mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
CLOSE THE SOUTHERN BORDER
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2023-5-24

earlier this week, we received a briefing as to what was going on in the Russia-Ukraine war, and we heard of the callousness with which President Putin treats his own troops. prgtoken Indeed, 20,000 Russian troops recently died to take a city that was apparently of no important significance. prgtoken I thought, how could a President be so callous knowing that when one of these troops died, his parents, his siblings, and perhaps his children are left behind? prgtoken Then it occurred to me that here in the United States of America, we had 109,000 people die of illegal drugs last year, most of it fentanyl, and our President seems to be willing to do almost nothing. prgtoken , since almost all the drugs are coming across the southern border, with 109,000 people dying every year, wouldn't you figure it is a priority to close the border? No. prgtoken Wouldn't you think it is a priority to arrest or put in prison those people who are selling these drugs? No. prgtoken The major concern is to leave the border open and not put any more people in prison. prgtoken By the way, as far as the ability to prevent people from selling the drugs and putting them in prison, how many people died of fentanyl last year in China? None. Why? Because the minute they try to sell it, they would be in prison. prgtoken In any event, I call upon President to finally address the fentanyl crisis.
HONORING KELLE STRICKLAND ON HER RETIREMENT
Michael Guest (Republican, MS) \u2014 2023-5-24

I rise today to honor Kelle Strickland, who is retiring after 20 years of service to the House of Representatives. prgtoken Kelle is currently serving as my counsel on the Committee on Ethics and has spent two decades providing invaluable advice to Members and staff. prgtoken A native Alabamian, Kelle started her career on the Hill as an intern. She was quickly recognized as a leader and served for 6 years as the legislative director to former Congressman Jo Bonner. She served 5 years as chief of staff to Congressman Michael Burgess, 3 years as chief of staff in the Office of House Sergeant at Arms, and the last several years in her role as counsel to the ranking member and later chairman of the House Committee of Ethics. prgtoken I could not have been able to make the transition into my role at the Committee on Ethics without Kelle's guidance. She has served as a wealth of institutional knowledge and a trusted adviser to me since last August. prgtoken Kelle's presence in the House will be missed, but she will not go far. Kelle will continue to be a resource to the institution at the helm of the Congressional Institute, where she will undoubtedly enjoy continued success. prgtoken , I ask the House to join me in congratulating Kelle and thanking her for her many years of service.
HONORING THE CAREER OF JOPLIN POLICE CHIEF SLOAN ROWLAND
Eric Burlison (Republican, MO) \u2014 2023-5-24

I rise today to recognize the remarkable career of Chief of Police Sloan Rowland, a true public servant whose dedication and commitment to his community have left an indelible mark on the city of Joplin, Missouri. prgtoken For 35 years, Chief Rowland has selflessly served the people in various public safety positions, starting as an emergency medical technician in Kansas and eventually rising through the ranks to become the chief of police. prgtoken After joining the Joplin Police Department in 2003, Chief Rowland advanced from officer to corporal, sergeant to lieutenant, and assistant chief, before ultimately assuming the role of chief of police in 2019. His ascent is a testament to his leadership skills and his unwavering commitment to public safety. prgtoken Chief Rowland also led the department and the community through a time of heartbreak and grief, when a gunman shot and killed Corporal Ben Cooper and Officer Jake Reed, and injured Officer Rick Hirshey in March of 2022. prgtoken On June 1st of this year, Chief Sloan Rowland will retire after 20 years of service to the community of Joplin, Missouri I wish to congratulate Chief Rowland on his upcoming retirement and thank him for his dedicated service to our community. Chief Rowland has not only served as an exceptional law enforcement leader in Joplin but has also been an exemplary role model for law enforcement professionals throughout the Nation. prgtoken It is my honor and privilege to have him as my constituent, and to recognize him today.
HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY TO CONGRESSWOMAN MADELEINE BORDALLO
James C. Moylan (Republican, GU) \u2014 2023-5-24

it is with distinct honor and respect that I rise to recognize the Honorable Madeleine Bordallo who is celebrating her 90th birthday this month. An eight-term Member of the House of Representatives, Congresswoman Bordallo stood in these very sacred Halls and under this historic dome for 16 years representing Guam and ensuring our community needs were always prioritized on a Federal level. prgtoken A two-term Lieutenant Governor, a senator for several terms in the Guam legislature, and an iconic first lady for 8 years, Congresswoman Bordallo's record with public service is vast and endless. prgtoken As a pioneer for education and advocate for our youth and one who has always prioritized the beautification of our island, there are many achievements in Guam which are credited to the work of the Congresswoman. I would need several hours just to name a handful of her accomplishments over the decades. prgtoken On behalf of a thankful Nation and island, I thank Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo for her decades of work for the people. prgtoken , I request this august body to join me in these sacred and historic Halls of Congress to wish Congresswoman Madeleine Bordallo a happy birthday and blessings for many, many more.
DISAPPROVING THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE RELATING TO ``PROCEDURES COVERING SUSPENSION OF LIQUIDATION, DUTIES AND ESTIMATED DUTIES IN ACCORD WITH PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION 10414''
Nicole Malliotakis (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-5-24

once again we are seeing a policy from President and the where they say one thing, and they do another. prgtoken How many times have you heard the President talk about made in America? How many times have you heard the talk about buy in America? Yet here we are seeing another policy that does just the opposite. It hurts American manufacturers. It hurts American jobs. It is giving an advantage to not just a competitor, but an adversary. prgtoken , we support energy diversification. We support clean energy, but we want it to be American energy, and we want it to be done by American workers in manufacturing right here in the United States of America. We want to support our domestic solar manufacturers, not further discourage them from investing in manufacturing here. prgtoken Instead, we see the put forward another policy that instead of supporting American labor, it supports Communist Chinese slave labor, and we know this is often linked to the genocide of the Uyghur Muslims. If you are going to use Chinese slave labor, then at least have them pay a fair tariff, at least have them follow the same rules. Don't put forward a rule that allows them to circumvent tariffs. prgtoken As you know, last year an American solar manufacturer petitioned the Commerce Department to review whether Chinese producers were circumventing tariffs on imports from China by shipping their products through Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. prgtoken Lo and behold, in December of 2022, President 's own Commerce Department made a preliminary determination that circumvention is, indeed, happening through all of those countries. prgtoken That is why we must support the American worker today. We must support manufacturing in America, and override this veto of a resolution that, quite frankly, passed with bipartisan support here and in the Senate, as well. prgtoken Look, this is an opportunity for us to stand with American energy producers. Like I said, we support clean energy, we support diversification, but we want it to be made here in America using prgtoken American products, supporting American jobs. prgtoken , I continue to urge my colleagues to support this joint resolution to override the President's veto and do the right thing. We are not going to allow the President to get away with this, to constantly say made in America--he supports American workers, he says, but then again, he puts forward another policy that does the exact opposite. It hurts American people and is supporting the Communist Chinese Party instead.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RELATING TO ``WAIVERS AND MODIFICATIONS OF FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS''
Nathaniel Moran (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-5-24

I thank Congressman Good of Virginia for introducing H.J. Res. 45, and I thank Chairwoman Foxx for her leadership in getting this important resolution to the floor. prgtoken , just a few statistics from my particular district in northeast Texas: Almost 70 percent of my district does not hold a college degree, and under this program, effectively what the President is asking for is, that those 70 percent should subsidize the college education of the rest of those individuals in my district. prgtoken The cost for my district is $1.55 billion. The estimated number of constituents ineligible for student debt relief in my district is 640,000 individuals out of 767,000 individuals in east Texas. prgtoken Nearly 30 years ago when I began my post-education studies, I had to support myself through college. My parents wanted to do that, but they couldn't do it because of their financial status at the time, so paying for college was a matter of personal responsibility for me. prgtoken Better stated, it was a matter of personal investment for my future. It was an investment that I chose to make. It was an investment that I knew I needed to make to fulfill God's call on my life. prgtoken To pay for my education, I took on a variety of jobs, including being a server at a restaurant, running a vending route, serving as a painter's helper, even roofing a roof in the middle of the hot Texas sun. prgtoken There was still a gap between what college was going to cost me and what I could earn on my own during those summer and weekend jobs that I had. Despite my hard work, a shortfall was still there, so I picked up college loans. prgtoken When I did so, I evaluated what I was going to have to repay in the future. I looked at the degree programs I was studying, I looked at the future repayment plans before me, and I knew that it was a matter of my personal responsibility to pay back that loan that was going to benefit me and benefit my family. prgtoken It was not a matter of me taking out those loans believing that others would, in fact, be on the hook to pay for them. As a father of four school-aged children, we are now going through that same process with my older two children to determine what we are going to do about their future. It is a decision we know we need to make and an obligation we know we need to keep on the back side of taking out any loans. prgtoken Unfortunately, that is a conversation a lot of families don't have in this world before they send their kids off to school, and we need to make sure that there is more information out there before they incur the debt that ultimately they are going to have to repay. prgtoken But to saddle that repayment on the backs of others who have not benefited from it is simply wrongheaded. Frankly, it is unconstitutional for the executive branch to take that action without going through the legislative branch, but that is precisely what the President is attempting to do. prgtoken ,
HONORING THE LIFE OF BERNARD BERNSTEIN
Tim Burchett (Republican, TN) \u2014 2023-5-24

I rise today to honor a good friend of mine and an even better lawyer that recently passed away in Knoxville, Bernie Bernstein. prgtoken My friend Jerry Becker delivered the bad news last week. Bernie and my father were good friends, and they served on a draft board together. prgtoken Bernie served in the United States Air Force and was a respected lawyer and leader not only in the Jewish community but in every community he was in, especially in Knoxville. prgtoken My dad had two compliments he would give people. He would say: ``You would make a good marine,'' or he would say: ``He is solid.'' prgtoken He always told me that if negotiations were ever going south, just let Bernie speak because he was solid he was that. prgtoken There is a Holocaust memorial that we built in the West Hills Park when I was in the State legislature with the help of some folks, and Bernie was one of those. prgtoken He gave the words that are on the stone that stands there today. I remember we were supposed to have the dedication at the memorial, but dadgummit, it was raining cats and dogs, so we ended up having it at West Hills Baptist Church. prgtoken Oddly enough, Bernie was dear friends with Pastor Prince who has since passed away. His son is now the pastor there, and he is my good friend. prgtoken I walked up thinking no one would be there. The doors opened, and it was completely jam-packed. It was packed because he was not only a leader in the Jewish community, he was a good friend to everyone he met. prgtoken My dad was right. Bernie was solid, and when he spoke, people listened. Thank you for being such a dear friend. You will truly be missed, Bernie prgtoken He leaves his wife and two children. I wish him shalom.
HALT ALL LETHAL TRAFFICKING OF FENTANYL ACT
Brett Guthrie (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-5-24

. Mr. Chair, such time as I may consume. prgtoken My friend from New Jersey did say that this law expires at the end of the year. That is why we are here today to make scheduling illicit fentanyl permanent. prgtoken We have to understand what the status quo is. The status quo currently is horrific. Before these illicit fentanyls were scheduled, although we couldn't get them permanently scheduled, there were all kinds of analogues throughout America. That is why the DEA and others recommended that we schedule these, because once you change the fentanyl molecule, unless these are scheduled, then it becomes no longer illegal. These all appeared in our country, and that is why we are reacting to it. They are scheduled now, and what we are moving to do is to make it permanent. prgtoken What has happened since they were scheduled? prgtoken They came to me, and they talked about mass incarceration. We have heard that today. There have been eight people in prison under this law, four dealing with cartels, which I would say absolutely should be in prison. prgtoken I asked some of my law enforcement people when I was looking into this bill: If you have only arrested eight people, why does it matter? prgtoken That is what they are saying on the other side of the aisle. prgtoken What they said was the only reason we have only arrested eight people is because when this was put into place, the analogues--not fentanyl, but the analogues, which can be more dangerous--had disappeared from the marketplace. They are bringing in fentanyl that is already scheduled. prgtoken The problem is, if we treat fentanyl analogues differently than fentanyl, they are going to reappear again. That is why we have to put them in the same category. If you have fentanyl subject to mandatory minimums, but not these analogues, then they are going to reappear. prgtoken We have to pass this bill, we have to move forward, and I recommend support of this bill. prgtoken Mr. Chair, .
FENTANYL DEATHS IN OREGON TRIPLED SINCE 2019
Lori Chavez-DeRemer (Republican, OR) \u2014 2023-5-24

I rise today in support of H.R. 467, the HALT Fentanyl Act. prgtoken Oregon teenagers are dying from drug overdoses at a faster rate than any other State. In fact, adolescent overdose deaths have more than tripled in Oregon since 2019. It is because dangerous amounts of fentanyl and fentanyl-laced pills are flooding our streets. prgtoken Last year in my district, law enforcement seized enough fentanyl powder to kill the entire population of Oregon in just one single drug bust. prgtoken , I believe we must take a two-pronged approach to tackling the fentanyl crisis: Support law enforcement and enact tough- on-crime policies. prgtoken That is why I am proud to cosponsor the HALT Fentanyl Act, which accomplishes both of these goals by permanently classifying fentanyl- related substances as schedule I drugs. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to support this lifesaving legislation.
HONORING THE LIFE AND CAREER OF THOMAS ``TOMMY'' GILLILLAND
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-5-24

I rise today to celebrate the life and honor the legacy of career public servant Thomas ``Tommy'' Gillilland. prgtoken Mr. Gillilland was born in Bladen, Nebraska in 1932 and spent his childhood in Glenwood, Iowa. As a young man, he attended the University of Iowa and Wentworth Military Academy, before receiving both his undergraduate degree and a master's degree in International Relations from American University. A proud American patriot, Mr. Gillilland served his country as a commissioned officer in both the Army Reserves and the Iowa National Guard. prgtoken Throughout his life, Mr. Gillilland demonstrated an unwavering commitment to serving others. As a young professional entering the work force, he and his wife Cory chose to move to Micronesia and spent several years working with the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands in the pursuit of self-governance. Following his work abroad, Mr. Gillilland returned to the United States and began working for the federal government in Washington, D.C. He spent time at the Department of State, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Treasury, becoming a well-regarded expert in the congressional legislative process. prgtoken Upon his retirement from the public sector, Mr. Gillilland and his wife fulfilled a lifelong dream and opened an art gallery in Saint Augustine, Florida, before settling in Willsboro, New York. He continued his public service as the Chairman of the Willsboro Zoning Board of Appeals and a member of the WiIIsboro and Essex County Committees. prgtoken Mr. Gillilland was a passionate musician, known as a vocalist for his beautiful low range. He sang in multiple church choirs and was an active member in the American Association of Barbershop Singing in America. However, nothing was more important to Mr. Gillilland than the success and happiness of his wife, their 3 children, and 7 grandchildren. prgtoken On behalf of New York's 21st District, I am honored to recognize Mr. Thomas ``Tommy'' Gillilland as an extraordinary public servant, patriot, and staple of his community.
ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS
Susan Wild (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-5-24

I rise in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, particularly as it pertains to the struggles young people face in our Nation today. prgtoken Mental health is an issue close to my heart, and ensuring that everyone has access to the mental health care they need is one of my top priorities in Congress. prgtoken In a recent national survey, 71 percent of college students reported experiencing mental health issues such as stress, anxiety, and depression. prgtoken That is why I will soon be reintroducing my bill, Enhancing Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Through Campus Planning Act, which promotes positive mental health among college students and encourages more comprehensive planning on college campuses to prevent suicide and other mental health crises. prgtoken Schools and college campuses do not have the counselors or services needed to ensure that every one of our young people has a bright future, and it is our job to make sure they do.
HEALTHCARE FAILURE
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-5-24

our profit-driven healthcare system is killing us. It is outrageous that the wealthiest country in the history of the world cannot guarantee healthcare for its people. prgtoken Our for-profit healthcare system, fueled by corporate greed, has failed us while enriching Big Pharma at the direct expense of everyday Americans. prgtoken Currently, more than 30 million Americans don't have health insurance, and many live in constant fear of losing their jobs, and along with it, their healthcare. prgtoken Every human being--every single one--has a basic fundamental right to healthcare. That doesn't change if you are rich or if you are poor. Healthcare, again, is a human right, not a privilege. prgtoken In the richest country on Earth, no family should ever face financial ruin because they got sick. No one should be forced to choose between putting food on the table or receiving lifesaving treatment. No one should have to die because they are unable to afford care. prgtoken Congress must take bold action to transform our dysfunctional, broken healthcare system from one based on exploitation to one that prioritizes human dignity. prgtoken I am proud to join my colleagues in fighting to pass Medicare for All.
HONORING MARK GHILARDUCCI
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-5-24

I rise today along with the members of the California delegation, to honor Mark Ghilarducci, the director of the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), for his 40 years of public safety service. prgtoken Born in San Mateo, California, Mr. Ghilarducci received his Bachelor of Science in Physiology from University of California, Davis. Afterwards, he joined Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government as a part of their fellowship program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government. prgtoken Mr. Ghilarducci started his career at the federal level working on homeland security, emergency preparedness, and disaster response. Mr. Ghilarducci was an executive member of the Advisory Board for the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System from 1990 to 2003. Here he led federal search and rescue operations after the 1995 bombing in Oklahoma City. From 1997 to 2000, he also served as federal coordinating officer with the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Additionally, Mr. Ghilarducci was a critical advisor to the state of Louisiana and Governor Kathleen Blanco after Hurricane Katrina. prgtoken In California, Mr. Ghilarducci has occupied several integral public safety positions. He served as deputy state fire chief of special operations for California's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), where he led the development and creation of the state's internationally recognized fire and rescue mutual aid system. In 2014, he was appointed director of Cal OES by Governor Jerry Brown, and again by Governor Gavin Newsom in 2019. Over the course of his tenure as director, he guided California through 130 federally declared disasters such as an enduring drought, five of California's largest wildfires, including the tragic Camp fire, and the COVID pandemic. He also serves in Governor Newsom's cabinet as his homeland security adviser, using his experience to advise on matters of terrorism and cybersecurity. prgtoken Mr. Ghilarducci has also been a member of numerous state bodies that have shaped California's emergency preparedness, response, and recovery approaches. From 2001 to 2003, he co-chaired both the Governor's Strategic Committee on Terrorism and the California Standardized Emergency Management System Technical Committee. Governor Newsom also appointed Mr. Ghilarducci as chair of the California Earthquake Authority Board of Directors and the California Wildfire Catastrophic Response Council, as well as the executive board member of the Governor's Homeland Security Advisory Council. prgtoken Some of Mr. Ghilarducci's most notable policy achievements include the modernization of California's 911 system, his facilitation of the State Threat Intelligence and Assessment System, the design and implementation of the nation's first Earthquake Early Warning System, and the design and operation of the California Cybersecuritv Integration Center. Furthermore, he wa