mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING LAURA GARCIA
Yvette Herrell (Republican, NM) \u2014 2021-6-28

I rise today to recognize Laura Garcia for being named Teacher of the Year by the New Mexico Association of Nonpublic Schools. prgtoken Throughout her 12-year career at Gateway Christian School in Roswell, Laura has been instrumental in educating many students and instilling in them the importance of service before self. prgtoken I applaud Laura for her working hard every day to build up our future leaders and give them the confidence and values they need to find their own success I thank Laura for her dedication to her students and her diligence in her work. prgtoken Our teachers are crucial in the transfer of knowledge and wisdom to future generations. Great teachers like Laura build strong leaders and strong character. An educated nation is a knowledgeable nation, and a knowledgeable prgtoken nation is a powerful one. We owe a great debt to all of the great educators like Laura in our country, as they are the ones who will ensure that the next generation is equipped to take up the mantle of leadership when their time comes. prgtoken , I congratulate Laura on winning this award. New Mexicans are grateful for Laura's service to her community and her work to educate the next generation.
IN RECOGNITION OF MYRA LEIGH TOBIN
Brett Guthrie (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-6-28

. Madam , I rise today to remember the life of Myra Leigh Tobin, a Harned, Kentucky native. Her education and Christian values were the foundation of her life, and she became a trailblazer for women in the business world as well as a generous philanthropist. prgtoken Myra was a proud University of Kentucky Wildcat 1962 graduate and was named to the UK Hall of Distinguished Alumni in 2000. As a UK loyalist, she served on the UK Alumni Association, UK Board of Trustees, and as a founding charter member of UK Women in Philanthropy. Notably, the Myra Leigh Tobin Chapel was constructed in the new UK HealthCare hospital with her generosity. Before her successful insurance career, Myra worked for U.S. Rep. William Natcher. Myra was a strong advocate of education and obtained two master's degrees. In New York, she rose up in the business world and became involved in professional and community organizations. Myra was known as a ``Woman of Firsts'' through breaking barriers by becoming the first woman in many positions, and she received several professional awards to reflect her achievements. She accomplished all of this while staying entrenched in her Breckinridge County roots. prgtoken Myra's generosity reached far beyond geographical borders, and she was determined to mentor family members, friends, and even strangers she encountered. Her leadership and generosity have made a lasting impact, and her legacy will live on.
REPEAL OF JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROMOTE PEACE AND STABILITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Tom Cole (Republican, OK) \u2014 2021-6-28

I thank my friend from Texas for yielding, and I want to be the first to admit I was alive when both of these authorizations were passed. prgtoken The Congress' current effort to review the existing authorities for military force for which the original purposes have been achieved or are no longer appropriate is an important exercise of this body's authority under the Constitution and pursuant to the War Powers Act. prgtoken I am pleased to note that Chairman McGovern and I, along with my friends, Chairman Meeks and Ranking Member McCaul, helped initiate an evaluation of the War Powers Act, its strength and limitations and its need for modernization in a hearing on this topic in March. It is fitting, and frankly overdue, that the House is considering these issues and is now poised to repeal a second and third outdated AUMF this year with strong bipartisan support. prgtoken The joint resolution to promote peace and stability in the Middle East was enacted in 1957, 2 years after the signing of the Warsaw Pact, in response to the concerns about the potential spread of communist influence in the Middle East and, therefore, threats to U.S. economic and political interests in the region is long overdue. Needless to say, much has changed in the 64 intervening years. The Berlin Wall has fallen, and six of the seven former Eastern Bloc countries are now allied with the United States through NATO. The Soviet Union, of course, is no more. Communism obviously remains in the world, but it is no longer the driving force for most threats to the United States, particularly in the Middle East. prgtoken Similarly, the Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Iraq Resolution of 1991 is not related to the current situation in Iraq, and therefore, defunct. United Nations Resolution 678 authorized member states to use force to restore peace and order in response to Saddam Hussein's invasion of Kuwait in 1990. President stated on multiple occasions at the time, including in his signing statement of this AUMF, that he believed he had sufficient constitutional authority to use force in this case. However, he did not test the question, and requested and welcomed the AUMF. With or without the United Nations approval, in spite of the action's intent to enforce international law and, regardless of my support for the action taken by President at that time, it was the initiation of a war, and in my opinion, the President was obligated to seek Congressional approval. However, since the issue has been long-since settled, it is time to revoke the outdated authority. prgtoken Let us reinforce with this action today, , that should the President find reason to initiate military action subject to the War Powers Act in Iraq or anywhere in the Middle East, he or she must come to Congress with information, justification, and request for approval. prgtoken Also going forward, I strongly suggest this and future Congresses consiste
AMERICAN LEGION BOYS NATION
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2021-6-28

. Madam , recently, two high school members of the Shelby American Legion Post 82 were selected as participants for the Boys Nation program in Washington. This is the first time that the Shelby American Legion Post 82 has ever had two candidates selected to participate in this prestigious educational program. prgtoken Robert Stockham of Pinnacle Classical Academy and Zachary Morrow of Burns High School will spend 1 week in Washington learning about the structure and function of the Federal Government. This opportunity, through The American Legion, is important, and I am confident these two young men will make the most of this experience. prgtoken Congratulations to both Zachary and Robert on this significant accomplishment.
HONORING THOMAS B. DAY
Darrell Issa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-6-28

. Madam , I rise to recognize and celebrate the life and accomplishments of Thomas B. Day, who passed away on June 15, 2021. prgtoken Day dedicated over 30 years of his abundant life to higher education and paved the way for thousands of students to achieve their academic and professional goals. Among Day's numerous accomplishments in academia, public service, and science include appointments to the National Science Board by Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. and receipt of the Senior Fellow and Fellow titles, respectively, from the California Council on Science and Technology and the American Physical Society. Serving as President of San Diego State University (SDSU) from 1978/ 1996, Day oversaw the creation of six doctoral programs and a strategic shift that emphasized faculty-intensive research. prgtoken Referred to as one of the most transformative presidents in the history of SDSU, under his guidance, the SDSU campus significantly expanded, as he created a path for what is now California State University San Marcos, the SDSU School of Public Health, and the SDSU School of Communication. A credit to Day's vision, SDSU School of Public Health now produces 75 percent of the public health work force in San Diego. prgtoken Day's legacy continues to be recognized. In 2018, SDSU named the school's engineering and interdisciplinary sciences complex the ``Thomas B. and Anne K. Day Quad'' in his honor. prgtoken Additionally, SDSU's freshman success programs are now called the ``Thomas B. Day Student Success Programs'' to reflect Day's advocacy for ensuring that students had access to services that could support and enrich their learning opportunities. prgtoken These accolades reflect Day's strong dedication to SDSU and his deep hope for the continuous betterment of our community. prgtoken While we mourn the loss of an extraordinary leader in our community, we can find joy in the fact that Day's legacy will continue to enrich the lives of generations of Californians to come.
POSITION ON THE METHANE RULE
Garret Graves (Republican, LA) \u2014 2021-6-28

. Madam , I was unable to take part in debating and voting on the revocation of the previous administration's rule governing methane emissions due to meetings with the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to address long-overlooked issues impacting South Louisiana's veterans. The Baton Rouge VA outpatient clinic in my district is undersized and not well suited to the needs of the Capital Region's veterans. Multiple administrations have highlighted the need to authorize a new lease--but it hasn't happened and getting veterans timely access to quality health care remains a top priority for me. prgtoken Had I been in Washington, D.C I would have voted against S.J. Res 14 to repeal the ``Oil and Natural Gas Standards for New, Reconstructed, and Modified Sources Review.'' We cannot afford to move backwards on President 's policies that put American energy first. prgtoken I support efforts to reduce methane emissions. I support smart regulations that result in reducing methane emissions. But I do not support an approach that results in stifling innovation and creates barriers to cost-effectively reducing methane emissions. prgtoken The United States has led the world in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and investing in innovation that will ensure continued reductions in emissions here and around the world. We produce resources and goods with a carbon profile envied around the world--that includes oil and gas. As global demand increases, as it is projected to do for natural gas, America should be supplying that demand. Especially if you care about global emissions and climate change. prgtoken With the deployment of innovative technologies, the use of our resources will become even cleaner. That's why we need a regime that encourages innovation and incentivizes the development and deployment of technologies to mitigate and monitor methane emissions. Putting up barriers or making U.S. production of resources more expensive will drive up global emissions because it gives the competitive advantage in the global market to higher emitting resources--like those coming from Russia and China. prgtoken This CRA is not about reducing methane emissions, it's not about climate change, and it isn't about national security. It is solely about reducing energy choices. Moreover, this is about regulating an entire sector of the U.S. economy out of business. The majority is not shy about stating their goal--whether through an outright ban or death by a thousand cuts. And what is most insidious is that the anti- American oil and gas agenda doesn't apply to fossil energy outside the United States. prgtoken In fact, their actions benefit and subsidize fossil energy in other countries. You don't have to believe me, just look at their actions: we've seen cheers when the administration stops the construction of pipelines at home, actions which cost thousands of jobs for American families, reduce our energy security, and ultimately result in h
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE ACT
Frank D. Lucas (Republican, OK) \u2014 2021-6-28

such time as I may consume. prgtoken My colleagues have done a great job today of explaining all the many reasons we need to pass the National Science Foundation for the Future Act to keep America globally competitive. I thank them for their support of this legislation. prgtoken I also want to thank my staff for all the hard work they have done on this bill. America's scientific and technological competitiveness has been my highest priority as ranking member of the Science Committee. My staff has worked long and hard to create a smart, strategic approach to doubling our investments in research and development, and I appreciate all they have done. prgtoken I also want to thank Chairwoman Johnson's staff for working so closely with us to ensure that we have a bipartisan plan to invest in America's science and technology leadership. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support the NSF for the Future Act, and .
REPEAL OF JOINT RESOLUTION TO PROMOTE PEACE AND STABILITY IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Peter Meijer (Republican, MI) \u2014 2021-6-28

I rise in support of my bill today to repeal the outdated and unnecessary 1957 Authorization for Use of Military Force. prgtoken We have heard from many on just how this bill originally designed to defend Middle East nations against ``armed aggression from any country controlled by international communism,'' how far it has outstripped its usefulness, no longer serving any purpose, but still retains that potential to be abused by any current or future administration to launch unwarranted military operations in the Middle East and doing an end run around Congress. prgtoken The repeal we are discussing today would have no impact on ongoing operations, and is all the more reason to take it off the books immediately, but, , a decades-long war on terror and the lack of oversight, the lack of that reaffirming action on behalf of Congress has demonstrated to us the risks when we neglect our constitutional duty to oversee matters of war and peace. It is time that Congress get back in the habit of vigorously debating and voting on these matters because the Constitution and the American people demand it. prgtoken I applaud the work of my colleagues to help lead this bipartisan effort to restore Congress' authority. Congresswoman Spanberger's bill to repeal the outdated 1991 AUMF is another critical step in this effort, and I am proud to support her on this matter. prgtoken I also thank Congressman Mike Gallagher and Congressman Jared Golden for helping to lead the effort to repeal the 1957 and 1991 AUMFs. And lastly, I thank Chairman Meeks and Ranking Member McCaul for helping to bring these bills to the House floor for a vote and for their leadership on reprising Congress' authority in this area. prgtoken , I urge passage on this bill.
REQUEST TO CONSIDER H.R. 18, NO TAXPAYER FUNDING FOR ABORTION ACT
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-6-28

. Madam , I rise today to discuss the importance of H.R. 18, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act. prgtoken For more than 40 years, in a bipartisan fashion, Congress has passed the Hyde amendment, a provision ensuring Americans are not forced to pay for abortion on demand with their tax dollars. prgtoken This year, the Hyde amendment is under attack. I believe in the sanctity of life, which is why I am a proud original cosponsor of H.R. 18. prgtoken H.R. 18 would make the Hyde amendment permanent and governmentwide, providing additional protection to the unborn. prgtoken It was written in our Declaration of Independence that we all have a right to life. As a Member of Congress, I intend to uphold this. prgtoken Madam , in that spirit, I ask unanimous consent that the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 18, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.
HONORING OUR PROMISES THROUGH EXPEDITION FOR AFGHAN SIVS ACT OF 2021
Brad R. Wenstrup (Republican, OH) \u2014 2021-6-28

I rise today in very strong support of H.R. 3385, the HOPE for Afghan SIVs Act, which the gentleman from Colorado and I introduced to help knock down one small barrier to getting our Afghan friends and allies out of harm's way, which they greatly deserve. prgtoken I truly appreciate the words expressed by my colleague because they reflect so many of my same feelings. prgtoken The bill is not a permanent solution to fixing our special immigrant visa program, but it is a critical temporary waiver to help cut down on the backlog of pending Afghan SIV applications. prgtoken During a time of great emergency, it is a life and death situation, without a doubt. prgtoken There is currently only one facility in Afghanistan that performs the required medical exams, located in Kabul. Because exams are only valid for a few months, many applicants must make repeated trips to Kabul at their own cost and risk. prgtoken H.R. 3385 would allow the Secretary of State and the DHS Secretary to jointly issue a 1-year waiver for the in-country medical exam requirement, up to 3 years. But, importantly, the bill requires, to the greatest extent practical, that the applicant undergoes the medical exam no later than 30 days after being admitted to the United States. prgtoken It explicitly states that nothing in the bill prohibits our agencies from adopting appropriate measures to prevent the spread of disease here. All it does is allow the applicant to undergo the medical exam here instead of in Kabul. prgtoken During my tour in Iraq, I worked alongside Iraqi interpreters who risked their lives to serve with us and help us complete our mission. Many eventually used a similar program to escape harm's way and to build a life in the United States. The two that I worked with and supported are now full U.S. citizens here in America. One is a cardiologist, and the other has a family practice. prgtoken As we withdraw from Afghanistan, the Afghans who served by our sides, the translators, the contractors, and the guides, without whom we could not do our jobs, are left in the crosshairs of the Taliban. They worked for the United States, despite knowing the risk to their own lives and their families. They believed in us, and they believed in our cause. prgtoken It will be a black eye on the United States if we don't do everything in our power to protect these allies. If we don't honor our promises, if we allow our friends to be targeted and killed by groups like the Taliban, ISIS, and al-Qaida because they worked with and for the United States of America, we will send a message to those we will need to rely on in the future that we are unable to live up to our side of the bargain. prgtoken , for his tireless work in bringing this issue to the forefront as we withdraw from Afghanistan, for all the staff that put in so much time to get this done, and for our bipartisan Honoring Our Promises Working Group for keeping the pressure
NO END IN SIGHT
Troy E. Nehls (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-6-28

. Madam , Vice President was named border czar on March 24, 2021. It was 93 days later when she finally went down to visit a border community amidst this unprecedented humanity crisis. There is just one problem: she didn't actually visit the border. prgtoken Last Friday, Vice President hopped off her plane in El Paso for a few hours on her way to California. She quickly toured a border patrol station 10 miles away from the actual border avoiding a visit to ground zero. prgtoken And what do I mean by ``ground zero''? I mean the actual border where thousands of migrants are flooding across daily, like the Rio Grande Valley sector where over 50,000 illegal immigrants were apprehended in May alone, which is 128 percent, more than the entire El Paso sector. prgtoken Or in the Del Rio sector where every afternoon buses on the Mexican side of the border pull up and they unload hundreds of migrants who cross the Rio Grande River in knee-high water. prgtoken I saw it myself firsthand when I visited the Del Rio sector in June. While I was there getting a tour of the actual border, a couple of men crossed the Rio Grande over to the American side, and when they got to the bank of the river, DPS agents and I questioned them. prgtoken We asked them where they were from, why they were here, and why they thought they could get into America. They told us they were from Cuba and they had come here to work. Then they told us something that shouldn't surprise anyone: They thought they could get into America because President said they could come. prgtoken Within minutes, agents of Border Patrol pulled up in a van, loaded with other migrants who had crossed down river, and away they went. Situations like this are happening in the thousands every day along our border. And Border Patrol is the one being forced to pick these migrants up, process them, straining their manpower and resources, resulting in our border being completely open for criminal illegal aliens who want to cross undetected. prgtoken Americans have been hearing about this border crisis for months, and they see nothing changing. They see the cartels are getting rich trafficking these migrants across our border. And they hear the horror stories of children being abandoned and abused during their journey to our southern border. All of this has a real world impact on Americans. prgtoken As a former county sheriff in Texas, I know all too well the second and third order effects of an unsecure southern border. Americans will undoubtedly become victims of crime from the illegal aliens successfully avoiding detection when they cross. Like Ms. Bowie who was run over and killed while I was sheriff by an illegal alien who had been deported six times prior. prgtoken Our open border will strain local law enforcement and border State resources who are tasked with cleaning up the mess. A mess created by the administration's failure to stem the flo
CALLING FOR THE IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF TREVOR REED
August Pfluger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-6-28

such time as I may consume, and I thank the chairman. prgtoken , 682 days ago, my constituent, Trevor Reed of Granbury, Texas, was thrown into jail by the Russian Government for a crime he did not commit before being convicted in Russian kangaroo court. He is an Eagle Scout, a U.S. marine, and, more importantly, a beloved son and brother, who stands to endure a decade of his life in a Russian prison if we are unable to bring him home. prgtoken Trevor was initially detained for public intoxication, but when the Russian Federal Security Service discovered that he was a U.S. marine, they upped the charges and accused him of endangering the lives of police officers. The accusation and the lack of evidence to support it was so ridiculous that even a Russian judge erupted in laughter during his trial. prgtoken U.S. Ambassador John Sullivan said justice was not even considered in this case, and described Trevor's trial as a theater of the absurd. prgtoken His trial was a sham, and his treatment in the custody of Russian authorities has been nothing short of appalling. He has been denied medical care, counselor access, and has been repeatedly moved without prior or proper notification. Even when he was infected with COVID, the Russians cut off communication with our embassy and with his family. Vladimir Putin himself recently smeared Trevor Reed's name, further underscoring the reality that Trevor's detainment is, in fact, politically motivated. prgtoken , I thank Ranking Member Michael McCaul for partnering with me to introduce this resolution, and for the support of Chairman Meeks, and for our commitment together in a bipartisan way to stand up for Trevor and the entire Reed family and others who are unlawfully detained. prgtoken , the passage of this resolution could not be more timely than it is today. In fact, just today, a corrupt Russian appeals court rejected Trevor's final appeal certifying the absurd 9-year sentence. prgtoken Our message is simple: The United States will not tolerate an American citizen being held by the Putin regime as a political pawn. prgtoken , I urge all of my colleagues to join together and stand firm with Trevor and his family, to reunite Trevor and his family, and to bring him home. Free Trevor Reed. prgtoken , .