mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
SEPARATION OF POWERS RESTORATION ACT OF 2023
Tom McClintock (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-6-15

. Madam , the central architecture of the Constitution is the separation of powers. It is really just mother's rules, writ large. prgtoken One slice of pie; two hungry brothers. How does mother slice the pie so both brothers are happy? Pretty simple. One slices; the other chooses. The powers given to one brother cannot be abused because of the powers given to the other. prgtoken That is the brilliance of our Constitution. One brother makes law but cannot enforce it; the other brother enforces law but cannot make it. prgtoken Article I is the first and longest article in the Constitution. It begins with the words: ``All legislative powers herein granted are vested in a Congress of the United States.'' prgtoken When a law was to be made, the Founders wanted a great big rowdy food fight. They wanted every voice expressed through their Representatives. They wanted the decision held up to every light. They created two Houses with decidedly different perspectives so that the Congress would even argue with itself. They wanted it hard to make laws so the Nation wouldn't be smothered by them, and they wanted those who make those laws directly answerable to the people. prgtoken But once made, they didn't want laws to be carried out by hundreds of squabbling prima donnas. That's why we have Article II: ``The executive powers shall be vested in a President of the United States.'' One official, independent of the Congress but also accountable to the people, was to carry out those laws; not make them, but to take care that they are ``faithfully executed.'' prgtoken Then in Article III, mother, the Supreme Court, independent of both brothers, is there to resolve disputes. prgtoken How different it is today. Today, executive agencies which are not elected and often act independently of the elected President, make ten times the laws that Congress makes. They then enforce the laws that they have made, and if they accuse you of violating them, you have to prove your innocence in an administrative court run by the same agency that made the law, accused you of breaking it, and which keeps the fines that it takes from you.
CURBING EXTREME EXECUTIVE OVERREACH
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-6-15

this week I was proud to vote in support of the REINS Act to curb extreme executive overreach. prgtoken President and his administration have made a constant habit of sidestepping Congress, the people's House, to enact their radical agenda, costing the American people billions of dollars of their hard- earned money. prgtoken Let's take a look at the list: President 's student loan bailout, shutting down the Keystone pipeline, banning oil and gas leases, mandating climate risk disclosures, and a radical ESG rule that jeopardizes Americans' retirement returns, all done without the consent of Congress. prgtoken In year one of the Presidency, the administration finalized more than $200 billion in new regulatory costs; $200 billion. Even worse, in 2022, the administration proposed more than $1 trillion in new regulations. It is no wonder why we are fighting inflation. prgtoken The REINS Act will put an end to the insanity by requiring the House and Senate to approve any major rule before going into effect. It is high time to end the era of Federal overreach in Washington, and this bill does just that.
HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF BARBARA WAINMAN
Abigail Davis Spanberger (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-6-16

I rise today to honor Barbara Wainman and to recognize her 44 years of dedicated public service to our country. prgtoken Over the last 44 years, Barbara has served the public through her work in Congress and the U.S. Department of the Interior. She has played a key role in the funding and policies of the Interior Department and has led communication and outreach efforts on a myriad of natural resource issues that had major impacts at the national level. prgtoken Barbara graduated in 1974 from T.C. Williams High School, now Alexandria High School. In 1978 she graduated from Smith College with a bachelor's degree in political science and government. She began her career as a reporter with the Easton Bulletin, a local paper in Massachusetts. Soon after, she returned to Virginia and landed her first congressional job with the House Conference by networking while waiting tables in Alexandria. In 1981, she transitioned to the late Congressman Ralph Regula's team, which she credits with teaching her about leadership--lessons that she carried with her throughout her career. While working on the U.S. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Barbara worked to help expand the National Heritage Corridors within the National Park System. prgtoken In 1997, Barbara left Capitol Hill to continue onto her next role with the Bureau of Land Management as the chief of Congressional and Legislative Affairs. In 1999, she was promoted to assistant director of the Office of Communications at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), becoming a member of the Senior Executive Service. At USGS, she led numerous communications and outreach efforts, including overseeing the communications response to some of the Nation's worst earthquake, volcano, and flooding disasters. In 2017, Barbara made the final move in her Federal career to become the assistant director of the Office of Communications at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), where she has overseen public engagement, congressional affairs and media communications, and partnerships with national organizations. At FWS, Barbara has been responsible for developing and launching FWS's first- ever content management system, a project that spanned nearly 8 years and has improved public engagement and access to information over the internet. She is also responsible for establishing FWS' first-ever internal communications platform that proved to play a key role in successfully communicating with employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken For more than four decades, Barbara has mentored dozens of public servants and has been a role model for current and future leaders. Her dedication to the career development of her employees will inspire public servants long into the future. Her service and outstanding contributions were recognized in 2022, when she was granted the highest honor of the Interior Department, the Distinguished Service Award. prgtoken Throughout her c
IN APPRECIATION OF MATT HOUT AND HIS COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-6-16

I rise today to join the colleagues and friends of Matt Hout in honoring him for his decades of dedicated service as an educator, lifeguard and union leader in Western New York on the occasion of his retirement. prgtoken For the past twenty-five years, Mr. Hout has been a member of the faculty in the Cheektowaga Central School District. Having taught biology, life sciences and chemistry, Mr. Hout helped young people better understand and appreciate the wonder and mystery of the natural world all around them, and prepared them for careers for which STEM skills are no longer optional, but necessary. Prior to his work with the Cheektowaga Central School District he taught in various other Western New York school districts, as well as at my own alma mater, SUNY Buffalo State. prgtoken Mr. Hout's commitment to his students, his colleagues and his community did not stop when the dismissal bell rang. Whether coaching swimming teams, supervising the weight room or chaperoning functions like proms to visits here to our nation's capital, Mr. Hout gave freely of his time and commitment to his students. Mr. Hout has also been a lifeguard in the New York State Parks for forty years, having made possible safe and healthy recreation for thousands of New Yorkers and having saved more than a few lives. Mr. Hout has been an effective advocate for his profession as an officer of the Cheektowaga Central Teachers Association, a unit of the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO, and for his fellow lifeguards as regional vice president of the New York State Lifeguard Corps Union, another AFT unit. prgtoken Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Hout, his wife Denise, and his adult children Courtney and Nicholas all the best as he begins his well-earned retirement after an extraordinary career in which he dedicated himself to his students, his colleagues and his community.
HONORING THE LIFE OF THEODORE ``DIXON'' LONG
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-6-16

I rise today in memory of Theodore ``Dixon'' Long, who passed away at the age of 89 on December 11, 2022. Dixon was a writer, teacher, and community leader. prgtoken Born in Warren, Ohio in 1933, Dixon first entered academia at the nearby Western Reserve Academy in Hudson, Ohio. He went on to earn a BA at Amherst College, an MA at Tufts University, and a PhD in Political Science at Columbia University. Throughout his life, Dixon pursued diverse career interests, including sailing, writing, teaching, and environmental conservation, and in, each of these areas he shared his experience and knowledge with the public. prgtoken Dixon served in the U.S. Army in Korea. After leaving the military, he embarked on a sailing expedition that took him across the Indian and South Atlantic Oceans on a boat he built with two college friends in Japan. He documented his experiences in a series of articles for his hometown newspaper, and later combined those writings to form the foundation of his book ``Westward Horne,'' This adventure shaped his perspective and set the stage for his future endeavors. prgtoken In academia, Dixon shared his wealth of knowledge as a tenured professor of political science at Case Western University from 1962 to 1985. His international experiences and expertise were invaluable as he guided his students and contributed to the field of political science. Alongside his teaching career, Dixon engaged in public affairs, producing reports for Congress on a wide range of topics, including science policy and the future of the Peace Corps. prgtoken Dixon's passions extended to environmental conservation, where he actively participated in organizations such as the Ohio Conservation Foundation and the Holden Arboretum. His contributions focused on protecting open spaces and raising awareness about the impact of technology on the natural world. Additionally, his passion for the arts led him to support cultural institutions like the Cleveland Orchestra and Cleveland Ballet; he served as a docent at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, and on the board at Marin Theatre Company. prgtoken Throughout his life, Dixon remained devoted to the pursuit of knowledge and the written word. He authored ten novels, including ``Brothers,'' ``A Very Rich Man,'' and ``Running Without Lights.'' His love for literature extended beyond his own work, as he actively supported and contributed to Zyzzyva, a magazine of writers and artists. prgtoken Dixon is survived by brothers Quincy and Jeffrey, son Sam, daughter Ali, stepdaughters prgtoken Anne Dickerson Lind and Julie Dickerson Byrne, four grandchildren, and four step-grandchildren. While he will be greatly missed, Dixon's legacy will live on through the positive impact he had on his community and beyond. prgtoken , I respectfully ask that you join me in extending condolences to Dixon's family and friends, and in expressing my appreciation for his decades of work for the public good and fo
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY DR. WILLIAM E. SPRIGGS
Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-6-16

I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my late friend, Dr. William E. ``Bill'' Spriggs, who passed away on June 6, 2023. Serving as both the Economics Department Chair at Howard University and as Chief Economist for the AFL-CIO, Bill was a champion for working people and economic justice. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those of us that had the opportunity to learn from and work with him over the years. prgtoken Bill was born to World War II veterans and he continued their public service through his years of work in the federal government. He served as the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Policy during the Administration, and before that he served in the Clinton Administration in a variety of roles. Bill graduated from Williams College with a bachelor's degree in economics and political science and then attended graduate school at the University of Wisconsin, where he earned a master's degree and doctorate in economics. This was at a time when there were very few Black Ph.D.s in economics, and he maintained that trailblazing spirit throughout his life and career. prgtoken Bill was steadfast in his commitment to uplifting working people through economic policy. He was focused on many issues, including education, minimum wage, and workplace safety and he was particularly passionate about closing racial disparities in the labor market. His work highlighted how people of color, particularly Black Americans, were disproportionately lower income in our country, and he believed economic policy makers had an obligation to address these inequities. At times, he spoke the uncomfortable truth. For example, Bill bluntly stated that ``the reason that racist policies have continued to exist is that racism involves an unexamined set of assumptions.'' prgtoken This was quite evident during my first term in Congress as we debated the 1994 Crime Bill, and I looked to Bill's scholarship to resist draconian, slogan-driven legislation. Many people were trying to codify tough-on-crime slogans and soundbites, such as ``you do the adult crime, you do the adult time,'' or ``three strikes and you're out.'' Bill steadfastly researched and presented evidence of how programs like Head Start, after school programs and other prevention and intervention strategies did more to effectively reduce future criminal behavior than the slogans and soundbites. prgtoken On a personal note, Bill and I shared both a personal and professional bond. I first met Bill while serving in the Virginia General Assembly, when he was a professor at Norfolk State University. We were both admirers of the Attucks Theater on Church Street in Norfolk, Virginia that was noted for its unique architecture designed by an African American architect and financed by a Black bank in 1919. Bill's work has significantly influenced how I approach policymaking, especially in my role as the former Chairman and current Ranking Member of the Comm
RECOGNIZING JAC CUDDY FOR 10 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE NH HOUSING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chris Pappas (Democrat, NH) \u2014 2023-6-16

I rise to congratulate Jac Cuddy on his retirement from the New Hampshire Housing Board of Directors after a dedicated 10 years of service. In the last decade, Jac has worked tirelessly to improve housing conditions throughout the Granite State. I commend his dedication to the state of housing in New Hampshire, and the role he plays as a vital, valued member of not only the Conway community, but the entirety of Mount Washington Valley. prgtoken Throughout his time with the NH Housing Board of Directors, Jac has served as a shining example of what it means to be a public servant. Jac's prior positions as a member of the Executive Committee, Vice Chair, and Acting Chair have allowed him to provide accessible, equitable housing solutions for the people of New Hampshire. His extensive expertise and continuous involvement in bettering the Granite State speak to Jac's commitment to the values of the NH Housing Board of Directors. The passion he holds for this community demonstrates the highest levels of leadership, integrity, and equity necessary to provide Granite Staters with the resources and opportunities they deserve. prgtoken I commend Jac once more for his time with the NH Housing Board of Directors. His decade of tireless work for the people of New Hampshire will serve as a shining example for future board members. I look forward to seeing what his next chapter holds, and on behalf of the constituents of New Hampshire's First Congressional District, I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
ALEXANDER BARTH
Dan Newhouse (Republican, WA) \u2014 2023-6-16

today I rise to congratulate my friend, Alexander Barth, on his retirement after many dedicated years to the hop industry. prgtoken Alex was the Chief Executive Officer of John I. Haas Inc North America's leading hop supplier, as well as a partner at BarthHaas, the world's leading supplier of hop products and related services. BarthHaas, founded in 1794, is now in its eighth generation of family ownership. prgtoken As a hop farmer myself, I truly appreciate the impact John I. Haas Inc. and BarthHaas have on the industry, which is due in large part to Alex. Prior to his appointment as CEO, Alex was responsible for overseeing the company's significant production operations, so he also knows his way around a hop farm. prgtoken My sincerest thanks goes out to Alex for his honesty and integrity, and for his commitment to the prosperity of our community and industry. I wish him the best in his retirement.
RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF LT. COL. JOE M. SAHL
Andrew Ogles (Republican, TN) \u2014 2023-6-16

it is with great pride that I recognize Lt. Col. Joe M. Sahl for his service over the last two years as Commander of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District. prgtoken A graduate of Texas A&M University, Lt. Col. Sahl was commissioned into the U.S. Army in 2004. Since then, he has dedicated his career to his country, and has been stationed in Europe, Iraq, and throughout the various states of the Union. Initially assigned to the 62nd Engineer Battalion, Lt. Col. Sahl served as a platoon leader, executive officer, and as an Assistant Operations Officer. He would go on to command Charlie Company of the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 1st Brigade Combat Team where he trained and deployed before becoming the Brigade Engineer. He would go on to hold many other roles and commands before eventually becoming the 67th commander of the Nashville District of the Army Corps of Engineers. He has earned a Bronze Star twice, the Meritorious Service Medal six times, the Combat Action Badge, and numerous other official commendations. He also received the Army Engineer Association's Bronze Order of the de Fleury Medal in recognition of professional excellence. Lt. Col. Sahl is married and is a proud father to two sons who have had an excellent role model in their father. prgtoken The command he currently holds, the Nashville District of the Army Corps of Engineers, has served the region since 1888. Initially tasked with overseeing the construction of a series of locks and dams on the Cumberland River, their mission now includes flood risk reduction, hydropower and recreation at nine multipurpose projects in the Cumberland River Basin, and stewarding natural resources in the region. The personnel stationed here under Lt. Col. Sahl's command provide oversight for the various civil projects of Tennessee. They have proven vital to maintaining the safety and well-being of Tennesseans. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to join me in thanking Lt. Col. Sahl for his service to his country and in wishing him good luck as he goes to his next duty station. I am sure he will continue to uphold the traditions of the United States Army and the Corps of Engineers he serves in.
RECOGNIZING MR. ARMIN BARTH
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2023-6-16

I rise today to honor the legacy and service of a truly remarkable man, Mr. Armin Barth. A proud Wisconsinite, husband, father, grandfather, and veteran who has dedicated his life to service. prgtoken In the spring of 1944, World War II was raging in both the European and Pacific theaters, as the United States military and allied forces beat back the advance of the Axis powers. Against the backdrop of global conflict, a young man by the name of Armin Barth, from Appleton, Wisconsin, raised his right hand to serve his country. On June 24, 1944, at just 16 years of age, Armin chose to postpone his high school education and serve as a Merchant Mariner. prgtoken This was not a decision that young Armin would have made lightly--the United States Merchant Marine suffered a higher proportion of casualties during the war than any other branch of the United States military. German and Japanese naval forces understood that the maritime logistics enterprise was the lifeblood of the allied war effort; therefore, the U.S. merchant fleet became a favorite target of Nazi submarines in the Atlantic and Japanese kamikaze planes in the Pacific. prgtoken Putting the potential dangers out of his mind, young Armin knew that he had a vital job to do. Merchant ships sailing under U.S. and allied flags transported military personnel, hardware, ammunition, food, petroleum, and medical supplies in support of troops in contact all over the globe, providing a critical link between the American wartime industrial base and the front lines. From June 24 to August 15, 1944, Armin Barth served as a messman aboard the SS Canada Victory, a supply vessel which had been constructed as part of the World War II Emergency Shipbuilding Program. Following this assignment, he once again took to sea as a utilityman aboard the troopship Alcoa Patriot from September 9 to December 14, 1944. prgtoken Young Americans who answer the call to serve in the Armed Forces, especially during wartime, are deserving of the praise and admiration of a grateful nation. As a testament to his character and courage, Armin Barth answered this call not once, but twice, before his 18th birthday. On June 9, 1945, Barth enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He achieved the rank of Private First Class and served honorably as a Motor Transport Operator and Dispatcher until his discharge from the United States Marine Corps Reserve on April 14, 1950. prgtoken Upon his discharge from the United States Marine Corps, Armin and the love of his life, Lois, built their home in Appleton and proudly raised five children: Jean, Joan, Gary, Keith, and Kevin. Following Armin's service in the military, he applied the leadership skills he gained to his civilian career as a truck driver for Consolidated Freightways operating out of Menasha, WI, which he did for 55 years. Furthermore, Armin has continued to support and serve his local community by transporting fellow veterans from the A
ARC NATURE COAST 40TH ANNIVERSARY
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-6-16

I rise today to recognize the 40th anniversary of the Arc Nature Coast. prgtoken The Arc Nature Coast is an organization that assists adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. They provide individually tailored quality support and advocacy to promote their self-determination and inclusion in community life. They serve about 200 individuals annually through various programs such as residential, skill training, transportation, and employment. More than 80 individuals have secured employment in the community through their employment services programs. prgtoken Under the leadership of their current Executive Director, Mark W. Barry who has served for the past 20 years, the Arc Nature Coast has established itself as a quality organization that makes a profound impact on the lives of those it serves and their families. prgtoken The Arc Nature Coast provides an invaluable service to our community, and we are better for it. I thank everyone involved for their tireless dedication and wish them nothing but continued success.