mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2023-9-12

with my fellow Members of Idaho's congressional delegation Senator Jim Risch and Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, we pay tribute to an outstanding Idahoan, Richard ``Rich'' Hayes Cesler, Sr who served our country and its veterans with great distinction. He passed away on July 16, 2023. prgtoken Rich not only assisted living veterans and their families, but also made sure thousands were recognized and honored after their passing. Rich partnered with Fred Salanti in cofounding the nonprofit Missing in America, MIA, Project. Rich served as the MIA Project's national cemeteries/laws coordinator. Since 2006, the duo led MIA Project volunteers nationwide who have interred the unclaimed cremated remains of nearly 5,800 veterans. prgtoken As a Vietnam veteran, Rich connected with the many veterans and their families he helped. He grew up in Portsmouth, VA, and joined the U.S. Air Force directly after high school. He obtained the rank of sergeant during his service from 1966 to 1972. He was trained as a jet aircraft mechanic and aircraft maintenance technician and served as a crew chief in Saigon, Vietnam, working on F-111 aircraft. prgtoken His loved ones characterize Rich as ``a true renaissance man'' who dabbled in many different hobbies and occupations. His obituary includes a list of his vocations after his military service noting that in no particular order he ``was a life insurance agent, a police officer, Veteran Service Officer, small business owner, general contractor, cargo/baggage handler, senior customer service agent, international head judge for car stereo contests, promoter, Director of two State Veteran cemeteries, beta tester, trainer, VFW state commander, he drafted legislation, delivered seminars, was a competitor at car stereo contests, a published writer, and a die-hard veteran supporter and advocate.'' In fact, he was recognized with a 2011 Spirit of Freedom: Idaho Veterans Service Award for his unselfish dedication to his fellow veterans and their families. His work as director of two State veterans cemeteries to ensure veterans and their spouses received the burials they were promised and his founding of the MIA Project were among the many examples of his dedicated service to others cited in his award recognition. prgtoken Honoring Rich Cesler in Congress in September during National POW/MIA Recognition Month, a time set aside to highlight ongoing efforts to seek answers for families of America's prisoners of war--POWs--and missing in action--MIA--is deeply fitting as Rich made sure lost soldiers were honored here at home. He saw firsthand that America's veterans did not only go missing overseas. He recognized that the shelves of funeral homes, coroner's offices, and State hospitals and even far less ceremonial locations should not be the final resting places for veterans who do not have remaining family or have lost touch with their families. MIA Project volun
HERKY THE HAWK CELEBRATES 75 YEARS AS UNIVERSITY OF IOWA MASCOT
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-9-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Kalayna Durr of New London in Henry County, Iowa, for being crowned the 2023 Iowa State Fair Queen this past August. prgtoken The annual Iowa State Fair Queen competition takes place during the Iowa State Fair as county queens from across the State compete for the coveted crown. Judging is based on personality, leadership, attitude, citizenship, contribution to the community, as well as overall appearance, demeanor, and poise. After 5 days of workshops, evaluations, and interviews, Kalayna was able to beat out 103 other contestants for the title. prgtoken In addition to the well-deserved crown, Kalayna Durr's triumph comes with substantial awards, including $8,000 in scholarships, a $600 gift card, a pair of cowboy boots, exquisite diamond earrings, an Iowa State Fair brick, and, of course, a sash that signifies her role as the State's ambassador of agriculture and community. prgtoken Her reign promises to be a symbol of grace, intelligence, and leadership as she represents Iowa and its cherished traditions throughout her term as the Iowa State Fair Queen. prgtoken Congratulations to Kalayna Durr on this outstanding accomplishment. Rest In Peace K9 Officer Kurly
CONGRATULATIONS TO LEAH SHACKLEY
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-9-12

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Leah Shackley of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, who won a second gold medal this past Thursday at the World Junior Aquatic Swimming Championship in Israel as a member of Team USA. prgtoken A senior in high school, Leah has won races across the country, and now around the world. Through her commitment to training at both the Blair Regional YMCA in Hollidaysburg and in her family's pond in Bedford County, Leah has shown that hard work and determination can provide an incredible recipe for success. prgtoken As she represents both our district and our Nation, Leah faced tough competition from over 600 athletes representing 100 nations. During the team relay event, Leah set a personal record in the 100-meter butterfly with a time of 57.75 seconds. prgtoken With Leah's continued success in the water and her support of friends and prgtoken neighbors in Bedford, she continues to set an incredible example for student athletes in central Pennsylvania. prgtoken On behalf of all of Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District, I congratulate Leah and all of Team USA on their success in the World Junior Aquatics Swimming Championship. Pass a Farm Bill that Ensures America's Security
EXTENDING THE AUTHORITY TO COLLECT SHASTA-TRINITY MARINA FEES THROUGH FISCAL YEAR 2029
Bruce Westerman (Republican, AR) \u2014 2023-9-12

I commend Mr. Huffman and Mr. LaMalfa for bringing this legislation forward. I think this could actually be a model that could be expanded on across the country so that recreation fees collected in a certain area could be retained and used to reinvest back into that area to provide Americans more access to our public lands. prgtoken , I urge adoption of the bill, and .
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Susan M. Collins (Republican, ME) \u2014 2023-9-12

I am very pleased to join Chair Murray as we begin debate on the first of what I hope will be a series of fiscal year 2024 appropriations packages considered on the Senate floor in the coming weeks. And I want to commend Chair Murray for her leadership, for her bipartisanship, for her relentlessness in getting us to where we are today. It did take a lot of work, and it has been a pleasure to be her partner. prgtoken When Chair Murray and I took the helm of the Appropriations Committee at the beginning of this year, we set forth the goal of returning regular order to the appropriations process. Now, Chair Murray and I have served in the Senate long enough that we remember what regular order means. It means going through the committee process, reporting bills out after hearings and a markup, and bringing them to the Senate floor. But many of our colleagues on both sides of the aisle have never experienced regular order. That is how long it has been since we have done the process the right way. prgtoken The system just works better when we adhere to regular order, with committee members having the opportunity to shape legislation, and the Senate as a whole having the chance to work its will. prgtoken Regular order is not easy. In fact, it is a lot of work. Our committee members spent much of the winter and spring in hearing rooms, holding nearly 50 subcommittee hearings and briefings on the President's fiscal year 2024 budget requests. We scrutinized the funding levels, evaluated the programs, and asked the tough questions. prgtoken In June and July, our members were hard at work at developing, drafting, and advancing the fiscal year 2024 funding bills. For the first time ever, our committee markups were televised so that our deliberations and our votes on amendments and on passage of each bill were fully transparent. The result, as Senator Murray has said, for the first time in 5 years, the Senate Appropriations Committee has reported each and every one of the 12 appropriations bills. All of them passed with strong bipartisan support. Seven of them were approved unanimously. prgtoken Today, we take the next important step in restoring deliberation to the appropriations process as we bring the first package of funding bills to the Senate floor. I know that both Chair Murray and I are committed to doing our part to ensure a constructive floor debate with a robust amendment process. This will require the cooperation of all Members, and I hope we will be able to work together toward that goal. It is critical that we succeed in this effort so that we do not once again find ourselves in December faced with the unpalatable choice among a 4,000-plus-page omnibus bill, a yearlong continuing resolution, or, worst of all, a government shutdown. prgtoken The leader spoke this morning about the importance of the package of bills before us. He noted that this legislation ``is designed to address a
TRIBUTE TO COLONEL KEVIN P. BURNS
Marco Rubio (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-9-12

I recognize Kevin P. Burns as he retires from a distinguished 52-year career in the U.S. Air Force as an Active-Duty pilot and later as a civil servant at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. prgtoken Kevin graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1975 and served honorably as an Active-Duty pilot until 2002. As a fighter pilot during the Cold War, he was deployed to Iceland where he intercepted and escorted Soviet bombers away from U.S. bases. He later served as a test pilot and flew more prgtoken than 65 different aircraft, including F-15s, F-16s, F-4s, and A-l0s as well as other developmental aircraft. His last flight was in a B-52 Stratofortress out of Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana in June 2022. prgtoken Kevin retired from Active Duty in October 2002, after serving as the vice wing commander of the 46th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base. Following Active Duty, Kevin continued his service to our great country as a civilian, leading the development of policy, products, and standards for the Air Force's 53rd Test Management Group, the U.S. Air Force's largest operational test wing, at Eglin Air Force Base. prgtoken Kevin's work over the decades has had an immeasurable impact on America's national security. His dedication to the mission and tireless efforts have contributed to the safety of all Americans. prgtoken I extend my best wishes to Kevin and his family on his retirement and thank him for his service.
REMEMBERING LIVES LOST AT DOLLAR GENERAL IN JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
Aaron Bean (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-9-12

my home State of Florida is still reeling from shock, horror, and sorrow. prgtoken , 2 weeks ago, on a seemingly peaceful Saturday afternoon, the community of Jacksonville endured an evil attack. I am honored today to stand with the entire Florida delegation who stands as one against this evil. prgtoken On August 26 in Jacksonville, Florida, three innocent people lost their lives to an act of hatred at a Dollar General store: Angela Michelle Carr, 52 years old; Jerrald De'Shaun Gallion, 29 years old; Anolt Joseph ``A.J.'' Laguerre, Jr 19 years old. prgtoken Angela was a beloved mother and Uber driver, Jerrald was the proud father of a 4-year-old little girl, and A.J. was a recent high school graduate. He had just started working at the Dollar General to earn some extra money. prgtoken They each had individual passions and dreams for the future. Each one had a spark that will continue to burn bright in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved them. prgtoken Today, I, and the delegation, join all Floridians in grieving for the victims and praying for their loved ones. prgtoken There are no words, , to describe our heartbreak but also the anger we feel over this racially motivated act of evil. Hate has no place, nor does it belong in America. prgtoken Today, my Florida colleagues and I stand in solidarity with the Jacksonville community. May their memories be a blessing. May God bless and comfort the families. prgtoken I now ask, , that my colleagues in the House join us all for a moment of silence to remember these three individuals.
THE WAR ON FOSSIL FUELS
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-9-12

the war on fossil fuels has already caused a 40-year high of inflation, harms families, and continues to enrich war criminal Putin and force dependency on the Chinese Communist Party for batteries. prgtoken Now the threat to American families has intensified, as explained in a September 8 editorial by The Wall Street Journal. ``Oil prices have climbed this week after Saudi Arabia and Russia extended their production cuts. The administration's response? Restrict U.S. oil and gas development. ``The Interior Department . . . canceled seven oil and gas leases in Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge . . . ``Its climate agenda is also the most lawless and economically destructive in history. ``Russia is drilling in the Arctic and using it as a shipping route to deliver oil to China. The administration's restrictions on U.S. Arctic oil and gas development amount to unilateral energy disarmament.'' prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism continues moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America with open borders. We also extend our sympathy to the great people of Morocco.
MORAL DECLINE IN AMERICA
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2023-9-12

today we return from about a 6-week sabbatical back in our districts. I would like to address some more evidence of the moral decline that is coming over our country. I am talking about the cities, including Columbus, Seattle, Milwaukee, and New York, that are suing Kia and Hyundai because of car thefts in their district. prgtoken They are not blaming the breakdown in the families encouraged by the government, not blaming the weak DAs they elect, not blaming the weak judges they elect. They are blaming the car companies. How must we look to the South Koreans when they pick up their newspaper and find out the Americans are suing their car companies because our young people can't be prevented from taking them? prgtoken Wake up, America. Please stop this horrible moral decline before it is too late. Please, please, American cities, don't sue car companies anymore because we are doing such a bad job of raising the young generation.
RECOGNIZING EARLEYVILLE FARM
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-9-12

I rise today to recognize Earleyville Farm located near Kersey, Pennsylvania, in Elk County as a Century Farm. prgtoken The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture recognizes Pennsylvania families who have been farming the same land for 100 years through the Century Farm programs. prgtoken In order to qualify, the same family must have owned the farm for at least 100 consecutive years, a family member must live on the farm on a permanent basis, and the farm must consist of at least 10 acres of the original holding or gross more than $1,000 annually from the sale of farm products. prgtoken The Earleyville Farm, owned by the Mattiuz family, has been operating since June of 1923 when Giovanni Mattiuz, an immigrant from Italy, purchased the 10.2 acres. He raised his family there, and the farm has been passed down for four generations. prgtoken Today, Ernest, Jr. continues to work on the farm along with his nephew, Mike Bona. Mike actually would be the great-grandson of Giovanni. prgtoken Thank you to the Mattiuz family for your work to feed American families. prgtoken Congratulations to the Mattiuz family for this remarkable milestone.
CURRICULUM VITAE FOR RET. STAFF SERGEANT RONALD E. MYERS
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-9-12

I'm honored to recognize Ronald E. Myers, upon the auspicious occasion of his retirement on October 1, 2023. prgtoken Staff Sergeant (U.S. Army, Retired) Myers enlisted in the Army on October 31, 1978, after graduating from Lower Dauphin High School. He completed basic training at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and went on to Fort Rucker, Alabama, to become qualified as a helicopter mechanic. SSG Myers specialized in the UH-I/Iroquois (``Huey'') aircraft, which remains his favorite, as it was the critical aircraft for Troop and logistics transport, and direct combat gun support capability. Sergeant Myers' performance and duty as a mechanic of these premier and complex aircraft was critical to the Army mission. prgtoken After his service in the active component Army, Sergeant Myers also honorably serviced in the Pennsylvania National Guard, where he earned the rank of Staff Sergeant (E-6) upon retirement. On May 1, 1991, he transitioned to the civilian/private sector, wherein he became Director of Maintenance for the Graham Capital Corporation flight department, in which he still serves after 32 years. prgtoken , I'm privileged to commend Staff Sergeant (U.S. Army, Retired) Ronald E. Myers for his tireless and selfless service to our Country. On behalf of the 10th Congressional District, I wish him Godspeed on his future adventures.
SPEAKER McCARTHY MUST KEEP HIS WORD
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-9-12

. Madam , on this very floor in January, the whole world witnessed a historic contest for House . prgtoken I rise today to serve notice: , you are out of compliance with the agreement that allowed you to assume this role. The path forward for the House of Representatives is to either bring you into immediate, total compliance or remove you pursuant to a motion to vacate the chair. prgtoken We have had no vote on term limits or on balanced budgets, as the agreement demanded and required. There has been no full release of the January 6 tapes, as you promised. There has been insufficient accountability for the crime family. Instead of cutting spending to raise the debt limit, you relied on budgetary gimmicks and rescissions so that you ultimately ended up serving as the valet to underwrite 's debt and expand his spending agenda. prgtoken , you boasted in January that we would use the power of the subpoena and the power of the purse, but here we are 8 months later, and we haven't even sent the first subpoena to Hunter . That is how you know that the rushed and somewhat rattled performance you just saw from the isn't real. prgtoken At this point during control over the House of Representatives, they had already brought in Don Jr. three times, and we haven't even sent the first subpoena to Hunter . Power of the subpoena. prgtoken Power of the purse. The only thing the 118th Congress is known for at this point is electing Kevin McCarthy and underwriting 's debt. Unfortunately, there is only one of those things we can remediate at this time. Power of the purse. prgtoken Our leadership right now is asking us to vote for a continuing resolution. A vote for a continuing resolution is a vote to continue the Green New Deal and inflationary spending. In the most troubling of fashions, a vote for a continuing resolution is a vote to continue the election interference of Jack Smith. prgtoken , we told you how to use the power of the purse: individual, single-subject spending bills that would allow us to have specific review, programmatic analysis, and that would allow us to zero out the salaries of the bureaucrats who have broken bad, targeted President , or cut sweetheart deals for Hunter . prgtoken September 30 is rapidly approaching, and you have not put us in a position to succeed. There is no way to pass all the individual appropriations bills now, and it is not like we didn't know when September 30 was going to show up on the calendar. I must be better, you must be better, and this House must be better, for it is the last best hope for tens of millions of s. prgtoken We demand real oversight against this weaponized government. Just look at the bribery. If tens of millions of dollars flowing from foreign corrupt people into the bank accounts of the family wasn't enough for actual impeachment, why were we even looking? deserves impeachment for con
MAHSA AMINI HUMAN RIGHTS AND SECURITY ACCOUNTABILITY ACT
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-9-12

I thank the Ranking Member Meeks, Congresswoman Madeleine Dean, and Congressman Lloyd Doggett for their work on this bill. I also thank Representative Banks for leading this important bipartisan measure to ensure the United States upholds its moral responsibility as a beacon of freedom in human rights. prgtoken This bill does not create any new sanctions programs. The tools we are discussing here today already exist. We are simply asking the administration to enforce them. We must do everything we can to stand with the people of Iran and prevent more violence and suffering. prgtoken I feel for Mahsa's family, seeing her being beaten, tortured, and put to death for the so-called crime of merely not wearing her hijab correctly is really unfathomable to Americans and our way of life in a free society, and it cannot stand. prgtoken I look forward to a day when the Ayatollah is out of power and the people of Iran can be free to express themselves without this kind of oppression and tyranny. I know it will happen one day, and I hope it happens in my lifetime. prgtoken , .