mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Kat Cammack (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-8-12

I rise today in strong opposition to the inflation expansion act. prgtoken It feels a little bit like Groundhog Day here on Capitol Hill because it wasn't but about a year ago that we found ourselves debating almost this very same legislation. It was a bad idea then; it is a bad idea now. Even Bernie Sanders isn't buying this bill and has said that it won't do much to reduce inflation. prgtoken The only difference here really is the price tag from a year ago-- $745 billion in new spending. That is not cheap. Do you know what we could do with that? prgtoken You could give every single working mom in America a check for $96,000. prgtoken You could give hardworking American seniors, who are, many of them, prgtoken now retired and having to go back to work, and they are on fixed incomes, you could give them $14,000. prgtoken You could give every homeless veteran in America a check for $5.6 million with this bill. prgtoken Instead, we are going to double the size of the IRS and target hardworking families who make $400,000 or less. We know it to be a fact. Stop denying it. The Senate refused and rejected the amendment that would have protected families making $400,000 or less. prgtoken Reject this bill. Put Americans first. It is time to vote hell no.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OF GREG AND CHERYL POTTS
Mike Rogers (Republican, AL) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the 50th wedding anniversary of Greg and Cheryl Potts. prgtoken Miss Cheryl Lee Kriner and 2LT Gregory F. Potts were married on August 2, 1972, at Central United Methodist Church in Richmond, Indiana. prgtoken The honeymoon was spent en route to Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, where 2LT Potts reported for active duty in the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps 3 days later. prgtoken After more than 28 years of U.S. Army active military service for Greg and over 20 years of DoD civilian service for Cheryl, they decided in the autumn of 2000 to settle in retirement in Alabama, in great part because of the warm welcome and exceptional hospitality they experienced during their 2-year assignment at Anniston Army Depot in the late 1990s. prgtoken Retirement has been anything but quiet for them as Cheryl continues to be very active in her church, Jacksonville First United Methodist, and on the Advisory Board for OPAC (Oxford Performing Arts Center) after having served in various capacities in other community organizations. Greg is also active in the same church and serves as Chairman of the Farley L. Berman Foundation after also being active on several other local entities. prgtoken After retiring from BAE Systems in 2008, Greg and Cheryl decided to create GFP Consulting, a niche business development advisory and consulting firm focused on assisting small and other businesses in the national security space. They are proud to be entering GFP Consulting's 15th year of continuous operation. prgtoken Cheryl and Greg consider themselves richly blessed to be part of the life and fabric of East Central Alabama. prgtoken Madam , please join me in recognizing my friends, Greg and Cheryl, and wishing them a happy 50th anniversary.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF SENATE AMENDMENT TO H.R. 5376, BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-8-12

. I thank the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. prgtoken McGovern) for yielding me the customary 30 minutes, and such time as I may consume. prgtoken , while I recognize we are engaged in a very, very partisan exercise and a harsh partisan debate, I do want to acknowledge the loss from our congressional family of the Representative from Indiana (Mrs. Walorski). I so appreciated your presence at her funeral yesterday. I know it was a difficult time for many of us. We also lost two of our congressional staffers, who, in many ways, are like family. Emma Thomson used to work in my office as my communications director. prgtoken It has been a tough week, and now we end it with today's rule providing for the consideration of a Senate amendment to H.R. 5376, the so-called Inflation Reduction Act. I say the so-called Inflation Reduction Act because you would almost need a degree in nanometrology, you would almost need a micrometer to be able to measure the amount of deficit reduction that is included in this failed legislation that we have in front of us. prgtoken In fact, this is the second time we have seen this legislative vehicle. The tried to push through a partisan budget reconciliation. Now, what does that mean? prgtoken That means that there is zero input from the side of the aisle. Why is that important? prgtoken You have a House and a Senate that are almost evenly divided. It is 50-50 in the Senate. They relied on the Vice President's vote to get this across the finish line. As we heard this morning at the swearing- in of our new Member, you have a bare majority in the House of Representatives. prgtoken So don't try to tell people that this has been an exercise that is well thought out, that has come through the committees of jurisdiction where people have had input. No. No has had any input into this travesty that we have in front of us today. prgtoken , I sit on the Budget Committee. We did not mark up a budget resolution for fiscal year 2022. Instead, what happened? prgtoken The budget was deemed passed in a rule vote without any--zero--floor consideration. prgtoken This bill is a reconfigured Build Back Better Act that the House passed last October that didn't really have the breath to rise up off the floor, but somehow Senators cut a deal--ic Senators cut a deal with themselves--and now we have it on the floor today. prgtoken , I stress again, this bill had no input, and it will have a negligible effect on inflation. President has stated that this bill will reduce inflationary pressures. Oh, my God, just make stuff up. What do you mean, inflationary pressures? prgtoken That is not the same thing as actually reducing inflation. In fact, when you look at the language of this bill, you will recognize that there are things started but they are only for a short period of time. In reality, we know that once something is started it never stops up he
HONORING CORNERSTONE INDUCTEE JEROME DUNKLIN
Connie Conway (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Dr. Jerome (Jerry) Dunklin, M.D for his induction into the Fresno City College Football Wall of Fame. prgtoken A lifelong Fresnan and football fan, Dr. Dunklin was born and raised in Fresno, California, where he graduated from San Joaquin Memorial High School and was a member of the 1974 Valley Champion football team. He attended Fresno City College and Santa Clara University before graduating from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. prgtoken Upon completing his undergraduate education, Jerry attended medical school at Creighton University and graduated in 1985. After medical school, he continued his study of medicine as a transitional intern at the Michigan State University Kalamazoo Center. Jerry was accepted into the orthopedic surgery residency program at the University of Missouri in Kansas City where he trained under the surgeon known for developing the modem technique for ACL reconstruction. While completing his residency, he also worked with the team physicians for the Kansas City Royals and the Kansas City Chiefs as well as on the faculty of the University of Missouri in Kansas City. He eventually made his way back to his home state of California and completed a fellowship in sports medicine and ski trauma at the Tahoe Fracture and Orthopedic Medical Clinic. prgtoken In 1992, Dr. Dunklin returned to his hometown of Fresno and founded a solo practice in orthopedic surgery. In 2001, he became a founding member of Sierra Pacific Orthopedic Center. Dr. Dunklin enjoys practicing general orthopedics and specializes in sports-related injuries, fractures, total joint replacement, work-related injuries, and trauma. prgtoken Since returning to Fresno, Dr. Dunklin has volunteered as the team doctor for his alma maters, San Joaquin Memorial High School and Fresno City College and continues to do so today. prgtoken In 2020, Dr. Dunklin answered the call of duty and joined the United States Navy as a Reserve Officer. As Lieutenant Commander in the Medical Corps, Dr. Dunklin takes seriously his responsibility to impart leadership skills and medical expertise on to the next generation of our nation's military. prgtoken In his free time Jerry enjoys traveling, hiking, water and snow skiing, golf, and spending time with his wife of 40 years, Marianne, and their 3 children. prgtoken Madam , I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to join me in commending Dr. Jerome Dunklin on his many years of service to his patients, his community, and his country and congratulating him on his induction into the Fresno City College Football Program's Wall of Fame.
WELCOMING THE HONORABLE BRAD FINSTAD TO THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Tom Emmer (Republican, MN) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , we come together to honor a friend and colleague who we lost earlier this year, and to welcome a new Member into the House of Representatives, our friend, Mr. Brad Finstad. prgtoken Six months have passed since we lost our friend Jim Hagedorn to cancer, and his absence continues to be felt in this Chamber and throughout southern Minnesota. Our thoughts remain with his family, as we all know how significant a loss it has been for them and for all of us. prgtoken Earlier this week, however, the residents of Minnesota's First Congressional District elected Brad Finstad to carry out Congressman Hagedorn's legacy of relentless representation in the House of Representatives. They could not have made a better choice. prgtoken As a fourth generation Minnesotan, Brad truly represents the best values of our State. Honesty, integrity, and the willingness to answer the call to serve. Born and raised on his family farm in New Ulm, Minnesota, Brad grew up understanding the importance of a hard day's work, a trade he still appreciates and carries with him every single day. prgtoken After graduating from the University of Minnesota, his work on the family farm led Brad to join the Minnesota Farm Bureau and eventually to serve three terms in the Minnesota House of Representatives. prgtoken In 2017, Brad was appointed by President as the Director of Rural Development of USDA in the State of Minnesota. While there, he worked to improve the lives of farmers throughout our home State. That earned him the respect and admiration of his community in southern Minnesota. prgtoken Even through his successful election to the House of Representatives, Brad, his wife, Jaclyn, and their seven children, continued to operate the family farm in New Ulm. He and his wife met on a school bus in the second grade, and as a husband and father of seven, Brad and Jackie have raised their children on the values of faith, family, and hard work. prgtoken On behalf of the entire Minnesota delegation, please join us in welcoming Representative Brad Finstad, his wife, Jaclyn, and their seven wonderful children to the United States Congress. prgtoken Madam , from Minnesota (Mr. Finstad), our new Representative.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-8-12

I rise today in opposition to the inflation expansion act which is threatening the same industries that it purports to help. prgtoken Washington who claim to champion electric vehicles are pushing a bill--you are pushing this bill that will threaten an over $5 billion investment Hyundai is making in the First Congressional District of Georgia. prgtoken Now, , this is serious. This is a $5 billion investment that they are threatening. This will be the automaker's first dedicated electric vehicle manufacturing plant in the United States and will create over 8,000 jobs upon completion. prgtoken This bill's new EV tax credit discriminates against and excludes South Korea, a key strategic trading partner and longtime ally of the United States and may actually violate the KORUS Free Trade Agreement. prgtoken This burdensome regulation could prevent billions of dollars in investment, thousands of jobs, and affordable electric vehicles from coming to market in the United States. prgtoken The answer is clear: We need innovation not regulation. The private sector is leading the charge. You are messing around with a $5 billion investment and 8,000 jobs, . I hope that you will let my colleagues know, .
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF MR. JAMES PAUL MASON
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Mr. James Paul Mason. Mr. Mason was a life-long resident of Neshoba County, Mississippi. His parents, Mrs. Mary Ethel Graham Mason, and Mr. James (Jim) Presley Mason, both advanced education in their home county; his mother as a teacher, and his father as a member of the school board. prgtoken James Paul was a star athlete at Neshoba Central High School and was recruited to play football at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) by the legendary John Howard Vaught. prgtoken Upon graduating from Ole Miss, Mr. Mason returned to his high school alma mater as an assistant football coach for 5 years, then embarked upon a distinguished career with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency. prgtoken Mr. Mason is recognized for his long service to his county, state, and Nation as executive director of the USDA's Farm Service Agency for Neshoba and Kemper counties until his retirement in December 2018. His service was exemplary. prgtoken Outside his role with the USDA, Mr. Mason was a dedicated husband to his wife of 49 years, Judy Clark Mason, and a loving father to his 2 daughters, Yancey and Corby. prgtoken James Paul was a proud member of the Ole Miss ``M Club,'' a club for athletic letter winners at the University of Mississippi. He was a loyal supporter of the University, attending an untold number of sporting events as a season ticket holder for football, basketball, and baseball. There was not a bigger Rebel fan. prgtoken James Paul was generous to his friends. He also had a ``Never-met-a- stranger'' personality which endeared him to those who met him. He was loved and admired by a multitude of family, friends, and colleagues. Mr. James Paul Mason will always be remembered as a husband, father, and friend. There was none finer. prgtoken On behalf of a grateful Nation, we commend and thank Mr. James Paul Mason for his decades of service to his country.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Tim Burchett (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , following Jim Jordan is like why nobody wanted to follow Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock. It is going to be tough. prgtoken But you never reduce burdens or inflation by increasing taxes $740 billion. It is estimated that there is a $4,500 increase on the average family under this proposal. Instead, you simply create more government that never goes away. prgtoken This is not an inflation reduction act. It is a woke climate bill that will increase inflation, Madam . prgtoken Madam , my friends seem to have forgotten that capitalism is not the enemy; we are. prgtoken I would also remind my colleagues across the aisle that, in Tennessee, we reduced taxes and regulations, and now we have record surpluses. Individuals and businesses are moving from your district to mine as fast as they can get there. prgtoken Madam , the ranking member, who I call chairman, will be incredibly missed here in these Halls, but also more so out on the baseball field.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Andrew S. Clyde (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , despite the White House's politically motivated propaganda that claims our economy is in a transition with zero percent inflation, the reality is we are facing an economic recession and continue to battle 40-year high inflation. prgtoken As millions of Americans struggle to buy groceries, fill up their gas tanks, afford rent, and pay utility bills, are ramming through their tax-and-spend bill that will only make life worse. prgtoken Now, I know the left can't quite grasp the basics of high school biology, but it appears that they also need a lesson on the fundamentals of economics and basic math. prgtoken But I don't think they are interested in their much-needed schooling because their actions are intentional. Time and time again, the left proves their priorities lie with Big Government socialism, not the American people. Through increased IRS audits, they are willing to demolish any small business, worker, or family that gets in their way. prgtoken Madam , I urge all my colleagues to reject fueling inflation and reject tax hikes during a recession by voting ``no'' on ' build back broke bill.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Bill Johnson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , I rise today to highlight my amendment that the minority refuses to even bring to a vote. My amendment is simple. It would amend this so-called Inflation Reduction Act by striking from the bill the Methane Emissions Reduction Program, which is a fancy term for what could be more accurately described as attacks on American natural gas. prgtoken In my district in eastern and southeastern Ohio, oil and gas workers get up every day to produce our valuable natural resources that are used to generate electricity, power manufacturing, heat and cool our homes, cook our food, and more recently, to use our American natural gas to rescue our European allies who now find themselves under Vladimir Putin's tyrannical thumb. prgtoken This methane tax jeopardizes all of this, and it represents yet another attack by the majority on American fossil fuels that have brought more people out of poverty around the world than any other energy source around the planet. prgtoken When I talk to producers in my district, I give them a lot of credit. These companies, without being asked, are quite literally innovating every day. They use state-of-the-art technology to capture as much of their methane prgtoken emissions as possible, and they are proud to do it. prgtoken And what is their reward? Well, they get a new tax anyway. It is also worth noting that the EPA is already working on rulemaking for regulating methane emissions, and the authors of this bill knew that-- all to appease the radical environmentalist left. prgtoken Madam , I want to be clear that this isn't, ``a methane reduction program.'' It is a massive tax on American producers, American businesses, and American workers. It is a tax on job creators in Ohio. It is a tax on hardworking Americans trying to heat and cool our homes, and a tax on feeding our families, and a tax on the American way of life. prgtoken We should strike this provision from the bill.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
John H. Rutherford (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken Madam , I rise today in strong opposition to this reckless spending bill, which, contrary to its name, will do absolutely nothing to address inflation. In fact, the bill before us today will further threaten the prosperity of hardworking, middle-class taxpayers. prgtoken The same leaders who drove this economy into a recession are back. But this time, it is another failed plan to raise taxes, build more bureaucracy, and create a government slush fund with taxpayer dollars. prgtoken We need to call this bill what it is. It is a $700-billion debacle that will drive up costs for everyone, double the size of the IRS, attack medical innovation, as you have already heard, and use $350 billion to implement the Green New Deal all while giving handouts to the wealthy. prgtoken Hardworking Americans across the country are facing the reality of rising prices and a nationwide recession. They deserve leaders who are focusing on the lives of everyday Americans, not politicians who pander to the President and his failed policies. prgtoken Madam , I urge a ``no'' vote on this egregious bill.
HOMETOWN HERO--GARLAND ISD
Beth Van Duyne (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Garland ISD for its dedication to ensure our North Texas veterans are set up for success when they return home. prgtoken Last month, after recognizing the statewide struggle to find employees, Garland ISD partnered with Soldiers to Sidelines--a nonprofit aimed at helping soldiers get the training, credentialing, and even the networking needed to build post military careers in coaching. prgtoken I have met with several veterans' groups across North Texas, and they have all expressed the immense challenges they face transitioning into civilian life. By partnering with Soldiers to Sidelines, Garland ISD has affirmed its commitment to helping the heroes of North Texas overcome this obstacle. prgtoken It is imperative we lift up and support the veterans who have risked it all for our country. I'd like to thank Garland ISD for going above and beyond to do exactly that.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Ben Cline (Republican, VA) \u2014 2022-8-12

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , we know the real story. We know what happened a year and a half ago when the so-called American Rescue Plan was passed--40-year high inflation rates resulted. We see now what the result is from the Build Back Better plan that had no chance of passage in the Senate. This is the offspring of Build Back Better. prgtoken Even Bernie Sanders, a socialist who can come up with a million flawed excuses to spend your tax dollars, says he can't find a way to even say this would reduce inflation one iota. prgtoken We know that instead of fostering American energy independence, increasing purchasing power for the American family, and reducing inflation, this bill includes: $16.5 billion in higher taxes for those making less than $200,000 a year; $38 billion in new taxes on American oil and gas producers, which will be passed along to consumers in the form of even higher costs for heating homes and gas prices, and; $480 billion in tax hikes that will hit workers through slashed wages. prgtoken Half the bill is Green New Deal climate change special interest funding, including taxpayer-funded subsidies on electric vehicle purchases, and; $80 billion to double the size of the IRS, creating an army of new enforcement agents. prgtoken , I urge a ``no'' vote on this horrible legislation.
REMEMBERING THE LIVES OF THE HONORABLE JACKIE WALORSKI, EMMA THOMSON, AND ZACHERY POTTS
Jim Banks (Republican, IN) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , yesterday, many of us celebrated the life of Jackie Walorski at the funeral in her district. Today, we honor her life on the floor of the House of Representatives, where she served for nearly a decade. prgtoken Jackie was a giant in Indiana politics, and she had a giant impact here in this institution, as well. Her lifetime of public service will be long-remembered, from her time on the mission field in Romania, to her time at the Indiana Statehouse, to the time that she spent serving our Nation here with all of us. prgtoken She embodied public service and putting others before herself. Her legacy, fighting for the unborn, for our veterans, and for the poor and disabled, is a legacy that we will honor here for a long time to come. prgtoken We also honor the lives of Zachery Potts and Emma Thomson, two staffers who should remind all of us of the sacrifices that our staffs make to serve each of us in our important roles. prgtoken I also want to say to the family of Edith Schmucker, who was involved in this tragedy as well, that we honor her life, the life of your loved ones, as well. prgtoken Tragedies like this one remind us of how fleeting and fragile our lives really are. But Jackie's life reminds us that we should live it to the fullest, just as she did, and that is how we can honor her best.