mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SELECT SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE WEAPONIZATION OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Jerrold Nadler (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-1-10

I rise in strong opposition to this resolution, which appears designed to launch a dangerous and unprecedented attack on our law enforcement agencies. prgtoken Last week, Americans across the country watched the Party melt down the moment it encountered its first test. For days, the extremist wing of the party held the rest of their caucus hostage as they demanded a steep price for their support. Today, we have the first of their many demands on display, an open-ended investigation into whatever conspiracy theories may be headlining the rightwing echo chamber at the moment, with unchecked authority to undermine ongoing criminal and intelligence investigations. prgtoken For example, the select committee can use its expansive authorities to protect , those who perpetrated fake elector schemes to overturn the 2020 Presidential election, insurrectionists facing trials for their crimes, and other domestic terrorists. prgtoken It aims to undermine the safeguards of our democracy and to embolden MAGA extremists who would rather see our institutions fail than to see and President succeed. prgtoken Make no mistake, the destroy democracy subcommittee will enable the House s to interfere with the free operation of businesses they do not like, to inhibit the fight against domestic terrorism, and to settle political scores on behalf of . prgtoken The Judiciary Committee has serious work to do. But rather than trying to solve the problems of the American people, this new subcommittee will expend untold time and money undermining our Nation's law enforcement agencies, our justice system and our intelligence community, all for a political stunt catering to the extremist wing of the Party. prgtoken , I oppose this resolution, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same.
SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE STRATEGIC COMPETITION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY
Henry C. "Hank" Johnson, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2023-1-10

I thank the gentleman for yielding the time. prgtoken I rise in strong opposition to H. Res. 11, which would create a select committee on China. The only reason why we are creating this select committee on China is because extremist MAGA s in last week's circular firing squad election for , the had to promise to allow creation of this committee. prgtoken We have watched China rise. We know their activities. We know what kind of competition they pose to our economy, national security, intellectual property, human rights, all of these issues. We know where we stand with China, and each of those issues are covered by committees of jurisdiction that exist right now. Any investigation that is done can be done through the existing committees. prgtoken So why are we creating this committee? prgtoken I fear that it is to create a platform to unleash anti-Asian hate and division. This committee should not be used as an open invitation to engage and traffic in blatantly xenophobic anti-Asian rhetoric that we know historically results in violence against the Asian people in this country. prgtoken That is the reason why I oppose the creation of this select committee.
RECOGNIZING THE 2022 UGA FOOTBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2023-1-10

I rise today to congratulate the 2022 University of Georgia Football team on their outstanding season and most importantly their victory last night at the College Football Playoff National Championship. prgtoken Head Coach Kirby Smart and his remarkable student athletes represented the University--and the State of Georgia--incredibly by pulling off an undefeated season this school year. prgtoken This is the Bulldogs' second consecutive title, as they continue to excite the college football world with their dominating performance on the field. prgtoken Finally, it is a point of pride to note that six student athletes hailing from Middle and Southwest Georgia contributed to this historic season. prgtoken Go dawgs.
HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. ALFREDO TREVINO
Henry Cuellar (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-1-10

today I rise to honor the life of Dr. Alfredo Trevino, who passed away on December 25, 2022. prgtoken A native of Laredo, Texas, a doctor, a veteran, and a community leader, Dr. Trevino led a remarkable life. After completing medical school at the University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston, Dr. Trevino joined the U.S. Air Force as a Major and completed his internship and residency at Lackland Air Force Base, during which time he treated veterans of the Vietnam War. prgtoken He moved back to Laredo in 1978 and opened the Trevino Eye Clinic, where he would go on to practice for 43 years. He cared for indigent patients and provided services to local clergy and the Sacred Heart Children's Home. An active member of the Laredo Daybreak Rotary, he attained a perfect attendance record at meetings over 36 years. prgtoken Having established a successful medical practice, Dr. Trevino would go on to discover one of the great loves of his life: tennis. He was an accomplished player, and he shared his love of the game with Laredoans of all ages. The City of Laredo honored him in 2011 with ``Doc T Day'' after he became the first Hispanic President of the United States Tennis Association Texas. The Laredo Independent School District and Martin High School named its newly renovated tennis courts after Dr. Trevino and his loving wife and partner of nearly 54 years, Tina. She shares her husband's love for the game and commitment to growing the sport in South Texas. prgtoken I consider myself profoundly lucky to have known Dr. Trevino. He touched the lives of countless South Texans, and he will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. While Dr. Trevino is no longer with us, his legacy will live on in all those whose lives he touched.
HONORING BILL HARPER'S SERVICE TO MINNESOTA'S 4TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Betty McCollum (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2023-1-10

I rise to pay tribute to Bill Harper, my long time Chief of Staff, as he retires after 22 years in my office on January 6, 2023. prgtoken It has been a privilege to work the past 22 years with Bill. He exemplifies what it means to be a public servant. Bill has dedicated his life to making a positive impact for Minnesota families, communities, and businesses. For more than 2 decades he has been responsible for building and leading my congressional team. Bill's knowledge, vision, and leadership have helped shape everything my office has accomplished, particularly my work on the House Appropriations Committee. prgtoken Prior to serving in Congress, Bill managed my first election to the House of Representatives in 2000, but his commitment to public service began much earlier. For 5 years he was an outstanding Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala and Malawi where he worked with local villagers to improve their lives and livelihoods. His work as Chief of Staff to former Hennepin County Board Chair Mark Andrew, and as a personal assistant to former Minnesota Attorney General Hubert H. Humphrey, III, prepared him with the necessary skills to successfully manage a congressional office. prgtoken A significant aspect of Bill's public service is his success in nurturing the next generations of leaders and public servants. He has assembled a staff that I am exceptionally proud of--a dedicated team of public servants who bring nearly 130 years of combined service in their work on behalf of Minnesotans. In addition, numerous former staff and interns have gone on to further service in the executive branch, state government, nonprofit organizations, and elected office. prgtoken Bill has always put the people we serve first, making a remarkable difference in lives across the country and around the world. That is the essence of Bill's dedication to others. I know that Bill will continue to make important contributions to Minnesota and our nation well into the future. prgtoken On New Year's Day, the Star Tribune published a profile on Bill Harper's distinguished service in my office. In the article, he noted, ``as powerful as Washington and Congress may be, we are a direct extension of the people. And it needs to stay that way.'' His words ring true, and it is my pleasure to enter that article into the Record. prgtoken As he prepares for the next chapter of his career, I wish him and his family--Roberta, Jonas, Lucia and Tiwonge--all the best. It has been an honor to have Bill serve as my Chief of Staff, and I'm grateful that he'll remain as a friend and political advisor. prgtoken , please join me in paying tribute to his remarkable career of service to our nation and our community. [From the Star Tribune, Dec. 31, 2022] prgtoken After More Than Two Decades, Chief of Staff Set To Leave Rep. Betty McCollum's Office Bill Harper has been a congressional chief of staff during
HONORING THE SERVICE OF DONALD WILLIAM NOTTOLI
Ami Bera (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-1-10

today, I rise to recognize Don Nottoli and celebrate his retirement from the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors after seven terms on the board and a lifetime of service to the Sacramento community. prgtoken Don started his public service career in 1977 when he was elected to the Galt High School Board of Trustees. I have had the privilege of working with Don over the years. He is a tireless public servant. All of us get to go to Eagle Scout ceremonies, medal awards, and so forth. Don is at every one of those. prgtoken Our community is a much better place because of the service and the representation that we had from Supervisor Don Nottoli. prgtoken I extend my congratulations and thank County Supervisor Nottoli for his lifelong dedication to public service in Sacramento County. His commitment to the betterment of our region will stand as an example of public service for years to come. prgtoken Sacramento County is a better place to live and raise a family because of Don Nottoli's lifetime of service, and I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating Don Nottoli for his work in our community and his service to our country.
CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT OF DON KELLAHER, SENIOR ADVISOR TO THE SERGEANT AT ARMS
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-1-10

I want to honor a constituent from Maryland's Fifth District who has served this institution faithfully for decades: Senior Advisor to the Sergeant at Arms Don Kellaher. He recently retired after spending 45 years in service to the House of Representatives and deserves recognition for all that he has contributed and accomplished in that time. prgtoken Don began his long career in 1976 as a staff assistant in the former Office of the Doorkeeper before moving to the Office of the Sergeant at Arms three years later. Throughout his decades in that office, he worked in every division and held important positions, such as Director of Special Events, Director of Police Services, Deputy Sergeant at Arms, and Senior Advisor to the Sergeant at Arms. prgtoken Don played a key role in ensuring that this institution could continue to carry out its work For the People. During his tenure in the Office of the Sergeant at Arms, he helped organize 12 presidential inaugurations, ranging from President Carter's in 1977 to President 's in 2021. Additionally, Don has participated in the planning of dozens of State of the Union Addresses. prgtoken Crucially, he has worked to keep visitors, staff, and Members of the People's House safe. That includes historic figures who have visited our Capitol, such as the Dalai Lama, Pope Francis, Mother Teresa, and Queen Elizabeth II. From anthrax and ricin attacks to murders of U.S. Capitol Police officers and bombings of the Capitol Building, Don has also helped our brave Capitol Police navigate many challenges over the years. Recently, he supported them during the deadly insurrection that gripped our Capitol on January 6, 2021. Everyone who was here that infamous day owes a debt to Don and the others who worked to reestablish order and security on Capitol Hill, as do the American people whose democracy came under attack that day. prgtoken , Don is truly a guardian of the House of Representatives. We could not fulfill our duty to the American people without Don and numerous other staffers like him who work behind the scenes to make this institution function. He ought to be proud of all he's done for Congress and the country, and I hope he knows how much we appreciate him and his work. prgtoken I ask that all my colleagues join me in wishing Don, his wife Antoinette, his children Amanda Walker and Anthony Kellaher, and his grandchildren Rhett Walker and Rosalie and Ainsley Kellaher happiness as he begins his well-earned retirement
SELECT SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE WEAPONIZATION OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-1-10

the passage of this resolution would also give MAGA s the ability to interfere in ongoing criminal investigations, including those investigating that day that some declared was just a bunch of tourists on January 6, 2021. prgtoken , I have worked with my friends on the other side of the aisle. I have worked with Mr. Roy. prgtoken But is this a question of truth? prgtoken That is the issue that we stand here discussing today. prgtoken In this country, no one is above the law, and to suggest that some people should be because they don't agree with the force of law being applied to their activities is contrary to the very fabric of fairness, justice, and equality that America was founded on. prgtoken Let me, as an aside, indicate that we know what has been in the headlines--10 documents found in a locked closet that Mr. may have had. Well, you know what, , the process of the law is proceeding. The call was made. The documents were surrendered, if you will. The process goes forward under the laws of this land. No one denied it. No one rejected it. No one did not in any way come to say anything other than: Follow the law. On the other hand, in Mar-a-Lago no law was found. prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to consider the truth and vote against this resolution. prgtoken , I rise today in strong opposition to H. Res. 12, a dangerous resolution whose passage would Establish a Select Committee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government or, more accurately, a subcommittee that would threaten our nations safety, security, and freedom. prgtoken MAGA s love to hide behind the idea that they are pushing an agenda that would help the American people, but let's see this for what it truly is, a blatant assault on our democracy, our law enforcement agencies, our justice system, and our intelligence community, and an attempt to shield the twice-impeached former president from ongoing investigations being conducted by the Department of Justice. prgtoken The establishment of this subcommittee would give s the ability to investigate any agency that ``can collect information or otherwise investigate citizens of the United States'' and gives the most right-wing members of the party access to confidential documents solely intended for the members of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. prgtoken This gross misuse of power will have dangerous implications and unintended consequences and could potentially expose general operations of our national security infrastructure which will put American lives at risk. prgtoken The passage of this resolution would also give MAGA s the ability to interfere in ongoing criminal investigations including those investigating the extremist insurrectionists who lead the brutal attack on this institution two years ago. prgtoken In this country, no one is above the law, and to suggest that some people should be, because they don't agree wit
SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE STRATEGIC COMPETITION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY
Ro Khanna (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-1-10

I rise in support of this select committee. prgtoken As an Asian American who represents the only Asian majority district in the continental United States, I would never support a committee that I thought would engage in xenophobia or attacks on the Chinese people. prgtoken I am pleased that this committee is not directed against China but is directed against the Chinese Communist Party in the crafting of the language. prgtoken I am pleased that it is going to focus on things that have been a bipartisan concern: human rights violations that Representative McGovern has advocated in standing up for the Uyghurs. prgtoken The fact is, this country has lost our industrial base. For 40 years, on a bipartisan basis, we have watched as jobs were shipped offshore, factories shut down, our trade deficits going from $70 billion to almost $400 billion. That has hurt the working class. It has hurt our ability to be a superpower, and it has led to rising tensions with China. prgtoken If we want to deal with Asian hate in this country, one of the things we need to do is rebalance our production. It is the loss of our jobs that has fueled some of the xenophobia. It is the loss of those jobs that fueled the killing that Representative Chu talked about in Michigan with Vincent Chin. prgtoken I believe this committee cannot only stand up for American interests. I believe when done well, it can help get us to peace and reduce the tensions with China by rebalancing trade, by ensuring that China doesn't invade Taiwan, and by standing up for human rights. prgtoken I am pleased on a personal basis that Representative Gallagher will be chair of this committee. We have had heated debates in the Armed Services Committee. We don't agree on many things, but I know that he is a marine, a patriot, and someone who is going to make sure that the committee is focused on the issues.
COMPLIMENTING STEVE HARTMAN
Marcy Kaptur (Democrat, OH) \u2014 2023-1-10

I rise today to compliment Steve Hartman of CBS News on his recent broadcast centered on the kindness of everyday Americans. prgtoken Practicing kindness in our daily lives is a central part of what makes America strong. Kindness plays an integral role in building family and community life and is a bedrock of civil society. prgtoken Hartman's CBS News series ``Kindness 101'' shares stories of compassion, friendship, and everyday acts of kindness. prgtoken One story is about a woman in Minneapolis offering free haircuts to the homeless. Another is about my fellow Ohioans contributing to a young girl's visual bucket list before she loses her eyesight. These stories teach us lessons about the unending compassion of the American people. prgtoken Both inspirational and honorable, these stories also serve as a reminder to Americans. Each of us hold the power to make positive impacts on the lives of others in our workplaces and community. prgtoken Congratulations to Steve for reminding us just how impactful everyday acts of kindness are on strengthening the United States of America.
CUTS TO THE IRS
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-1-10

I rise today to talk about the decision to cut funding from the Internal Revenue Service. prgtoken This funding was part of President 's critical Inflation Reduction Act. The $80 billion for the IRS enforcement would have forced tax-cheating corporations and wealthy Americans to finally pay their fair share. Instead, s chose to rescind $72 billion of that money and forced a 2 percent cut to the agency funding in the last spending package. prgtoken The IRS support would have collected billions in taxes, boosted our economy, and lowered the Nation's debt ceiling, issues that the s claim are important. prgtoken Instead, this vote shows s prefer to protect the tax- evading secrets of the wealthiest 1 percent and not give tax breaks to hardworking American families that need it the most. It makes them shameless corporate stewards and embarrassing public officials.
PASSING IMPORTANT LEGISLATION
Haley M. Stevens (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-1-10

on behalf of the incredible people of Oakland County, Michigan, and Michigan's 11th District, let it be known that the very first action of the new majority was to add $100 billion to our national debt, to aid the ultra-wealthy and the non-tax paying corporations, to add to our deficit at the expense of the middle class. prgtoken We saw this before, . In fact, we have seen this time and time again: threats to the fiscal integrity of our Nation, ballooning of our debt, and the come in time and time again to clean it up. prgtoken Since being sworn into Congress, my office has helped more than a thousand constituents navigate IRS-related issues, illustrating the ongoing and vital need for adequate funding for this Nation, helping people who are seeking a tax return, helping the small business owners. prgtoken The most rewarding call you can make as a Member of Congress: Have I helped you today? prgtoken The truth is, , we must unite, we must continue to come together, and we must continue to deliver for the people who elected us.
SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE STRATEGIC COMPETITION BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND THE CHINESE COMMUNIST PARTY
Gerald E. Connolly (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-1-10

I thank my friend for yielding. prgtoken , it is my hope that this Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and China will be a sober and comprehensive engagement of the very important challenge China poses to American security and prosperity and that of our allies, and not a cynical descent into the worst impulses of oversight efforts. prgtoken This select committee offers an opportunity for this body to assess and act on how the United States can compete with the CCP on advanced manufacturing, trade, and emerging technologies; lead the world in competition between democracy versus autocracy; and to bring to light the autocratic practices and human rights violations in Hong Kong, the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, and Tibet. prgtoken As president of NATO's legislative arm, I was proud to partner with my colleagues in this body on both sides of the aisle and on both sides of the Atlantic to put China on the NATO agenda for the very first time in its 70-year history. prgtoken I am hopeful this select committee can also follow the lead of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, which I co-chair and have co-chaired for 10 years, to use this committee as a venue to express bipartisan support for Taiwan's democracy, independence, and territorial sovereignty instead of driving wedges that can only advance the interests of those we seek to expose. prgtoken Using this committee to drive partisan wedges would be a missed opportunity, and I am hopeful we will not do that. prgtoken I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to tackle the geopolitical question of our generation and to make this a bipartisan inquiry and effort.
READY TO GET TO WORK
Hillary J. Scholten (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-1-10

I rise today because I believe this Congress has a chance to do what is right. prgtoken I am an unflinching optimist, and I believe that we can come together to make our communities safer and more just for all. prgtoken As the first woman and mother in history to represent my district in Congress, and as an attorney that has worked for our Nation's top law enforcement agency, keeping our communities safe is a top priority of mine because violence, of all kinds, takes a massive toll on the people we represent. prgtoken Just 2 years ago, a friend of mine, Romito Jones, was shot and killed in our neighborhood on the southeast side of Grand Rapids. He was a father of five and a friend to my family. prgtoken Just last month, a recently elected member of the Muskegon Heights school board, Julius Muhammad, was shot and killed in his home. He was a dad and a public servant. He was loved and admired by his community. prgtoken Today I honor their lives as I strive for safer communities for all. prgtoken We must come together to enact commonsense reforms to keep our neighborhoods safe, support our law enforcement, and support fair and equitable enforcement of the law. prgtoken I am ready to get to work, and I invite all of my colleagues to join me.