mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING VICKI TURNBOW'S RETIREMENT
Emanuel Cleaver (Democrat, MO) \u2014 2024-3-13

it is with significant appreciation that I rise today to celebrate the distinguished career of Vicki Turnbow, who has served as the President of the Raytown Area Chamber of Commerce in Raytown, Missouri since 2007. As a volunteer, member of the Board of Directors, and staff member, Vicki has worked diligently to promote economic development in Raytown while holding numerous positions within the Raytown Chamber. I ask that we take a moment to reflect on Vicki's abundant accomplishments and commitment to promoting economic growth as her retirement nears. prgtoken Vicki's role as President of the Raytown Chamber of Commerce requires the oversight and leadership of two non-profit organizations, the Raytown Chamber of Commerce Building Foundation and the Raytown Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism. The former owns the land and building of the Raytown Chamber`s office, while the latter works to provide year-long benefits to members. Vicki's diverse and robust skill set have set her up for success in this role, as she is tasked with managing advocacy, networking events, community engagement, business resources, and community resources and maintaining a balanced budget for the Raytown Chamber. Understanding the importance of collaboration, Vicki has been devoted to working alongside the City of Raytown to promote economic development in the area. She has also worked to continue developing relationships with other Chambers in the Kansas City metropolitan area, as well as with Jackson County and local school boards. prgtoken The Raytown Chamber has immensely benefitted from Vicki's leadership. Vicki created an annual strategic plan to provide direction for staff members as they navigate the committee and board approval process. She has worked to establish the Tourism sector with the Chamber, redesign the Chamber's logo, and to partner with Jackson County for the Rock Island Shared Use Project. During times of economic hardship, Vicki's dedication to the Raytown Chamber remained steadfast. The Chamber continued to meet their goals throughout the beginning of the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic due to her direction as President. Vicki also selflessly ran the Chamber's office as a one-person operation from November of 2019 until April of 2023. Under Vicki's leadership, the Capital Campaign was launched to remodel the Raytown Chamber of Commerce building. Vicki saw this project through to completion from 2016 and 2023. I was honored to help secure the $200,000 needed through federal grants for a project so deserving of these funds. prgtoken Vicki's compassion for and generosity towards the people of Raytown extends even beyond her role as President of the Raytown Chamber of Commerce. She serves on the Board of trustees for the Raytown Educational Foundation and is a member of the Raytown Rotary Club. Vicki's devotion to giving back to her community is apparent to all those around her. She has received numerous awards recog
PROTECTING AMERICANS FROM FOREIGN ADVERSARY CONTROLLED APPLICATIONS ACT
Raja Krishnamoorthi (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-3-13

I thank Ranking Member Pallone; Mr. Gallagher, my partner on this bill; Chairwoman McMorris Rodgers; and all the members of the select committee. prgtoken First, this bill is not a ban, and it is not about TikTok. It is about ByteDance. Let me tell you about ByteDance. ByteDance is a 100- percent owner of TikTok. ByteDance is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. prgtoken In fact, the editor in chief of ByteDance is the secretary of the Chinese Communist Party cell embedded at the very highest ranks of the company. He has been charged with making sure that TikTok and all products of ByteDance adhere to ``correct political direction.'' prgtoken This particular bill ensures that ByteDance divests itself of the vast majority of the ownership of TikTok. Our intention is for TikTok to continue to operate but not under the control of the Chinese Communist Party. prgtoken Secondly, this divestment requirement is not new. It is not without precedent. When the app Grindr, a popular LGBTQ app, was acquired by a Chinese company and the United States Government determined that sensitive data of LGBTQ members of the military and U.S. Government officials got into the hands of the Chinese Communist Party, they required divestment. prgtoken This happened quickly. Why? Because Grindr was a very valuable social media company. The same is true with regard to TikTok. There will be no disruption to users, just as there was with Grindr. prgtoken The third point, unfortunately, when TikTok has appeared before Congress, whether it is before the House Energy and Commerce Committee or otherwise, it has not been candid. prgtoken First, TikTok has said its data is not accessible to China-based ByteDance employees. False. China-based employees routinely access this data, even unbeknownst to employees of TikTok USA. prgtoken In addition, TikTok said its data will not be weaponized and has not been weaponized against American citizens. Again, false. Published reports have shown that TikTok data, geolocation data, has been used to surveil American journalists who reported on problems with Chinese- based employees having access to American user data. prgtoken Finally, last week, under the leadership of the chairwoman and the ranking member, they brought up for consideration our bill before the House Energy and Commerce Committee. On the morning of that vote, TikTok delivered a push notification and a popup to thousands of user across the country. They used geolocation data targeting minor children to then force them to call congressional offices in order to continue using the app. In doing so, these children called and asked the question: What is Congress, and what is a Congressman? This influence campaign illustrates the need for this bill.
PROTECTING AMERICANS FROM FOREIGN ADVERSARY CONTROLLED APPLICATIONS ACT
Nancy Pelosi (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-3-13

I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership on this very important issue. I thank the distinguished chairwoman of the Energy and Commerce Committee and associate myself with her remarks as well as with Mr. Pallone. I thank Mr. Krishnamoorthi and Chairman Gallagher of the Select Committee on China for their great leadership bringing this legislation forward to the committee of legislative jurisdiction. prgtoken , I have a few points to make, and it is interesting to hear this respectful debate. prgtoken First of all, this is not a ban on TikTok. I am a grandmother of teenagers. I understand the entertainment value, the educational value, the communication value, and the business value for some businesses on this. This is not an attempt to ban TikTok. It is an attempt to make TikTok better, tic-tac-toe, a winner. prgtoken Here is what I have to say: The people of China have come forth. The Tibetans have come forth and said on TikTok that in China they are suppressed. They cannot put their message out. Not only that, but the Chinese Government misrepresents the situation in Tibet. prgtoken Let me just tell you about Hong Kong, . During the Hong Kong election, TikTok TikToked into Taiwan that the Uyghurs on whom there is a genocide exercised by the Chinese Government, they have told the people in Taiwan that the Uyghurs like that genocide, and they told them that the people of Hong Kong liked the destruction of their democracy. They don't frame it that way, but that is their message. Again, they are suppressing the communications from Tibet. prgtoken Then, just yesterday on the steps, we heard from the Taiwan people, we heard from the Tibetans, we heard from Hong Kong, and we heard from a woman whose husband was arrested because of his communications with somebody with a shared view. prgtoken So this is controlled by the Chinese Communist Government. I can't forget this.
CELEBRATING THE SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL OF MARTIN COUNTY
Donald G. Davis (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-3-13

today, I honor a milestone that marks the passage of time and the rich tapestry of history and community woven into the fabric of Martin County. As the county's residents commemorate its Semiquincentennial, let us reflect upon 250 years of resilience, progress, and unity that have shaped the county. prgtoken The county's history begins with the Tuscarora, who first inhabited the region that became Martin County. They referred to the area as ``Squhawky.'' The Tuscarora lived off the lush forest of present-day Martin County and used the Roanoke River as an important trade route with other tribes in the coastal plain region. The Tuscarora migrated to other North Carolina and Virginia sites when the first English settlers began inhabiting the area in the early 1770s. prgtoken In the anxious year of 1774, Martin County emerged from annexes of Halifax and Tyrrell Counties, born from the tireless efforts of residents who sought a closer seat of county government. The county was named for the last Royal Governor of North Carolina, Josiah Martin. The county's name would later be used to honor Alexander Martin, a prominent Federalist of the Old North State. Incorporated in 1779, Williamston, the cherished county seat, earned the moniker of ``Tar Landing,'' a testament to its pivotal role along the Roanoke River. prgtoken Throughout history, the county and Williamston have served as transportation centers for naval stores such as tar, pitch, turpentine, and other resources. The railroads of the 1800s and the highways of the 1900s continued to allow trade in the region to flourish. prgtoken The Roanoke River, a lifeline coursing through the county, has witnessed triumphs and tribulations, from its days as the ``Moratuck'' to the modern era where it beckons adventurers and anglers alike. Let us remember the floods of 1940, a catalyst for change that birthed the Roanoke River Basin Association and paved the way for progress in flood mitigation and environmental stewardship. prgtoken From the bustling heart of Williamston to the tranquil hamlets of Oak City, Hamilton, and beyond, our communities and municipalities stand as testaments to the resilience and ingenuity of generations past and present. prgtoken At Martin County's 250th anniversary, let us celebrate our past achievements and recommit ourselves to the ideals of unity, resilience, and progress that have defined the county. Together, let us continue to write the next chapter of the county's story, guided by the enduring spirit of those who came before us. prgtoken I wish a happy Semiquincentennial to Martin County. Here's to another 250 years of heritage, community, and boundless possibility.
INTRODUCTION OF A BILL TO PERMIT COMMERCIAL FILMMAKING AND PHOTOGRAPHY ON THE GROUNDS OF THE U.S. CAPITOL
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2024-3-13

today, I introduce a bill that would permit commercial filmmaking and photography on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol Complex. Currently, such filmmaking and photography is only authorized in Union Square. prgtoken In many countries, freedom of expression is limited, and while the January 6th insurrection was one of the greatest threats to American democracy in history, the Capitol and the United States remain beacons of democracy for the world. We should encourage commercial filmmaking and photography at the Capitol to share this symbol of democracy with the world. Movies and television shows that involve the Capitol should not have to go to other cities or use a fake building. prgtoken This bill would allow commercial filmmaking and photography outside of the Capitol and Congressional office buildings by permit, so long as neither chamber is in session. The policy allowing commercial filmmaking and photography in Union Square shows that the Capitol Police can handle commercial filmmaking and photography at the Capitol Complex, especially when Congress is not in session. However, that vantage point captures the least familiar view of the Capitol. Preventing commercial filmmakers and photographers from shooting in front of the Capitol is neither business-friendly nor true to the nation's democratic traditions. Encouraging commercial filmmaking and photography at the Capitol would help spread the story of democracy around the world. prgtoken There is no good reason why commercial filmmaking and photography should be confined to Union Square. Specifically, my bill would give the Capitol Police complete discretion to issue a permit for commercial filmmaking and photography at the Capitol Complex under the same terms and conditions as those for commercial filmmaking and photography in Union Square. No policy or security reasons exist to justify limiting commercial filmmaking and photography at the Capitol Complex to Union Square, especially considering that permits are necessary. Visitors are regularly seen taking videos and pictures around the Capitol Complex, demonstrating the arbitrary nature of limiting commercial filmmaking and photography to Union Square. prgtoken This bill would provide the Capitol Police authority to charge fees to cover any costs incurred by the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) for permit approval. The fees would be deposited into the Capitol Trust Account, which was established to accept fees collected from commercial filmmaking and photography permits for Union Square. Amounts in the Capitol Trust Account would be available without fiscal year limitation for maintenance, improvements and projects the AOC considers appropriate, subject to the approval of the Appropriations Committees. prgtoken Views of the Capitol are among America's most iconic. Limiting commercial filmmaking and photography of the Capitol, an important vehicle for telling the nation's story, does not serve the Americ
PROTECTING AMERICANS FROM FOREIGN ADVERSARY CONTROLLED APPLICATIONS ACT
Frank Pallone, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2024-3-13

3 minutes. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 7521, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. prgtoken Big Tech has transformed social media platforms into modern-day media companies. Unfortunately, these networks engage in invasive surveillance practices by collecting Americans' most sensitive personal data. prgtoken Foreign adversaries also see access to Americans' data communication networks, devices, and applications as the entry points to disrupt our daily lives and conduct espionage activities. All of this endangers our national security interests. prgtoken We have a long history of restricting our television and radio airwaves from ownership by foreign governments and prgtoken individuals due to the national security concerns that these arrangements pose. Social media companies should also face similar scrutiny. After all, while technology has evolved, the threats are very much the same. prgtoken I also take the concerns raised by the intelligence community very seriously. They have asked Congress to give them more authority to act in narrowly defined situations. I believe this bill would do just that by addressing the national security risks posed by applications operated by companies controlled by foreign adversaries. prgtoken While this bill establishes a national security framework that could apply to other applications, much of the public attention has focused on TikTok. The combination of TikTok's Beijing Communist-based ownership and the fact that over 170 million Americans use it exacerbates its dangers to our country and our privacy. prgtoken Laws in China allow the Chinese Communist Party to compel companies like TikTok to share data with them whether the companies want to or not. This means the CCP has the ability with TikTok to compromise device security, maliciously access Americans' data, promote pro- Communist propaganda, and undermine our Nation's interests. prgtoken This is extremely troubling. Beijing, China, should not have the control over Americans that TikTok gives them. It is my hope that, if enacted, this legislation will force divestment of TikTok so that Americans will be able to continue to use this platform without the risk that it is being operated and controlled by Beijing, China. prgtoken However, even if TikTok is divested, China and other foreign adversaries will still be able to acquire vast amounts of Americans' data. That is because we place no restrictions on who data brokers can sell data to, and that must stop as well. I look forward to the House considering next week legislation that I introduced with Chair Rodgers that would stop this from happening. prgtoken We must begin to hold Big Tech accountable for transforming the information superhighway into a superspreader of harmful content, invasive surveillance practices, and addictive and damaging design features, all with the goal of collecting more data. We must ena
RECOGNIZING PLYMOUTH ROTARY'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Debbie Dingell (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-3-13

I rise today to recognize the Rotary Club of Plymouth, the oldest and largest service organization in Plymouth, Michigan. Rotary Club of Plymouth's 100-year commitment to serving the local community is admirable and worthy of recognition. prgtoken Founded in 1924 as a chapter of Rotary International, the club is a non-profit organization funded solely by fundraising events in the Plymouth area and charitable contributions from members of the club and those who support its mission of advancing local education, community, and worldwide efforts. The Plymouth chapter strives to help its members in their own journeys to advance community though understanding, goodwill, and peace through healthcare improvements, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty. In 1957, the Rotary Club of Plymouth established the Plymouth Rotary Foundation to invest its donations in service projects, and since its inception the foundation has invested more than $1.9 million in local education scholarships and community projects. prgtoken Today, Rotary Club of Plymouth continues to hold annual events including barbeques, golf outings, and art fairs to raise the funds it needs to positively impact the local community. They raise over $100,000 every year to support local park projects, scholarships, food bank fulfillment, clean drinking water programs, and COVID vaccination check-ins. Additionally, the group sponsors an annual bingo competition with local shops and restaurants to encourage residents to shop and dine at small businesses as a way of growing the local community Recent fundraising is expected to result in over $50,000 in educational scholarships to be distributed this Spring to local high schoolers who overcame significant challenges to graduate high school to help them pursue higher education Their commitment to public service only continues to grow by teaching students to become the next generation of community leaders. prgtoken Rotary Club of Plymouth's work to build the local community, help small businesses grow, and instill a commitment to public service over the past 100 years is inspiring. They are a true example of community over self and dedication to the common good. I know that more success is to come, and I cannot wait to see all that they accomplish in the future.
REMEMBERING ROBERT RAMIREZ
Jimmy Gomez (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-3-13

today, we remember Robert ``Bob'' Ramirez, a devoted Angeleno and founding member of the El Rio Veterans Collaborative, who passed away at 78. prgtoken Graduating from Cathedral High School, Bob served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam war, earning the Air Force Commendation Medal. prgtoken Following his military service, he dedicated over 30 years to the IBEW as general chairman. prgtoken He earned a degree from the California State University, Los Angeles and taught at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College. prgtoken Bob's impact extended beyond his professional and academic endeavors. He played a crucial role in the El Rio Veterans Collaborative, changing the lives of people across our district. prgtoken Bob is survived by his wife, Caroline, and their two children. Let us honor his life of service and leadership and remember his impact on our community and the United States of America.
PROTECTING AMERICANS FROM FOREIGN ADVERSARY CONTROLLED APPLICATIONS ACT
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-3-13

I rise today to speak on H.R. 7521, the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act. prgtoken This bill would prohibit the distribution, maintenance, or provision of internet hosting services for any foreign adversary controlled application unless they execute a qualified divestiture as determined by the President. prgtoken More specifically, under this bill, ByteDance would be required to divest themself from Tiktok in order for the application to remain in operation. prgtoken As one of the most dominant social media platforms in recent history, it currently has over 150 million active users in the United States alone. prgtoken Much of this success could be attributed to the application's algorithms being used to generate specifically curated content for each user on their respective ``For You'' pages in a short-form, infinite scroll format. prgtoken Upon the rapid success of this content format, other social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and Youtube have all followed suit. prgtoken This has only further entrenched the massive success of the company among its users. prgtoken This success is not without caveat, however. prgtoken Recent studies conducted by researchers at Rutgers University found a disturbing underrepresentation of certain topics on the platform. prgtoken Though pop culture and political terms were represented roughly proportional to other platforms, topics involving Uyghurs, Tibet, Tiananmen Square, and the Hong Kong protests were severely underrepresented. prgtoken In addition, many valid concerns have been raised regarding the issue of national security and foreign government interference. prgtoken Many stakeholders argue that the vast amount of data harvested from American users poses a threat to our data security and democracy. prgtoken With the vast amount of American users on the platform, particularly individuals under the age of 24, I recognize the need to ensure security in our national democracy. prgtoken I hope, moving forward, that we can join together in taking action to protect our youth from harmful actors while also safeguarding their freedom of thought. prgtoken More investigation must happen to decide the next steps for TikTok. I will pursue the next steps before finalizing a complete ban. What company will be the purchaser? All must be answered before the best decision can be made.