mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
KENNY BEDNAREK REPRESENTS IOWA AND USA IN OLYMPICS
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2021-7-1

the Summer Olympics in Tokyo will kick off in less than a month, and I would be remiss not to mention a young track star from a college in my district who is making his first Olympic appearance. prgtoken Kenny Bednarek, a 22-year-old sprinter who hails from Indian Hills Community College in my hometown of Ottumwa, earned a spot on the USA Olympic team when he finished second in the men's 200-meter dash, with an impressive time of 19.78 seconds, becoming the first Iowa junior college athlete to qualify for the Olympic Games. prgtoken Though COVID-19 might have delayed the 2020 Summer Olympics, we are all glad to see that it is back on schedule, and Iowa's Second District is proud to be represented by such a stellar athlete on Team USA. prgtoken I wish you the best, Kenny, and I know you will do great as you go on to Tokyo to represent both the United States and Iowa in the Summer Olympic Games. prgtoken I would also like to wish my brother Richard Miller a happy birthday. Richard was a Secret Service agent who guarded five Presidents. Happy birthday, Rick. prgtoken And happy Independence Day to our Nation.
HONORING THE LIFE OF SGT. JOSEPH A. COX, JR.
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2021-7-1

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Sgt. Joseph A. Cox, Jr. of Fort Wayne. Indiana. prgtoken Four-plus years ago, tragedy struck when, on Sunday, February 12, 2017, Joe died unexpectedly while on duty. Prior to joining law enforcement, Joe was a combat veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Upon returning 10 civilian life, Cox joined the Allen County Sheriffs Department. where he would serve for 19 years. prgtoken As a sergeant. Joe served in the Confinement Division, Communications-Dispatch Center. Civil, Warrants, and Patrol Divisions. He was also a member of the Honor Guard, SWAT Team and was handler to his beloved K-9 partner, ``Gunny.'' prgtoken In addition to his work in law enforcement, Joe was an active member of his community, the consummate family man and a devout Christian. He was a member of Blackhawk Ministries, where he participated in programs Double Exposure and Marriage Matters. He also volunteered with Juvenile Justice Ministry of Youth For Christ. prgtoken Today. we honor Joe's memory by way of the Sgt. Joseph A. Cox, Jr. Memorial Parkway, a roadway serving an area which Joe patrolled for nearly twenty years. This is a testament to Joe and his peerless devotion to his family, community, and country. He is missed dearly, and though he is no longer with us, his legacy of service and selflessness endures.
GETTING ANSWERS ON COVID-19 ORIGINS
Young Kim (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-7-1

the COVID-19 pandemic has taken the lives of 4 million individuals across the world, including 600,000 Americans. It took the life of my mother-in-law, as well as the loved ones of many of my constituents in the community that I represent. prgtoken As we safely reopen our communities and evaluate lessons learned, we know no one wants to see another pandemic. As we hear of the new delta variant, I know I am not alone in wanting answers regarding the origins of COVID-19. prgtoken Reports of this virus having escaped from a lab must be taken seriously and looked into, especially as CCP refuses to cooperate with investigations into COVID-19's origins. prgtoken As we mark the CCP centennial, and it continues its quest to be the world's top economic, technological, and military superpower, it is more important than ever that we get to the truth. prgtoken This is a public health issue, economic issue, and a national security issue that, as we saw over the past year, will impact each of us.
RESECURING SOUTHERN BORDER
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-7-1

in the 100 days Vice President has been overseeing the border, an estimated 500,000 immigrants and thousands of pounds of drugs have flowed over the border into our country. Despite clear evidence of a worsening crisis, the administration continued to dismantle effective policies. prgtoken When I visited the border, Border Patrol agents consistently expressed that eliminating the Remain in Mexico policy has brought on this current crisis. Now, the administration is considering rescinding yet another successful policy, title 42, which allows CBP to expel adult migrants. prgtoken The data is clear. Human traffickers, drug smugglers, and criminals are benefiting from the administration's open border policies. More fentanyl has been seized this year than in all of 2020. prgtoken Deadly drugs like fentanyl are flowing across the border into our communities, killing people in my district and all of our districts. Fentanyl was present in 75 percent of the overdose deaths in my home county of Luzerne County in the last year. prgtoken An open border is not some faraway problem. Consequences are reverberating across America. We must send a strong message of enforcement and resecure our southern border.
INVESTING IN A NEW VISION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND SURFACE TRANSPORTATION IN AMERICA ACT
Vicky Hartzler (Republican, MO) \u2014 2021-7-1

on Thursday, July 1, 2021, I was unable to vote on rollcall No. 207. Had I been present, I would have voted as follows: ``yea'' on rollcall No. 207. Members Recorded Pursuant to House Resolution 8, 117th Congress Babin (Nehls) Cardenas (Gomez) Cawthorn (Nehls) Cicilline (Pingree) Cohen (Beyer) Comer (Cammack) Fallon (Nehls) Gallego (Gomez) Garcia (TX) (Jeffries) Grijalva (Stanton) Herrera Beutler (Rodgers (WA)) Horsford (Jeffries) Jacobs (NY) (Garbarino) Johnson (TX) (Jeffries) Katko (Joyce (OH)) Kirkpatrick (Stanton) Lawson (FL) (Evans) Leger Fernandez (Jacobs (CA)) Lieu (Beyer) Long (Fleischmann) Lowenthal (Beyer) McNerney (Huffman) Meng (Jeffries) Mullin (Lucas) Napolitano (Correa) Nunes (Garcia (CA)) Owens (Stewart) Payne (Pallone) Ruiz (Aguilar) Rush (Underwood) Salazar (Cammack) Sewell (DelBene) Steube (Franklin, C. Scott) Strickland (DelBene) Suozzi (Panetta) Timmons (Gonzalez (OH)) Wasserman Schultz (Soto) Wilson (FL) (Hayes) Young (Mast)
REQUEST TO CONSIDER H.R. 18, NO TAXPAYER FUNDING FOR ABORTION ACT
Jackie Walorski (Republican, IN) \u2014 2021-7-1

I rise today to defend the unborn and protect taxpayers from being forced to fund abortions. prgtoken The Hyde amendment, which prohibits taxpayer dollars from paying for abortion, has enjoyed broad, bipartisan consensus since 1976, and a majority of Americans support it today. It is estimated to have saved nearly 2.5 million lives. prgtoken It saddens me that I now have to defend this commonsense provision from attacks by congressional and the administration. Americans should not be forced to financially support the destruction of life. prgtoken That is why I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 18, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, which would codify this vital prohibition into law. prgtoken , 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.
REQUEST TO CONSIDER H.R. 18, NO TAXPAYER FUNDING FOR ABORTION ACT
Scott Fitzgerald (Republican, WI) \u2014 2021-7-1

I rise today to stand for life and to speak about the removal of the Hyde amendment from President 's budget. prgtoken The President's decision to remove this lifesaving measure from his budget was disappointing, as this provision has been in every budget since its enactment in 1980. prgtoken H.R. 18, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion Act, would correct this misguided omission from the President's budget for codifying the Hyde amendment into Federal law, preventing taxpayer dollars from funding abortions. In no circumstance should any American be forced to go against their conscience and publicly fund abortions with their tax dollars. prgtoken , I ask unanimous consent that the Committees on Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and the Judiciary be discharged from further consideration on H.R. 18, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.
RECOGNIZING THE RICHMOND HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL TEAM
Lisa C. McClain (Republican, MI) \u2014 2021-7-1

I rise today to recognize the Richmond High School softball team, the Division 3 State champions. prgtoken As you know, softball, especially girls softball, has been very near and dear to my heart. prgtoken The Richmond girls persevered through a hard-fought championship game against Buchanan, including being down 1 to 0 going into the sixth inning. prgtoken After losing two of their first three games, the Richmond girls showed that they would not give up on their team and ended their season on a 22-game win streak. prgtoken With everything that these students have had to fight through this year, softball has been their rock. They continued to fight to prove that no matter what adversity was in front of them, they would overcome it. prgtoken We are all so proud of you. Congratulations Richmond girls softball team. prgtoken , I rise today to congratulate Unionville-Sebewaing High School's softball team, the back-to-back Division 4 State champs. prgtoken The girls of Unionville-Sebewaing, also known as U-S-A, proved to the entire State of Michigan that they remain at the top of Division 4 with their 14-1 victory over Rudyard. prgtoken Congratulations.
HONORING THE LIFE OF VERNON DEE MARTIN
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2021-7-1

I rise today to remember and honor the life of Mr. Vernon Dee Martin of St. Simons Island, Georgia, who peacefully passed away on June 12 at the age of 78. prgtoken Vernon was born in Oklahoma and moved to St. Simons Island in 1969, after accepting a position with the Coastal Georgia Regional Development Commission. At the time, he would become the youngest executive director of a regional agency in the United States. It is at the Coastal Georgia Regional Development Commission that I met Vernon, as I served as the chair of that commission during the time that he was executive director. prgtoken Some of Vernon's accomplishments include securing the Federal Law Enforcement Center in Brunswick and the Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base in Camden County. He also proudly served in the Georgia Army and Georgia Air National Guard for 40 years, retiring as a colonel. prgtoken Through every position he had, he worked to better his community and improve the lives of others. One cannot visit Georgia's First Congressional District without seeing the profound impacts Vernon made for his community. prgtoken My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him during this most difficult time.
TRIBUTE TO FORMER ALABAMA CONGRESSMAN SONNY CALLAHAN
Harold Rogers (Republican, KY) \u2014 2021-7-1

. Madam , I rise today with a heavy heart to pay tribute to the memory of one of my closest friends, former Congressman H.L. ``Sonny'' Callahan, the gentleman from the great state of Alabama, who peacefully passed away on June 25, 2021. Sonny and I became quick friends upon his arrival to Washington in 1985. His humor and zeal for practical jokes were as endearing on Capitol Hill as his ability to forge alliances across the aisle to create effective policy and legislation for the American people. prgtoken As colleagues on the Appropriations Committee, Sonny and I traveled the world together, meeting with leaders from Singapore to Argentina to Israel and many nations in between. His gregarious nature was as prevalent during those international meetings as it was at home in the heart of Alabama. Sonny extended genuine kindness and friendship to folks across all walks of life and never lost the staunch work ethic that helped him build a successful trucking business in Alabama. Before being elected to Congress as a registered , Sonny dedicated 12 years to the Alabama state legislature, serving both chambers as a registered --proving he could get along with leaders of all political persuasions. prgtoken I always had great admiration for the fact that Sonny was a Navy Veteran of the Korean War. There was no one he fought harder for in Washington than our veterans and current members of the U.S. Armed Forces. He believed in building a stronger national defense, advocating for better care for our veterans, and reenforcing foreign aid for key allies in the Middle East, especially Israel. prgtoken It is one of the greatest honors of my lifetime to have served alongside my friend Sonny for 18 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. As President Abraham Lincoln once wrote, ``the better part of one's life consists of his friendships.'' Sonny Callahan is one of the most beloved leaders of Alabama and Washington, D.C and I will always consider him one of my closest friends. My wife Cynthia and I extend our deepest heartfelt sympathy to the Callahan family and the great wealth of friends he made across the country, and indeed around the globe.
RECOGNIZING COLONEL WILLIAM C. BENTLEY III
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2021-7-1

. Madam , I rise today to recognize those men and women who have served this great Nation with honor--men such as Colonel William C. Bentley III, United States Marine Corps. prgtoken Colonel Bentley's long and distinguished career began after graduating from The Citadel and commissioning through the Platoon Leaders Class. From there, a fruitful career as a USMC Helicopter Pilot blossomed. During this career, Colonel Bentley was stationed and deployed across the globe--from Djibouti to Iraq to Europe, Colonel Bentley has seen it all. prgtoken In his final command, Colonel Bentley led Marine Corps Installations National Capital Region-Marine Corps Base Quantico. In this role, I've had the pleasure of witnessing firsthand his passion for the USMC mission. He has assisted me, my staff, and the citizens of Virginia in navigating complex issues with an attention to detail that every public servant should work to emulate. prgtoken Colonel Bentley's work ethic, duty to mission, and commitment to servant leadership are without equal. I believe that his personal drive to achieve excellence in his work has and will set a very high standard for his peers. I would also like to thank Colonel Bentley for the service and sacrifice he has made, both for our Nation and our Marine Corps. His impeccable integrity, boundless work ethic, and loyal devotion to duty earned him the respect and admiration of myself, my staff, and the First District of Virginia. In retirement, I have no doubt that Colonel Bentley will continue to serve the Nation honorably and with distinction in whatever path he chooses to pursue. prgtoken I wish William and his family the best of luck as they continue their journey together. It was an honor and a pleasure having William serve at Marine Corps Base Quantico. We all can sleep soundly at night knowing that members of our all-volunteer force like William stand ready to defend our country and take the fight to our enemies, far away from their families and the comforts of the United States of America. prgtoken I thank Colonel William C. Bentley III, as he has done a fantastic job. Best of luck to him and may God bless him and his family as he moves into this next chapter.
REQUEST TO CONSIDER H.R. 18, NO TAXPAYER FUNDING FOR ABORTION ACT
Debbie Lesko (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2021-7-1

I rise today to express my profound support for life. prgtoken Unfortunately, life is under attack in America right now. With the introduction of a budget that does not feature the Hyde amendment protections, taxpayers could soon be funding abortions-- something that has been outlawed for many years. prgtoken Ending these safeguards is both unpopular and unrepresentative of the will of the American people. Taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize abortions that destroy the dignity of life and millions of unborn babies in America. prgtoken , 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 JAMIE MATHIAS
Tom McClintock (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-7-1

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the passing of one of our great local educators, Jamie Mathias, a Social Sciences teacher within Del Oro High School for 22 years. Jamie's singular goal for students was to encourage each one to better themselves; be that in the classroom or through athletics. Jamie always pushed students to reach their next level and become the person he knew they could be. prgtoken Jamie was a father figure, a coach, and a mentor to many students during his time as an educator. His academic impact on our community will be felt for a very long time. The young minds he molded and inspired that are now spread across our county are the living legacy of what a great teacher will leave behind. prgtoken Most importantly, Jamie was a family man, devoted to his family and raising his children to be exceptional members of our community. They carry with them the many life lessons that Jamie imparted over the years. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to the Mathias family, especially to his wife and children. I thank Jamie, for his extraordinary impact in our schools, and the countless students he encouraged.
DRUG OVERDOSE DEATHS
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2021-7-1

recently, if you look at the CDC numbers, we hit an all-time record in drug overdoses for a 12-month period at 90,000. That is up from 45,000 only 6 years ago. prgtoken There are two dangerous trends that are going the exact opposite way than you would think, if we care about the people who died and their families. prgtoken First of all, because of the antipolice hysteria out there, the number of police are being reduced; and for that reason, at least in my area, they are no longer doing criminal investigations in some cities when there are drug overdoses. prgtoken Secondly, I think the major reason for the massive increase in deaths is the increase in fentanyl deaths--fentanyl being actually much more dangerous than heroin. prgtoken We now have this happening at a time when the Border Patrol is being pulled off the border to process unaccompanied minors and we have the horrible situation of not even increasing the budget of the Border Patrol. prgtoken , if we care about the 90,000 people who die every year of drug overdoses, it is time to start caring a little bit more about the border and care a little bit more about the number of police we have in our country.
REQUEST TO CONSIDER H.R. 18, NO TAXPAYER FUNDING FOR ABORTION ACT
Brad R. Wenstrup (Republican, OH) \u2014 2021-7-1

when I became a physician, I took a Hippocratic oath to do no harm. It has guided my actions and my conscience to do no harm. prgtoken For the past 41 years, most Americans, regardless of their views on abortion, have agreed on one very simple principle: No taxpayer should be required to pay for abortion. We have agreed that Americans who believe life begins at conception should not be coerced by the government to violate their conscience. prgtoken As a Senator, told his constituents that, ``The government should not tell those with strong convictions against abortion, such as you and I, that we must pay for them.'' That was then. prgtoken Tragically, President and our colleagues across the aisle now want to eliminate lifesaving Hyde amendment protections and force every U.S. taxpayer to fund abortions through government spending. prgtoken , 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, the No Taxpayer Funding for Abortion and Abortion Insurance Full Disclosure Act, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.
HONORING JOHN McMAHON
Jay Obernolte (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-7-1

I rise to honor the career of an exemplary public servant in my district. prgtoken San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon will retire this month after 36 years of service to the people of San Bernardino. prgtoken His career started in 1985, when he was assigned to the Sheriff's station in the town of Needles. And since then, he served in 15 different stations. He has served in every rank possible to hold in the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, and he served as the sheriff of my county since 2014. prgtoken In that time, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department has become known as one of the premier law enforcement agencies in the entire Nation under his exemplary leadership. prgtoken We thank him for his service to the people of our district, and we wish him and his wife, Shelly, the best of luck in retirement.
HONORING THE CENTENNIAL OF THE GROSSMONT UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT
Darrell Issa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-7-1

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of the centennial of the Grossmont Union High School District, a family of 17 high schools and programs serving more than 20,000 of my constituents in California's 50th Congressional District. prgtoken In 1832, Abraham Lincoln said of education: ``I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people can be engaged in.'' prgtoken Four score and nine years later, a school district was established in El Cajon, California, with construction on its first school beginning in 1921. This same building is now the Grossmont Union High School District's central office, which serves as an enduring symbol of East San Diego County's commitment to the centrality of education and advancement of every student. prgtoken The Grossmont Union High School District takes special and deserved pride in its rich history--now made modern with safe and cutting-edge campuses that support world-class academics. These schools meet the most fundamental mission: Empowering students to take their place as the leaders of tomorrow. prgtoken I congratulate Trustees Rob Shield, Elva Salinas, Gary Woods, Jim Kelly, and Christopher Fite, as well as Superintendent Theresa Kemper and the thousands of dedicated educators and workforce that have engaged this most important subject for the past 100 years.
JOINT COMMITTEE ON THE LIBRARY
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2021-7-1

. Madam , on June 29, 2021, during debate on H.R. 3005, To direct the Joint Committee on the Library to replace the bust of Roger Brooke Taney in the Old Supreme Court Chamber of the United States Capitol with a bust of Thurgood Marshall to be obtained by the Joint Committee on the Library and to remove certain statues from areas of the United States Capitol which are accessible to the public, to remove all statues of individuals who voluntarily served the Confederate States of America from display in the United States Capitol, and for other purposes, one of my colleagues in the majority argued that she held no responsibility for delays in approving North Carolina's request to replace the Charles Aycock statue, due to the Joint Committee on the Library (JCL) only formally organizing on June 23 for the 117th Congress. prgtoken However, this argument left out important context about the series of events related to the JCL this year. As my colleague knows, have controlled both the House and the Senate since January and at any time could have passed their respective resolutions appointing members to the JCL, allowing it to organize. But it took until April 16 and May 26 for the House and Senate to pass their respective resolutions. Even with those delays, the committee could still have been organized at any point after May 26. Yet it still took nearly a month, until June 23, for the committee to formally organize. Throughout this entire Congress, the have been in the driver seat of the JCL, despite my colleague's representation otherwise. prgtoken It is clear that have needlessly delayed the work of the JCL. Therefore, as I said in my remarks, if were truly concerned about the presence of offensive statues in the U.S. Capitol, they might start by being quicker to act on the business of the Joint Committee on the Library.