mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NO DOLLARS TO UYGHUR FORCED LABOR ACT
Nathaniel Moran (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-2-13

. Madam , I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 4039, the No Dollars to Uyghur Forced Labor Act, and I urge my colleagues to vote in support of this important measure. prgtoken Slavery in any form is repugnant and morally wrong. America--the home of the brave and the land of the free--should not be complicit in the Chinese Communist Party's genocide, oppression, and enslavement of Uyghur Muslims. prgtoken Currently, the China Communist Party is using over 100,000 Uyghur Muslims as slave labor. The No Dollars to Uyghur Forced Labor Act will ensure that the U.S. plays no part in this atrocity. prgtoken Specifically, H.R. 4039 prohibits the State Department and USAID from developing or designing international contracts with companies that import or source any raw materials or goods that were manufactured, produced, or mined from the Xinjiang region of China. prgtoken My legislation would also require a report to Congress identifying all violations in the previous year with a plan to improve enforcement and compliance. prgtoken Xinjiang is an important region to China's economy. It represents one-sixth of China's land mass, and is home to most of their cotton, coal, and natural gas reserves. It is considered the core hub for China's Belt and Road Initiative, which is China's primary tool to exert economic influence across the globe. prgtoken Many basic goods that we consider to be part of our everyday lives are being produced by forced labor in Xinjiang--raw materials like yarn, bricks, nails, cotton, hair products, gloves, and polysilicon, which is commonly used for solar panel manufacturing--all essential resources for global commerce. prgtoken There is no excuse for the United States to continue in any partnership with companies that do business in Xinjiang and perpetuate these gross human rights abuses that the CCP has been committing against ethnic minorities for decades. prgtoken In addition to those enslaved, between 1 and 2 million people have been detained arbitrarily by the CCP and placed in what they call reeducation centers where they have little to no freedom and undergo intense indoctrination at the hands of the Chinese Communist Party. prgtoken Many who have endured these centers note that they were just paid 2 pennies or less to make a pair of gloves. Those who are enslaved are unable to leave, see their families, or communicate with their loved ones. prgtoken The CCP's tactics of threats, intimidation, confinement, and physical and emotional abuse is intended to oppress its people, force assimilation, and in the process, grow its economic influence worldwide. prgtoken Victims have no hope of life elsewhere. They know they will be monitored by police through oppressive surveillance systems. Survivors recount that the CCP cancel passports and lure minorities to China only then to detain them and use them for forced labor. prgtoken The CCP reels in Uyghurs by offering free health services and then invades
NO PRODUCTS MADE WITH SLAVE LABOR SHOULD BE BOUGHT AND SOLD IN THE UNITED STATES
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-2-13

. Madam , as we speak, the Chinese Communist Party continues to imprison and detain more than 1 million Uyghurs in western China with as many as 100,000 subjected to forced labor. That is slavery. prgtoken This is a clear violation of human rights by the Chinese Communist Party who have continued to jail those who speak out against their oppression, and that includes Christian ministers. It is time for the United States to send a clear message that no products made with slave labor should be bought and sold in these United States. prgtoken It is time to pass the No Dollars to Uyghurs Forced Labor Act and prevent the State Department or U.S. agencies from purchasing any goods made by forced labor under the Chinese Communist Party. We cannot stand by as clothes, as sneakers, as batteries, and solar panels are manufactured under these conditions. prgtoken It is time to stand up against the Chinese Communist Party and put a stop to this human rights abuse. Let's Stop Liberal Spending Priorities Ahead of Fiscal Security
HONORING TERRY McFADDEN'S CAREER IN BROADCAST JOURNALISM AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE SOUTH BEND COMMUNITY
Rudy Yakym III (Republican, IN) \u2014 2024-2-13

it is my honor to recognize and congratulate award-winning television journalist Terry McFadden, who is retiring from WNDU-TV this month after more than 40 years of covering news in the South Bend market. prgtoken A fellow South Bend native and Notre Dame graduate, Terry has called St. Joe County home his entire life. To this day, Terry still lives on the same street he grew up on. It is undoubtedly this love for the South Bend community that has made Terry such a trusted name in local news over all these years. prgtoken Terry made his start in broadcasting in 1982 as a news and sports reporter with WNDU. In the time since, Terry has become one of South Bend's favorite television journalists, and he has epitomized the highest standards of professional and journalistic integrity. prgtoken The various broadcast journalism awards and accolades he has received over the years--including the Radio Television Digital News Association's prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award--are a testament to Terry's many career accomplishments, commitment to the community, and his passion for his profession and presenting the news in a compelling way. prgtoken As he prepares to retire from journalism, spend more time with his family--especially his wife Laurie and their sons Michael, Sean, and Charlie--and write the next chapter of his life, I am proud to congratulate Terry on more than four decades of dedicated service and excellence in journalism. prgtoken While I will miss him bringing us the news every day, I join so many others in expressing our gratitude to this lifelong Hoosier and in wishing Terry best wishes for a very happy and full retirement. I thank Terry.
SECRETARY MAYORKAS MUST BE HELD TO ACCOUNT
John W. Rose (Republican, TN) \u2014 2024-2-13

. Madam , today the House will vote again on two Articles of Impeachment against Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. prgtoken A lot of attention has been paid to the fact that the impeachment vote failed to pass the House last week due to a being absent for health reasons. While I would have, of course, rather that it had passed, it did serve to highlight that House s are largely in this fight to secure our national borders all by ourselves. prgtoken House know that Secretary Mayorkas has intentionally failed to secure our borders, but most agree with President 's open- border policy, so not one single House joined with us to impeach Secretary Mayorkas. Essentially, they like the job he is doing or, should I say, not doing. prgtoken The Immigration and Nationality Act requires that those who clearly do not meet the requirements for asylum be detained for removal. Yet, in 2021, Secretary Mayorkas wrote to ICE officials: ``The fact an individual is a removable noncitizen therefore should not alone be the basis of an enforcement action against them.'' prgtoken The law says an alien who is deportable on certain criminal and terrorism-related grounds should be taken into custody. Again, Secretary Mayorkas wrote: ``Personnel should not rely on the fact of conviction . . . alone.'' prgtoken Our laws say parole can only be granted on a case-by-case basis for urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit. That is far from what is happening. Secretary Mayorkas has sat at the helm of a historic, unconstitutional catch and release scheme that has resulted in tens of thousands of illegal immigrants being released into the United States with no way of tracking them. prgtoken The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals concluded in Texas v. that Mayorkas' DHS was ignoring the limits Congress placed on their parole authority. Let me say that again. The court found that DHS was ignoring the limits placed on their parole authority. prgtoken There have been more than 8.3 million illegal immigrant encounters under Secretary Mayorkas' watch, more than 1.7 million known got-aways, and more than 360 attempted crossings by immigrants on the terrorist watch list. Yet, unfortunately, we will likely see another party-line vote later today. prgtoken A Harvard CAPS/ poll last month found that 35 percent of registered voters approve of the President's handling of immigration, and 68 percent of registered voters say they believe the administration should make it tougher to enter the United States illegally. Half of those voters identified as . This shouldn't be a party-line vote, Madam . prgtoken Contrary to what we hear coming from many in the mainstream media, last week's vote was not so much a defeat for House s as it was a defeat for our national security and the rule of law. When the executive branch goes rogue, the Constitution doesn't
TOURING THE SOUTHERN BORDER
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-2-13

every State in our country has been negatively impacted by the administration's wide-open border policies. prgtoken Last week, I traveled to Cochise County, Arizona, with the Congressional Western Caucus and the Committee on Natural Resources to tour our southern border and discuss President 's border policy and how it is affecting our Federal lands and parks. prgtoken While in Arizona, my colleague, Representative Tom Tiffany, and I decided to follow up on the story that James O'Keefe had exposed that alleged the Casa Alitas Ramada hotel in Tucson was housing illegal immigrants at taxpayer expense. prgtoken Congress has the right, of course, to exercise oversight, as Federal funds prop up these locations and nongovernment organizations, known as NGOs, that are secretly housing these illegals, and Congress has a right to see how American tax dollars are being spent. We have that accountability. prgtoken Instead, we were denied access to even the parking lot, given no information, and they even called the sheriff's office on us. prgtoken We will be back. Congress must immediately investigate and hold onsite hearings and get down to the bottom of this. prgtoken These NGOs that wrap themselves in charity and in religion, in some cases, are making a lot of money off this and are actually undermining the security of our country by trying to move people as fast as they can into this process. prgtoken These NGOs must publicly testify before Congress, and more importantly, the American public, about how our tax dollars are being used and what for.
HONORING PAUL HAMILTON PLOEGER
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2024-2-13

I rise today in remembrance of Paul Hamilton Ploeger. Paul grew up in Darien, Georgia, before moving to Brunswick where he finished high school at Glynn Academy. prgtoken Following graduation in 1960, he was commissioned as an ensign in the United States Navy, and he was stationed in many different States across the country. prgtoken After serving in the Navy, Paul, his wife, Carole, and his children moved to South Carolina where he worked as an engineer and systems analyst for Allied Chemical in Irmo. prgtoken In 1975, Paul moved back to Georgia where he worked for the American National Bank in Brunswick and then began his association with Southeastern Bank in Darien in 1983 until his retirement in 2005. prgtoken Paul was a devoted member of the Coastal Georgia Historical Society and the Brunswick Kiwanis Club where he participated in projects to better the lives of children in the community. He also volunteered his time as a mentor for middle school students. prgtoken Paul will be missed by all, and I send my condolences to his family.
BRING OMER NEUTRA HOME
Marcus J. Molinaro (Republican, NY) \u2014 2024-2-13

I rise today to share the story of Omer Neutra, a Binghamton University student. prgtoken Omer is 22 years old. Omer's friends and family describe him as a true American kid whose fun-loving personality shines the brightest when he is cheering on his favorite team, the New York Knicks. prgtoken On October 7, Omer was one of more than 240 men, women, and children who were brutally kidnapped by Hamas terrorists. He and 133 hostages are still held captive today, enduring unthinkable torture and trauma. prgtoken I join my colleagues in demanding that Hamas release Omer immediately, along with the remaining hostages. Those who have been released have shared horror stories of sexual abuse, children being forced to take drugs, and inhumane and barbaric conditions. prgtoken I continue to stand with Israel as it works to eradicate Hamas and free the innocent people wrongfully held by this terrorist group. It is time to bring Omer home. It is time to bring them all home.
HONORING ARNOLDO GUTIERREZ
Juan Ciscomani (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2024-2-13

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the outstanding southern Arizona high schoolers who showcased their construction skills at the SkillsUSA Region 6 construction competition. prgtoken Hosted at Catalina High School, this event welcomed 120 high school students eager to put their skills to the test. These students worked over the weekend in seven distinct construction-related categories, from plumbing to cabinetmaking. prgtoken SkillsUSA, a national organization dedicated to promoting career and technical education, hosts competitions annually at local, State, and national levels. The competition wasn't limited to construction alone. Other SkillsUSA events span various categories, from robotics to media arts, and took place throughout the entire weekend in Tucson. prgtoken Participating high schools came from all across southern Arizona, including Benson Unified School District, Bisbee Unified School District, Douglas Unified School District, Duncan Unified School District, Sierra Vista Unified School District, Pima County JTED, Pima Unified School District, and many more. prgtoken It is inspiring to see the dedication and talent of these hardworking students. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for them. University of Arizona Mining School
HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. JOSEPH McDONALD OF THE CONFEDERATED SALISH AND KOOTENAI TRIBES
Ryan K. Zinke (Republican, MT) \u2014 2024-2-13

I am honored to commend to the House the memory of Dr. Joseph McDonald of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) in Pablo, Montana. prgtoken Dr. McDonald died on December 14, 2023, at the age of 90. Dr. McDonald was an educator, innovator, historian, athlete, coach, tremendous leader, and dedicated family man. prgtoken Dr. McDonald was born in St. Ignatius, on March 31, 1933. He graduated from St. Ignatius High School in 1951. After high school, Joe worked as a U.S. Forest Service smokejumper in West Yellowstone. While working there he enrolled at Montana Western College and met the love of his life, Sharon Christopherson. They married at the end of their freshman year. prgtoken Joe went on to teach and coach at various K-12 schools across Montana. During this time, he also attended the University of Montana, earning his master's degrees in education and health and his Doctorate in Education. prgtoken While Joe and Sherri were raising their four children, Tim, Terry, Tracie, and Tom, he continued to serve his community in many capacities. Joe served as a high school principal and assistant superintendent at Ronan Public Schools. He was eventually elected to the CSKT Tribal Council and served two terms. His strong advocacy led to the establishment of Salish Kootenai College where he served as the President Emeritus for over 20 years. prgtoken Joe received a host of awards over his career including honorary degrees from Gonzaga University and Montana State University, distinguished alumni awards from the University of Montana and the University of Montana Western, distinguished service awards from the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, and the National Indian Educator of the Year award. Joe was also enshrined in the Montana Indian Athletic Hall of Fame. prgtoken After retiring from Salish Kootenai College, Joe spent much of his time supporting his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren in their pursuits in life with his wife Sherri. prgtoken Joe was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Sherri McDonald, and their son and daughter in-law Terry and Paula (Camel) McDonald. Joe is survived by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. prgtoken , we are very grateful that great men like Joe McDonald have dedicated their lives to the service of others. On behalf of the people of Montana's First Congressional District, I offer his family my deepest sympathies.
FREDERICK DOUGLASS TRAFFICKING VICTIMS PREVENTION AND PROTECTION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2023
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2024-2-13

the balance of my time. prgtoken I thank my good friend and colleague for her efforts. We have worked together on so many human rights issues, including combating anti- Semitism and other important human rights issues and trafficking. She was a star when we had our hearings on this. I thank her for her eloquent defense of the victims, as well as trying to stop the perpetrators of these horrible crimes. prgtoken At a congressional hearing--one of the ones I was talking about just now with my good friend and colleague--that I chaired last May, a woman by the name of Gina Cavallo, an amazing, courageous woman from my home State of New Jersey, told us how she suffered unspeakable violence, including rape, beatings, coercive drug abuse, and other torture as her traffickers sold her like a commodity from one buyer to another. prgtoken This is only a part of her testimony, but it goes right to the heart of what we are talking about. She testified: ``It is so critical that survivors are heard.'' She said that the Frederick Douglass Act is a result of listening. We listened to her and other human trafficking victims, and much of what we have here tonight has been informed by their insights. prgtoken Gina Cavallo told us that she is a survivor of domestic violence and childhood abuse. That experience as a child led me to a place where I felt ashamed, unloved, and rejected. It also led me to being trafficked. Force, fraud, and coercion were all used by someone who pretended to be my friend but ultimately abducted me into being trafficked. For nearly 2 years from the age of 18, I was prostituted and sold to the highest bidder and raped over and over again. My identity was taken, as I was given a new name. Sleep deprivation, threats of violence, pornography, drugs, and food were all used as punishment and reward, leading to my traffickers taking psychological control over me. prgtoken Does this sound like anything that a young person dreams of for their future? Being stripped and robbed of your mind and body, your humanity, your dignity, and respect? prgtoken She goes on to say: I became a commodity to be used for others' gain. But I often blamed myself for my situation because I believed it was my fault. prgtoken , I have heard this. I know my good friend, Karen, has heard this, as well as other Members in this Chamber. So often the trafficking victims say: Oh, it is my fault. prgtoken It is not. They have been coerced, deceived, and drugged often into this terrible, terrible trafficking situation. prgtoken She goes on to say: As a victim, I was taught to distrust family and friends, and, especially, law enforcement. The more they isolated me, the more fear I felt and the more control they gained, which is very intentional. It took decades for me to identify that I was a victim. I learn
HONORING ADMIRAL BUDDY YATES
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-2-13

I rise today to honor a great American, Rear Admiral Earl ``Buddy'' Yates, Jr who passed away peacefully on September 13, 2021, at the age of 97. A graduate of Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem, NC, Admiral Yates was admitted to the United States Naval Academy at the outset of World War II. He was commissioned from the Academy in 1943 at the age of 19 and was immediately assigned to the USS Dyson where his squadron received a Presidential Unit Citation for their actions during the Solomon Islands campaign in the Pacific Theater. After the war and throughout the 1950s, Admiral Yates served as a Naval Aviator in Executive Officer roles before being assigned to the Department of the Navy in Washington. In 1965, he was selected for his first command of the USS Raleigh where he was awarded a Legion of Merit for his service. In 1967, Admiral Yates assumed what would become a lifelong duty for him when he was named Prospective Commanding Officer of USS John F. Kennedy (CVA-67) while the aircraft carrier was completed at Newport News Shipyard in Virginia. He served as the ship's first commander upon commissioning, leading her through assignments with the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean until 1969. Before his retirement in 1974, Admiral Yates served in more senior roles with the Navy including Assistant Chief of Staff for the Pacific Fleet. While taking on other assignments with the Navy before his retirement, Admiral Yates was never far from the crew of CVA-67. As new commanding officers took the helm of the ship before it was decommissioned in 2007, Buddy was always available to support them. To the crew who served with him and the many who sailed on CVA-67 after his time in command, Admiral Yates was a friend and mentor who worked hard to unify them all behind a common mission. Throughout the construction of the new USS John F. Kennedy, CVN-79 that is expected to begin operations in 2025, Admiral Yates was quick to work closely with the new prospective commanders in building continuity between the two ships. He attended both the keel laying of CVN-79 in 2015 and the ship's christening in 2019. Together with the veterans of CVN-67, they formed a motto to carry CVN-79 around the world: ``Two Ships, One JFK Family''. Throughout his life, Buddy was never far from friends and was blessed with a beautiful family. After he passed away in 2021, he joined his wife of 63 years, Lucy, in burial at the United Slates Naval Academy Cemetery. Buddy and Lucy had 5 children together, and many grandchildren whom they cherished. On December 23, 2023, his family, the retired crew of CVA-67, and the sailors of CVN-79 honored the centennial birthday of Admiral Yates. Admiral Yates leaves behind a legacy of service to others and of unwavering patriotism to our great Nation. May the memory of this distinguished American and his many years of service to our Nation be eternal.
RECOGNIZING THOMAS H. NEALE, CRS ANALYST
Bryan Steil (Republican, WI) \u2014 2024-2-13

I rise to honor the life and service of Thomas Holleran Neale, a specialist at the Congressional Research Service who served Congress for over 53 years until his death this year. Tom was born in 1943 and grew up in Auburn, New York. He attended Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service, Syracuse University, and the Universite of Dijon. At CRS, he served countless members of Congress and committees with his expertise in American elections, political history, and constitutional theory. prgtoken Tom was a public servant, an active member of the community, and a faithful Catholic. He served as a member of community organizations including serving as president of the Association of Oldest Inhabitants. He contributed writings to Wilson Quarterly, the Encyclopedia of the United States Congress, and The Encyclopedia of the United States in the 19th Century. He lectured on American elections at Meridian International, the Organization of American States, and the House of Representatives' Parliamentary Development Task Force and its House Democracy Partnership. And on behalf of the State Department, he lectured at the Foreign Press Center in Washington, the U.S. Embassy in Austria and several Austrian universities, and the Egyptian Parliament and the American University in Cairo. He served Congress well and was recognized by many of his colleagues as an outstanding scholar and a dear friend to many. On behalf of all of Congress, I want to thank Tom for his enduring service to this institution.