mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE 2024 OHIO MILITARY HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Jim Jordan (Republican, OH) \u2014 2024-5-1

the Ohio Military Hall of Fame will hold a ceremony at the Statehouse in Columbus on Friday, May 3, to mark the induction of its 2024 class. Selection for the Hall of Fame is a high honor that has prgtoken been accorded to fewer than 500 Ohioans since 2000. To be considered for induction, individuals must have been decorated for heroic action in a combat situation. prgtoken I am honored to commend to the House this year's 17 inductees: prgtoken Private First Class David F. Winder (posthumously), Army, recipient of the Medal of Honor. prgtoken Private First Class Marcus G. Collins, Army, recipient of the Silver Star. prgtoken Captain Stephen B. Cook (posthumously), Army, recipient of the Silver Star. prgtoken Private First Class Henry R. ``Rick'' Hausman, Jr. (posthumously), Army, recipient of the Silver Star. prgtoken Sergeant Gary Lee McKiddy (posthumously), Army, recipient of the Silver Star. prgtoken Master Sergeant James Brian O'Keeffe, Army, recipient of the Silver Star. prgtoken First Lieutenant Joseph D. O'Meara (posthumously), Army Air Corps, recipient of the Silver Star. prgtoken Corporal Gregory A. White, Marine Corps, recipient of the Silver Star. prgtoken Chief Warrant Officer Fourth Class Gregory R. Fleming, Army, recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. prgtoken Major Arthur A. Wallace, Air Force, recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. prgtoken Lieutenant Colonel Arnold W. Bokesch (posthumously), Army, recipient of the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device. prgtoken Lieutenant Colonel Matthew J. France, Army, recipient of the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device. prgtoken Lieutenant Colonel Michael R. Kelvington, Army, recipient of the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device. prgtoken Sergeant Kent S. Knight (posthumously), Army, recipient of the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device. prgtoken Sergeant William G. Lee, Army, recipient of the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device. prgtoken Sergeant William L. Webster, Jr Army, recipient of the Bronze Star. prgtoken Master Sergeant Brad L. Bonnell, Army, recipient of the Army Commendation Medal with ``V'' Device.
ALASKA'S RIGHT TO PRODUCE ACT OF 2023
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2024-5-1

pursuant to House Resolution 1173, I call up the bill (H.R. 6285) to ratify and approve all authorizations, permits, verifications, extensions, biological opinions, incidental take statements, and any other approvals or orders issued pursuant to Federal law necessary for the establishment and administration of the Coastal Plain oil and gas leasing program, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.
HONORING THE CAREER OF CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER PHILLIP G. BOONE, RET.
Brian Babin (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-5-1

I rise today to recognize the admirable career of retired Navy Chief Warrant Officer Phillip Boone. prgtoken Phillip was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1958 to Samuel and Mary Boone. After graduating from West Charlotte High School in 1975, Phillip immediately enlisted in the United States Navy at age 17. prgtoken His first assignment was aboard the U.S.S. Eisenhower, where he performed operations on the flight deck, catapulting and arresting military aircraft--one of the most dangerous jobs on a carrier. During his time in the Navy, Phillip sailed the world aboard four additional aircraft carriers and one amphibious assault ship, the U.S.S. Wasp. In 1986, he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer, and in 1988, he earned his commission as a Warrant Officer. After 25 years of honorable service, Phillip retired as a Chief Warrant Officer 4, having led thousands of sailors, managed budgets upwards of five million dollars, and went on ten peacekeeping and five combat deployments, including to the Persian Gulf and Grenada. His exemplary service earned Phillip the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal three times, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and many other personal and unit citations. prgtoken Following his retirement, Phillip became a Navy Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (NJROTC) instructor and used the position to motivate young men and women to join the armed services. For more than 23 years, he trained, taught, and mentored class after class of our Nation's youth, preparing them to take on life's challenges, whether they went on to join the military or not. His NJROTC cadets have logged tens of thousands of community service hours and won countless awards for military drill and marksmanship. In 2019, he was nominated for the Beaumont Foundation of America's prestigious ``Wayne E. Reaud Excellence in Education Award,'' recognizing his outstanding service as an educator. That same year, he was also named Beaumont Independent School District's ``Teacher of the Year.'' prgtoken It is a privilege to sincerely thank Chief Warrant Officer Boone for his exemplary service in the United States Navy and for his role in educating new generations of Americans. I offer my congratulations on his retirement, and I wish him and his family all the best in the future.
ALASKA'S RIGHT TO PRODUCE ACT OF 2023
Pete Stauber (Republican, MN) \u2014 2024-5-1

such time as I may consume. prgtoken I rise to offer my amendment that strengthens the underlying legislation to prevent the administration from taking further steps to block oil and gas production in the great State of Alaska. prgtoken In the Bureau of Land Management's press release announcing the final NPR-A rule, they teased future action by the administration to create new special areas or expand/adjust existing special areas within the boundaries of the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. These special areas are a means to lock up acreage from oil and gas production. There is no disputing that. prgtoken My amendment prohibits the Department of the Interior from creating or expanding special areas without congressional authorization. prgtoken When the administration announced its moratorium and canceled leases in ANWR and withdrew millions of acreage from development within the NPR-A, the local Alaska Native communities on the North Slope weren't given a proper heads-up, just like members of the Navajo Nation heard about the Chaco Canyon withdrawal. Alaska Native community leaders learned of these policy changes in the media. prgtoken This administration did not even properly consult with the very communities this oil and gas development would benefit, and it is clear why, because they weren't in lockstep with the administration's policies. prgtoken , just this morning we had a hearing. I asked the Secretary of the Interior five times if she consulted with the North Slope Native American communities, and she would not answer. prgtoken I finally had to go get some emails where they requested a meeting with her, and she denied meeting with them. prgtoken Let's make it very clear. The Alaskans on the North Slope requested a meeting with the Secretary of the Interior prior to this rule, and she blew them off. She didn't have the courtesy to meet with them after she was up there in Alaska already. prgtoken The administration also held an incredibly short public comment period on these actions. When the Bureau of Land Management was pressed on this prgtoken timeline, which was right in the middle of whaling season for the sustenance fishing communities that support oil and gas development, a BLM official responded that the administration wanted a short comment period to rush a rule through in order to prevent it from falling into the Congressional Review Act window. prgtoken , not only did this administration fail to properly consult with local Native Alaskan communities on the North Slope, but they have taken explicit steps to subvert Congress' constitutional responsibility to serve as a check on the executive branch. prgtoken This administration cannot be trusted to do right by the American people. Policies coming out of this administration, especially energy and natural resources policies, undermine the American people and the hardworking men and women who stand ready to responsibly develop ou
ANTISEMITISM AWARENESS ACT OF 2023
Michael Lawler (Republican, NY) \u2014 2024-5-1

. That is no reason, and no ``political cover'' to vote against another helpful measure. prgtoken I ask my colleagues who would prefer other solutions to consider the good it will do for the Jewish students and, yes, keep pushing for more change in the future. We need to hold these institutions accountable. prgtoken My bill has bipartisan support: 59 cosponsors, dozens of Jewish advocacy groups, including the ADL, the AJC, and Agudath Israel. It is absurd to oppose this on the grounds that it somehow limits free speech. prgtoken Calling for death to Jews is not protected speech. It is anti- Semitic, and the fact that we have some of the highest-ranking Jewish officials in America refusing to defend the Jewish community because of politics is a disgrace, it is shameful, and it is pathetic. prgtoken Anyone who votes against this bill because they would rather put political expediency and electoral politics ahead of anything else has no business being a Member of Congress.
CONGRATULATING THE JAMES MADISON BRASS BAND
Ben Cline (Republican, VA) \u2014 2024-5-1

as we mark National Small Business Week, it is crucial to confront the stark reality facing America's entrepreneurs under the administration. The administration has imposed regulatory burdens that have escalated to an unprecedented scale, with the cost of Federal regulations soaring to $1.3 trillion. prgtoken The small business community is now saddled with over 267 million man-hours of compliance paperwork, a stark comparison to the regulatory landscape under the administration, where regulatory costs were over 45 times lower. prgtoken The economic climate continues to pose significant challenges, with persistent inflation undermining any optimism for relief. prgtoken Despite expectations, interest rate cuts remain a distant hope, forcing small businesses to halt expansion and investment plans. Inflation rates have not only been higher than anticipated but have seen recent upward revisions. Additionally, the first quarter GDP report revealed a disheartening 1.6 percent growth rate, falling short of the expected 2.4 percent. prgtoken This slowdown in consumer spending is further compounded by a 3.4 percent increase in the personal consumption expenditures price index, signaling the largest inflation surge within a year. prgtoken These figures underscore the dire circumstances confronting small businesses. The current administration's relentless regulatory assault, coupled with severe economic headwinds, is not only risking the survival of small businesses but is indicative of a broader disregard for the backbone of our economy. prgtoken We must pivot toward policies that alleviate rather than exacerbate these pressures. Our commitment must lie in fostering an environment conducive to the prosperity and growth of small businesses, which are integral to the Nation's economic vitality. prgtoken The evidence is clear, and the time for action is now. We owe it to America's entrepreneurs to implement measures that help rather than hinder their potential.
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.'S LETTER FROM BIRMINGHAM JAIL
Thom Tillis (Republican, NC) \u2014 2024-5-1

I rise today to honor the lives of four brave law enforcement officers who lost their lives in the line of duty on Monday, this week, in North Carolina--actually, in a community that is only about 20, 30 minutes from my home. It is the community of Charlotte, and the entire State of North Carolina is shocked and devastated by the deadly assault on law enforcement. prgtoken They were just showing up to do their job. It was the deadliest attack on law enforcement our Nation has seen in nearly a decade, and it is profoundly tragic that it happened in a city and a State that I love. prgtoken Young families are grieving; their lives are forever changed; and their fellow law enforcement officers are grieving. Charlotte- Mecklenburg Police lost a beloved officer, the U.S. Marshals Service lost a dedicated colleague, and the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction lost two of their longtime colleagues. prgtoken This tragedy was the result of one of the most important, yet very dangerous, responsibilities of our law enforcement officers: executing an arrest warrant. Early Monday afternoon, a task force of Federal, State, and local law enforcement, led by the U.S. Marshals Service, attempted to serve an arrest warrant for a fugitive at a residence in Charlotte. The fugitive had a long criminal record and was wanted for possession of a firearm by a felon and two counts of felony fleeing to elude law enforcement. prgtoken Instead of surrendering to law enforcement, the fugitive opened fire, and he shot eight law enforcement officers at the scene. Four officers were tragically killed, and four more were injured and had to be transported to the hospital, one in critical condition. prgtoken Police Officer Joshua Eyer served 6 years with CMPD. Before that, he served more than a decade in the Army National Guard. As a CMPD officer, he was already making his mark. The chief down in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, Johnny Jennings, remembered that it was just recently that he was in the very room he did the press conference to announce the tragic events Monday that he was congratulating Officer Eyer for becoming Officer of the Month in April. prgtoken He certainly dedicated his life, and he gave his life on Monday, serving the people of Charlotte. Officer Eyer is survived by his wife and his 3-year-old son. prgtoken Another officer--two, actually--Sam Poloche and Alden Elliott were 14-year veterans of the North Carolina Department of Adult Correction. Poloche joined the department's Special Operations and Intelligence Unit in 2013. He was a husband and father to two boys: one who is about to graduate high school, another one about to graduate from college. Officer Poloche's father said ``his main purpose in life was his family.'' He was a man who showed extraordinary kindness, even to perfect strangers. prgtoken Alden Elliott joined the Special Operations and Intelligence Unit in 2016. His colleague
RECOGNIZING CARTER ALTSTAETTER ON HIS OFFER OF APPOINTMENT TO ATTEND THE UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY
Robert E. Latta (Republican, OH) \u2014 2024-5-1

it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to an outstanding student from Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. I am pleased to announce that Carter Altstaetter of Celina, Ohio, has been offered an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. prgtoken Carter's offer of appointment permits him to attend the United States Naval Academy this fall with the incoming Class of 2028. Attending one of our Nation's military academies not only offers the opportunity to serve our country, but also guarantees a world-class education while undertaking one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of their lives. prgtoken Carter brings a tremendous amount of leadership, service, and dedication to the incoming Class of 2028. While attending Celina High School, he participated in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, and was on the honor role. Throughout high school, Carter was involved in football, basketball, and baseball, earning his varsity letter in all three. I am confident that he will carry the lessons of his student and athletic leadership to the Naval Academy. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Carter Altstaetter on his offer of appointment to the United States Naval Academy. Our service academies offer the finest military training and education available, and I am positive that Carter will excel during his career at the Naval Academy. I ask my colleagues to join me in extending their best wishes to him as he begins his service to our Nation.
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.'S LETTER FROM BIRMINGHAM JAIL
Katie Boyd Britt (Republican, AL) \u2014 2024-5-1

I will continue reading Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s letter from the Birmingham jail: When I was suddenly catapulted into the leadership of the bus protest in Montgomery, Alabama, a few years ago, I felt we would be supported by the white church. I felt that the white ministers, priests and rabbis of the South would be among our strongest allies. Instead, some have been outright opponents, refusing to understand the freedom movement and misrepresenting its leaders; all too many others have been more cautious than courageous and have remained silent behind the anesthetizing security of stained glass windows. In spite of my shattered dreams, I came to Birmingham with the hope that the white religious leadership of this community would see the justice of our cause and, with deep moral concern, would serve as the channel through which our just grievances could reach the power structure. I had hoped that each of you would understand. But again I have been disappointed. I have heard numerous southern religious leaders admonish their worshipers to comply with a desegregation decision because it is the law, but I have longed to hear white ministers declare: ``Follow this decree because integration is morally right and because the Negro is your brother.'' In the midst of blatant injustices inflicted upon the Negro, I have watched white churchmen stand on the sideline and mouth pious irrelevancies and sanctimonious trivialities. In the midst of a mighty struggle to rid our nation of racial and economic injustice, I have heard many ministers say: ``Those are social issues, with which the gospel has no real concern.'' And I have watched many churches commit themselves to a completely other worldly religion which makes a strange, un-Biblical distinction between body and soul, between the sacred and the secular. I have traveled the length and breadth of Alabama, Mississippi and all the other southern states. On sweltering summer days and crisp autumn mornings I have looked at the South's beautiful churches with their lofty spires pointing heavenward. I have beheld the impressive outlines of her massive religious education buildings. Over and over I have found myself asking: ``What kind of people worship here? Who is their God? Where were their voices when the lips of Governor Barnett dripped with words of interposition and nullification? Where were they when Governor Wallace gave a clarion call for defiance and hatred? Where were their voices of support when bruised and weary Negro men and women decided to rise from the dark dungeons of complacency to the bright hills of creative protest?'' Yes, these questions are still in my mind. In deep disappointment
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.'S LETTER FROM BIRMINGHAM JAIL
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2024-5-1

I thank Senator Brown, and s. April 16, 1963. My Dear Fellow Clergymen: While confined here in the Birmingham city jail, I came across your recent statement calling my present activities ``unwise and untimely.'' Seldom do I pause to answer criticism of my work and ideas. If I sought to answer all the criticisms that cross my desk, my secretaries would have little time for anything other than such correspondence in the course of the day, and I would have no time for constructive work. But since I feel that you are men of genuine good will and that your criticisms are sincerely set forth, I want to try to answer your statement in what I hope will be patient and reasonable terms. I think I should indicate why I am here in Birmingham, since you have been influenced by the view which argues against ``outsiders coming in.'' I have the honor of serving as president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization operating in every southern state, with headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia. We have some eighty five affiliated organizations across the South, and one of them is the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights. Frequently we share staff, educational and financial resources with our affiliates. Several months ago the affiliate here in Birmingham asked us to be on call to engage in a nonviolent direct action program if such were deemed necessary. We readily consented, and when the hour came we lived up to our promise. So I, along with several members of my staff, am here because I was invited here. I am here because I have organizational ties here. But more basically, I am in Birmingham because injustice is here. Just as the prophets of the eighth century B.C. left their villages and carried their ``thus saith the Lord'' far beyond the boundaries of their home towns, and just as the Apostle Paul left his village of Tarsus and carried the gospel of Jesus Christ to the far corners of the Greco Roman world, so am I compelled to carry the gospel of freedom beyond my own home town. Like Paul, I must constantly respond to the Macedonian call for aid. Moreover, I am cognizant of the interrelatedness of all communities and states. I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. Never again can we afford to live with the narrow, provincial ``outside agitator'' idea. Anyone who lives inside the United States can never be considered an
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2024-5-1

I rise today, along with my colleagues Senator Mike Crapo and Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, to honor the life and legacy of MG Benjamin Doty, a veteran and exceptional leader who recently passed away. Major General Doty, a native of Kellogg, ID, dedicated his life to serving our country and made significant contributions to both the military and civilian society. prgtoken Major General Doty's journey began at the University of Idaho, where he set himself apart as the Army ROTC Distinguished Military Graduate in 1953. His commitment and talent led him to be inducted into the ROTC Hall of Fame, a prestigious honor reserved for exceptional graduates of the Army Reserve Officers' Training Corps. prgtoken Throughout his military career, Major General Doty demonstrated exemplary leadership and served in multiple positions of increasing responsibility. He worked at the U.S. Army Military Assistance Command in Vietnam and was promoted to colonel in 1973. He then became the commander of the 3rd Armored Division Artillery in Europe and was later promoted to brigadier general. Major General Doty's dedication and expertise led to his appointment as the assistant division commander for the 2nd Armored Division. prgtoken In 1984, after climbing the ranks to major general, Ben retired from Active Duty. During his service, he held the esteemed position of commanding general of TRADOC Combined Arms Test Activity at Fort Hood, TX. His commitment to excellence earned him numerous awards, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and Army Commendation Medal. prgtoken Beyond his military achievements, Major General Doty had a profound impact in the field of journalism and mass media. He established the Ben and Patricia Doty Scholarship, which supports aspiring journalists and media professionals with financial need. This scholarship serves as a testament to his commitment to education and his belief in the media's power to shape society. prgtoken Major General Doty's personal background and upbringing further exemplify his character and resilience. Born in 1931 during the Great Depression, he grew up in a humble mining town where money was scarce. Despite these challenges, he and his siblings all graduated from college, a testament to their determination and the values instilled by their parents. prgtoken Throughout his life, Major General Doty remained committed to his family, his community, and his country. His legacy of leadership, dedication, and service will be felt for generations to come. prgtoken I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and achievements of MG Benjamin Doty. May his memory serve as an inspiration to us all, and may we strive to carry on his legacy of service and excellence.