mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CELEBRATING 194 YEARS OF YUENGLING
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-4-19

I rise today to celebrate the 194th birthday of the best beer in the world, Yuengling, whose birthday was yesterday, April 18. prgtoken Yuengling is the oldest and most iconic brewery in America. Founded in 1829 by David G. Yuengling, this family-owned business has been producing quality beer for almost two centuries and six generations while employing thousands of Pennsylvanians along the way. prgtoken From its humble beginnings as a small brewery in Pottsville, it remains in Pottsville, and is now a large brewery, serving millions who enjoy it across the country. prgtoken Yuengling has a rich history and has survived through Civil War, two world wars, Prohibition, the Great Depression, and recessions. In the words of its owner Dick Yuengling, a friend of mine, ``The brewery is a survivor.'' prgtoken Just recently, I met with the sixth generation Jen Yuengling, who gave a great speech on the history of Yuengling at Bucknell University, the open discourse forum. Her passion for the brand will stand the test of time. prgtoken Today, let's raise a pint to the Yuengling family and to the best American brewery and beer there is made in America. Cheers.
FIRE GRANTS AND SAFETY ACT--Continued
J.D. Vance (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-4-19

reserving the right to object, I want to talk about a few things here and why I am objecting to this nomination and why I would not vote for it if and when it comes before the full Senate. prgtoken First is a question of competence. This is an ambassador--Ambassador Sullivan--who went to Ghana and said on local television that she was proud of the fact that she had failed her Foreign Service exam twice. prgtoken It is hard to imagine a Chinese leader going to a country where they were trying to develop diplomatic relationships and bragging about failing any type of Foreign Service exam. prgtoken I don't know where this idea that we should celebrate failing the Foreign Service exam amongst our diplomatic corps comes from, but it doesn't make us look good, and it doesn't help Ambassador Sullivan in her duties. prgtoken Now, a second problem, the last time we sent Ambassador Sullivan to a senior job in Africa, her successor spent the following couple of months apologizing for and cleaning up for the job that she had done. In particular, she did so much to push a very, very divisive set of ideas in an American political context on a foreign country that had nothing to do with our national interests. prgtoken In particular, she seems particularly fond of the most leftwing versions of transgender ideology. Now, let me just address this particular issue. prgtoken I have my views on the transgender ideology question. In particular, I really worry that we are going too far, too fast not in support of the evidence, prescribing treatments and surgeries and hormonal therapies that could damage children for years. I think we need to be patient with this, and we need to follow the science. prgtoken This is why, by the way, most of our European allies--Sweden, for example, a country hailed as a great example of good healthcare, 10 years ago, by many in this Chamber, is going in the opposite direction of where we are going on the transgender ideology question. prgtoken Now, that said, I can accept that many people disagree with me. But prgtoken that disagreement in an American political context has no place for the diplomatic corps of our country. We should not be taking something that a majority of Americans disagree on and try to force it down the throat of another country. And the fact that we engage in this cultural imperialism is one of the biggest threats to American national security in the world today. prgtoken Now, let's talk about this cultural imperialism, the fact that it is unsupported and the fact that it is not good for our country. prgtoken We haven't had a real debate in this body. We have not had a sufficient conversation about whether we want to support certain ideological preferences in our diplomatic corps. prgtoken Why, for example, do we have a liberal White woman going to Africa and telling them that they are not civilized enough when it comes to issues of transgender ideology? prgtoken
U.S. CONTINUING SUPPORT OF UKRAINE
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-4-19

I am grateful for the following article from The Post and Courier of Charleston, South Carolina, ``Commentary: US should not cut military aid to Ukraine,'' published by Mark J. Duffy on March 30, 2023. It is recognition of the bravery and courage of Ukrainians in their fight for freedom and democracy against war criminal Putin's murderous and destructive invasion. American families freedom is based on victory by democracies with Rule of Law prevailing over authoritarians with Rule of Gun. As the United States continues to ramp up billions of dollars in aid to Ukraine, public sentiment in South Carolina and across the nation is turning against more aid being sent to Ukraine. In recent days, President Xi Jinping of China and President Vladimir Putin of Russia met to deepen their cooperation,following reports that China may soon provide artillery and drones to its ``dear friend'' Russia. I have a different perspective, based on my childhood growing up in a divided island, my work with China and more recently my work with Volodymyr Zelenskyy. I grew up in Ireland during the Troubles, where I saw loyalists (protestants who wanted Northern Ireland to remain part of Great Britain) and (Catholics who wanted Northern Ireland to be part of the Republic of Ireland) engage in dialogue and negotiations to bring peace to the island. Growing up on an island with a history of violent conflict, I saw that when different ethnic groups and countries work together to resolve conflict, peace and prosperity will soon follow. In my first job out of university in 2013, as a public relations account lead, I worked with the Embassy of the People's Republic of China. Reflecting on my youthful idealism, I realize I was naive in believing that the United States and China could work together to solve some of the world's greatest challenges. After a year of working with Chinese diplomats on media relations, dealing with sensitive issues, I resigned as it became clear to me that the Chinese Communist Party represents a clear and present danger to U.S. national security interests. Whether it's stealing U.S. intellectual property, using unfair trade practices to kill American jobs, arming America's enemies or covering up the origins of the COVID-19 virus, I have no doubt in my mind that the party's members will stop at nothing in their quest to be the world's largest superpower. Now let me tell you about my first-hand experience working for ``the Servant of the People'' political party, which was led by a comedian named Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In 2019, when I began to work with his team, I was personally attacked for helping a new young aspiring politician with a transformational vision. The media at the tim
REPUBLICANS' FIRST 100 DAYS
Mike Johnson (Republican, LA) \u2014 2023-4-19

I thank my friend who is always a voice of great credibility and reason. prgtoken You're exactly right, and I am glad you highlighted that the first 100 days of this Congress under leadership has been remarkably successful. As you said here, this week and in the days ahead, our important work has really just begun. We have a lot more to do. prgtoken , in my remarks this evening, I would speak very briefly as a father. prgtoken We have to defend women's sports. My wife, Kelly, and I have been blessed with four amazing children. Two of them are bright, beautiful young women who were high school athletes themselves. But today, radical transgender ideology is threatening the very same opportunities that my girls had, and all of our girls have had. prgtoken This week, Congress is going to send a clear message: We will not stand by and tolerate the erosion of fair and equal competition in women's sports. prgtoken We know that right now women's freedom to play sports at competitive, collegiate, and professional levels epitomizes how far we have come in breaking down so many boundaries. prgtoken How in the world have we gotten to this point where women's ability to compete on a fair playing field is in question? prgtoken , this week, Congress will vote, and we are going to pass out of this House the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act. prgtoken We will address one of the major problems stemming from today's extreme liberal ideology, all of these activists. prgtoken Just in the last few years, we have seen countless instances of men competing in women's sports at all stages of competition. It is not fair. prgtoken Our legislation would simply aim to crack down on this backwards policy by prohibiting federally funded education programs or activities of any kind from allowing biological men and boys to participate in the programs or activities designed for women. prgtoken Biology is not bigotry. It is reality. Our legislation will make clear that one's gender, their sex, is based on their reproductive biology. It is our obligation; it is our duty and responsibility here to protect and defend the rights of women and girls across this country to compete and succeed in sports. prgtoken I am proud to cosponsor the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, and I am glad that that legislation will accomplish that very thing. prgtoken , .
CELEBRATING MERLE WILBERDING'S GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY AT COOLIDGE WALL LAW FIRM IN DAYTON, OHIO
Michael R. Turner (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-4-19

I want to congratulate Merle Wilberding, a close friend from my Congressional district, who is celebrating 50 years as an attorney and partner at the law firm Coolidge Wall in Dayton, Ohio. Founded in 1853, Coolidge Wall is one of the oldest and most respected law firms in Ohio. Merle moved to Dayton after his discharge from the military, and officially joined the firm on June 25, 1973. prgtoken The values of hard work, integrity, and service to others have guided Merle throughout his long and distinguished career in the legal profession. Merle earned his law degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1969. After practicing law for 54 years, he remains at the very top of his profession, having earned the distinction of being named the 2023 ``Lawyer of the Year'' in Corporate Law for all of Dayton by the publication Best Lawyers. He is an active community leader and volunteer, a prolific free-lance writer, the author of seven books and numerous articles published in national law reviews, and has worked on multiple high-profile cases that gained national attention. prgtoken During the Vietnam War, Merle served four years as a Captain in the Judge Advocate General's Corps in Washington, D.C. As a 27-year-old U.S. Army lawyer, he represented the government in briefing and arguing the appeal of Lt. William Calley's court martial for his role in the My Lai Massacre and the Presidio Mutiny case, a non-violent anti-war demonstration at the Presidio Army Base in San Francisco. He represented the Army in 800 appeals and argued 100 cases. For his honorable service, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. prgtoken In 2008, a servicemember from our community, Maria Lauterbach, was murdered by a fellow marine after she reported a sexual assault. Merle offered to represent the Lauterbach family on a pro bono basis, and began his advocacy for victims of sexual assault in the military. Merle's work on this case resulted in multiple appearances on national news programs and testimony before the U.S. Congress. I teamed with Merle to seek justice for the Lauterbach family by pushing for changes in the Uniform Code of Military Justice and enacting new laws to combat sexual assault in the military, empower sexual assault victims, and establish a safer environment for all who serve in our Armed Forces. prgtoken Merle's wisdom, compassion, and knowledge of the law has repeatedly earned him the respect of his peers. His name is routinely included in the annual lists of the Top 5 percent of Lawyers in the State of Ohio, and the Best Lawyers in America. He was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame and received the Distinguished Alumni Award from his alma mater, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, for his commitment to the values of service and ethical leadership that the University seeks to instill in its students. prgtoken In both his personal and
SINGING THE PRAISES OF JENNIFER WICKRE
Bill Posey (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-4-19

I thank the gentleman very much for his leadership. prgtoken Today, we recognize a key congressional staffer who has served us on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Jenn Wickre. prgtoken She has faithfully served both a Member of Congress and the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee for more than 16 years. prgtoken Often in Washington, people hear the phrases: No, we can't do that. That is too hard. No, that can't be done. No, we just can't do that. prgtoken But that has never been an experience anyone I know has had working with Jenn. prgtoken She has always been such an amazing help to our staff and to our efforts to properly serve the American people. prgtoken If our staff or I have ever brought tough issues before the committee, we never heard her sigh, roll her eyes, or do any of the things that somebody might do with some of my crazy ideas. She just jumped right in and figured out a way to get us to where we needed to go. You have got to love it, . prgtoken I have had amendments that have made it into bills strictly because of Jenn's leadership and her hard work; otherwise, they would have just gone nowhere. It is just the special touch that she had. prgtoken She always found a way to help members on the committee so they could best serve their districts and their constituents, and often it was in a bipartisan manner, which is not easy to come by around this place. prgtoken Congressional staff are truly the unsung heroes and heroines of this institution. Without them the legislative wheels would grind to a halt, and that is a fact. prgtoken Jenn Wickre is one of those heroines. prgtoken , our thoughts and prayers go out to this wonderful lady and her family. prgtoken God bless Jenn, and God bless America.
REPUBLICANS' FIRST 100 DAYS
Thomas P. Tiffany (Republican, WI) \u2014 2023-4-19

I thank the Representative from Louisiana for giving me a couple minutes here. prgtoken I have been here for 3 years now in the House of Representatives, and we have seen the other side try to overturn the laws of economics. prgtoken Here is a quote: ``We absolutely cannot go bankrupt because we have the power to create as much money as we need to spend. . . .'' prgtoken That was Nancy Pelosi's budget chairman. prgtoken Trying to overturn the laws of economics, trying to overturn the laws of physics, we are going to make internet power into base load power. It doesn't work. prgtoken Well, now it is a sad day because now we are debating basic biology on the House floor. Unfortunately, over 50 years since Congress passed the landmark legislation of Title IX, we now have denying that basic biology and women's rights. prgtoken Let me be clear: Biological men have no business competing in women's sports. It is anti-women and it is anti-science to think otherwise. prgtoken Here is a headline from NBC news: ``Trans women retain athletic edge after a year of hormone therapy, the study finds.'' prgtoken From The Guardian: ``Trans women retain 12 percent edge in test 2 years after transitioning.'' prgtoken Those are the facts, and we have already seen the results. Over 20 biological men have won national or international competitions or championships in the women's category. prgtoken With the administration seeking to erase women's rights and continuing to make a mockery of Title IX's fundamental principle of basic biology, s will protect them. prgtoken Tomorrow, House s will defend women's sports when we pass the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act of 2023. prgtoken This will ensure that school athletics comply with the Title IX recognition of a person's reproductive biology and genetics at birth. prgtoken As a father of three daughters, I will always stand up to protect our daughters. I would hope all Members of Congress, both and , would protect decades of progress we have made in securing women's rights. prgtoken That starts by passing this legislation. prgtoken At a time when would rather erase our daughters' rights, let me repeat: s will protect them. Thank you to the gentleman from Louisiana.
HONORING LTC. ERNEST E. WILSON
Diana Harshbarger (Republican, TN) \u2014 2023-4-19

I rise today to honor Lieutenant Commander (Ret.) Ernest E. Wilson of Johnson City, Tennessee for his 27 years of honorable and meritorious service to the United States of America while serving in the U.S. Navy. prgtoken Lieutenant Commander Wilson entered the Navy as an Airman Recruit. Through his unparalleled dedication, consummate professionalism, and tenacious determination, he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander. prgtoken He selflessly served with numerous attack squadrons and made several extended deployments onboard aircraft carriers. Each tour of duty exemplified our Navy's confidence in his capacity to excel in positions of continually increasing authority and responsibility. prgtoken During his final ship deployment, he served as Maintenance Officer for Attack Squadron (VA-172) ``Blue Bolts'', attached to USS Shangri-La (CV-38). During the extended deployment, USS Shangri-La took up position at Yankee Station, in the Gulf of Tonkin, off the Northeast coast of Vietnam. As a part of Task Force 77, the ``Shang'' served as a crucial launch site for air strikes over North Vietnam. Lieutenant Commander Wilson's superlative management and meticulous attention to detail ensured an unmatched level of operational readiness for all planes attached to the ``Blue Bolts.'' Throughout his career, Lieutenant Commander Wilson's initiative, perseverance, personal sacrifice, and loyal devotion to duty reflected great credit upon himself and were in the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE
Marsha Blackburn (Republican, TN) \u2014 2023-4-19

108 years ago on April 24, 1915, Ottoman Turkey began the systematic killing and deportation of Armenian intellectuals and community leaders in Constantinople. Between 1915 and 1923, an estimated 1-and-a-half million Armenians fell victim to one of history's most ruthless and notorious genocides. Most who survived eventually emigrated to different parts of the world, forming a widespread diaspora. The American people have a proud history of recognizing and condemning the Armenian genocide and have provided relief and a new home to many of the Armenians, Greeks, Assyrians, Chaldeans, Syriacs, Arameans, Maronites, and other Christians who survived this campaign of mass extermination. Today, Armenian Americans are a vital part of the cultural fabric of the United States. prgtoken As we commemorate this dark period, I would encourage my colleagues to remember that atrocities like the Armenian genocide are almost never spontaneous events. They typically follow a period of human rights violations, discrimination, and violence against specific groups who often share a racial, ethnic, religious, or social identity. Most recently, we have seen this in the Chinese Communist Party's inhumane treatment of ethnic minorities, including the persecution of Uyghurs, Tibetans, and Mongolians and dissenters in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and further abroad. Our foreign policy should recognize this, fight denialism of past and current crimes, and emphasize the preservation of human rights rather than relying on eleventh hour action that comes far too late for vulnerable populations. prgtoken On behalf of all Tennesseans, I offer this solemn recognition of the Armenian genocide and ask my colleagues to join me in pledging to fight the forces of evil still causing so much pain and suffering around the globe.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-4-19

. There is a longstanding tradition in our country when we dispense Federal money to localities to have rules. We don't let you discriminate based on your sex or race or ethnicity. We also should not let localities discriminate against people who refuse to be vaccinated, particularly people who have already had COVID. prgtoken There is no science behind saying you need to be vaccinated if you already had it. In fact, the studies show this: They show that if had you had the disease you are 57 times less likely to contract it again, whereas the vaccine makes you about 19 times less. So infection does work and it should be part of the criteria, and we should restrict funds to any agency that fired people unfairly for not getting a vaccine. Vote on Amendment No. 79
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS RELATING TO "REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES...
Ted Budd (Republican, NC) \u2014 2023-4-19

our country is in the midst of the worst border crisis in our history. Since President took office, there has been more than 5 million illegal crossings at the southern border. prgtoken I have been to the border multiple times, and I have seen this crisis firsthand. In fact, the last time I was there, I was touring a heavily trafficked sector with off-duty Border Patrol officers. As we were driving along, the officers spotted a couple of cartel members. One of the officers turned to me, and he apologized. He said: I am sorry, but I am going to have to go on duty now. He went over and he apprehended and he arrested the cartel members there, right on the spot. prgtoken This is just a small taste of what they have to face each and every day. We have to keep these men and these women in our prayers, and we must give them all the tools that they need to keep our homeland safe. prgtoken Beyond the rampant lawlessness, the crime, the human trafficking, one of the worst aspects of this crisis is the devastating amount of drugs that are pouring into our country. prgtoken The last annual numbers showed that over 100,000 Americans died just last year from drug-related overdose, and about 90 percent of those were related to fentanyl. prgtoken This crisis has gotten so bad that fentanyl-driven overdose deaths are now the leading cause of deaths for those who are between 18 and 45 years old. And this is perhaps the worst statistic: Children under 14 years old are dying of fentanyl poisoning faster than any other age group. prgtoken The drugs that come through the border cause unspeakable harm back in communities in North Carolina. To many, they are only one or two degrees away from a personal tragedy with a name having to do with illegal drugs. prgtoken I routinely talk to sheriffs all over the State. I recently went to all 100 counties, and I talked to a lot of those sheriffs. Many of them told me that every single county in North Carolina prgtoken is now a border county because of President 's policies. prgtoken In fact, a recent drug bust in Iredell County, just north of Charlotte, uncovered enough fentanyl to kill 250,000 individuals. That is poison from just one traffic stop in North Carolina. prgtoken It begs the questions: How did we get here, and what can be done? prgtoken We got here at precisely the moment that President stopped enforcing the law at the southern border. President stopped building the border wall on his first day in office. He has reversed policies to quickly deport criminal illegal aliens. He refused to get tough on sanctuary cities that don't obey Federal law. He ended the ``Remain in Mexico'' policy. And next month, he will end title 42 with no plan on how to manage the impending surge. prgtoken The story of President 's border crisis is one of preventable tragedies compounding day in and day out. And if the White House won't act to stop it, then Congress should