mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
MEAT AND POULTRY SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR ACT OF 2022
Tracey Mann (Republican, KS) \u2014 2022-6-16

I rise today to speak in opposition to H.R. 7606. prgtoken I support our country's farmers, ranchers, and agricultural producers because they are the lifeblood of America. They keep us food and fuel secure and therefore free and self-determining as a Nation. prgtoken I cosponsor the Year-Round Fuel Choice Act, which would address limitations on Reid vapor pressure and allow for producers to supply, and consumers to purchase, E15 year-round. I have supported this measure long before my time in Congress, and I will continue to be a strong proponent of year-round E15. A temporary waiver is not enough. We must make this decision permanent and provide certainty to producers. That bill is now part of H.R. 7606. prgtoken I cosponsor the Butcher Block Act, which would codify the authority for the Secretary of Agriculture to make grants and loans to expand meat and poultry processing capacity. I support consumer choice. That bill is now part of H.R. 7606. prgtoken In the House Agriculture Committee, I voted in favor of four other bills that are now part of H.R. 7606, but today's vote is disappointing because House ignored an effort made by Mr. Davis and others, one I am proud to cosponsor, to include an amendment separating these good pro-agriculture bills from a poison pill. Included in H.R. 7606 is a provision that would create a politically charged special investigator office at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to investigate and prosecute food producers in America. prgtoken You heard that right. The original H.R. 7606 and a provision in today's so-called Lower Food and Fuel Costs Act would create a new office at USDA to investigate and prosecute the people who work to feed us. I represent the Big First District of Kansas, which ranks number one in the country for the value of sales of cattle and calves at more than $9 billion annually. We see the entire beef supply chain in the Big First, from cow-calf producers to cattle feeders and packers. Under the Packers and Stockyards Division at USDA, all of those players, all of them, are already subject to strict inspection. Under H.R. 7606, they would be subject to a type of politically charged scrutiny we expect of no other related business. prgtoken Do you think that a ic-controlled Congress and USDA would stop there? No. H.R. 7606 would set the horrible precedent for political administrations to inspect and prosecute anything and anyone they disagree with.
MEAT AND POULTRY SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR ACT OF 2022
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-6-16

I express my appreciation to the gentlewoman from Virginia for bringing forth an idea, and I do wish the same courtesy had been extended to my colleagues who were denied the opportunity to bring their amendments forward for debate. prgtoken Working together is how the House Committee on Agriculture solves problems, and the committee has been working together with the Department to better understand this amendment, its purpose, and its implications. prgtoken As the gentlewoman knows, this amendment was pulled from consideration by my colleagues in a recent committee markup. Unfortunately, we have not learned much since then, which furthers my opposition to it being considered prematurely on the floor today. prgtoken I cannot support this amendment as written, an amendment that falls short of its advertised goals, and does not offer any immediate relief to farmers, ranchers, or consumers, because that is the myth that my friends are trying to sell with the overall bill today, which will not happen. In fact, I am afraid inflationary costs, more concentration, are going to occur as a result of a specific part of the package. prgtoken Growing the size of government by codifying the administration's half-baked initiatives is no way to tackle rising inflation or address rising fuel and fertilizer costs. prgtoken Even more perplexing is the idea that we would want to solidify in law concepts that USDA admittedly has not developed into programming or policy. prgtoken Now, we would have been better served by considering amendments, all of which would have provided immediate relief through reversing the regulatory assault stifling innovation and exacerbating strained supply chains. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in opposing this amendment. .
FEDERAL RESERVE RACIAL AND ECONOMIC EQUITY ACT
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-6-16

while I cannot rise in support of H.R. 2543, I would like to highlight one piece of this package that will make a difference in this district rural and low-income communities have many things in common including lack of access to financial services. In a rural area such as my district, constituents often drive 20-40 miles, even crossing county lines to receive access to their own funds. This is the case in more than one of the counties in my district. I want to applaud the efforts of the credit unions which are highlighted in this bill and support their efforts to bring more financial services to rural and unserved communities.
MEAT AND POULTRY SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR ACT OF 2022
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-6-16

I stand here in disbelief at how Washington is trying to run this economy. That is the reason I ran for office because things were so bad, and it was impossible to grow your business. prgtoken I am reminded of what we actually did when we had the House, and the Congress, and the White House. We passed the Constitutional Review Act. Through that act, we got no help from the other side, and then we passed some tax reform to give people more money to invest in their businesses. prgtoken Let me tell you what happened. For the first time in my life we became energy independent. For the first time we became an energy power. We had more jobs than people looking for jobs. So what happened now? was the Vice-President when I was elected. He is now the President. All those executive orders he signed stopped everything we did to put this country on the right track. prgtoken , I am tired of this. I demand immediately that we stop this war on American energy that is driving up costs and stop overregulating our ag producers.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2022-6-16

I rise today to honor and recognize the life of Mr. Veryl Switzer of Nicodemus, KS. prgtoken I stand before you today to mourn the loss of a Kansas State University great, Veryl Switzer. While many may know of Veryl through his football career, his legacy and impact on the University extend far past the gridiron. He prgtoken came to Manhattan, KS, on a football scholarship in 1950 and would go on to be one of the most well-rounded players in the history of the program. An All-American from 1951 to 1953, Veryl led the team in practically every statistical category on offense and, to this day, still ranks in the top 10 for many punt-return categories. Veryl's athletic achievements were not limited to the football field, as he was the Big Seven Indoor Long Jump champion in 1952. Following an illustrious career for the Wildcats, Veryl would be selected by the Green Bay Packers with the fourth overall pick in the 1954 NFL Draft. prgtoken Veryl led the NFL in punt return average during his rookie season, but would step away from the Green Bay Packers after just 24 games to serve in the U.S. Air Force. After his time in the military, Veryl played two more seasons of professional football in Canada. He would then go on to work for the Chicago Board of Education for 10 years before making his way back to Kansas State University. Once back at K- State, Veryl developed the first university wide student-minority program, where many campus groups such as the Black Student Union, Ebony Theater, and United Black Voices still exist due to his efforts. A member of both the K-State athletics hall of fame and the football team's ring of honor, Veryl's legacy will continue to live on through the hearts and minds of his family, friends, and K-State fans across the country. prgtoken I now ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the wonderful life and career of Mr. Veryl Switzer. A true inspiration to the State of Kansas, fighting ever fighting for a Wildcat victory.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steve Scalise (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-6-16

. I share those comments by the gentleman from Maryland. prgtoken As we look towards next week--we have had this conversation a number of times--one of the items I don't see on the agenda is an item to address the problem of high gas prices, and, of course, we have now crossed an average of more than $5 a gallon. It is a major burden for families, especially lower-income families who are being forced more and more to make those tough decisions of can they even afford to drive to work, and can they even afford to drive to see their doctor or to drive to the grocery store where they are paying maybe 20 percent more for some of the food items. prgtoken We have had a bill for over a month now, H.R. 6858, that would address these problems and allow us to actually have more control over our own energy production in America, to be able to drill in America for energy to lower the cost of gasoline, by confronting so many of the problems that this administration has imposed that are making it hard for us to produce more energy in America to the point where you now have President announcing that he is going to go to Saudi Arabia to beg them to produce more oil. prgtoken As we try to confront this challenge--and again, H.R. 6858 would allow us to do that--if you look at President 's proposed trip to Saudi Arabia, the President likes talking a lot about carbon footprints, carbon emissions, and global warming. prgtoken Why would the President get on Air Force One and fly 5,700 miles to Saudi Arabia to beg them to do something that we can do right here in America? prgtoken In fact, he could go less than 1,000 miles to Port Fourchon, Louisiana, in my district where they can produce hundreds of thousands of barrels a day in America which, by the way, because America has the best standards in the world, would emit less carbon than the oil produced in Saudi Arabia. prgtoken While the President will be flying over to Saudi Arabia, he won't know the answer he is going to get. They are an OPEC nation. They typically support a limited supply of oil because they want a higher price. So he doesn't know what the answer is going to be. He is going to fly 5,700 miles over and another 5,700 miles back to the United States. There are no solar panels on Air Force One, so that is going to be a lot of jet fuel and a lot of carbon emissions to do something that he could pick up the phone and call Port Fourchon. We would love to see him down there, but he can call them. I can tell you, Madam , the answer would be ``yes.'' prgtoken They would say: Yes, we will produce more energy here in America. prgtoken But they are not allowed to right now because of limitations put in place by the administration. So while we push to get this bill, H.R. 6858, brought forward, it really begs the question of first: What is the carbon footprint of President 's trip to Saudi Arabia? prgtoken But why even do this trip? Why go to Saudi Arabia
HONORING THE LIFE OF MARK W. HEMENWAY
Jerry McNerney (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2022-6-17

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and work of Mark W. Hemenway, who passed away on May 8, 2022. prgtoken Mark graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York in 1973. He was intensely focused on his studies and training, while also maintaining perspective and serving as a steady, positive influence on his classmates. He worked his way through a challenging system with confidence and calmness, never losing sight of his priorities. His commitment to academic excellence was apparent to all, and he graduated 61st in a class of over 950 cadets. prgtoken Mark received a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers upon his graduation and spent seven years as an active-duty service member. After leaving the Army in 1980, Mark worked for a large manufacturing company before joining a consulting firm outside Boston, Massachusetts, conducting logistics, manpower, and training analysis for the U.S. Department of Defense. prgtoken Later in life, Mark felt called to enter Seminary and obtain a Master of Divinity degree. He and his wife, Kate, met as volunteers while doing street ministry in Boston Common, and in subsequent decades, Mark worked as a volunteer with those most in need at state prisons, county correctional facilities, homeless shelters, and other institutions in the Lowell, Massachusetts area. His contributions will long be remembered by his brothers and sisters at the Salvation Army Lowell Corps Community Center, and by the many people he served throughout the community. prgtoken Mark's legacy is best encapsulated by a passage from the United States Military Academy Alma Mater, which reads: ``And when our work is done, our course on earth is run, may it be said, 'well done.' Be thou at peace.''
HONORING DAVID McBRIDE'S SERVICE TO THE NASA ARMSTRONG FLIGHT RESEARCH CENTER
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-6-17

. Madam , I rise today to honor the Director of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Armstrong Flight Research Center, David McBride, on his retirement after many years of service to the scientific community. prgtoken Pursuing his passion for aeronautics research, David kicked off his career with NASA as a cooperative education student in 1982. Specializing in digital flight control systems analysis, he explored the way in which aircraft perform under an array of flight test conditions. Wanting to continue his interest in the field, David received both an undergraduate and graduate degree from the University of New Mexico, earning his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1985 and Executive Master of Business Administration in 1998. prgtoken Upon graduation, David climbed the ranks at NASA Armstrong, eventually becoming Program Manager for the Flight Research Program, as well as Deputy Center Director and Associate Director for Programs and Projects. In these roles, David was integral in the study, development, and testing of groundbreaking technologies, including the Intelligent Flight Control System, X-53 Active Aeroelastic Wing flight research project, and solar-powered Helios aircraft. prgtoken In 2010, David was appointed Director of the Armstrong Flight Research Center, formerly the Hugh L. Dryden Flight Research Center. Under his leadership, NASA Armstrong remained the premier research center for aeronautics in the United States. In fact, NASA Armstrong conducted critical flight development tests over the years, including the notable testing of the X-48B/C hybrid wing body experimental aircraft and the testing of NASA Orion's launch and abort systems. Additionally, during David's tenure as Director, NASA Armstrong's Boeing 747SP SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy) project became fully operational--a feat that has allowed our nation's foremost scientists to further our nation's scientific understanding. prgtoken Throughout his career, David has devoted himself to exploring new frontiers and building upon NASA Armstrong's proud legacy of scientific discovery. Though he will be greatly missed at the Armstrong Flight Research Center, I am confident David will continue to be a force in the world of scientific development. On behalf of the 23rd Congressional District of California, I would like to thank David for his service to our community, and I wish him and his family the very best as they enter this new chapter of their lives.
COST OF LIVING IS MORE THAN REPORTED
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2022-6-21

this is directed to the press as much as to the Chair and whoever is listening at home. prgtoken Everybody knows we have a lot of inflation. We are supposed to repeat again and again that inflation was at 8.6 percent in May, which is the highest it has been in 40 years. The press should report that there is no way inflation is only 8.6 percent. prgtoken Housing is listed as going up 5.5 percent. Have you talked to any landlords? Have you talked to any builders? There is a contorted way that you arrive at that 5.5 percent. That number should be more like 15 to 20 to 25 percent. prgtoken Talk to some car dealers. See if they think the cost of used cars has gone up only 16.1 percent in the last year. That number should be 30 percent. prgtoken We should not let the administration get away with such low numbers. I call upon the American press to do a little bit of research for once and tell us what the real cost of living has gone up in this country over the last year. It is way more than 8.6 percent.
JACOB LEWIS
Jefferson Van Drew (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2022-6-21

. Madam , last Sunday, I had the honor of attending the Olympiad at Beth Israel congregation in remembrance of the 50-year anniversary of the Munich massacre. Jacob Lewis was nominated to receive the Olympiad Student Athlete Award at the event. Jacob is the Valedictorian of Millville High School's Class of 2022, which has a total of 378 students. As well as excelling in academics, he is also involved in many extra-curricular activities. Jacob is a student-athlete who earned eight varsity letters on both the boys' soccer and tennis teams. In the fall, he will continue his academic and athletic careers at the University of Pennsylvania. Jacob should be very proud of all his accomplishments, and I wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors. God Bless Jacob, and God Bless our United States of America.
PRESCRIPTION DRUG COSTS
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-6-21

I am here today to visit with my colleagues about a group that we refer to as pharmacy benefit managers, but around Washington, the shorthand for that term is PBMs. prgtoken Many Americans may not know about PBMs. They are very obscure in the whole pharmaceutical business. Yet the PBM market is nearly $500 billion, and they are powerful in our pharmaceutical drug supply chain. prgtoken It is our duty in Congress to understand, first, how PBMs operate; second, hold them accountable; and, third, work to lower prescription drug costs for the taxpayers and for the consumers. prgtoken In 2018, I pressed the Federal Trade Commission to investigate PBMs. I saw the ongoing consolidation in the pharmaceutical supply chain and its impact on drug prices, driving those prices up. But I didn't wait for the FTC to act. prgtoken I have pursued, one, bipartisan legislation; two, held hearings; and, three, conducted oversight. Most recently, Senator Cantwell and I have introduced the PBM Transparency Act. This bill prohibits PBMs from engaging in spread pricing. This is a situation where PBMs charge an insurer more than they charge the pharmacy and then they pocket the difference. Iowans call that gaming the system. prgtoken Another practice we prohibit in our bill: clawbacks. In Medicare Part D, these are sometimes called retroactive direct and indirect remuneration fees--or DIR, for short. prgtoken Iowa pharmacists have told me clawbacks are costing patients more in higher copays and also costing the local pharmacy. This practice is putting rural and independent pharmacists out of business. In addition, our bill will incentivize fair and transparent PBM practices, benefiting consumers and taxpayers. prgtoken The bill has the support of community pharmacists, manufacturers, and patient advocacy organizations. Not surprisingly, this industry we call PBMs oppose the Cantwell-Grassley bill. They say my bill is ``anti- competitive'' and, in their words, an ``expansion of power at the FTC.'' They also claim that their industry is already well-regulated. Nothing could be further from the truth. prgtoken My bill establishes transparency and accountability. So good news: Tomorrow, the Commerce Committee will mark up the PBM Transparency Act. I don't happen to sit on this very important Commerce Committee, but I urge my colleagues to support this bill. prgtoken Finally, I have never given up on passing the bipartisan Wyden- Grassley bill, known as the Prescription Drug Pricing Reduction Act. Despite the having the majority for 18 months, we have not passed a prescription drug bill. So we still have high prescription drug prices. prgtoken By now, I would assume they would be interested in advancing a bipartisan prescription drug bill. They can get 60-plus votes, save the taxpayers $95 billion and seniors, who are consumers, $72 billion-- rather than a partisan effort that doesn't have 60 votes here in the U.S. Senate. <
QUESTION OF PERSONAL PRIVILEGE
Marjorie Taylor Greene (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-6-21

. Madam , I would like to address the House and talk about how I have been mistreated as a freshman Member of Congress and how crimes have been committed against me. They have been caught by the Capitol Police. They have been sent to the Department of Justice. The Department of Justice is refusing to prosecute these crimes. prgtoken This is another example of the two-tiered justice system that we are living under right now under the Department of Justice and leadership. prgtoken Now, I would like to go back to the beginning. prgtoken Many news articles have reported that this has happened to me. But I would like to remind the House that starting on February 4, as a freshman Member of Congress, I was kicked off committees by the majority and 11 of my colleagues, unfortunately. So I serve here as a Member of Congress without committees representing my district. But I have continued to work hard. prgtoken I would also remind the House that on February 24, after we had voted on the Equality Act and we had been debating back and forth, I had made many statements based on my beliefs, based on Biblical truths, based on the beliefs of my district that I represent, that there are only two genders: Male and female. And I stand firm on that. But my colleague across the aisle placed a trans flag across the hall from my office to apparently, maybe, shame me for my vote. prgtoken That happened. prgtoken Then in response to that, I simply put up a sign outside my office responding to the flag. But it continued on. prgtoken There was also another incident on June 29 where one of my colleagues screamed at me in the Cannon tunnel, yelling and screaming at me for having a mask pulled down to my chin while I was talking on a Facebook live video. So all of it was caught on a video. prgtoken That Member then went to the and claimed that I had attacked her and was able to get her office moved because, apparently, she claimed I was a threat to her--where I was not--and she was given a security detail for her protection. prgtoken Then there were 73 colleagues who introduced a resolution to expel me from Congress. prgtoken I will tell you what that says. It simply says that, ``Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, be, and she hereby is, expelled from the House of Representatives,'' giving no reason whatsoever for this resolution, but yet, it is sponsored by 1 of my colleagues and cosponsored by 73 other colleagues. prgtoken Yet, I have done nothing wrong. prgtoken What else happened? Well, let's go a little further. I have over $100,000 in mask fines. And then when I went before the House Committee on Ethics on these mask fines, four of the five on the House Committee on Ethics also had their names on this resolution to expel me from Congress. prgtoken I asked them to recuse themselves, and they refused. Therefore, that wasn't very fair. That is not fair