mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Mario Diaz-Balart (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-6-27

the reason for the situation at the southern border can be explained by just two words: . That is who has created the crisis at the southern border. prgtoken Now, this amendment attempts to strike section 7045(f). By the way, much of this is already in existing law. What this amendment is really basically saying is: We don't have an issue with the southern border. There is no problem with the southern border. prgtoken , we have to realize that close to 10 million people have crossed unlawfully into the United States under this President. That is roughly the population of the entire State of Michigan for God's sake. prgtoken This bill attempts to do what we can, despite the President of the United States, to stop this crisis that has been created by Mr. . prgtoken The bill prohibits outright funding for programs that push migrants toward the United States unlawfully either by giving them cash cards or giving them information about future stops, where to go, connecting them with lawyers and even coaching them in order to answer the questions falsely while claiming asylum. prgtoken How can anyone support that? prgtoken This is a country that believes in the rule of law. prgtoken If that were not enough, this amendment also proposes to strike the prohibition on funding to the Safe Mobility Offices and the welcome court unless authorized. That is what the language in the bill does. If that is something you support, then authorize it for God's sake. prgtoken These are gimmicks which spend tens of millions of taxpayer dollars to circumvent U.S. law for God's sake. prgtoken In the case of the welcome court, this is, in essence, like a matchmaking entity like match.com for folks trying to get here to the United States illegally. It recruits in the United States so-called sponsors to sponsor these individuals, even though they have no connections other than now this kind of like match system. By doing so, the administration, frankly, has made the situation even worse. prgtoken For God's sake, the administration is now even trying to get universities involved. This is coming out of our Foreign Affairs budget which is intended to support our national security. prgtoken Again, safe mobility centers are operating overseas in places like Ecuador and Colombia to facilitate a fast track of tens of thousands of people to use a mobile app to obtain authorization to prgtoken then literally then show up on the southern border that is wide-open-- let me restate that--that is controlled absolutely by the Mexican narco cartels, and that is how these folks are coming into the United States. prgtoken All of this is to facilitate the cartels and to help the cartels market this illegal cartel business. prgtoken I know some people might say: Well, they are going to come anyway or another way if we don't do this. prgtoken However, advertising and using taxpayer money to become the advertising source f
CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE DAY
Chip Roy (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Madam , as we will be recessing tomorrow for the week, next week many of us will be celebrating America's Independence Day back home in our districts and throughout the country. prgtoken Very few of us will be here. A few may, but we are rarely, if ever, on the floor of the U.S. House on Independence Day. prgtoken It is obviously a day not just worth celebrating but that the Founders intended specifically for us to celebrate. prgtoken I recall now 4 years ago in the summer of 2020 in the midst of some of the protests and riots and burning of buildings, tossing of statues and damaging of statues throughout the country in the summer of 2020, there was a lot of effort to tear down monuments and memorials. prgtoken I took my staff, and I drove to Philadelphia on July 2. We were here late right up through that day. I think we finished voting on July 1. prgtoken On July 2, I drove with my staff, I went to Philadelphia, and I went to Independence Hall and visited with the National Park Service there who were caring for Independence Hall. prgtoken Fortunately, there was nobody at that point threatening to damage Independence Hall. There were some rumors and concerns. prgtoken I recorded a video there and talked about the importance of Independence Hall. In that speech or in that video, when I recorded that, I pointed out that it wasn't the bricks and the mortar. It wasn't the building itself. It wasn't the structure. prgtoken That is all interesting to go see from a historic standpoint, but it was what those men did inside of Independence Hall that changed the course of history forever. prgtoken The National Park Service was very gracious. They allowed me and my staff, the three staff members with me, to go into Independence Hall on July 2. prgtoken We were alone. It was just us because it was closed down for public tours because you will remember, this was during the time of COVID. prgtoken We were able to be in Independence Hall on July 2. Now, why is that interesting? Because students of history will know that that was the actual monumental day. prgtoken That was the day that our leaders of the colonies, but the Founders of this country, the leaders broke away from the crown. That was the day that they voted. prgtoken On July 3, the next day, John Adams wrote a letter to his wife, Abigail, back home in Massachusetts. Remember, of course, he couldn't call her. He couldn't text her. He couldn't send her an email. prgtoken He wrote Abigail a letter that would get to her saying, ``Yesterday, the greatest question was decided, which ever was debated in America, and a greater, perhaps, never was nor will be decided among men. ``A resolution was passed without one dissenting colony, `that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, and as such they have, and of right ought to have, full power to make war, conclude peace, establish commerce, and to do all other acts and things which other States m
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Mike Garcia (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman of the subcommittee, Ken Calvert, who has been a true leader on the bill. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the bill. prgtoken The minority will talk about environmentalism and social justice messaging, but the reality is that this bill goes beyond those. We must remember that the goal of the military is to deter a war, and if unable to deter a war, then to win a war. prgtoken Today, especially, the pacing threat is China. prgtoken This bill does just that. It helps us not only accelerate programs but keep pace with China in a budget constrained environment of only $833 billion. We are trying to gain efficiency so that it behaves like $1 trillion. prgtoken It supports all the weapons systems from high to low, B-21s, as well as supporting and protecting U-2 classified programs. prgtoken In my opinion, the most important thing is a 20 percent pay raise for E-1s through E-4s. prgtoken I strongly urge support of the Defense appropriations bill, and I applaud Chairman Calvert's leadership on this issue as we try to make the world a safer place.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
W. Gregory Steube (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Mr. Chair, Americans entrust us with ensuring that their hard-earned tax dollars go toward measures that advance our interests, not undermine them. prgtoken Over the past quarter of a century, not only have Americans provided billions of dollars to Iraq, but thousands have lost their lives in that country. Essentially, Americans have been generous enough to give Iraq a blank check payable not only in cash but with American lives. prgtoken Yet, in 2024, we see a country that is becoming increasingly anti- American, essentially becoming one of Iran's strongest proxies. I served in Iraq, and protecting American interests should continue to be our number one priority in the region. We cannot justify funding a foreign government unable to safeguard our dollars from exploitation by Iran, ISIS, and other terror groups. prgtoken Yet, the money we send to Iraq has been funding Iranian militias that target and attack our troops. Iran's influence over the Iraqi Government is rampant. Over 2 years ago, the Pentagon's inspector general disclosed that Iraqi security forces are overrun by Iranian- backed militants and IRGC terrorists. These are the same terrorists who attacked the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad in 2018 and continue to threaten our troops to this day. prgtoken Yet, every year, we continue to provide millions of taxpayer dollars to Iraqi security forces and expect a different outcome. It is the definition of insanity. prgtoken These militias are part of Iraq's own government. They are officially part of the Popular Mobilization Forces, which fall under Iraq's Ministry of Interior. These militias are funded by the Government of Iraq and then attack our troops with the financial backing of our own taxpayers. Let that sink in. prgtoken It is apparent that our funding for the Iraqi Government is not countering terrorism. In fact, it seems to be emboldening the terrorists. prgtoken It is time for us to stop the endless cycle of trading blank checks for false promises with the Iraqi Government, especially when they use it to put Iranian-backed terrorists on their payroll. prgtoken This does not give us leverage, nor does it safeguard American interests. It is unwise, unacceptable, and, quite frankly, inexcusable to send American taxpayer dollars to Iraq when we know that these funds end up in the hands of terrorists. prgtoken The underlying bill should support our diplomats and servicemembers overseas, not threaten them. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I encourage my colleagues to stand up for the American taxpayer and support my amendment. .
RECOGNIZING COACH GARY GILMORE
Russell Fry (Republican, SC) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the legendary Coastal Carolina University head baseball coach, Gary Gilmore, for an illustrious career and to wish him a happy retirement. prgtoken Coach Gilmore began his baseball career in the Grand Strand as a center fielder for the Chanticleers in 1979 before returning to serve as the head baseball coach in 1996. prgtoken Under his direction, the Chanticleers climbed to new heights. His career is a story of unprecedented success, including over a thousand wins, countless conference tournament titles, and numerous NCAA tournament appearances. prgtoken The 2016 season was particularly special, as Coach Gilmore, who was honored as the National Coach of the Year, led the Chanticleers to a victory at the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. This was Coastal Carolina's first-ever national championship in any sport. prgtoken Coach Gilmore has left a mark on Coastal Carolina University that will not soon be forgotten. I thank him for his dedication to his players, his alma mater, and the Chanticleer faithful. His success will leave a lasting legacy not only in the history books and the trophy cases of Coastal Carolina University but in the hearts of so many across South Carolina.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Greg Pence (Republican, IN) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of my bipartisan Amendment No. 143, included in En Bloc 1. prgtoken I would first like to thank my colleagues, Representatives Carson, Mrvan, and Donalds for cosponsoring this important amendment. It will provide additional funds, fully offset, for reducing critical risk and bolstering the power-producing capacity of the DoD's Transportable Microreactor program, which is set to deliver the nation's first advanced reactor into operation through Project PELE. prgtoken Transportable nuclear technology, offering uninterrupted mission power in remote and strategically important locations, will not only strengthen operational resilience--it will save lives. As we learned in Iraq and Afghanistan, the necessity of hauling fuel into combat areas comes at a tremendous price. prgtoken Able to operate for years without refueling, transportable reactors can untether America's warfighter and ensure credible operational resilience. prgtoken I am thrilled that Rolls-Royce LibertyWorks in Indianapolis, Indiana is providing the Power Conversion Module and Heat Exchange Module for Project PELE and for the hundreds of Hoosier jobs this project supports. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bipartisan En Bloc and support the underlying Defense Appropriations Bill.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Thomas P. Tiffany (Republican, WI) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Madam Chair, I rise in opposition to this amendment. prgtoken Madam Chair, listen to the Orwellian language that we heard from the other side here in regard to irregular migration. prgtoken This is laundering that is going on. This is laundering via the welcome court and the Safe Mobility Office. The other thing that we heard was civility. How could this possibly be civil? prgtoken Is it civil to have human trafficking on an epic scale? prgtoken Is it civil to have cartels that are brutalizing people, women especially, who are being raped and murdered coming through the southern border and the fentanyl crisis that is the number one killer of our young people in America?
HONORING THE LIFE OF AKIKO SOELLNER OF HARVARD, ILLINOIS
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2024-6-27

today, I would like to commemorate the life of Akiko Soellner of Harvard, Illinois who sadly passed away on June 10, 2024. prgtoken Akiko was born on October 14, 1965, in Hamamatsu, Japan to parents Toshio and Makie Tomida. She married Peter Soellner on June 25, 1994 in Japan, and they have resided in Harvard since 2018 following Peter's retirement from the Illinois Air National Guard. Akiko is survived by her husband Peter; her cherished daughter Mica; and their loving cats Zippo and Q. She was preceded in death by Toshio Tomida, as well as longtime family pets Bailey, Boots, and cousin Sookie. prgtoken I join our Illinois community in mourning the loss of Akiko and send my condolences to her family and loved ones. May Akiko's memory be a blessing.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Nicholas A. Langworthy (Republican, NY) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Calvert) for yielding. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I rise today to support my amendment to provide the Navy's Science and Technology for Nuclear Re-entry Systems with $5 million for the next-generation control system, ensuring that it is budget neutral. prgtoken In an era when our adversaries are ramping up their nuclear capabilities, we face growing threats that demand a swift and decisive response. The strategic community is clamoring for upgrades to our aging weapons delivery systems, and the development of this next- generation control system is vital. prgtoken This technology will minimize delays and enable precise vehicle control at hypersonic speeds. We are in a new Cold War with China, and complacency is not an option. My amendment will ensure America leads in innovation, maintaining our military's unparalleled superiority. prgtoken I also support Representative Trahan's amendment No. 173. Our brave men and women in uniform currently face a dangerous technology gap in close-quarters reconnaissance and intelligence during combat and rescue missions. The Army Special Operations Command is addressing this with tactical throwable cameras, providing real-time, lifesaving situational awareness. This small tool can make a huge impact, saving countless lives. prgtoken The only hurdle is the funding required for the Army's operational evaluation, a critical step toward procurement. We owe it to our troops to provide them with the best tools to succeed on the battlefield, and this technology is crucial for their success. prgtoken Mr. Chair, these amendments are not just about technology or budget lines. They are about safeguarding our Nation and ensuring that our troops have what they need to protect and serve. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support these amendments en bloc today for the security and future of our country.
RISING GAS PRICES
John W. Rose (Republican, TN) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Madam , in January of 2021, the average price for a gallon of gas was $2.39 nationally. Today, it is $3.49. These high prices are a direct result of administration policies. prgtoken Tennessee families are not only paying more to drive to work and take their kids to school, they are also paying more to power their homes. Since President took office, the average cost of a kilowatt of power is up 30 percent. prgtoken This is a direct result of the regulatory war being waged on domestic oil and gas production by the administration. The current administration has taken more than 200 actions, all aimed at making American energy production more difficult, including killing the Keystone pipeline on day one. prgtoken Madam , the American people are tired of footing the bill for the Green New Deal agenda. Let's get our Nation's energy policy back on track so our families are better able to fill their gas tanks and pay their electric bills.
CELEBRATING 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF LANCASTER MUSIC COMPANY
Andrew S. Clyde (Republican, GA) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Lancaster Music Company. prgtoken Since Lancaster Music opened its doors in 1949, the family-owned business rooted in Gainesville, Georgia, has grown exponentially. prgtoken Currently, the company is managed by a third-generation Lancaster, Mrs. Emily Lancaster Barron, who loves music and working in the family business that is owned by Emily's father, Joey Lancaster. prgtoken Fun fact: In the early 2000s, Lancaster Music Company forged a relationship with the administration, supplying pianos to the White House for its Christmas decor. The business went on to provide a new grand piano for the chapel at Camp David, which was custom-made in oak to match the interior during the administration. Lancaster Music Company's pianos have been at Camp David now for the past four administrations. prgtoken The Lancaster family's commitment to filling our community events, our churches, and our lives with music is noteworthy. prgtoken I am truly honored to represent such an outstanding family-owned business that has provided pianos, guitars, trumpets, violins, and more to the Ninth District, the Peach State, and the country. prgtoken I congratulate Lancaster Music Company on 75 strong and successful years. May they have many more to come.
POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH
Lloyd Smucker (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Madam , thank my friend for yielding a few minutes of the Special Order. prgtoken I rise today, Madam , to honor the life and memory of Mr. Randy Alan Walker of Ephrata, Pennsylvania, who passed away last month after a 10-year battle with ALS. Randy had an exceptional impact on the lives that he touched. prgtoken Madam , I had the opportunity to meet with Randy and his wife, Lisa, earlier this year just days before Randy's passing. Randy shared with me his story in a letter that he wrote. prgtoken ALS is a devastating disease that takes a tremendous toll on those living with the disease as well as their families and caregivers. Despite this disease, Randy continued to live life to the fullest. prgtoken Following his diagnosis, he created a bucket list of all of the things he wished to accomplish, and he managed to complete every item on it. prgtoken In his own words, Randy told me his most exhilarating experience was skydiving with his daughter and his fondest memory was watching his son graduate high school and college. prgtoken Madam , Randy shared with me what his life was like with ALS. In his letter, he said: You can be me for just 1 hour. Get comfy on your couch. Put your phone down and remote out of reach. Standing for any reason is against the rules. I can't stand. Neither can you. Now, for the hard part, when you get an itch, and you will, there is no scratching. If you survive the hour, kudos to you. Imagine that 24/7. Welcome to my world. prgtoken Randy and his wife, Lisa, were tireless champions for individuals affected by ALS, traveling to burg and Washington, D.C to share their story and advocate for a cure. prgtoken Their efforts extended beyond legislative halls as they supported ALS research initiatives, raised public awareness, and provided unwavering emotional and practical support to families affected by the disease. Through their dedicated activism, Randy and Lisa have profoundly impacted the ALS community. prgtoken Randy graduated from Ephrata High School in 1982 where he played football, baseball, and was on the diving team. Following graduation, Randy joined the Marine Corps and served until 1985. prgtoken We extend our gratitude to Randy for his service and dedication to our country. He was a loving husband to Lisa, a father to Calvin and Victoria, a grandfather to two, and a friend to all. Randy will be deeply missed. prgtoken We wish those who are grieving comfort and give thanks for the opportunity to know Randy who positively impacted so many people during his 60 years.
POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate the seven athletes from the University of Iowa track and field program on their appearance at the Olympic trials this past weekend. prgtoken I would like to give a special congratulations to Kalen Walker, the brother of one of our legislative interns. Kalen Walker is a three- time, all-American record-holding athlete who competed in the 100-meter dash at the semifinal round at the Olympic trials this weekend. prgtoken Kalen is from rural Iowa and graduated from Eddyville-Blakesburg- Fremont High School in 2020. He attended Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa, and then transferred to the University of Iowa as a walk-on. prgtoken Kalen embodies what it means to be a true, hardworking Iowan. He came to the University of Iowa to fulfill his dream of running as a Hawkeye, and this weekend was a step toward fulfilling his dream of being an Olympian. prgtoken I am proud to congratulate him and his teammates on their honor of representing Iowa and America. prgtoken As always, go Hawks.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Ann Wagner (Republican, MO) \u2014 2024-6-27

I thank the chairman very, very much for engaging me in this colloquy and for his work on this very important piece of legislation. prgtoken Last year's National Defense Authorization Act, which passed on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis, expressed serious concern that our Nation's tactical fighter capacity is not sufficient to meet combatant commander warfighting requirements. Yet, the Air Force is proposing the premature closure of one of the United States' two major fighter manufacturing lines, the F-15EX. prgtoken The F-15EX is a critical asset, particularly for the National Guard. The National Guard's unfunded priorities list included a request for additional EX production. prgtoken If this line shuts down in the fiscal year 2025, as proposed in the President's budget, the U.S. will be down to a single tactical aviation manufacturing line, and this is unacceptably risky. prgtoken Over 44 Members of Congress, s and , supported the additional funding to keep the important F-15EX program going. prgtoken I understand that top-line constraints this year present tough challenges, , but this manufacturing line is in my home State of Missouri, and it is a strategic asset and a national security imperative. prgtoken May I have your commitment, sir, to work with me on the issue as the process continues?