consume. I just want to point out, the majority leader just 3 minutes ago said the reason the bill is on the floor today is because of the minority. That can't happen. We don't schedule the floor. The reason the bill is on the floor today is because the majority is bringing it to the floor. prgtoken I would love to be able to have the power as the minority to bring legislation to the floor because if we could, I tell you what, it wouldn't be this bill. It would be a bill dealing with energy, a bill trying to bring down the price of gasoline, which is at $5 a gallon in some States. It would be a bill trying to deal with the border situation. I wish we could schedule the floor. prgtoken Let's hope the American people are going to make a change this fall and put us in a position where we can schedule the floor because if we do, if we get that power, we will focus on those kinds of issues. prgtoken The majority leader of the House of Representatives just said the reason the bill is on the floor today is because of the minority. That cannot happen. I wish it could, but it can't. Those are the kind of arguments we are getting. prgtoken We should be focused on the issues the American people want us to focus on right now. Families across this prgtoken country, all families want us to focus on certain things. But not the . They are going to focus on the hair bill. prgtoken Madam , I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Bishop).
HONORING THE LIFE OF RALPH AHN
Young Kim (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-3-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Ralph Ahn, a pioneer in the Korean-American community, who exemplified the American Dream. prgtoken Ralph was the youngest child of Dosan Ahn Chang Ho, and Ralph joined the United States Navy and bravely served our country fighting in World War II. prgtoken Ralph eventually started acting, following in the footsteps of his older brother, Philip Ahn, who was one of the first Asian-American actors. prgtoken Ralph made his film debut as a Korean prisoner in ``Battle Circus'' before taking on the roles in ``Mission Over Korea,'' ``Prisoner of War,'' ``The Hook,'' ``It Takes Two,'' ``The Golden Girls,'' and most recently as Tran on ``New Girl.'' prgtoken I remember last seeing Ralph at an event about a year ago commemorating the Korean-American Pioneers and Korean independence. prgtoken While I am sad that the last generation of Korean-American leaders have passed, I know that their legacy will continue to live on. I offer my deepest condolences to his beautiful wife, Anne, and his family.
RECOGNIZING MR. DAVID CARDENAS
David G. Valadao (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-3-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Fowler Mayor, David Cardenas, who passed away on Friday, March 11, 2022. prgtoken Mr. Cardenas was born in Michoacan, Mexico, and moved to the United States when he was 14 years old. Like many in the Central Valley, his father was a farm worker and instilled a deep sense of hard work, discipline, and commitment to family in him from a young age. His father pushed him to make a better life for himself in America. In 1981, he opened Dave's Auto Service, a business he ran for decades. prgtoken Mr. Cardenas was deeply devoted to both his faith and his community throughout his entire life. He spent over 20 years on the Fowler City Council and spent the past 12 years as the city's mayor. Additionally, he served on multiple boards of community organizations, such as the Fowler Lions Club, the Measure C Renewal Executive Committee, and St. Lucy's Church. He also served as the President of the Guadalupana Society, leading multiple trips to Mexico to bring a statue of our Lady of Guadalupe back to his local church. prgtoken Mr. Cardenas was a true pillar of our community. His dedicated and honorable service helped improve the lives of so many throughout the Central Valley. His commitment to his fellow citizens was truly admirable, and his selfless service will never be forgotten. prgtoken I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life and service of Mayor David Cardenas.
IN SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF HUNTER LONG FOR WINNING THE DIVISION III WRESTLING STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Robert E. Latta (Republican, OH) \u2014 2022-3-18

. Madam , it is with a great deal of pride that I rise to pay a very special tribute to an outstanding high school wrestler in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. Hunter Long of Wayne Trace High School has represented his school ably on his way to achieving the Division III State Wrestling Title. Austin overcame the challenges posed by intense competition in his effort to win the Division III State Wrestling Championship. prgtoken In pursuing the State Championship, Hunter Long defeated his opponent in the finals of the 132-pound classification. His hard work and dedication, both on and off the mat, in achieving this accomplishment is truly outstanding. He achieved an impressive season record bringing pride to his school and community. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to Hunter Long of Wayne Trace High School. On behalf of the people of the Fifth District of Ohio, I am proud to recognize this great achievement.
CREATING A RESPECTFUL AND OPEN WORLD FOR NATURAL HAIR ACT OF 2021
Ted Budd (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-3-18

. Madam , I was unable to attend the vote due to an important meeting with constituents in my district. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 82. Members Recorded Pursuant to House Resolution 8, 117th Congress Barr (Guthrie) Bass (Takano) Bergman (Stauber) Bowman (Garcia (IL)) Brooks (Moore (AL)) Brown (OH) (Jeffries) Calvert (Garcia (CA)) Cardenas (Gomez) Carter (LA) (Newman) Carter (TX) (Hudson) Cawthorn (Fallon) Clarke (NY) (Jeffries) Connolly (Wexton) Crenshaw (Fallon) Crist (Wasserman Schultz) Cuellar (Correa) Curtis (Moore (UT)) Dean (Scanlon) DeLauro (Courtney) DeSaulnier (Beyer) Deutch (Rice (NY)) Dingell (Cicilline) Doyle, Michael F. (Evans) Fortenberry (Moolenaar) Frankel, Lois (Wexton) Fulcher (Johnson (OH)) Garamendi (Correa) Garbarino (Jacobs (NY)) Gohmert (Weber (TX)) Golden (Courtney) Harder (CA) (Beyer) Harshbarger (Kustoff) Higgins (NY) (Pallone) Johnson (GA) (Correa) Johnson (TX) (Jeffries) Kahele (Mrvan) Kaptur (Lawrence) Kim (NJ) (Pallone) Kind (Beyer) Kinzinger (Meijer) Kirkpatrick (Pallone) LaHood (Miller (WV)) LaMalfa (Palazzo) Larson (CT) (Cicilline) Lawson (FL) (Evans) Lesko (Miller (WV)) Lofgren (Jeffries) Maloney, Carolyn B. (Wasserman Schultz) McEachin (Wexton) McHenry (Murphy (NC)) Moulton (Beyer) Neguse (Perlmutter) Nehls (Fallon) Norman (Donalds) Pascrell (Pallone) Payne (Pallone) Porter (Wexton) Rodgers (WA) (Bilirakis) Roybal-Allard (Escobar) Rush (Evans) Ryan (Perlmutter) Salazar (Dunn) Schrier (Aguilar) Sires (Pallone) Smucker (Joyce (PA)) Steel (Obernolte) Suozzi (Beyer) Swalwell (Gomez) Taylor (Fallon) Titus (Cicilline) Trone (Beyer) Upton (Katko) Van Drew (Tenney) Van Duyne (Jackson) Wagner (Cammack) Walorski (Buchson) Waltz (Gimenez) Welch (Pallone) Wilson (FL) (Cicilline)
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF COMMANDER ROBERT WILSON PRATT
Chip Roy (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-3-18

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Commander Robert Wilson Pratt, who passed away at his prgtoken home in Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas on Saturday, March 12, 2022, at the age of 99. prgtoken Robert was born on June 14, 1922, in Superior, Nebraska to Dr. Irving and Rose Pratt. He and his younger sister Peggy were raised in San Antonio, Texas where they both graduated from Jefferson High School. Robert attended the San Antonio College after he graduated from Jefferson in 1941 until he enlisted in the Navy in October of 1942. Due to his college credits already earned, he was entered into an officer training program. He was commissioned an Ensign in May of 1944. He proceeded to be part of the commissioning crew of LST 781. LST 781 then sailed from New Orleans, LA through the Panama Canal and into the South Pacific Theater. His ship participated in many of the island invasions in the Pacific culminating in the invasion of Okinawa where he survived kamikaze attacks while supporting Marine Corp Air Unit logistics. His ship had the distinction of being one of the first American ships to enter a Japanese port after the Atomic Bombs ended the conflict. He used a jeep from his ship to drive the short distance to Hiroshima to see the destruction there since no one knew anything about the danger of radiation. It was a sight he could never forget. prgtoken He returned after the war to San Antonio and completed his undergraduate degree in marketing at St. Mary's University. He was working for General Motors when he met the love of his life, Frances Salley of Alice, Texas. They married in January of 1950. When they returned from their honeymoon, he was greeted by a letter from the United States Navy calling him back to active duty for the Korean conflict. After Korea, he and Frances returned to South Texas where they raised two sons, Robert W Pratt II and Byron Wayne Pratt. prgtoken Robert had careers as an executive for Central Power & Light Company and later as a real estate developer of apartment communities. He stayed in the Navy Reserves retiring with the rank of Commander. He was an active member of the Corpus Christi Yacht Club for many years. prgtoken Robert and Frances enjoyed a 71+ year partnership and adventure together. Many of their best times were spent with family and friends aboard their 50-foot ketch, the Masquerade, on voyages that went from Florida to Annapolis, Maryland, and throughout the Caribbean. They moved from Corpus Christi, Texas to Fair Oaks Ranch, Texas in 1995 where RW continued to manage some of his real estate assets and mentor younger people he met to grow to their full potential. prgtoken We are able to live free today because of the courage of men like Commander Pratt, who put their lives on hold and answered their country's call when it needed them most. Love of family, country, and a life dedicated to service sum up the character of Commander Pratt, a member of the Greatest G
RECOGNIZING ARDEN JOHNSON
Tom Reed (Republican, NY) \u2014 2022-3-18

. Madam , today I rise to recognize Arden Johnson who has retired as Ellery Town Supervisor after serving fifty years. prgtoken Town Supervisor Johnson, who recently celebrated his ninetieth birthday, is believed to be the oldest and longest tenured Supervisor in the State of New York. His passion for service and zest for the community has truly benefitted the region, impacting thousands of lives throughout his long career in public service. prgtoken In 1948, before graduating from high school, Arden began the Young Club in the Town of Portland. He graduated from Brocton Central School in 1949 and was committed to spending his life helping others. Shortly after graduating, he served as Brocton's Fire Chief from 1955 through 1957 and was later elected to the Brocton Village Board, where he served from 1957 through 1960. prgtoken In 1964, Arden moved to the Town of Ellery and it did not take long for him to get involved. From Little League and Babe Ruth baseball to youth recreation programs, Arden was always active in the community. He also helped found the midget football program in Ellery which remains very popular to this day. prgtoken In 1972, Arden was elected Ellery Town Supervisor and fifty years later, in 2022, we celebrate his retirement. Over his fifty years in office, Arden made significant contributions to the community and was a strong leader. In addition to his time as Supervisor, Arden served on the County Legislature from 1980 to 1983. His most beloved contribution to the town was the Ellery Town Park. Boasting twenty acres of land, the park includes nearly a mile-long walking trail, tennis, baseball and soccer fields, pavilions, a playground and more. Also, home to a Veteran's Memorial, dedicated on May 30, 2005, the Ellery Town Park is appreciated by the greater community and all who visit. prgtoken Supervisor Arden Johnson worked tirelessly for his constituents. He is a proud family man, friend, mentor, and more. His leadership and service to our community has touched the lives of many and will be cherished for generations to come. prgtoken Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations and join me in recognizing Ellery Town Supervisor, Arden Johnson, on his longstanding service and wish him the best in his retirement. Congratulations on this tremendous milestone, and I thank him for his lifelong commitment to our community.