mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING ROGER HOLLANDSWORTH
H. Morgan Griffith (Republican, VA) \u2014 2022-3-9

. Madam , I rise in honor of Roger Hollandsworth of Floyd, Virginia, who passed away on January 27, 2022, at the age of 64. Mr. Hollandsworth served the Floyd County community as an emergency first-responder and a businessman. prgtoken Mr. Hollandsworth was a graduate of Floyd County High School and Virginia Tech. For 33 years, he was the owner of a cherished Floyd business, the Xpress Market. Through his business, he graced everyone that walked in with his kindness and friendly nature. prgtoken His love and service toward others were reflected in his work as a member of the Floyd County Lifesaving and First Aid Rescue Squad. He faithfully served for more than 40 years. Throughout the majority of that time, he acted as the squad's treasurer. prgtoken Community members and fellow Rescue Squad members speak very highly of Mr. Hollandsworth and his legacy in Floyd County. There have been countless rescue stories displaying his courage and heroism. His kindness on and off the job made a profound impact on all who knew him. He will be greatly missed. prgtoken He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Rowena Albert Hollandsworth; and brother, Don Wayne Hollandsworth. prgtoken His survivors include his wife of 39 years, Jennifer R. Hollandsworth; son, Dustin N. Hollandsworth and his wife; grandchildren, Shauna, Garrett, Kylie, Wyatt, Arick, Lilah and Emberly, as well as many other loved ones. I offer my condolences on their loss.
CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MOUNT ORAB MAYOR BRUCE LUNSFORD
Brad R. Wenstrup (Republican, OH) \u2014 2022-3-9

. Madam , I rise today in memory of Mt. Orab Mayor Bruce Lunsford, who passed away on February 21, 2022, at the age of 68. prgtoken Mayor Lunsford was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather as well as a diligent public servant who was an unwavering advocate for Mount Orab. His love of country and commitment to bettering his community were as indisputable as they were indispensable. prgtoken Bruce Lunsford began public service with the Mt. Orab City Council at the age of 18 and served as Mayor of Mount Orab for over 41 years. prgtoken He made a lasting impression on this Earth and his community. Bruce's impact on Mt. Orab, Brown County, and all that knew him will be felt for generations as his legacy lives on. prgtoken With the greatest respect, we are all forever grateful for the service of Mayor Bruce Lunsford and I am personally proud to have known him. prgtoken I ask for everyone to join me in praying for Bruce's wife, Becky, his family and friends, for the community he served, and the lives he touched. prgtoken Rest in peace, Mayor Lunsford.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 2471, HAITI DEVELOPMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND INSTITUTIONAL TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE ACT; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.J. RES. 75...
Dan Crenshaw (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-3-9

. Madam , I rise to oppose the previous question so we can immediately consider the American Energy Independence from Russia Act, led by my friend and the leader of the Energy and Commerce Committee, Cathy McMorris Rodgers. prgtoken This week our President, our American President, asked Venezuela and Saudi Arabia to increase oil production, asked them to boost their output so that American consumers wouldn't see a spike in gas prices. prgtoken It seems like a noble cause at first glance, but I couldn't help to think to myself what a strange thing to ask because surely he knows that we can also boost domestic production right here at home. Surely he knows that domestic production supports American jobs, and surely he knows that domestic production is cleaner, by far, than foreign production; far better for the environment than Venezuelan oil unless that Socialist dictator suddenly became a devout green energy disciple without any of us knowing it. prgtoken Surely President knows that energy demand doesn't just disappear because you tell middle-class Americans to go buy a Tesla. Surely he knows all of this, right? The answer is, of course, yes, he does know that, and the entire ic Party knows this. It is impossible not to know these things because these things are called hard facts. They are indisputable. Those facts are simple and worth repeating. prgtoken Number 1: The world will demand at least 50 percent more energy in the next 50 years. That is a fact. prgtoken Number 2: The energy demanded will be reliable energy; electricity that turns on when you want it, heat that keeps you alive in the winter, and air conditioning that keeps you cool in the summer. prgtoken Fact number 3: Solar and wind cannot and will not ever provide this reliable energy, no matter how often you worship and pray to the deities of wind turbines and solar panels; proudly made, of course, by the Communist genocidal country of China. prgtoken Fact number 4: American production of oil and gas is far cleaner than any other country, except maybe Canada. prgtoken These are indisputable facts. So where does that leave us? For anyone wise in the ways of common sense, it leads to one conclusion. It is in the American interest to pursue absolute American energy dominance. If you don't believe me, let's outline the alternative. Let's imagine we go the way of Germany and invest half a trillion dollars in building out unreliable wind and solar production, only to watch our energy prices rise faster than anywhere else and yet still be forced to turn on coal plants and import Russian gas because your green energy just doesn't work the way you wanted it to. prgtoken The rest of Europe wasn't all that different. They increased their reliance on Russian gas from 10 percent to over 40 percent now, and I cannot help but notice that the ic Party seems intent on pursuing this very path, canceling leases and pipelines, increasing
HAITI DEVELOPMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND INSTITUTIONAL TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE ACT
Kay Granger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-3-9

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of H.R. 2471, a bill that will provide funding for the Federal Government through the end of this fiscal year. While it has taken us far too long to get here, I am glad we were able to produce a bill that includes many funding priorities that I support. prgtoken Since last summer, I have made it clear that House s would oppose Appropriations bills unless they increase defense spending, restrain nondefense spending, include all longstanding policy provisions, and do not include any poison pill riders. prgtoken After months of negotiations, we reached a deal that meets all four of these criteria. The bill before us increases defense spending by roughly 6 percent, which is $4.5 billion above the NDAA; rejects the President's proposed 16 percent increase in nondefense spending; includes the Hyde amendment and other critical pro-life policies; and drops other controversial language. prgtoken For defense, the bill provides our military and our troops with the resources they desperately need. The roughly $42 billion increase in defense spending across all the appropriations bills will improve military readiness, start key modernization initiatives, and support our brave warfighters and their families so they can improve their quality of life. prgtoken The package also contains an additional $1 billion for Israel's Iron Dome to allow Israel to replace the interceptors that were used in the most recent conflict. prgtoken The bill also ensures the safety and security of the American people by increasing overall funding for Homeland Security by 11 percent, including increases for Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. prgtoken New funding is also included to increase staff for the Border Patrol, which would address the crisis at our southwest border. prgtoken Because of this bill, President 's successful remain in Mexico program will continue, and President 's plan to cancel existing border wall funding will be rejected. prgtoken I am proud to say that this bill not only funds the police, it increases resources for law enforcement agencies to address the troubling nationwide increase in crime. prgtoken Also before us today is crucial assistance to help the Ukrainian people, the Ukrainian Government respond to Russia's invasion. I know we all share the feeling of shock and grief as we witness Russia's attack on the sovereign nation of Ukraine and its aggression across innocent people. prgtoken To close, I want to thank my colleagues, Chairwoman DeLauro, Senator Shelby, Senator Leahy, and the subcommittee chairs and ranking members for their work on this bill. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the items in this bill that enhance our national security, and .
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 2471, HAITI DEVELOPMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND INSTITUTIONAL TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE ACT; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.J. RES. 75...
Tom Cole (Republican, OK) \u2014 2022-3-9

. Madam , such time as I may consume. I will refrain from correcting my friend again and just send him something to read. prgtoken If we defeat the previous question, I will offer an amendment to the rule to bring up H.R. 6858, the American Energy Independence from Russia Act for immediate consideration. prgtoken Two weeks ago, Russian President Vladimir Putin shocked the world by launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In doing so, Mr. Putin revealed his true self, and that is a bully, a thug, a tyrant bent on subverting his democratic neighbor to the west. In challenging not only Ukraine, but also the rest of the civilized world, Mr. Putin's powerful weapon is not his army, potent though that may be, but the dependence of much of the rest of the world on Russian oil and gas. Already he has begun to put the squeeze on democratic states seeking to challenge his invasion of Ukraine by threatening to cut off their supplies of energy. prgtoken The American Energy Independence from Russia Act would address the challenge and would reposition the United States to be energy self- sufficient. It would immediately approve the Keystone XL pipeline, would restart oil and gas leasing on Federal lands and waters, and would expand liquid natural gas exports at the moment Europe needs the most. In doing so, it would ensure that America remains energy independent and can act to address Russian aggression without risking economic damage. prgtoken Madam , I ask unanimous consent to insert the text of my amendment in the Record along with extraneous material immediately prior to the previous question.
SUSPENDING ENERGY IMPORTS FROM RUSSIA ACT
Andrew S. Clyde (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-3-9

the Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act has a great name, but the bill doesn't live up to its name. prgtoken Let me just read a little from the text because it is the text that matters. prgtoken On page 2, ``Prohibition of Energy Products'': This bill bans nothing until 45 days after enactment. Ukraine doesn't have 45 days. prgtoken Under section 2(a)(2), titled ``Authority to Allow Importation Under Contract'': Why are we even having this section when the idea was to ban Russian oil, not to allow importation? prgtoken It states: ``The President may allow certain products . . . to be imported into the United States . . . pursuant to a written contract . . . that was entered into before the date of enactment of this act.'' prgtoken So the bold statement from paragraph 1, that all oil products from the Russian Federation shall be banned from importation, just got eviscerated and shot full of holes. It is leakier than a sieve because every barrel of oil coming into the United States is covered under a contract, so every barrel is exempted for the length of the contract. prgtoken No business makes millions of dollars of purchases without a contract. This bill is smoke and mirrors intent on deceiving the American people that the majority and the administration are doing something bold when, in reality, it is a false start and a penalty on the field.
I HAD TO VOTE ``NO''
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-3-9

. Madam , there is no way I could vote to exchange getting oil from Putin for getting oil from some other tyrant who wants to destroy America, which makes this a rather cynical ploy, so I had to vote ``no'' on Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act. prgtoken It is time to make America energy independent again and stop the war on American seniors, Americans on fixed incomes, and those that have to keep maxing out their credit cards to buy gas just to get to work. I had to vote ``no'' on what is being referred to as the Russia bill. prgtoken We have heard enough of the administration lectures that Americans should basically eat cake in their brand new expensive electric cars. People who can't afford a tank of gas today can't afford $30,000 to $150,000 for a new electric car. prgtoken This bill allowed the President to waive the provisions we voted on, so I voted ``no.''
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 2471, HAITI DEVELOPMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND INSTITUTIONAL TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE ACT; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.J. RES. 75...
Pete Stauber (Republican, MN) \u2014 2022-3-9

. Madam , I rise today in opposition to the previous question so this -controlled House can finally do the right thing: pass the American Energy Independence from Russia Act. prgtoken This morning, Americans are seeing even higher gas prices on their way to work than they saw on last night's commute home. Sadly, tonight, tomorrow morning, next week, and next month, they are going to see the same episode play out on those commutes to and from work over and over again. prgtoken With the cost of living and inflation over the last year spiraling out of control, the last thing American families need is $7 to $8 a gallon gasoline. prgtoken Due to the policies of President , we are more reliant on Putin and Russian energy than in recent history. prgtoken I agree that we must immediately halt the import of Russian oil and LNG. However, it is a false narrative pushed by President that it should be an unavoidable hit to Americans' pocketbooks. This was avoidable, and it didn't have to be this way. prgtoken Since 's first day in office, he has forced executive orders and supported policies that have made us more dependent on Russian energy. These policy choices are directly to blame for the increased pain at the pump that middle-class Americans are feeling. prgtoken Take, for example, the opening line of an AP article 2 weeks ago: ``The administration is delaying decisions on new oil and gas drilling on Federal land.'' prgtoken Sure, some of these leases are not utilized, but that is because they are tied up in litigation from far left anti-jobs groups or because they are awaiting delayed approvals from the administration. prgtoken So, instead of approving rights-of-way, following the science, and putting our oil and gas developers to work, is making American families suffer. prgtoken On behalf of the American people, the Ukrainian people, and just basic common sense----
RECOGNIZING ALEX HOPPER ON BEING NAMED THE 2022 JUNIOR CITIZEN OF THE YEAR BY THE CASS CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Lisa C. McClain (Republican, MI) \u2014 2022-3-9

. Madam , I rise to recognize Alex Hopper on being named the 2022 Junior Citizen of the Year by the Cass City Chamber of Commerce. prgtoken Alex has spent 254 hours of his time volunteering for relief efforts, school and community service projects, and highway clean ups. Alex is also the Cass City High School's Student Council President, Rotary Interact Club President, and National Honors Society President. Along with his academic honors, Alex has also received the Greater Thumb Conference Scholar Athlete Award for basketball, cross country, and track. prgtoken Alex is currently preparing to join a prestigious pre-med and medical school program to become a practicing physician, and plans to pursue his undergraduate studies at Northern Michigan University. I am confident he will continue to excel academically and continue to volunteer in his community. prgtoken I thank Alex for his tireless dedication and selfless service to the Cass City community, and I wish him well in his future.
SUSPENDING ENERGY IMPORTS FROM RUSSIA ACT
Christopher H. Smith (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2022-3-9

Russian oil and gas is absolutely financing Putin's horrific war of aggression. I am for this bill, but there are provisions in this one in particular that should not be in here. prgtoken , I am the prime sponsor of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act which we added to the 2017 NDAA. prgtoken Under the act, an actionable offense occurs only when there is a gross violation of internationally recognized human rights which has the meaning given to it in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. prgtoken Specifically, the Foreign Assistance Act includes torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, prolonged detention without charges and trial, causing the disappearance of persons by the abduction and clandestine detention of those persons, and other flagrant denial of the right to life, liberty, or the security of person. prgtoken H.R. 6968, however, radically strikes and replaces the current definition of what constitutes an actionable offense with language that is not defined--and this being done tonight without the benefit of hearings or due diligence. prgtoken Under the new language, the President may impose sanctions on an individual if responsible for or complicit in or has directly or indirectly engaged in what they call serious human rights abuse. prgtoken Exactly what does that mean? prgtoken There is no definition. prgtoken How is that phrase defined? prgtoken How elastic is it, especially when it is not linked to any international treaty or covenant? prgtoken What does directly engaged mean? prgtoken How indirect? prgtoken Guilt by association? prgtoken The Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act got it right. It was bipartisan, and it links sanctions to internationally recognized human rights. prgtoken I hope the Senate will take a look at this. This is an egregious mistake.
SUSPENDING ENERGY IMPORTS FROM RUSSIA ACT
A. Drew Ferguson IV (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-3-9

the war on American energy independence began on day one of President 's administration. That war has hit Americans hard in the pocketbook, and the cost at the pump, and for everything else they buy has gone up as a result of this administration's policies. prgtoken All too often we look across the globe and see the cost of those policies, and we see that in Ukraine right now. Every single barrel of Russian oil that we buy has at least a quarter of Ukrainian blood in it. It is time to put an end to it. prgtoken Now we have a bill that has been much watered-down, it doesn't have the teeth in it that it should because this administration does not seem willing to stand up to this dictator. Now that we are having a discussion about ending a relationship with one dictator, it seems that the administration is willing to trade one for three, buying oil from Venezuela, Iran, and now Saudi Arabia. prgtoken This war on pricing has got to come to an end. The war on American energy independence has to come to an end. It is time for this administration to open up American energy independence.
CONGRATULATING THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2022 H.E.B. ISD AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE
Beth Van Duyne (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-3-9

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate thirty- three students from the Hurst Euless Bedford Independent School District. These incredible students have been selected to receive the District's Awards of Excellence for the 2021-2022 school year. prgtoken Through their talent, hard work, and unmatched dedication, this year's group of recipients earned awards in a variety of fields that include visual and performing arts, business and industry, science, mathematics, and communications, among others. It is an honor to highlight the following young men and women for their unique talents: JaNya Chandler, Elise Pham, Christian Amayat, Nicholas McDaniel, Patrick Hannigan, Nathaniel Taylor, Peytonn Stevens, Christopher Coleman, Emma Brambila, Payton McAdams, Rachel Chen, Matthew Nguyen, Leticia Aguilar, Maurecia Bessman, Analicia Alonzo, Kaylee Flippin, Courtney Wash, Wyatt Stafford, Thomas Haak, Mizan Mohammedt, Ellion Norwood, Maverick Ganzo, Nicholas King, Amirah Wooden, Isabella Cruz, Ethan Anderson, Sophie Hawkins, Ethan Rangel, Taylor King, Edith Lara, Colton Neuville, Tanvi Rajpurohit, and Sean Powell. prgtoken In addition to recognizing the students, I would be remiss if I did not thank their mentors who ensured they remained diligent and focused in their efforts, It is a privilege to recognize the following teachers from L.D. Bell High School, Buinger CTE Academy, KEYS High School, and Trinity High School for their vital role as educators: Sarah Coronilla, Kathleen Chase, Susan Kaufman, Benjamin Maughrner, Doyle Bellville, Jo Ann Antinone, Michael Dean, Allen Matthews, Nora Borgan, Julie Quinn, Evan Hoffman, Christopher Dunn, Kristen Smith, Cathy Kazyaka, Sarah Keith, Latonya John, Ken Davis, Derek Thom, Jo Ann Antinone, Jay Fitch, Courtney Miller, Jay Fitch, Sandra Hone, Travis Clark, Christopher Bruhn, Susan Alcala, Eric Oglesby, Blanca prgtoken Diaz, Canndace , Kendal Fries, Tamara Haddad, and Hildegard Lombardo.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 2471, HAITI DEVELOPMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND INSTITUTIONAL TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE ACT; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.J. RES. 75...
August Pfluger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-3-9

. Madam , I rise today to oppose the previous question so we can immediately pass the American Energy Independence from Russia Act. I would like to thank Ranking Member Cathy McMorris Rodgers for her leadership on this. prgtoken Really, the question is simple. I think we are missing the point. The question here is: Is the President of the United States going to pick America, or is he going to pick our enemies? That is the debate here. prgtoken Step one was great, and I am glad that we are going to support Ukraine. I was there 5 weeks ago; we need to support Ukraine. prgtoken Step two is we need the President to support America. Energy security is national security, . It is time to put Midland over Moscow. prgtoken Unfortunately, that security has been under assault for decades but most recently beginning on January 20, 2021. The administration is leading the assault on energy. The reality is that American energy is the cleanest in the world, but the President and my colleagues on the other side of the aisle refuse to acknowledge that fact and unleash it. prgtoken Instead, they are choosing, the President is choosing, our adversaries, terrorists, and begging them to produce more when we can do it right here. prgtoken Instead of calling on the 10 million Americans who do it every single day, we are outsourcing production to adversaries like Russia, Iran, Venezuela, and they are harming our environment even more. prgtoken The war on Ukraine is horrifying, and it is heartbreaking. When I sat with President Zelensky, he said that the impetus to invade his country came from the fact that Nord Stream existed. prgtoken Our President green-lighted Nord Stream but canceled the Keystone pipeline. Right now, today, there are six LNG terminals that the President, with the stroke of a pen, could approve. prgtoken Are we going to pick the United States of America, or are we going to pick our adversaries? prgtoken The United States should not be energy dependent. We should be energy dominant. Put Midland over Moscow. Unleash American LNG. Restart oil and gas leasing on Federal lands, and protect our own country. Pick our country.