mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HUD TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2024
Wiley Nickel (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-7-22

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of H.R. 7280, the HUD Transparency Act of 2024, sponsored by Representative De La Cruz, which would require the inspector general of the Department of Housing and Urban Development to testify before Congress on an annual basis. prgtoken While this bill passed out of committee on, again, a bipartisan basis, House are working to put people over politics, and we urge our counterparts to support prgtoken real solutions to combat our Nation's housing and homelessness crisis, including the Housing Crisis Response Act, the Ending Homelessness Act, and the Downpayment Toward Equity Act offered by Ranking Member Maxine Waters earlier this Congress. prgtoken This comprehensive package of bills would help spur the development of over a million affordable homes to help bring down rents, curb rising homelessness, and revive the dream of homeownership for all. prgtoken These are the types of solutions our constituents are calling on us to advance as they continue to face the crushing blow of housing inflation. prgtoken , I also note that I recently introduced the Keep Housing Affordable Act, which would bolster the low-income housing tax credit to incentivize developers to maintain the affordability of housing units for extended periods and boost the supply of affordable housing the high cost of housing is one of the main issues for my constituents in North Carolina. prgtoken , we were supposed to be considering another bill on the floor today, H.R. 7462, the Wildfire Insurance Coverage Study Act of 2024, sponsored by Ranking Member Waters. This bill is a commonsense measure to direct the Government Accountability Office to study the reasons why insurance companies are exiting States and refusing to provide insurance against wildfire perils. prgtoken This bill passed the committee by a broad bipartisan vote of 47-2, but unfortunately, leadership pulled the vote. The majority didn't think Congress should understand why folks are losing their insurance coverage or what we can do about it. prgtoken Over the last week, communities across the country have been experiencing record heat waves as wildfires continue to ravage communities from California to Texas, Hawaii, Oklahoma, and Virginia. I hope the will quickly reconsider this ill-advised decision to pull the bill so we can bring the bill to the floor. Again, it passed 47-2 out of committee. prgtoken , .
PROTECTING AND ENHANCING PUBLIC ACCESS TO CODES ACT
Deborah K. Ross (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2024-7-22

I rise in support of the Pro Codes Act, which I am proud to lead alongside Representative Issa. prgtoken The Pro Codes Act is a commonsense solution that balances providing free, public access to codes and standards that have been incorporated into law with ensuring that important code development work can continue. prgtoken The industry codes and standards that keep us healthy and safe every day are created by standards development organizations, SDOs, which regularly convene experts to write and modify standards to ensure electrical codes, building codes, crisis management codes, and more are up to date. prgtoken Importantly, the standards the SDOs put out are approved by consensus and adopted by industries voluntarily. However, Congress and Federal agencies have recognized repeatedly that government should rely on these standards whenever possible, which has led to their incorporation into law. prgtoken I firmly believe that codes that have been incorporated into law should be available to the public at no cost, and this bill recognizes that. It is why it requires these codes to be available online. That said, code development costs money, and SDOs cannot operate without funding, and they earn that funding by maintaining copyrights to their codes, which allows them to sell print copies and access to their work. These sales fund code development at no cost to the taxpayer. Ultimately, this bill strikes a critical balance between having good, safe codes and having public access. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this bill.
JOHN MERCER LANGSTON POST OFFICE BUILDING
Jennifer L. McClellan (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2024-7-22

I thank the gentleman from Maryland for yielding. prgtoken , I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 7385, to rename the Petersburg Post Office as the John Mercer Langston United States Postal Service Building. prgtoken John Mercer Langston broke barriers and redefined what was possible for Black Virginians in the late 19th century. prgtoken Born in 1829 in Louisa, Virginia, he was an abolitionist, attorney, diplomat, voting rights advocate, educational administrator, community leader, the founding dean of the law school of Howard University, founding president of Virginia State University, and my predecessor as the first African American elected to Congress from Virginia representing the Fourth District. prgtoken My connection to Mr. Langston is personal. My parents worked at Virginia State University where he was the first president. I grew up on that campus. prgtoken My father would often go to that post office to pay bills and to collect mail from the box. We used to joke he was the mayor of the post office because he knew everybody there. Now, as the first African- American woman elected to Congress from Virginia in the same district that Mr. Langston represented, it is my honor to put forth this bill and ask my colleagues to support renaming the post office, that I literally grew up in, after a legendary trailblazer in the Commonwealth of Virginia, John Mercer Langston.
CHARLIE DOWD VA CLINIC
Ryan K. Zinke (Republican, MT) \u2014 2024-7-22

I rise today to speak in support of S. 3285, which would rename the VA community-based outpatient clinic in Butte. Montana, as the `Charlie Dowd VA Clinic'. This bill is the Senate companion to my bill, H.R. 7154. prgtoken Born in Rochester. New York. Charlie enlisted in the Navy while still in high school. On one fateful morning at 17 years old he awoke to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Rather than running for cover or choosing self-preservation. Charlie chose to fight back and led a counter-offensive on a nearby rooftop. Armed with only a rifle and dressed only in his T-shirt and boxer shorts, he fired some of the first shots against the Japanese on that day which ended up claiming the lives of 2,403 American servicemembers, 14 of which were Montanans. prgtoken Charlie Dowd went on to become a high school teacher where he taught the next generations of great Americans to become patriots who were inspired by his acts of courage and selfless service. prgtoken An avid sportsman, Charlie moved to Anaconda, Montana and continued his active membership in the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association. prgtoken While in Montana, Charlie leaned into his passion as a sportsman by spending time hunting, fishing, and writing a weekly column named 'The Wild Side' which became a staple for the Anaconda Deer Lodge community as well as Western Montana as a whole. prgtoken I remember visiting with him over the years and even 70 years after Pearl Harbor. at 99 years old, he could still tap the messages he sent as a radioman in Morse code. prgtoken Charlie was one of the last living survivors of the attack on Pearl Harbor, a Montana legend, and a true American hero. By renaming this clinic in his honor, we pay tribute to his legacy and ensure that future generations of veterans receive the care they deserve. prgtoken Let us pass this bill with unanimous consent, demonstrating our unwavering support for our veterans, their families, and the memory of Charlie Dowd.
CELEBRATING THE OPENING OF THE CLE ELUM DAM FISH PASSAGE FACILITIES AND FISH REINTRODUCTION PROJECT
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2024-7-22

today I rise to celebrate the opening of the Cle Elum Dam Fish Passage Facilities and Fish Reintroduction Project, a program to restore ecological connectivity and natural production of anachronous fish like sockeye salmon, spring Chinook salmon, summer steelhead, and coho salmon. prgtoken After years of studies, planning, and construction, the Cle Elum Fish Passage Project is finally ready to begin the important work of conserving our salmon species in the region. This impressive feat is accomplished through a multitude of projects, including a spill over dam, a fish collection facility, underground passage tunnels for juveniles, and multiple fish passage ramps. prgtoken I look forward to seeing what this program has in store, and I commend the Bureau of Reclamation, Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, and Garco Construction Inc. for their commitment to the conservation and protection of our wildlife and natural resources in Central Washington.
CONGRESSIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AWARDS
Vern Buchanan (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-7-22

I rise today to pay tribute to law enforcement men and women who have provided distinguished service to the people of Florida's 16th Congressional District. prgtoken Law enforcement is a demanding profession that requires sacrifice, courage, and dedication to serve others. Every day, brave men and women put themselves in harm's way to enforce the laws of our society and protect public safety. They deserve our gratitude and respect. prgtoken Fourteen years ago, I established the 16th District Congressional Law Enforcement Awards to give special recognition to law enforcement officers, departments, or units for exceptional achievement. prgtoken This year, I will present Congressional law enforcement awards to the following winners chosen by an independent panel comprised of current and retired law enforcement personnel representing a cross-section of the district's law enforcement community: prgtoken Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award: Lieutenant Nicholas Pruitt, Deputy Michael Ates, Deputy Althavia Brown, Deputy James Forkin, Deputy Christopher Houghton, and Detective Dwight Roberts of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. prgtoken Dedication and Professionalism Award: Officer Andrew Adkins of the Holmes Beach Police Department, Officer Kevin Williams of the Bradenton Police Department, Trooper Taylor Ledford of the Florida Highway Patrol, Corporal Benjamin Schlabach of the Palmetto Police Department, Detective Matthew Hostetler, Detective Steven Luke, and Detective Carmine Luper of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. prgtoken Gary Tibbetts Career Service Award: Major Todd Shear of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office, Captain (retired) William Knight and Detective Jeff Beckley of the Bradenton Police Department, and Special Agent (retired) Stephen Lieberman of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. prgtoken Preservation of Life Award: Sergeant Russell Ackerman of the Bradenton Police Department, Officer Specialist Kelsey Dalton of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Lieutenant Richard Rietz, Sergeant Randy Lamb, Sergeant Laszlo Nagy, Detective Eric Davis, Deputy Jake Essek, Deputy Joshua Groover, Deputy Brian Hart, Deputy Stanley Hartley, Deputy Brandon Howard, Deputy Lauren Jalowiec, Deputy Alexis Lyon, Deputy Robert Macchio, Deputy Paul McCartney, Deputy Humberto Noronha, Deputy Gregory Palso, Deputy Deborah Perry, Deputy Carrie Renninger, Deputy Patti Savageau, Deputy Hurly Smith, and Deputy Arturo Velasquez of the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. prgtoken Unit Citation Award: Bradenton Police Department Narcotics Unit: Detective Eleazar Garcia and Detective Brandon Kells; Florida Highway Patrol Troop C Criminal Interdiction Unit: Sergeant Joshua Malloy, Trooper Jeremy Fields, Trooper Wesley Kelly, Trooper Deryck Lewis, Trooper Chris Nottingham, Trooper Sergio Pearce, Trooper Eric Schaub, K-9 Flip, K-9 Titan, and K-9 Lobo; Manatee County Sheriff's Office Fraud/Auto/Pawn Unit: Serg
HUD TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2024
Monica De La Cruz (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-7-22

I thank the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Nunn) for yielding. prgtoken , I rise today to urge the passage of my bill, H.R. 7280, the HUD Transparency Act of 2024. I thank the bipartisan cosponsors of this commonsense legislation aimed at enhancing the oversight and efficiency of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. prgtoken , for too long now, Congress has been without a formal oversight mechanism for HUD. Specific to the HUD inspector general, prior to the 118th Congress, it had been nearly 5 years since an official from HUD OIG testified. prgtoken H.R. 7280 provides long-overdue, consistent oversight by mandating the inspector general of HUD testify annually before Congress. prgtoken Given the magnitude of Federal dollars allocated to HUD, we know the housing affordability discussion cannot be had effectively without HUD's commitment to being responsible stewards of our tax dollars. prgtoken This is not a partisan issue. It is about ensuring that those who need HUD benefits can receive them. This legislation will enable the inspector general to provide essential insights and recommendations to Congress, facilitating informed decisionmaking and timely adjustments to HUD's programs. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting the passage of the HUD Transparency Act.
WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2024
Thomas H. Kean, Jr. (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2024-7-22

I am proud to speak in support of the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 which came out of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee with strong bipartisan support. prgtoken This legislation includes Army Corps of Engineers water resources projects of national, regional, and local significance that help strengthen our Nation's global competitiveness. prgtoken Included in this legislation are eight priorities that I am advocating on behalf of. Among these are three projects and initiatives directly related to New Jersey's Seventh Congressional District. These include a new feasibility study for flood risk management covering Berkeley Heights, New Providence, and Summit. prgtoken Additionally, there is report language aimed at expediting the completion of a re-evaluation report for the Green Brook Sub Basin Flood Control Project in Middlesex, Somerset, and Union Counties, as well as the expedited completion of the Rahway flood mitigation feasibility study. prgtoken As a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I am proud to support this critical piece of legislation that benefits our communities so we can continue to grow the economy, protect communities, and create jobs. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.
JOHN MERCER LANGSTON POST OFFICE BUILDING
Nancy Mace (Republican, SC) \u2014 2024-7-22

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in support of this bill, which would rename a post office in Petersburg, Virginia, for Mr. John Mercer Langston. prgtoken Mr. Langston grew up in Ohio and became an attorney who helped recruit African-American troops during the American Civil War. Later, Mr. Langston went on to serve as Virginia's first African-American Member prgtoken of Congress from 1890 to 1891 and the first president of Virginia Normal and Collegiate Institute, known today as Virginia State University. prgtoken I support naming a post office in memory of former Congressman Langston, and I encourage my colleagues to support this bill. prgtoken , .
HONORING THE LIFE OF COREY COMPERATORE
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-7-22

. Madam , I thank my good friend from Butler, my colleague for hosting this Special Order this evening and for recognizing me. prgtoken Tonight, we recognize Corey Comperatore's heroic actions, and we pay tribute to his lasting legacy. For three decades, Corey served the community as a Buffalo Township Fire Department firefighter. He was a brother firefighter. prgtoken I had the privilege of just a few years ago sharing representation of Butler County with my good friend Mr. Kelly, and Buffalo Township was one of my municipalities that I served. prgtoken Corey eventually rose to the rank of chief of his station. He constantly put his life on the line to protect his neighbors, responding to emergencies with courage and skill and unwavering commitment to safety. prgtoken In the final moment of his life, his selfless courage was on full display. When gunshots were heard, he shielded the most precious people in his life: his wife and daughters. prgtoken Corey Comperatore is a hero whose inspiring bravery will be remembered. Corey was a local leader, active church member, veteran, former fire chief, and most importantly a beloved father and husband. Having formerly represented parts of Butler County, it has been inspiring to hear how well-respected Corey was throughout his hometown and his home county. prgtoken To Corey's family, we offer our deepest condolences. I cannot imagine the pain you are enduring, but please know you are not alone. Our Nation stands with you, united in our love and support, ready to offer comfort and strength during this challenging time. prgtoken As we navigate the difficult days ahead, let us draw strength from each other in Corey's memory. Let us remember the importance of holding our loved ones close, telling them that we care, we love them, and living our lives with the same compassion, bravery, and warmth that Corey exhibited.
LaBRUCE "BRUCE" TIDWELL POST OFFICE BUILDING
Barry Moore (Republican, AL) \u2014 2024-7-22

I rise today in support of H.R. 6162, my legislation to name the post office located at 379 North Oates Street in Dothan, Alabama, as the LaBruce ``Bruce'' Tidwell Post Office Building. prgtoken Bruce Tidwell enlisted in the United States Navy in 1943 and served as a radio operator on the LCT 801. prgtoken Born and raised in Dothan, Bruce returned to Dothan after the war ended in 1945 and began working at the Dothan Oil Mill. prgtoken After a few years, Bruce decided he wanted to become a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. prgtoken From radio room to mail room, the Navy veteran, Bruce Tidwell, was dedicated to serving his State and his country. prgtoken Bruce was known for altering his usual mail route during the Vietnam war in order to ensure that those families with servicemembers received letters from home as quickly as possible because he knew how much that would mean to those families. He walked the route, and he changed the route to make sure those families got those letters to home. prgtoken He was beloved by the Dothan community where he lived for 86 years. There is no better post office to rename than the exact location in Dothan where Bruce worked. prgtoken I thank my Alabama colleagues and my colleagues here, Representative Aderholt, Representative Carl, Representative Palmer, Representative Rogers, and Representative Sewell, as well as Representative Strong for their support of this legislation. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this legislation in honor of Mr. Bruce.
BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION FAILURES
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-7-22

for the past 3\1/2\ years, the - administration has brought nothing but failure and crisis into communities and homes across America. prgtoken Beginning with the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan to runaway inflation at the gas pump and grocery store, we have seen nothing but catastrophe from an administration that has been unable and unwilling to meet the needs of the American people. prgtoken Since President took office and Vice President was named the border czar, nearly 10 million illegal immigrants have been encountered at our southern border and points of entry. This failure to keep our border secure is proof that this administration is more focused on allowing mass, illegal immigration than it is on protecting the safety and the security of the American citizens. prgtoken It is time to return to the remain in Mexico policy that we had under President Donald J. . It is time for a President who will put a stop to the illegal fentanyl that continues to pour across our southern border and poison and kill our neighbors, friends, and children. It is time for a leader who will keep America safe. Bedford County Fair
WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2024
Garret Graves (Republican, LA) \u2014 2024-7-22

in this environment where Congress is sitting here fighting over everything, I take just a minute to reflect on this legislation. prgtoken Every 2 years under Chairman Graves' leadership, we have seen this bill come up. This is a critical bill. It is everything from resilience, flood protection, in my home State hurricane protection, restoring our coastal wetlands, ensuring economic competitiveness of the ports all around the United States. prgtoken This is critical legislation, and this is a rare opportunity where s and are coming together to make the right decisions. prgtoken I thank Chairman Sam Graves and Ranking Member Larsen. I thank my good friend Congresswoman Napolitano. I wish her the best with all her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and keep going. prgtoken I thank my friend David Rouzer for all his work on this and of course the Ryans and all the staff who have put in countless hours. prgtoken From my home State of Louisiana, this is about our future. It is about resilience. It is about our ports and waterways. For example, in this legislation we have important legislation for the Morganza to the Gulf project ensuring the recognition of credit for the important work that the locals have done on that one. prgtoken , I thank all the folks involved, and I urge adoption of the legislation.