mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SUSPENDING ENERGY IMPORTS FROM RUSSIA ACT
Adrian Smith (Republican, NE) \u2014 2022-3-9

. Madam , I rise today to speak on H.R. 6968, the Suspending Energy Imports from Russia Act. prgtoken This bill have brought to the floor, although important, is not what it actually could be. It is actually a missed opportunity to address our trade relationships with Russia and Belarus, and it is a missed opportunity to bolster domestic American-produced energy in a serious fashion so that we can address energy prices here at home. prgtoken Every Member of this body knows that we could and should be voting on the stronger bipartisan product that leaders on the Ways and Means and Senate Finance Committees agreed to merely days ago. It was bipartisan and bicameral. It revoked permanent normal trade relations for Russia and normal trade relationships for Belarus. prgtoken It also included an energy import ban and instead of loopholes, provided an off-ramp should Russia reverse course in Ukraine and earn back our trust. The text we have before us today is obviously not that bill. prgtoken The President demanded a lesser path and the House have chosen to support him in that effort. However, I do know that doing nothing is not an option. prgtoken I will support this bill, and I urge my ic colleagues to join s in our push to use the trade tools at our disposal to address Vladimir Putin's unacceptable tyrannical aggression against Ukraine.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE IZAAK WALTON LEAGUE OF AMERICA 100TH ANNIVERSARY
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2022-3-9

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of the 100th Anniversary of the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA), an association of dedicated fishermen, outdoorsmen and women, hunters and conservationist that have fought relentlessly to maintain and improve our environment. Over the past 100 years, they have advocated for strong state and national policies to protect our air, water, and wildlife. prgtoken Madam , I ask you to join me in recognizing the accomplishments of the Izaak Walton League of America. May God bless the next 100 years of their conservation work, and I look forward to seeing their excellence for many years into the future.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 2471, HAITI DEVELOPMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND INSTITUTIONAL TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE ACT; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.J. RES. 75...
Stephanie I. Bice (Republican, OK) \u2014 2022-3-9

. Madam , I thank Mr. Cole for yielding. prgtoken I rise today in opposition to the previous question so that we can immediately consider H.R. 6858, the American Energy Independence from Russia Act. prgtoken Gas prices are at a record high, and unfortunately, they will continue to rise. prgtoken While the Russian invasion of Ukraine has worsened the crisis, it is not the sole cause. The root cause of high energy and gas prices is due to the anti-energy policies of the administration, which suspended all oil and gas leasing on Federal lands, slow-walked liquefied natural gas exports, and halted construction of the Keystone XL pipeline while green-lighting Russia's Nord Stream 2. prgtoken These steps allowed Putin to corner the energy market and fund his invasion of Ukraine. American dollars can no longer go to countries whose interests run counter to America. prgtoken America produces some of the cleanest oil and gas in the world. If my colleagues on the other side of the aisle want to lower emissions and promote clean energy, they would rely on American oil and gas production in States like my home State of Oklahoma, not foreign countries like Russia, Venezuela, and even Iran. prgtoken Oklahomans are tired of inaction from Washington. They expect solutions. We cannot continue to tap into the strategic petroleum reserve, which is at some of the lowest levels since 2003. In addition, releasing 30 million barrels is only enough to meet our Nation's energy requirements for about a day. prgtoken Sadly, this week House are not bringing forward a single piece of legislation to address the energy crisis. prgtoken Under the administration, America was energy independent and a net total energy exporter for the first time since 1952. prgtoken Madam , energy security is national security. Sadly, under this administration, we have neither. prgtoken Congress must act immediately to take up the American Energy Independence From Russia Act. prgtoken This legislation would promote America's oil and natural gas production and unleash American energy independence once again.
HAITI DEVELOPMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND INSTITUTIONAL TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE ACT
Ken Calvert (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-3-9

I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken I rise today in strong support of this omnibus appropriations package. As the ranking member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, I will outline why America's position in the world depends on the passage of this bipartisan bill. prgtoken But first I want to thank Chair DeLauro for her hard work and Ranking Member Granger for putting this together. I thank my partner and friend, Chair Betty McCollum, for the hard work that she has put into this bill to make it a reality, and certainly the staff on both sides who have been working day and night to put this together and certainly my clerk, Johnny Kaberlie, who has done a yeoman's job of getting this done. prgtoken Over the past several weeks, we have witnessed Russia invade a sovereign nation, indiscriminately killing civilians to the horror of the world. As a matter of fact, just a few hours ago a maternity ward was bombed by Russia, killing new mothers and babies just a few hours ago. And while this happens, President Xi, Kim Jong Un, and other autocrats are watching closely to see how the United States will respond. prgtoken I firmly believe that today we are closer to a large-scale conflict with a near-peer adversary than we have been in recent memory. We must get this bill to the President's desk as soon as possible to respond to these acts of aggression. Weakness is provocative, and a year-long continuing resolution would undoubtedly demonstrate weakness on a global stage. prgtoken Included in the defense portion of this bill are many priorities for Members of both parties that will strengthen our military. These include 13 new Navy ships, increased investment in next-generation capability, like hypersonics, full funding for our nuclear modernization, and investments in our servicemembers and their families. prgtoken And as ranking member, I fought hard to make sure this bill gets the DOD what it needs. We began hearings for the fiscal year 2022 saying that the Mattis national defense strategy is the correct strategy, that we need a 3 to 5 prgtoken percent net real growth above inflation for fiscal years 2022 to 2025. Although nobody anticipated inflation at the levels we have seen, I am proud to say the s secured a 6 percent funding increase over last year's funding level. prgtoken I am also proud to say that we worked closely with the Armed Services and Intelligence Committees to make sure all the priorities across national security were addressed. prgtoken Thanks to the bipartisan commitment of Chairwoman Betty McCollum, House s were able to secure over 2,000 Member funding priorities on our side of the aisle like additional Strykers, C-130Js, F-35 modernization, and critical programs. I thank Chair McCollum for her staff and her hard work on this package. prgtoken Failing to pass this piece of legislation will only further extend the devastating effects of our military readiness, m
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 2471, HAITI DEVELOPMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND INSTITUTIONAL TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE ACT; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.J. RES. 75...
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-3-9

. Madam , the Congressional Budget Office did provide to the Budget Committee, of which I am also a member, a list of the top 20 agencies that are overfunded with funds that have been appropriated over the last 2 years. The totality of those 20 accounts is $340 billion. There were moneys available. A lot of things that are in this bill could have been offset if we had simply taken the time to do it. I will say, since I am a member of the authorizing committee, going forward our authorizing committees have to do their work. They have to do the study because we can't expect it to all happen at the Appropriations Committee at the eleventh hour. prgtoken Madam , I think it is important that people be able to see where those moneys exist. The results of the study, which was compiled by the Congressional Budget Office, are contained on a spreadsheet and can be found at: https://burgess.house.gov/UploadedFiles/COB- UnspentCOVID.pdf.
HAITI DEVELOPMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND INSTITUTIONAL TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE ACT
Harold Rogers (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-3-9

I thank the gentlewoman for the introduction. prgtoken , I want to salute Chairman DeLauro and Ranking Member Granger of the full committee for putting together a final appropriations package for the year. It is a fair compromise that includes funding for many priorities here at home and abroad. prgtoken As ranking member of the Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs, I want to highlight a few priorities included in the SFOPS section of the bill that provide critical funding to our allies and partners during a time of great angst around the globe. prgtoken Although essential military and economic aid for the brave people of Ukraine is included elsewhere in the bill as an emergency supplemental appropriation, base funding for State-Foreign Operations is essential to our national security. prgtoken Following the chaotic Afghan withdrawal by this administration, and a full-scale assault on Ukraine by President Putin, it is critically important that this Congress sends a signal to the rest of the world that the United States stands by its allies and partners. prgtoken We do so here by including $3.3 billion in Foreign Military Financing for Israel and robust, continued support for other key partners in the Middle East like Egypt and Jordan. Funding is prgtoken also increased for our efforts to counter the malign influence of the Chinese Government. prgtoken In our own hemisphere, the bill increases funding for one of our most important partners in the region, Colombia, as they continue to work to thwart drug producers and traffickers. The bill also prioritizes funding to address the flow of fentanyl and other synthetic opioids into the United States from Mexico and China. prgtoken I am also pleased to report that the agreement restores all protections for the unborn that are in current law, including a prohibition on the use of funds to pay for abortion. At no time should U.S. taxpayer dollars be used to kill the unborn. We must always protect the sanctity of life. prgtoken Finally, this omnibus provides critical resources for southern and eastern Kentucky, I am proud to say. It continues our fight against the opioid epidemic, which is as important now as it has ever been. prgtoken It provides record funding for my Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program, which is creating new economic opportunities across Appalachia and throughout my district. prgtoken It includes my community project funding requests, which will provide important resources to our first responders, help protect Kentuckians from future floods, improve access to clean water, fight the scourge of opioids, improve medical care, and promote economic growth. prgtoken This bill is a substantial improvement on the House-passed bill, and I commend our chairwoman and ranking member for their hard work on this package. prgtoken , I urge a ``yes'' vote.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LOUIS GREGORY III
Richard Hudson (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-3-9

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life and legacy of former County Commissioner and law enforcer Louis Gregory III. A beloved member of our community, Commissioner Gregory exhibited the highest level of commitment to protecting and serving others. prgtoken As a young man, Mr. Gregory served in the U.S. Marine Corps for four years before pursuing a career in law enforcement where he would continue to positively affect countless lives. For 38 years he climbed the ranks of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad's police agency before retiring as Superintendent of Police for CSX Transportation's North-End region. Perhaps most impressively, he became a member of the FBI's Joint Command Staff of their anti-terror task force in the wake of the September 11 attacks. prgtoken After moving to Moore County in 2003, Mr. Gregory immediately began benefiting the lives of those in our community. Promptly named Chief of the Whispering Pines Police Department, Commissioner Gregory is remembered for the lasting impact that his leadership had in building a strong police force of quality officers. To this day, his tenure is known for instituting a culture of excellence that helped drive down local crime rates. After his career in law enforcement, he was elected to the Moore County Board of Commissioners where he served multiple years as vice chairman. Among other roles, he served as the board's liaison to the Board of Health and was a member of the Transportation Advisory Board. Outside of local government, he served as the past president of the Moore County Men's Club and was a member of both the Masons and Rotary International. prgtoken Commissioner Gregory passed away on March 5, 2022, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who knew and loved him. As a Marine, member of law enforcement, and County Commissioner, Commissioner Gregory extended great personal sacrifice in dedicating himself to the service of others. I join our entire community in gratitude as we honor his extraordinary life. prgtoken Madam , please join me today in honoring the life and legacy of Commissioner Louis Gregory III.
SUSPENDING ENERGY IMPORTS FROM RUSSIA ACT
Lloyd Smucker (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-3-9

I thank the ranking member for yielding. prgtoken , I would like to start my comments by saying that I really do believe that there is no daylight between our parties on our commitment to cripple Putin's ability to wage war in Ukraine. We stand with the people of Ukraine, and s alike. prgtoken I want to thank Chairman Neal and Ranking Member Brady for putting together a strong bill to stop financing Putin's aggression. This was a bill that was bipartisan and bicameral that would have stopped providing financial support to Russia and put an end to importing Russian oil. Unfortunately, that bill that they worked so hard on is not the bill that we are debating here tonight. prgtoken Now, I plan to vote in support of this bill because I believe it is important that we stand with Ukraine. But I want to make it clear to the White House and to ic leadership: You know that we could have done better, yet for some reason, the White House intervened, and I don't understand. prgtoken I would like someone to answer the question: Why are we running a product that replaced another product that would have put an end to favored-trade status for Russia and Belarus? Why are we voting on a product that will not be taken up by the Senate? prgtoken We had a better deal.
SUSPENDING ENERGY IMPORTS FROM RUSSIA ACT
Garret Graves (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-3-9

it is very interesting where we find ourselves right now. Just a few years ago--in fact, within the last year--we have advocated for banning Russian oil. We have advocated for it. Guess who has opposed it, on the record, voting against banning Russian oil? It is a really interesting place where we find ourselves where, all of a sudden, things have turned and folks have realized, oh, my goodness, we have got to change our position, we have got to flip- flop, and we now have to ban Russian oil. prgtoken , look at the policies of this administration. Look at the policies of my friends on the other side of the aisle. We have seen record high prices, we have seen record increases in greenhouse gas emissions, and we have seen record energy insecurity as a result of these policies. prgtoken We have letters from Members of Congress to the administration begging them to work with OPEC Plus nations to increase their oil and gas production. We have had a more than doubling of our importation of crude oil from Russia under this administration. prgtoken The administration's failed policies have limited us to what they will tell you are two options and only two options. We can either buy Russian oil and fund the aggression of Putin into Ukraine, or we can pay higher prices in the United States. prgtoken This bill fails to address the underlying problem and actually provide a solution. prgtoken , you have seen these administration officials. Who are they talking to right now to backfill their production from Russia? Who are they talking to? They are talking to Venezuela. They are talking to Iran. They are talking to the Saudis. We are going to find ourselves right back in this situation. prgtoken The good news is, we have a solution for you. We can actually do what the President said in this very Chamber last week. We can buy American. We can buy American energy. Let's buy American energy, not Saudi, not Venezuela, not Russian. Let's buy American energy, because we have 38 billion barrels of oil we can produce here and trillions of cubic feet of natural gas. prgtoken We can do it safer here. We can do it cleaner here. That is what the motion to recommit allows. It allows us to unleash American energy opportunities, to unleash jobs in America, to unleash opportunities for Americans to go back to work and unleash the economic activity associated with it. prgtoken We can export liquefied natural gas from America to our allies in Europe and not have them 40 percent dependent upon energy from Russia, from Vladimir Putin continuing to this day to fund his activities attacking Ukraine and causing human rights violations all over that country. prgtoken I want to remind you, , it was President that lifted the sanctions that effectively facilitated the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, and it was President who more than doubled the importation of crude oil from Russia. prgtoken , I urge support of the motion to recommit.
RECOGNIZING THE NAEVE FAMILY BEEF PROCESSING PLANT
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-3-9

. Madam , I rise today to share the story of a family in my district that is working to make sure their friends and neighbors know where and how their beef is raised. prgtoken Last Saturday the Naeve family of Camanche, a sixth-generation farming family, officially opened the new Naeve Family Beef processing plant. For generations the Naeve family has raised cattle and grown crops in eastern Iowa, with three generations currently working the farm in Camanche. prgtoken For years, smaller meat packing operations like the Naeve's have faced an uphill battle against the bigger meat packers in the industry. Last year, I introduced the Meat Packing Special Investigators Act to tackle anticompetitive practices in the meat and poultry industries that threaten the American food supply and U.S. national security. prgtoken Right now, the four big meat packers purchase and process 85 percent of the total U.S. beef production. My legislation would give the Department of Agriculture the tools it needs to crack down on bad actors and push for fair competition within the marketplace. prgtoken Overconcentration in the meat packing industry is costing Iowa farmers money left and right while the average American pays more at the store. prgtoken I will continue to fight for family operations like the Naeves and wish them the best of luck as they begin this new journey and improvise to create a better marketplace.
HONORING THE LIFE OF MEL F. CAMPBELL
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2022-3-9

. Madam , I rise to honor the life and legacy of Mel F. Campbell of Chillicothe, Illinois, who passed away on January 12, 2022, at the age of 96. prgtoken Mel Campbell, born on August 6, 1925 in New Brighton, Pennsylvania, was a distinguished World War II veteran who served in the United States military with the 87th Infantry Division in Europe. During his service career, Mel received a Purple Heart after receiving wounds from a grenade in 1944. After being transferred to a hospital in Nancy, France, he quickly recovered and rejoined his unit just days after sustaining his injury. Only a few months later, he received a Silver Star due to the heroic role he played in capturing German engineers who were attempting to detonate charges on a bridge to delay Allied movements. His actions allowed Mel and his Regiment to cross without delay. In addition to receiving the Silver Star and Purple Heart, Mel received three Bronze Stars during his service. prgtoken After his military service, Mel went on to be a leader and pillar of his community through his long career as a banker and his involvement in community affairs. After graduating from Muskingum College with his bachelor's degree, Mel attended the University of Wisconsin's Graduate School of Banking and pursued a career in banking where he worked for 24 years. During his tenure; Mel was the president of the Chillicothe State Bank, and then became the Secretary of the J.T. Fennel Co. Inc. prior to his retirement in 1988. He continually served others throughout the community and most notably served as a member of the Advisory Board of Heritage Manor in Chillicothe, the president of the Chillicothe Rotary Club, the president of the ``Chillicothe Development Company, the president of the Chillicothe Chamber of Commerce, and a charter member of the Pearce Community Center. Through his 36 years in the central Illinois region, Mel made many contributions to better the lives of those in his community. prgtoken Mel will be remembered for his love and commitment to his wonderfui family. He was preceded in death by his wife Jean, whom he was married to for 66 years, as well as his brother Richard. He was blessed with one son, Clyde, three grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren. prgtoken I want to offer my condolences to the Campbell family and the people of Chillicothe on the loss of a great man. Mel left a lasting prgtoken impact on those who had the pleasure of knowing him. May his memory be eternal.
HONORING THE LIFE OF LIEUTENANT VAZQUEZ
Jenniffer González-Colón (Republican, PR) \u2014 2022-3-9

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Puerto Rico's Women Veterans Day with a special story that reflects the bravery and sacrifice of our servicemembers. Earlier this year we celebrated the 100th birthday of First Lieutenant Carmen Vazquez. Carmen was born in Cidra, Puerto Rico, on February 15, 1921 and was raised by a single mother. She chose to enlist as a Nursing Aide during WWII, bucking social conventions of the time while performing essential medical care for the war's wounded. For her actions, she received the WWII Victory Medal, the American Theater Campaign Medal, and the Overseas Service Bars. After a short interlude of peace, she would receive a piece of mail from President Dwight D. Eisenhower asking her to return to service once more. She again answered the call, but this time she served as an officer in the newly minted United States Air Force. Her passionate service to country reflects the very best our nation can offer. Her service, like the service of all those who have served honorably in our Armed Forces, is an example for all of us during these difficult times when peace is too short, and wars are too common. On this Women Veterans Day, I hope we may all learn from Lt. Vazquez's example of enduring courage in the days to come, as each of us are asked to sacrifice in different ways for a greater good.