mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
MORE SPENDING IS NOT THE SOLUTION FOR INFLATION
John W. Rose (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-7-15

. Madam , consumer prices climbed another 1.3 percent last month, bringing the Nation's total annual rate of inflation to 9.1 percent. The cost of making goods shot up, too. The producer price index hit a whopping 11.3 percent. It is costing Tennesseans and all American families an extra $5,000 a year. prgtoken There seems to be a growing consensus that we are heading toward a recession. I continue to believe that it didn't have to be this way. The Fed wouldn't have to raise interest rates had President and Congressional resisted the urge to borrow and spend trillions and trillions of dollars we did not have and couldn't afford to spend. prgtoken What is their solution for getting us out of this mess? Even more spending. prgtoken But only increasing domestic production of our natural energy resources can get us back on track. President appears to prefer the destruction of our country's fossil fuel energy industry rather than using it to bring the price of gasoline and diesel back down.
ENSURING ACCESS TO ABORTION ACT OF 2022
W. Gregory Steube (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-7-15

. Madam , let me address the complete misrepresentations of fact that we have been hearing from since Roe has been overturned. prgtoken There has never been a constitutional right to end the life of an innocent, unborn child--never. It doesn't exist in the Constitution, and Congress has never passed a law allowing for the murder of the unborn. In fact, the opposite exists. prgtoken In the Fifth and 14th Amendments to the Constitution, there is a constitutional right for any person to not be deprived of life, liberty, or property. prgtoken Certainly, an unborn child is a person. What else could it be? Therefore, that person shall not be deprived of life pursuant to the Constitution, period. prgtoken Finally, the U.S. Supreme Court got it right and made it clear that ``the Constitution does not confer a right to abortion.'' prgtoken Over 63 million children have been murdered since Roe was decided. That is not freedom. That is genocide.
ISSUES OF THE DAY
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2022-7-15

. Madam , today is the 141st day since Putin commenced his illegal, brutal invasion of Ukraine. Vladimir Putin continues to direct his gang of thugs to target Ukrainian civilians. prgtoken We have seen this play from Czar Putin before, with the mass murder of 25,000 souls in Grozny and the leveling of biblical Aleppo. prgtoken To date, the United Nations High Commission has verified nearly 12,000 civilian casualties across Ukraine since February. This number is understated. prgtoken In the words of Nazar Havryliuk, a 17-year-old from Bucha: ``They were not able to defeat our Army, so they killed ordinary people.'' prgtoken Both his uncle and father, innocent civilians, were murdered by Putin's invading Army. prgtoken Russian military strikes continue to target Ukrainian resources, including grain storehouses responsible for feeding over 400 million people worldwide. The World Food Programme estimates that 47 million people across the globe are suffering from acute hunger as a direct result of Putin's targeting of Ukrainian stores. prgtoken Since February, almost 2,300 schools, Madam , have been damaged or destroyed, and 290 healthcare facilities have been attacked. No place in Ukraine is safe for civilians. prgtoken Currently, 12.1 million people in Ukraine are estimated to need health assistance. That is 12 million individuals who are unable to get the help they need, the help they deserve, all due to Putin's invasion. prgtoken Madam , as my friend from Wisconsin just told this House, leadership from the United States is essential now more than ever. President must step up and ensure that Ukraine has the lethal weapons and supplies to achieve a prompt and decisive victory over the invaders. prgtoken Only America's President can stand in the breach and lead. That leadership of our transatlantic partners and our critical allies, like Japan, are essential, essential in assisting the Europeans in crafting help for the people of Ukraine, including supporting humanitarian and critical and necessary and essential military support. prgtoken The United States can support Ukraine directly also by supporting the U.N. Secretary General's efforts to open the Black Sea. It is essential that safely exporting Ukrainian grain, currently trapped, is a must-do. The world is waiting for that grain. The world is starving without it. Helping alleviate that hunger crisis requires American leadership. prgtoken While Putin's puppets are in Istanbul sitting at a table talking about opening the Black Sea, his military is systematically bombing and burning all the fields of wheat across Ukraine. prgtoken America must also lead in planning for reconstruction in Ukraine once the invader has been ejected. prgtoken We must also hold Putin and his cronies accountable for the war crimes that they are committing daily in Ukraine. The targeting of schools, hospitals, places of worship, and civilians is unacceptable, illegal, and immoral. Russian le
WOMEN'S HEALTH PROTECTION ACT OF 2022
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Republican, WA) \u2014 2022-7-15

. Madam , the balance of my time to close. prgtoken Madam , abortion is the sharpest, most soul-searching question before us as a Nation. It pierces every heart. People have strongly held beliefs and stories, and both sides are guilty of dismissing one another. prgtoken For those of us who stand for the right to life, we must do a better job of listening and loving. Fear and despair lead to more arguments, anger, discord, and insecurity. prgtoken The abortion on demand bill, this bill before us today, though, is extreme. It is abortion for any reason, at any stage of pregnancy until birth. It is not the will of the American people. prgtoken I recently spoke with a doctor who shared with me what is possible today. It is American technology and medical technology that allows us now to do surgeries inside the womb. prgtoken I am a mom of three young kids, and anyone who has given birth knows that to be able, because of technology, to see the baby develop day by day is just amazing. prgtoken Doctors are performing prenatal surgeries and treatments to save lives. This doctor was telling me they can perform a prenatal surgery on 20 different organs. That wasn't possible in 1973 when Roe v. Wade was decided. In fact, the first successful fetal surgery wasn't until 1982. prgtoken Many decades later, look how far we have come. Science has evolved. It is my hope that we learn from this and that we reject abortion because it is unthinkable. It is not following the science. It doesn't reflect the latest research or modern medicine. Reject this legislation. prgtoken Madam , .
INFLATION IN AMERICA
John H. Rutherford (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-7-15

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken Madam , this week's Consumer Price Index report indicates that we just reached a 40-year high in June. This kind of inflation is a tax on every American and a threat to our middle-class families. prgtoken As a result of ' reckless, trillion-dollar inflationary spending, hardworking Americans are taking a pay cut, and failed relief plans have caused unprecedented financial challenges to the U.S. economy, hitting the American taxpayers the hardest. prgtoken Some of my friends on the other side of the aisle blame the inflation on the war in Ukraine, but Americans faced sharp, rising inflation long before Russia invaded Ukraine. prgtoken Now, additional price increases across the board continue to eat away at the paychecks of this Nation's workforce, making it even harder to achieve the American Dream for millions of Americans. prgtoken I am sure many of my colleagues can relate when I say I have conversations back home with folks who are struggling to afford everyday essentials, including baby formula and fuel, that continue to be in short supply. prgtoken President and the ' lack of concrete solutions are falling short. The President's first action upon taking office was to end construction of the Keystone XL pipeline and issue a moratorium on new oil and gas permits on Federal lands. prgtoken His most recent efforts to court oil deals with our hostile counterparts in Saudi Arabia are futile. In fact, it was embarrassing today. prgtoken Increasing America's energy independence is the best way to alleviate the pressure Americans feel at the gas pump. This means producing more American energy, not less. Restoring American energy production here at home will make our country more prosperous and secure while lowering the price at the gas pump. prgtoken I recently cosponsored the American Energy Independence from Russia Act which would reopen the Keystone XL pipeline, increase our natural gas production and exports, encourage energy and mineral development on foreign lands, and prevent needless regulation on domestic oil and gas production. prgtoken However, those across the aisle have consistently blocked this legislation for a total of seven times. Seven times. prgtoken This war on affordable energy production is the main culprit for both the high gas prices and skyrocketing food prices. Given the current economic climate, it is critical that Congress thoroughly consider how legislation will contribute to future inflation. prgtoken For this reason, I cosponsored the Informed Lawmaking to Combat Inflation Act. This would require the Congressional Budget Office to provide an inflation estimate for major pieces of legislation so that Members of Congress can be best informed about how these spending bills will impact inflation. prgtoken I also supported the implementation of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act which lowered tax rates for all Americans and simpli
ENSURING ACCESS TO ABORTION ACT OF 2022
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-7-15

. Madam , I thank the ranking member for yielding time. prgtoken In the 1970s it was misleading, but pregnancy was described as a clump of cells and a lump of tissues. prgtoken How many people listened to that and didn't ascribe the agency to the young life that was developing? prgtoken Then medical sonography was just coming into its own at the same time that Roe was decided; and for two generations of Americans since then, the first picture in their baby book is their sonogram picture. prgtoken Is it any surprise that two generations of Americans now ascribe agency to the unborn child because they see from whence they came? prgtoken Having an abortion is not a simple fix to a problem; it is not a simple procedure; and it is not birth control. An abortion is highly complex, and it is a deeply emotional procedure. Obviously, it is going to affect the baby, and obviously, it is going to affect the woman. prgtoken Do you know what, Madam ? prgtoken It even affects the provider.
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Louie Gohmert (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-7-15

. Madam , I am very grateful for the message from my friend from Arkansas, words of wisdom that are greatly appreciated. prgtoken One of the things we took up this afternoon on a vote here--and if I recall correctly, there were two of us voting no--but I know the people voting for the bill wanted to try to help with the issue of baby formula. But the bill was thrown upon s last night, not exactly the best way to handle legislation with far-reaching effects, and then voted on today. Well, let's look at some of the facts. prgtoken Here is an article: ``Global infant formula products market: estimations and forecasts for production and consumption.'' This points out that in 2017, the EU was the biggest supplier of infant formula, with one-third of global volumes, with China and southeast Asia in second and third places respectively. prgtoken Chinese companies have invested in ingredient and infant formula production capacity in France and in the Netherlands and have strategic alliances in Denmark and Ireland. So that way, when they produce it, they don't have to say, ``made in China,'' which causes some people concern, especially when you have stories that exist, reports where Chinese formula has done great damage. prgtoken Here is a story from September of '08: ``China: Fourth baby dies from tainted formula.'' So Americans have reason to be concerned when we go buying baby formula that is manufactured by Chinese companies, no matter where it is actually produced. prgtoken Going back to this article, it says: ``China is the second largest infant formula producer'' and points out they do export some of their formula. prgtoken But with this report about opening plants in other countries, it may give the impression and the appearance that these are not like the formulas that were created in China. prgtoken So here is another line that says: ``A lot of the global growth in infant formula production will come from Chinese companies investing in production capacity outside China.'' prgtoken So it is not enough to ask where was this produced; it is also important to ask: Who actually produced it; who is behind it? prgtoken It is also surprising that we would get that bill late at night before people are expected to vote on it the next day when--here is an article from the BBC in May of 2022, and it indicates that the FDA said sales of infant formula rose 13 percent in April compared to January before the recall, and some indicators suggested that the out-of-stock rates had been overstated. It says: ``Increased sales are a good indicator of formula available to the general population.'' prgtoken Now, if you are in a place where you can't find formula, then it is not much of a comfort that people are finding more in other places in the United States. But here it is: This should have gone through a committee. This should have had an opportunity not just for debate but for more research. It should be under what we nor
RECOGNIZING JON JAY FOR HIS IMPECCABLE 12-YEAR MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL CAREER
Mario Diaz-Balart (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-7-15

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Jon Jay, who recently retired after an impeccable 12-year Major League Baseball career. Jon's hard work and dedication led him to win a World Series Championship in 2011 with the St. Louis Cardinals. prgtoken Born in Miami, and a true product of the baseball fields of South Florida, Jon helped lead Christopher Columbus High School to its first baseball state title in 2003. He then went on to have a Hall of Fame career at the University of Miami. Jon finished his Major League Baseball career with an impressive .283 batting average, and-- remarkably--with the highest fielding percentage among all outfielders in baseball history. prgtoken Jon has never lost sight of his roots as a proud Cuban-American, whose family history is engrained in public service and patriotism. His great-grandfather, Justo Salas, was the first Afro-Cuban mayor of Santiago de Cuba, and the first Afro-Cuban governor of Oriente Province. Jon's grandfather, Enrique Tulio Jay, was a political prisoner in Fidel Castro's dungeons for 19 long years.
NORTHWEST ORDINANCE
Gary J. Palmer (Republican, AL) \u2014 2022-7-15

. Madam , Wednesday was the 235th anniversary of the passage of the Northwest Ordinance. prgtoken The Northwest Ordinance, passed on July 13, 1787 under the Articles of Confederation, created the Northwest Territory which would eventually become the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. prgtoken Two portions of the Ordinance capture important principles that are worth recovering 235 years later. prgtoken Section 13 of the Ordinance notes that the fundamental principles of civil and religious liberty form the basis upon which republics are erected and that they are the basis of all laws. prgtoken Article 3 affirms that religion, morality, and knowledge are necessary for good government and the happiness of mankind. prgtoken We've strayed far from these truths in the years since the Northwest Ordinance was passed. prgtoken However, it isn't too late to recover and encourage a robust respect for civil and religious liberty while acknowledging the fundamental truth that religion, morality, and knowledge are essential for America and her people to flourish.
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Harold Rogers (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-7-15

. Madam , I thank Judge Gohmert for very graciously allowing me to speak before his main subject. prgtoken Madam , I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of three fallen heroes in eastern Kentucky. Last week we laid to rest three police officers and one service canine who were slain in the line of duty after enduring unexpected gunfire in Allen, Kentucky, on June 30, 2022. prgtoken Among the fallen were William Petry, a 31-year law enforcement veteran and the fire chief in Floyd County, Kentucky; Ralph Frasure, a 39-year law enforcement veteran and school resource officer; and Jacob Chaffins, was a 28-year-old police officer who just started his law enforcement career 3 years ago and an active sergeant in the Kentucky Army National Guard. Also among the deceased was a beloved canine named Drago, a well-trained service dog for the Floyd County Sheriff's Department. prgtoken Needless to say, the heartbreak and pain that have reverberated across eastern Kentucky at the loss of these brave men who dedicated their lives to serving and protecting our local people has been overwhelming. prgtoken President Theodore Roosevelt, who was a former New York City Police Commissioner, once said, ``No man is worth his salt who is not ready at all times to risk his body, to risk his well-being, to risk his life in a great cause.'' prgtoken On Thursday, June 30, 2022, these officers, and many other responders risked their lives as they valiantly answered the call to protect the people of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. prgtoken Their heroic deaths represent a powerful display of the selfless love described in John 15:13, ``Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.'' prgtoken Even as we speak, several other first responders are also fighting for their lives, recovering from their injuries from that horrific day, and our prayers are with them and with their families. prgtoken In a Nation where police forces have been vilified in recent years by the actions of a few bad actors, may the lives of these brave men be a reminder of the outstanding integrity and sacrifice that the thin blue line represents. We must continue to support our law enforcement officers across the United States, ensuring they are fully equipped, adequately prepared, and never at the mercy of evildoers. prgtoken This Nation owes a great debt of gratitude for the life and service of Officers Petry, Frasure, and Chaffins. May their loved ones find abundant peace and confidence in Matthew 5:9, ``Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.'' prgtoken Madam , I request to recognize a moment of silence in memory of William Petry, Ralph Frasure, Jacob Chaffins, and K-9 Drago.
FORMULA ACT
Gregory F. Murphy (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-7-15

. Madam , I rise today in support of H.R. 8351, the Formula Act. prgtoken I thank my friend from Nebraska, Mr. Adrian Smith, and Mr. Blumenauer for their leadership on this bill. prgtoken With families facing record-high inflation, with record-high food and gas prices, the last thing that parents need to worry about is being able to find formula, much less being able then to afford it. prgtoken H.R. 8351 ensures that families are not covering the cost of additional taxes on formula imported into the United States, and I am pleased with the relief that this bill will provide. prgtoken But, unfortunately, as has been the mantra of this administration, this crisis exemplifies just another self-inflicted wound that has been the point of the administration. The administration knew about the impending shortage and failed to act to avert the crisis. prgtoken The incompetence of this administration has real world effects. We are talking about something that is basic sustenance for infants in this country. They need this, and this bill will help bring affordability to parents for their children. prgtoken Madam , I thank, again, my colleagues and encourage their support of this legislation.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steve Scalise (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-7-15

. I appreciate that. Hopefully, as I continue to have these conversations with the leader, maybe you and I could be whipping these bills together. You would see an overwhelming result and a quick reduction prgtoken in the price at the pump that is hurting families. prgtoken One final question I want to raise to the gentleman, and this came up yesterday or 2 days ago as we were having a series of votes on the National Defense Authorization Act, as the gentleman pointed out. Next week, we will be bringing up some of the appropriations bills, with still more to come over the next few weeks. As we have large numbers of amendments on NDAA and appropriations, which is typical for the process, to be able to go back to 2-minute voting where we can do our business not in 4 hours until 11 at night, but where we can actually be more efficient at processing all the requests that Members have to get a vote on different issues. prgtoken We have continued to push to end proxy voting. Again, you have seen most of the country already get there. Most of the country is getting back to work. prgtoken Airplanes, finally, you don't have to wear masks anymore. People are traveling internationally again. People are opening up their offices again to get workers in the office. prgtoken Congress, frankly, should be leading, not lagging, on this. But if we got rid of proxy voting, we could get back next week to 2-minute votes and be much more effective and efficient in doing our jobs here in Congress. prgtoken Is that something that the majority would consider, especially looking at six different appropriations bills, which I am sure will yield hundreds of amendments that would be debated and voted on, on this floor? prgtoken .
MEXICAN CARTELS GROWING MARIJUANA IN CALIFORNIA
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-7-15

. Madam , the administration's open border policies are wreaking havoc across our Nation, causing crime to spike, even in my home district in northern California. prgtoken Hidden under the cover of our magnificent, forested wildlands, Mexican prgtoken cartels are using our porous borders as easy access to Federal lands to grow illegal marijuana crops. prgtoken Even though cannabis products are legal under California law, truly they are still illegal under Federal law. These illegal grows are dangerous and cause irreversible harm to the landscape and animals. prgtoken These grows are guarded by dangerous cartel members with illegal weapons that they smuggle across the border. This puts local residents, foresters, and outdoor recreationists at grave risk if they accidentally come across or near a grow. prgtoken Butte County in northern California, my home county, is designated now as a Federal high-intensity drug trafficking area. Thanks a lot. prgtoken These illegal farmers use toxic pesticides that are outlawed by the U.S. and unavailable to American growers anymore. These chemicals run off into nearby water sources, poisoning the animals and killing off plant life. They cut off water from other farmers and rivers and cause much damage to the environment. prgtoken This drug trafficking must be stopped.