mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
UNLOCKING OUR DOMESTIC LNG POTENTIAL ACT OF 2024
Troy Balderson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2024-2-15

I thank the chairman for yielding. prgtoken Now more than ever, there is an urgent need for American energy leadership. Yet, with the President's most recent announcement banning new American LNG exports, he will singlehandedly undermine our energy sector and endanger our allies overseas. Rather than holding countries like China and Russia accountable, President would rather play politics and appease the radical climate activists. prgtoken Here are the facts. Increasing LNG exports would add over $70 billion to the U.S. economy and create over 400,000 American jobs by 2040. American LNG is more than 40 percent cleaner than Russian LNG. Also, since we have increased our LNG exports, domestic natural gas prices have remained affordable and stable despite record inflation. prgtoken I thank August Pfluger for his work here, and I also thank our former colleague and my good friend, Bill Johnson, for leading on this legislation and the LNG export issues for many years.
CELEBRATING CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH
Max L. Miller (Republican, OH) \u2014 2024-2-15

I rise today to celebrate and acknowledge Career and Technical Education Month. prgtoken Throughout February, we take the opportunity to recognize the pivotal role that career and technical education plays in shaping our Nation's workforce and helping great American companies prosper. prgtoken Career and technical education empowers students to explore various career options, discover their passions, and develop real-world skills that are in high demand. prgtoken Collaboration between educators and industry professionals ensures that our students graduate not only with academic knowledge but also with the practical expertise needed to excel in their chosen fields. prgtoken As we celebrate Career and Technical Education Month, let us commit to supporting programs that provide students with the opportunities to build a strong foundation for their future careers. prgtoken Together, we can create a workforce that is not only highly skilled but also adaptable to the ever-changing demands of our economy.
ACCESS TO RELIABLE ENERGY
Chip Roy (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-2-15

I first recognize and commend someone who has been working in my office most recently as director of operations, Corinne Schillizzi, who is unfortunately going to be leaving us after tomorrow, her last day here in the office, but she has been a wonderful part of our office. She is heading over to work with the former Vice President and do some work with his organization. prgtoken We will all miss her. I know the scheduling operation is always complex. I know the floor staff will miss working with her because she has been fantastic. prgtoken She will be joining another staffer of mine, Jonah Wendt, who was with me from the time I first ran for office in the summer of 2018, all the way until December. Jonah also left to work with the Vice President's organization. It means I need to have a word with the Vice President about taking my staff. prgtoken I am very delighted that they have this opportunity, and I thank them for their service. prgtoken I have the benefit of Corinne for the next 24 hours. I thank her, Jonah, and all of my staff, all of the great staff on the Hill--maybe almost all of the staff; it depends on the day. prgtoken I joke as a former staffer, but we can't do this without our staff. We can't do it without the floor staff, all the great employees here that keep this place operating. They tolerate us when we are holding the floor open late, forcing votes, and--I don't know--maybe giving a long speech on the floor of the House, which occasionally I might shorten just to make sure they can get home in time to have a reasonable night. I am ever thankful for their support and work. prgtoken I would note that my colleague from Texas was just complaining about the alleged weakness of the Texas grid. prgtoken Well, the only reason that there is any weakness to the grid is because we have had radical leftists embracing power schemes that have been funding our enemies in China and trying to promote a radical leftist agenda with unreliable energy--that is the truth; promoting windmill power in Texas, which on a windless day, oddly enough--hard to predict this, I know--doesn't produce a whole lot of power; or solar power, which, on a cloudy day--I know, again, hard to predict--doesn't produce a whole lot of power. prgtoken Therefore, if you have a deep freeze in the State of Texas that shuts down the windmill capacity and you have some other events going on, like some frozen gas lines, you end up having some difficulties. When you have had a war on reliable power, as my radical leftist colleagues have been doing for as long as I can remember, you end up with problems with the grid. prgtoken It is not just in Texas, it is nationwide. We have had rolling blackouts in California. Texas has been able to stave off those kinds of blackouts because we are trying to fight through the Federal mandates and the laws that come out of this body and the regulations that come out of the Federal Government that prevent us
UNLOCKING OUR DOMESTIC LNG POTENTIAL ACT OF 2024
Cathy McMorris Rodgers (Republican, WA) \u2014 2024-2-15

I rise in support today of H.R. 7176, the Unlocking Domestic LNG Potential Act of 2024, introduced by my friend Representative August Pfluger. prgtoken President 's decision to impose a ban on issuing permits to export natural gas is just the latest example of his administration caving to environmental activists and putting politics over the American people. prgtoken This ban will harm the American economy, jeopardize good-paying jobs, weaken our energy security, and it threatens the security of our friends and allies. prgtoken America has become the number one producer and exporter of liquefied natural gas in the world. It has strengthened our economy, reduced costs for the American people, and enabled the United States to lead in reducing emissions more than any other nation, both here at home and abroad. prgtoken American LNG has been a lifeline, especially to our friends and European allies since Russia invaded Ukraine. prgtoken Since the invasion, American LNG has helped them reduce their natural gas prices by over 83 percent and reduce their dependence on Russia. prgtoken President 's ban sends a signal to our allies that we are no longer a dependable energy partner. This is unacceptable. prgtoken H.R. 7176 will immediately reverse the President's decision allowing the U.S. to export more and encouraging domestic production here at home, which will then reduce American energy supply vulnerabilities. prgtoken This will reduce American energy supply vulnerabilities and encourage investments in other industries, like manufacturing. prgtoken Some estimate that LNG exports could add as much as $73 billion to our economy and more than 450,000 American jobs by 2040. prgtoken LNG is vital to America's energy leadership, our security, and our future. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
UNLOCKING OUR DOMESTIC LNG POTENTIAL ACT OF 2024
Randy K. Weber, Sr. (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-2-15

. I thank the chairman for his leadership on this important issue along with Representative Pfluger's. prgtoken This is extremely important in my district on Texas' Gulf Coast. Every time American energy is on the upswing, this administration seems dead set on knocking it down, all in the name of climate change, and now they are banning LNG export permits. prgtoken In my district, Freeport LNG, the second largest LNG exporter in the United States, has seen this impact on our community. They had been creating jobs, investing back into the local economy, and improving U.S. foreign trade. prgtoken This reckless decision by the administration doesn't just impact Freeport LNG, it also directly impacts the two other LNG plants in my district, Golden Pass LNG and Port Arthur LNG. They have followed the rigorous and, might I add, burdensome permitting process and were close to turning their lights on and producing and exporting LNG, and now those projects are in limbo killing thousands of jobs and hurting local, State, and our Nation's economy. prgtoken The U.S. produces energy cleaner and more reliable than any other Nation. prgtoken As Ted Cruz said: What the President did is a giant middle finger to the State of Texas. I would add it is a giant middle finger to my district in southeast Texas. prgtoken , I look forward to passing the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act to reverse this heinous ban and block this crazy administration from playing politics with our energy security and our district.
BRING OMRI MIRAN AND ALL HOSTAGES IN GAZA BACK HOME
Juan Ciscomani (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2024-2-15

. Madam , I rise today to share the story of Omri Miran, a 46-year-old husband and father of two small daughters. prgtoken On October 7, Omri was 1 of more than 240 men, women, children, and elderly who were brutally kidnapped by Hamas terrorists. prgtoken He and 134 hostages are still held captive in Gaza, enduring unthinkable torture and trauma. prgtoken I stand here today to demand that Hamas release Omri immediately, along with all the remaining hostages. prgtoken Those who have been released have shared horror stories of abuse, children being forced to take drugs, and inhumane conditions. prgtoken We must stand with Israel as it works to destroy Hamas and free its citizens wrongfully held by the terror group. prgtoken Israel has proven its willingness to pause the fighting for hostages to be returned home. Despicably, Hamas broke the first hostage deal just as it broke a cease-fire that was in place before October 7. prgtoken I call on all nations with ties to Hamas to increase the pressure on the terrorist group to immediately free all of those it is holding captive. prgtoken Hostages like Omri Miran have endured horrific abuse, sexual assault, torture, and heavy drugging from their Hamas captors. It is time to bring Omri home. It is time to bring them all home now.
UNLOCKING OUR DOMESTIC LNG POTENTIAL ACT OF 2024
Pete Stauber (Republican, MN) \u2014 2024-2-15

I rise today in support of H.R. 7176, the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act. prgtoken America's domestic energy revolution has not just benefited Americans with affordable and reliable access to energy or with countless good- paying jobs. It has also benefited our allies around the world. Thanks to exports of American LNG, we are helping our allies in Europe keep the lights and heat on this winter. Without American LNG, our allies would have to depend on Vladimir Putin and others for their natural gas. prgtoken Here in the United States, we produce energy, including natural gas, with the strictest environmental and labor standards anywhere in the world. In fact, global greenhouse gas emissions have dropped in recent years not because of government regulations but because of increased use of ever-cleaner natural gas. prgtoken When we export American LNG, we are exporting the cleanest natural gas found anywhere in the world. We are exporting the incredible environmental progress the United States has made. prgtoken Rather than supporting Ukraine and other allies, the administration is focused on making campaign promises to their extreme radical left. Cutting off American LNG exports will only threaten our allies' security and line the pockets of Vladimir Putin. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation. prgtoken , I would like to record my reading and understanding of H.R. 7176, the Unlocking our Domestic LNG Potential Act. prgtoken This bill removes the jurisdiction of the Department of Energy (DOE) to issue export licenses for facilities, including offshore facilities, exporting LNG to countries the U.S. does not have a free trade agreement with, while confirming that these projects are in the public interest. Since the public interest determination is in the bill, we do not anticipate the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) will add new terms to their public interest review, including extensions or expansions of projects that have been already approved. prgtoken I also wish to confirm that applications from LNG export project sponsors, for extensions in the export commencement date for previously issued DOE export licenses, are not covered by the Administration ban on exports, and that upon enactment of this bill, existing authorized projects for export to non-FTA countries will no longer be within DOE's jurisdiction but will reside with FERC. Furthermore, export commencement extensions for previously authorized DOE exports are presumed to be granted by FERC. prgtoken Finally, should a project need an export commencement extension before this bill is enacted, DOE, as stated by Deputy Secretary Turk on the record, must accept applications for such an extension and process it in a timely manner.
RECOGNIZING DR. JASPER LEWIS
Gregory F. Murphy (Republican, NC) \u2014 2024-2-15

I rise today to recognize one of Pitt County's prgtoken finest, my good friend, Dr. Jasper Lewis. prgtoken Dr. Lewis, an eastern North Carolina native, earned his dental degree at UNC Chapel Hill and then served 2 years in the U.S. Air Force. He received his post-doctoral degree from UNC in 1973 and then moved to Greenville, North Carolina, to open his practice in pediatric dentistry. prgtoken He held numerous offices in regional and national dental organizations, including as president of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. prgtoken Through tireless efforts, Dr. Lewis was instrumental in bringing a dental school to East Carolina University which has become the national model in rural dental care. prgtoken Dr. Lewis brought the American Dental Association's Give Kids a Smile campaign, providing oral healthcare to underprivileged children in eastern North Carolina. prgtoken Recently, Dr. Lewis was named recipient of the prestigious Legacy Award for 2023 by the Greenville-Pitt Chamber of Commerce, an accolade that attests to his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those in our community. prgtoken Dr. Lewis has impacted countless lives in eastern North Carolina, and today we thank him for his selfless service.
RECOGNIZING ALFRED TURNER
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-2-15

I rise to recognize the life and achievements of Alfred Turner from Gamaliel, Kentucky. prgtoken Alfred, along with his late brother-in-law Burr Boyles, co-founded Stitches, a small manufacturing company in my home county of Monroe. Stitches was one of the last surviving garment manufacturers in Kentucky and Tennessee after the passage of NAFTA. prgtoken Alfred Turner was a tremendous leader, and he was a tremendous corporate citizen in the tiny town of Gamaliel where my family originated. prgtoken Alfred did a lot for many people keeping those jobs going after just about everyone else in the garment industry went to Mexico or some other country after the passage of NAFTA. Stitches is still in business today because of the great work that Alfred Turner did for his community and his employees. prgtoken So, again, , I recognize the life and legacy of my friend, Alfred Turner, who passed away a few weeks ago in Gamaliel, Kentucky.
UNLOCKING OUR DOMESTIC LNG POTENTIAL ACT OF 2024
August Pfluger (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-2-15

on January 26, President imposed an immediate and indefinite ban on the issuance of LNG export permits to non-FTA countries while DOE conducts a review to consider the climate impacts of natural gas. prgtoken Well, the DOE has already commissioned five studies to examine the effects of U.S. LNG exports, and the results unanimously demonstrate the benefits to the U.S. economy and to domestic prices. In fact, the two prior Presidential administrations conducted these studies without blocking export permits. prgtoken President 's ban on LNG is radically shortsighted when it comes to the environmental risks. Clean natural gas is a major reason why the U.S. has reduced emissions more than any other Nation. According to DOE, U.S. LNG exports are also 41 percent cleaner than Russian natural gas delivered to Europe. prgtoken Current law requires that natural gas exports to countries with non- FTA countries are deemed in the public interest, unless DOE finds exports will not be consistent with public interest. There is a very clear statutory presumption already that exports are in the public interest, and each administration has held opposition to a very high bar. I think what the administration is saying right now is the political interest, that the statutory presumption has been held to a very high bar up until now. prgtoken This is the same President who promised Europe that we would meet their needs in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Who stepped up to the plate? It was American energy producers who sent more than 87 percent of LNG exports to the EU, U.K and Asia in December--all markets which will now be forced to turn to nefarious actors for their needs. prgtoken I am proud of this bipartisan bill, and one of the reasons is because of the steps that the industry has taken to help the climate, to help emissions, to reduce emissions. prgtoken Let's consider that two-thirds of the world's recoverable natural gas is in four countries: Iran, Qatar, Russia, and the United States. Mr I would ask my colleagues who they recommend they turn to? If not the U.S then who? prgtoken Not only is President cutting off our allies at the knees, but this move will also raise global and domestic prices. Domestic natural gas prices are lower and more stable with free, fair, and open markets, and U.S. LNG is the price ballast in a global market. The decision to ban exports creates uncertainty and discourages investments that would otherwise create jobs and expand the supply of natural gas. prgtoken Out of all of President 's poor energy policies, the ban on LNG exports is the most egregious, shortsighted, and impactful on the credit of U.S. commitments around the world. I am proud to lead H.R. 7176 to immediately reverse the ban and to take politics out of LNG exports by giving FERC sole authority for LNG exports and repealing all restrictions. prgtoken I would say to the President that the worl
REMEMBERING CAPTAIN LARRY TAYLOR
Charles J. "Chuck" Fleischmann (Republican, TN) \u2014 2024-2-15

I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Chattanooga native and our Nation's most recent Medal of Honor recipient, Captain Larry Taylor. Captain Taylor passed away earlier this year on January 28. prgtoken I have had many honors and privileges as the Representative for Tennessee's Third Congressional District. prgtoken One of the highest honors of my career was getting to know Captain Taylor and his family while working with them and east Tennessee's steadfast and determined veterans to have the Medal of Honor awarded to Larry Taylor for his heroic, valiant, and selfless service during the Vietnam war. prgtoken Captain Taylor's heroic actions on June 18, 1968, near the village of Ap Go Cong not only saved the lives of his fellow brothers in arms but also revolutionized the way our military evacuates troops under fire. prgtoken Larry Taylor truly embodied the Tennessee volunteer spirit and the best of America and what our military stands for. prgtoken We thank God for Captain Larry Taylor's life and service to America and the cause of freedom. Our Nation honors and remembers this great man, Tennessean, and patriot.
UNLOCKING OUR DOMESTIC LNG POTENTIAL ACT OF 2024
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-2-15

I thank the gentleman for yielding. If we had truth in labeling, this bill would be called the methane pollution and higher energy prices act. prgtoken I am simply amazed that this MAGA majority in this Congress, which really makes the 1948 do-nothing Congress look like a paragon of productivity. This Congress can't find time to bring critical national security funding bills to the floor for a vote. They won't even bring a bipartisan border solution bill to the floor for a vote. But there is always time for another sop to the fossil fuel industry. prgtoken So here we are with a bill that is transparently dishonest. It is an effort to fast-track dirty energy projects, throw environmental justice communities under the bus, completely ignore the climate crisis, and expedite permitting for LNG facilities so that Big Oil can ramp up unnecessary exports of this harmful fossil gas. prgtoken Let's do some fact-checking. The United States is already the world's largest LNG exporter. We are on track to double that with existing projects that have already been permitted. So we do not need more of these methane bombs. prgtoken Second, experts have crunched the numbers, and new LNG export facilities are going to increase the cost of energy prices here at home. That is a fact. prgtoken Third, our allies are not asking for this. They are on record asking for clean energy, not more LNG. So let's stop putting words in their mouths. They don't want to go from being dependent on Vladimir Putin to being dependent on the United States fossil fuel industry. They want clean energy. prgtoken LNG is a climate bomb. This is well documented. I sent a letter several weeks ago to the administration asking them to develop meaningful tests to ensure that they are truly protecting the public interest here, not the interests of greedy corporations when they approve these projects. prgtoken I am thankful that they have just announced that they will do exactly that with new LNG permitting decisions. prgtoken This pause is the first step in overhauling how we permit these projects, but it is an important one, and we shouldn't be wasting time sacrificing communities at the altar of Big Oil in this attempt by s to reverse a sensible, smart decision that puts people over politics. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.
HONORING KEN MIYAGISHIMA
Gabe Vasquez (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2024-2-15

. Madam , I rise today to honor Mayor Ken Miyagishima on the occasion of his retirement and to recognize his more than three decades of work as a public servant who has tirelessly represented Las Cruces as the longest serving mayor in the city's history. prgtoken In 1992, Mr. Miyagishima was the first American of Japanese-Mexican descent to be elected to public office in New Mexico as a county commissioner for Dona Ana County. prgtoken He later served on the Las Cruces City Council before being elected mayor of Las Cruces, becoming the first person of Japanese-Mexican descent in New Mexico to be elected to this position. prgtoken Mayor Miyagishima has served with integrity and courage. He has fought to improve the lives of the residents of Las Cruces and elevated our city at the national level. prgtoken On behalf of the great people of New Mexico's Second Congressional District, I thank Mayor Ken Miyagishima for his life of service to Las Cruces and to Dona Ana County. prgtoken His work has made our community and New Mexico a stronger and more equitable place to live. We wish you well in your next chapter, Mayor.