mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
JACKIE WALORSKI MATERNAL AND CHILD HOME VISITING REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2022
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-12-2

this week, we honor the legacy of Representative Jackie Walorski by renewing our commitment to help moms and babies thrive. I thank Chairman Davis and our leader, Dr. Wenstrup, for their leadership on this issue. prgtoken Throughout her life, Jackie served vulnerable families, from the mission field in Romania to the halls of Congress, where she proudly represented the men and women of Indiana's Second Congressional District. prgtoken She reached across the aisle and worked closely with Chairman Davis to move this important bipartisan bill forward. My last conversation with Jackie was by Zoom on this bill itself. prgtoken We miss her very much. We are proud to dedicate the product of her collaboration today to her because she has been such an inspiration in these efforts. prgtoken Jackie knew that this was a critical program that supports vulnerable families and improves the health of moms and babies through pregnancy into the early years of a child's life. prgtoken This program builds upon decades of research that proves home visits by a nurse, social worker, or other trained professional during pregnancy, and in the very first years of a child's life, help to prevent child abuse and neglect, support positive parenting, improve maternal and child health, and promote the development of kids and school readiness. prgtoken This is a bipartisan bill that reflects many of our priorities, including increasing transparency about outcomes and results for families and targeting dollars to the neediest communities. prgtoken Most Federal programs, unfortunately, operate in a black box. Less than $1 out of every $100 the government spends is backed by even the most basic evidence and research to make sure the money is spent wisely and succeeds. prgtoken Unlike many of those programs, MIECHV is evidence-based, so we know the real impact on families and children. We are able to direct funding toward what works for them. prgtoken The Walorski home visiting program will gradually increase funding from $400 million a year to $800 million a year over a 5-year period and introduces a State match so we can stretch those dollars even further back home. prgtoken The principle is simple. Where the States see value in investing, the Federal Government will also invest. It also ensures the new matching funds are allocated to States based on the number of kids under 5 living below poverty, so funding goes where the needs and the kids are. prgtoken The bill increases transparency by creating what I love, which is a State-by-State outcomes dashboard so all of us can see how these interventions are helping families, and it maintains the current focus on high standards. prgtoken I take this moment to thank my friend, Dr. and Representative Wenstrup, who serves today as acting leader of the Subcommittee on Worker and Family Support. He stepped up to the plate to carry on Jackie's legacy with grace and determi
JACKIE WALORSKI MATERNAL AND CHILD HOME VISITING REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2022
Carol D. Miller (Republican, WV) \u2014 2022-12-2

I rise also in support of the Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022. prgtoken Programs like these are essential and they deliver meaningful results that strengthen our families and our communities. prgtoken In West Virginia, the MIECHV program has made over 21,159 home visits, served 1,556 families, and impacted over 1,943 children. The program supports our vulnerable pregnant women, and it comes alongside parents with young children to ensure that they all have the resources that they need to raise their children. prgtoken I also, of course, take a moment to recognize my dear friend and colleague, Jackie Walorski, who this bill is named after. prgtoken Jackie was my mentor in Congress when I first came here and she very quickly became my friend. We shared meals together, good conversation, and her office was even directly across from mine in the same hall. prgtoken It was my pleasure to serve alongside her on the Worker and Family Support Subcommittee. Her leadership and her passion for these issues are reflected in this bipartisan bill. prgtoken , I urge all my colleagues to vote in favor of this resolution.
MEDIA SHOULD REPORT ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2022-12-2

for those folks back home and the members of the news media, when we talk about the number of illegal immigrants coming here, they basically come in here two ways. prgtoken Either they check in with the Border Patrol, say that they are going to show up for a hearing, eventually, to see whether they are an appropriate subject for asylum, and then they disappear into America. At least we know a little bit about them because they check in with the Border Patrol. prgtoken More dangerous is what they call the got-aways who just run through the many holes of our southern border. We have no idea who they are. They are more dangerous because we know nothing about them. prgtoken It recently came out that there were 73,000 got-aways who entered the country in November. That is the all-time high. As far as the last 2 years are concerned, it blew by the old all-time high by 22 percent. prgtoken I would hope that our slumbering news media would wake up and do a story about this so the American citizens know what a rapid increase we have of people coming into this country who don't even get the cursory examination that people who come here seeking asylum do. So please, news media, wake up.
JACKIE WALORSKI MATERNAL AND CHILD HOME VISITING REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2022
Brad R. Wenstrup (Republican, OH) \u2014 2022-12-2

such time as I may consume. prgtoken I thank Chairman Davis. I appreciate his work in bringing H.R. 8876, the Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022, through our committee, and I am proud to support this effective legislation named in honor of our dear friend, Representative Jackie Walorski. Jackie had a servant's heart, and we shared not only a strong friendship but a passion for creating opportunities to help others beyond just one day, with life-changing measures and positive outcomes. prgtoken In this case, those that are served are mothers and their new children, those that otherwise have many obstacles that can often lead to costly and negative health outcomes. Jackie worked tirelessly and passionately on this program with Dr. Davis. The Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program is a program that is successful, and the data supports that. prgtoken What does success look like? A healthy mother with a caring support system delivering and raising a healthy new child that is ready to grow, learn, and thrive. prgtoken Earlier this year, I visited Every Child Succeeds, a Cincinnati nonprofit that helps support mothers and young children. During the roundtable discussion with local moms and home visitors, I heard firsthand how the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program, MIECHV, as we call it, we heard how it is working. I also heard kids being loud and laughing, and I thought to myself, that is the sound of happy, healthy children. prgtoken Our bipartisan legislation reauthorizes MIECHV for 5 years and will serve more moms and babies by growing the capacity of the program in partnership with the States. MIECHV is a successful program, first of all, by phasing in a State match to vulnerable populations. We will expand the research of evidence-based home visiting programs across the country by adding $174 million in new State funding. prgtoken Second, we target funds to families in poverty by directing three- quarters of additional MIECHV funding based on the number of children under 5 in poverty in each State. prgtoken Third, the bill improves outcomes reporting so more people will have visibility and access to the good work being done by home visitors. prgtoken HHS will also be required to implement a State outcome dashboard, so we have more transparency on program performance measures and clinical indicators to show actual impact on families. prgtoken Lastly, we apply lessons learned from the pandemic and allow virtual visits to continue on a limited basis while maintaining MIECHV's commitment to in-person visits and high evidence standards. prgtoken As a physician, I am very familiar with the evidence-based benefits of in-home support for both new parents and children, and I am glad we are able to find common ground to provide stability for the program and the vulnerable families that the program serves. This program helps
FAREWELL TO SERGEANT MAJOR JEREMY D. BARTON
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2022-12-2

. Madam , I rise today to honor a superb Soldier and Army legislative liaison for his tireless commitment to the United States Army, serving our Nation for 31 years, concluding in the Army Legislative Liaison Office. As Sergeant Major Jeremy D. Barton retires from the United States Army, I believe it is fitting to recognize his service and dedication to fostering the relationship between the United States Army and this Chamber. prgtoken Sergeant Major Barton's commitment to service enabled him to excel in numerous leadership positions throughout his Army career. Jeremy began his career by enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1992 as a Field Artilleryman. Throughout his amazing career, he led Soldiers at every level from squad leader through battalion command sergeant major, always placing the needs of his Soldiers and their families first. He also completed numerous demanding Army schools, to include Ranger School, Jumpmaster School, and the Pathfinder Course. He distinguished himself as a tactical and technical expert, serving in the most demanding assignments in the Army, to include multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan and remote locations in Alaska. prgtoken Jeremy's relentless commitment to the Army proved invaluable in providing support to the House of Representatives and our constituents. As both a Defense Fellow in my office and an Army Legislative Liaison, he spent countless hours ensuring our Members were educated on Army combat systems, modernization programs and policy initiatives. He also led multiple Congressional Delegations to various locations around the globe. Jeremy has become a trusted adviser and friend to many of us, distinguishing himself by continuously going above and beyond the call of duty to serve the needs of Congress. prgtoken This Chamber will feel Sergeant Major Barton's absence. I join many past and present Members of Congress in my gratitude and appreciation to Jeremy for his outstanding leadership and unwavering support. This Nation is grateful for his commitment and the personal sacrifices he has made during his time in the Army Legislative Liaison Office and United States Army. prgtoken On behalf of the United States House of Representatives and the United States of America, I commend Sergeant Major Jeremy Barton and his family for their dedicated support to our Army, our Soldiers and this Nation. I congratulate him on an extremely successful career, his dedication to service, and wish him the best in all his future endeavors.
JACKIE WALORSKI MATERNAL AND CHILD HOME VISITING REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2022
Adrian Smith (Republican, NE) \u2014 2022-12-2

I thank Dr. Wenstrup for the time and thank both him and Dr. Davis for the work they have done to get this bipartisan bill to the floor. prgtoken I rise in strong support of this 5-year reauthorization of the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program, which honors our late colleague and friend, Jackie Walorski. prgtoken Jackie spent every day working in this body to improve the lives of families in Indiana and across the country, and enacting this bill, which enhances the ability of States and communities to help at-risk new parents care for and support their children, I think is a fitting tribute. prgtoken I led the last MIECHV reauthorization 5 years ago when I chaired the Human Resources Subcommittee, and this bill actually enhances everything that MIECHV does right. prgtoken It is a preventative program which keeps kids out of the child welfare system and saves money. prgtoken It uses fact-based methods to ensure our support dollars are well spent. prgtoken It asks States to provide matching funds, so they have some skin in the game when utilizing this funding, and it is paid for within our committee's jurisdiction without raising taxes. prgtoken MIECHV is a model for how our safety net should work, and I strongly support this bill.
JACKIE WALORSKI MATERNAL AND CHILD HOME VISITING REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2022
Gregory F. Murphy (Republican, NC) \u2014 2022-12-2

I rise in support of the Jackie Walorski MIECHV Reauthorization Act. prgtoken Maternal, infant, and childhood home visiting programs support pregnant women and their young children with evidence-based approaches that improve maternal and child health outcomes for the most vulnerable. prgtoken Over the last 30 years, I have taken care of many single mothers who struggled to take care of their children. Sadly, the problem is only getting worse with the explosion of fatherlessness in this country. prgtoken This is a program we all wish didn't need to exist, but we are all very glad that it does. This is actually when the government gets it right. prgtoken I personally have been in these homes, when I was in the State legislature, and these young women desperately need our help. Even more so, the children of these single mothers need our help. prgtoken This program will help young mothers get the help that they need for their children. These are not handouts; these are hand-ups. This is what government is supposed to do. prgtoken I am proud of our colleague and dear friend, the late Congresswoman Walorski, for her dedicated leadership on behalf of women and babies throughout the country. prgtoken Jackie shined a bright light in this Chamber and was resolute in her love and support for American families. This bill cements her legacy and will improve the lives of millions of Americans for generations to come. prgtoken I am honored to support this legislation and urge all of my colleagues to vote for the reauthorization act in honor of Jackie Walorski.
RECOGNIZING MR. TOMMY STALNAKER
Austin Scott (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-12-2

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the career of my good friend, Chairman Tommy Stalnaker, who is retiring after 50 years of service to Houston County, Georgia. prgtoken Mr. Stalnaker began his public service in 1972 and worked in various local government positions for 38 years until he was elected as chairman of the Houston County Board of Commissioners in 2010. Mr. Stalnaker started serving as Houston County's Chief Elected Official the following year and served three consecutive terms as chairman for 12 years. prgtoken During his tenure, Mr. Stalnaker was a champion for developing Houston County into the thriving community it is today and supporting the mission at Robins Air Force Base. While in office, he served on the Governing Council of the Middle Georgia Regional Commission and the Central Georgia Joint Development Authority. prgtoken Mr. Stalnaker worked for and with 30 Houston County Commissioners during his extensive career and is proud to see Houston County in positive financial standing with no debt. prgtoken I am honored to have the privilege of representing outstanding Georgians and servant leaders like Chairman Stalnaker. I thank him for his many years of service to our community, and I wish him the best in his well deserved retirement.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steve Scalise (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-12-2

. The final question would be on government funding. We are hearing there are negotiations. When we talk to appropriators on our side, they haven't indicated that they have been included in those negotiations. prgtoken Do we know where those negotiations are? Are all sides going to be included on a final negotiation on how government would be funded for the remainder of the fiscal year? prgtoken I yield.
AMERICA SHOULD RETURN TO THE GOLD STANDARD
Alexander X. Mooney (Republican, WV) \u2014 2022-12-2

the United States is facing an inflation and debt crisis not seen in over 40 years. West Virginians have seen the value of their savings erode before their very eyes because of reckless tax-and-spend policies. prgtoken We know who is responsible for the current inflation crisis, but what in our country's history has allowed us to get to this point? The answer can actually be traced back to 1971, when President Nixon took the United States off the gold standard. prgtoken The gold standard means tying the dollar directly to the value of gold. Under the gold standard, any American would be able to trade their dollars for a fixed amount of gold. By linking the dollar to the value of gold, the money supply could only be increased if the supply of gold increases. This connects and protects the purchasing power of your dollars. prgtoken That is why I introduced legislation to return the United States to the gold standard. Had we been on the gold standard or some other fixed standard, we would not be in the inflation crisis we are in today. I look forward to working with the majority to make sure this issue gets attention.
JACKIE WALORSKI MATERNAL AND CHILD HOME VISITING REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2022
A. Drew Ferguson IV (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-12-2

I am honored today to stand here to honor our dear friend, Jackie Walorski, and her tireless efforts on this piece of legislation, the Jackie Walorski Maternal and Child Home Visiting Reauthorization Act of 2022. prgtoken This legislation is important because it really does provide needed services to our most vulnerable. Just in the State of Georgia, this program produced over 20,000 home visits and really had an impact on families with early development, mental health, substance abuse, and a lot of other things that some incredible nurses did. prgtoken This program is being reauthorized with some much-needed reforms in it. There is going to be stability in the program. Jackie fought hard to make sure that this program was based on evidence so the dollars will go where they work. prgtoken I am honored to be here today to support this legislation, but more importantly, I am here to honor our dear friend, Jackie Walorski.
RECOGNIZING JANET NYCE
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-12-2

I rise today to recognize the dedicated efforts of a great champion in service of wildlife preservation and nature conservation. Janet Nyce of Elliottsburg, Pennsylvania, is a leading advocate for conservation and women in the outdoors, both locally and nationally. prgtoken Since 1990, Janet has held leadership roles in conservation organizations such as the Safari Club, the National Rifle Association, and the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation. In addition to being a charter member of the Wildlife for Everyone Foundation since 2004, Janet served as secretary and president during her tenure. Most recently, Janet was elected by her fellow members to serve on the board of directors of the NRA. prgtoken Most notably, Janet has dedicated her time to teaching classes about the outdoors and self-defense for women. She has frequently been an instructor for hunting and firearms safety courses throughout the United States. prgtoken , please join me in thanking Janet Nyce for her many years of dedication to the cause of conservation and outdoor sportsmanship. Thanks to her work, future generations will be able to carry on in the outdoor traditions that we now enjoy.
JACKIE WALORSKI MATERNAL AND CHILD HOME VISITING REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 2022
Mike Kelly (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-12-2

I am standing beside this picture of Jackie Walorski, and anybody that ever knew Jackie knew this is the way she always looked. This bill today that we are talking about reveals who she really was and still is. prgtoken She was born on August 17, 1963, and she passed on August 3, 2022--59 years on Earth, 59 years of a servant's life. prgtoken Jackie Walorski never did anything for herself, to advance herself. Her main concerns were the mothers that she worried about and the children that she worried about because she knew that was America's greatest asset. prgtoken She knew that everything she did in her life was not about her but about others. She brought such a new concept to the floor, the people's House, to not only transform it in legislation but to change people's hearts. prgtoken She would never talk about herself as a Representative or a Congresswoman. prgtoken She was always here for others, not for herself. prgtoken When we look at legislation, from time to time, we start to think about what it is that we are really doing. What are we asking our taxpayers to invest in? If it is not our future, then why are we here? prgtoken The most important asset for Jackie Walorski was expectant mothers, infants, and childcare. She was truly unusual, but in her 59 years, she did so much to help so many. prgtoken I think for us to be here today on the people's House, on the floor, and to be able to share who she is--I said August 3 she passed. The only difference is Jackie is not here in person, but she is looking down from her spot in heaven and smiling the way she is smiling in this picture because that is the essence of who Jackie Walorski was. We all loved her, we all miss her, and we know we will never replace her, but we sure thank God for giving her to us for 59 years. prgtoken , I thank Drs. Wenstrup and Davis for bringing this forward, and I cannot believe in anything other than a complete ``yes'' from every single Member of the House on this bill.