mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING RED OAK FABRICATION
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-2-2

in my new position as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I have the honor of recognizing an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. It is my privilege to recognize Red Oak Fabrication of Red Oak, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week for the week of January 30, 2023. prgtoken As you will often see across our great State, small businesses and families go hand-in-hand in Iowa. Red Oak Fabrication of Montgomery County is no different. Red Oak Fabrication was founded in 1913 under the name Pike Machine Shop. A short decade later, management would decide to adopt the name that still stands today: Red Oak Fabrication. In 1928, Ted Fort began working at Red Oak as one of three employees. Through hard work and persistence, he purchased half interest in the company in 1944 and eventually purchased the remaining to own full interest in 1948. Watching their father's growing success within the business, it was not long before Ted's sons Bill and Jack, both veterans of World War II, decided to join the fold in 1946 and 1947 respectively. Bill was responsible for starting the outside sales of oxygen and welding supplies, while Jack joined the sales team. Ted's two sons proved to be great additions to the company, especially as the Fort family's involvement in Red Oak Manufacturing extended beyond the second generation. prgtoken The third generation of the Fort family working at Red Oak Fabrication began in 1978 when Ted's grandson Jeff Fort started as a route truck driver. Jeff eventually took over the business in 1992 and made a big splash in 1993 when he purchased a plasma table, the company's first. Jeff's son, Jacob Fort, started in 2001 following his graduation from college, ushering in the fourth generation of Forts. Jacob got his start working in indoor and outdoor sales. Jacob left the company in 2005, but returned in 2014 and now handles business development and purchasing, leading the activities at the north location. Jordan Fort, another one of Jeff's sons, began working at Red Oak Fabrication as a freshman in high school in 2004. He worked at his family's business every summer until his sophomore year of college. He now handles the powder coating as well as purchasing. In 2022, Justin Fort joined the business working in operations following a decade of work in cutting equipment manufacturing and production welding equipment sales. prgtoken You can find Red Oak Fabrication in three locations in Montgomery County, a north, south, and central location. The central location is where the company started and is where the machining centers, as well as a Carhartt store is located. The north facility provides powder coating, plate rolling, manual and robotic welding, while the south location has their plate processing equipment. Starting as a two truck operation, Red Oak Fabrication has grown t
DENOUNCING THE HORRORS OF SOCIALISM
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-2-2

I thank our chairman very much for his leadership on what is a very important subject. prgtoken I rise today, , to support the simple yet necessary resolution to denounce the inevitable corruption of socialism and the suffering, death, and destruction it has brought upon hundreds of millions of people throughout the world since its inception. prgtoken Our Founding Fathers built our Nation on the principles of freedom and liberty, which leads to a free market economy, all tenets that stand directly counter to the ideas and ideals of socialism. prgtoken Capitalism has produced prosperity for generations of Americans and has shaped the American Dream that so many have sought by immigrating to America for centuries. prgtoken , how many are fleeing capitalist countries like the United States for socialist countries, I ask? prgtoken Overtaxed economies backfire. They have no growth, prosperity, quality of life, or advancements in medicine, food, housing, or education. Overregulation stifles business throughout national and global markets and, on the State side, gives States like Florida and Texas--and good for them--a great advantage over overregulated and overtaxed States. prgtoken Historically, obvious metrics and clear results prove that capitalism is far better for all societies, especially the United States of America. prgtoken As President Reagan said, socialism only works in two places: Heaven where they don't need it, and hell where they already have it. prgtoken Socialist governments culminate with absolute power, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.
LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
Steve Scalise (Republican, LA) \u2014 2023-2-2

the good news is, we not only have already brought some bills to achieve cost savings, we are going to continue to bring bills to achieve cost savings. In one example, the gentlewoman referred to a piece of legislation that deals with drug prices, and it was failed to mention that part of what that bill did was limit about 40 percent of lifesaving drugs to come to market. prgtoken We are already seeing right now a reduction in R&D and drugs being developed to cure new diseases because many of those countries that have government-fixed pricing also don't have many of the lifesaving drugs that America has because of that very policy. prgtoken I am curious to see which lifesaving drugs they don't want to have on the market in America anymore. You can go to Canada, you can go to France, and you can see a long list, unfortunately, of drugs that you can't get in those countries that you can get in America that save lives every day. prgtoken That bill also raised taxes to the tune of over a trillion dollars on Americans. It raised spending to the tune of over a trillion dollars in America. That has increased inflation. prgtoken The biggest concern I hear from families who want cost savings is to stop the mad spending in Washington. It has not only caused them to have to pay more for everything they buy, it has literally taken a paycheck a year--at least one month's pay a year--out of their pockets because of all of the spending we have seen in the last 2 years in Washington. Our constituents just want Congress to try to rein in that spending. prgtoken In fact, we brought another bill this week. We can talk about D.C we can talk about other places, but all across America, most Americans are saying, let's get back to our lives, let's end this COVID emergency. We announced last week that we were going to bring a bill during this week to end the COVID emergency. prgtoken What was interesting was, after we took the lead, President himself actually acknowledged that it does need to end, but he said he wants to wait until May to do it. What is interesting about waiting until May is it allows the Federal Government to continue spending billions and billions of dollars under the guise of COVID that has absolutely nothing to do with COVID, like paying people not to work. prgtoken Millions of people today are able-bodied, fully capable of working, but because of the waiving of things, like welfare-to-work requirements, where people can right now get $25,000, $35,000 prgtoken a year to sit at home and not work, well, you know what that does. We want to reverse that policy. If somebody is capable of working, they should be working. prgtoken We believe in a social safety net for people. If somebody comes on hard times, that is why you have programs there. prgtoken We are in America. If you want to stay at home and not work, that is your right. Just don't ask that hardworking taxpayer, the single mom who is working two jobs,
DENOUNCING THE HORRORS OF SOCIALISM
Roger Williams (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-2-2

let me just ask you this: Are we capitalist, or are we socialist? prgtoken I am glad to join my colleagues in denouncing socialism in all forms. Socialism is the greatest threat to our economy and freedom and must be defeated. prgtoken Worldwide, socialism has led to the death of more than 100 million people, has forced thousands to flee in exile, and has turned prosperous nations into impoverished and hopeless nations. prgtoken Socialism is not winning in America and has no place in our country. We are a nation of opportunity and incentive and because of those principles, we are a nation of hope where everyone can benefit. prgtoken What sets America apart from the rest of the world is the drive to reach our fullest potential coupled with a free market economy. It is what makes us the greatest economic engine in the world. prgtoken The opposite of socialism is capitalism, and I am proud to call myself a capitalist. Capitalism is about taking responsibility for what you create and making it even greater. It is about going from nothing to going to something. It is about taking risks and getting rewards, not government handouts or freebies. prgtoken Capitalism has been the greatest force in the history of our world for lifting people out of poverty, and we must instill this value that we have in future generations. prgtoken As a small business owner for 52 years, I represent Main Street America. Let me tell you, , the implications of what socialism would mean for our businesses are alarming and scary. Main Street was built by men and women who wanted to swing for the fences because, at the end of the day, there is a desire to dream bigger, to dream bolder, to turn dreams into a vision, and visions into reality. prgtoken America must always lead the fight against socialism and communism. We must always defend the principles of the American Dream and ensure our future generations have the same opportunities to build something for themselves. prgtoken We must never forget the tragedies socialism has caused for countries around the world. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues--everybody--to support this resolution denouncing the horrors of socialism and opposing the implementation of socialist policies in the United States. prgtoken Bottom line: socialism bad, capitalism good. prgtoken In God We Trust.
DEATH OF TYRE NICHOLS
Donald M. Payne, Jr. (Democrat, NJ) \u2014 2023-2-6

I thank Chairman Horsford for bringing forth this Special Order hour and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Ivey) for hosting this Special Order hour. prgtoken This Special Order hour focuses on the problem of police brutality, especially in Black and Brown communities. I welcome the opportunity to raise awareness for an issue that is so close to so many in my community. prgtoken To the family of Tyre Nichols, I once again send my heartfelt condolences for your tragic loss in the wake of the release of that horrifying footage that the world watched of, yet again, another despicable display of police brutality in this country. prgtoken Our cities and streets have been plagued for decades by this senseless and unnecessary use of force by sworn officers of the law. It has permeated facets of Black and Brown lives. prgtoken In the last 10 years alone, my State of New Jersey has been home to 109 excessive force lawsuits against officers and police departments since 2012. Because of that number, I could not give you the names that were involved in these situations--as I said, 109. prgtoken The profession of policing should not be costing States and local taxpayers millions of dollars each year in settlements for wrongful acts caused by those entrusted to protect and serve. prgtoken I voted for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, which was legislation that would end racial profiling in law enforcement, ban choke holds and no-knock warrants, and establish a Federal standard for policing in and against African-American communities. prgtoken The calling card for such a bill came after thousands of Americans took to the streets in the summer of 2020 to protest the brutal murders from policing violence of George Floyd and other African Americans. prgtoken For too long, many Americans were considered dangerous and violent simply because of the color of their skin. prgtoken We have been witness for some time now that police officers have been allowed to violate the sanctity and privacy of African Americans while in their cars, homes, or even standing on the sidewalk. prgtoken The time is now for us to create a nationwide standard for police conduct to stop police brutality against African Americans and other minorities. prgtoken This is a day we have been waiting for in the Black community for a long time. I am hopeful that we can work together in a constructive manner with my colleagues across the aisle and get this done. prgtoken I am honored to be a part of the Congressional Black Caucus that has been a conscience and a voice for the American people and the conscience of this body as it continues to talk about righteousness in this Nation.
ENERGY CYBERSECURITY UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP ACT OF 2023
Deborah K. Ross (Democrat, NC) \u2014 2023-2-6

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I rise today in support of the Energy Cybersecurity University Leadership Act of 2023--a reintroduced version of this bill brought by myself along with Representative Carey. The House passed this bill overwhelmingly in a bipartisan fashion during the 117th Congress. prgtoken As all Members know, the United States has witnessed an alarming rise in cybersecurity threats and attacks against our energy infrastructure. prgtoken My home State of North Carolina is no exception. In May of 2021, a disastrous cyberattack on the Colonial pipeline caused the company to halt all pipeline operations, leading to panic buying of gasoline and diesel fuels across my home State. Roughly two-thirds of North Carolina's gas stations ran out of fuel, including 70 percent of gas stations in Raleigh, the largest city in my district. prgtoken Our constituents rely on dependable energy sources for their lives and their livelihoods, and we cannot afford continued exposure to these types of attacks. The Energy Cybersecurity University Leadership Act, a bipartisan bill I co-led with Congressman Carey--and I am pleased to do again--will help address this vulnerability. prgtoken Our bill will confront growing cyber threats against our country's critical energy infrastructure by making real investments in a strong and diverse workforce that is ready to meet the challenges we face. It will provide financial assistance to support graduate students studying the convergence of cybersecurity and energy infrastructure in addition to providing hands-on traineeship experience at our national laboratories and utilities. It will also expand the Department of Energy's outreach to HBCUs, minority-serving institutions, and Tribal colleges. prgtoken I represent much of the Research Triangle, home to institutions and universities that are propelling our Nation's innovation in cybersecurity and clean energy. From NC State to UNC-Charlotte to the west, to Shaw, St. Augustine's, and Wake Tech, this legislation will better equip our brilliant students and researchers in North Carolina and beyond to tackle the changing cybersecurity landscape. prgtoken I thank Ranking Member Lofgren and Chairman Lucas for their leadership in bringing forth this bill not just this session but the session before. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 302, and .
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE HISTORIC LANDS REACQUISITION ACT
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2023-2-6

. Madam , I rise today in support to H.R. 548 the Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act. prgtoken H.R. 548 aims to take certain Federal lands in Tennessee into trust for the benefit of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. prgtoken These lands are intended to be utilized for memorialization, the interpretation of Cherokee history and culture, as well as a space for meeting for events and performing traditions. prgtoken For historically significant locations like the Chota and Tanasi, locations that once served as the Cherokee Nation's Capital, memorials are to be built. prgtoken From as early as 1721 to 1730, Tanasi functioned as the Overhill Cherokee's de facto capital. prgtoken The Cherokee historically were forced to abandon Tanasi, a historic Overhill settlement in modern-day Monroe County, Tennessee, in the 19th century in due to a rising town whose chief held more power. prgtoken Chota similarly an Overhill Cherokee towns site in Monroe Country, Tennessee that developed after the loss of Tanasi. prgtoken The history of the Cherokee is one that is long and rich with history, yet many persecutions from early the USA infringes on their culture. prgtoken They are estimated to have numbered around 22,500 people in 1650 and oversaw an area of the Appalachian Mountains that now is part of Georgia, part of eastern Tennessee, and part of what is now North and South Carolina. prgtoken The desire for fertile farmland during the Southeast's rapid expansion of cotton cultivation, the finding of gold on Cherokee territory, and the racial prejudice that many white southerners had against American Indians were all factors in the removal of the Cherokees. prgtoken The tribe gave up about 4 million acres of territory between 1783 and 1819 in the hopes that this would put a halt to ongoing displacement efforts. prgtoken As authorized by the Indian Removal Act of 1830, which resulted in the creation of the Trail of Tears, the Federal Government negotiated treaties aimed at clearing Indian-occupied land for white settlers. prgtoken An estimated 4,000 of the roughly 16,000 Cherokee who were forcibly removed between 1836 and 1839 passed away during this process. prgtoken The Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians was the name given to the Cherokee by the U.S. Government in 1868 after many decades of struggle. prgtoken The relationship between the USA and the American Indian tribes is far from perfect. prgtoken As such, offering the Cherokee this land to help rebuild the culture that the United States actively displaced is a worthy cause.
EASTERN BAND OF CHEROKEE HISTORIC LANDS REACQUISITION ACT
Teresa Leger Fernandez (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2023-2-6

. Madam , the balance of my time for closing. prgtoken I would just like to compliment the sponsor's explanation of the benefits that this bill will bring. We have heard a little bit of the great history that lies within Tennessee and of the resilience of the Eastern Band of Cherokee as they have maintained their identity to the land and that their use of the land will further assist the members of this wonderful country of ours to learn a bit more about that history, to learn a bit more about the life that is breathed into the statues that we surround ourselves with here in the people's House. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to support the legislation, and .
RECOGNIZING MS. CARMEN MARTINEZ, OUTSTANDING CITIZEN IN THE 51ST CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
Juan Vargas (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-2-6

I rise today to honor Ms. Carmen Martinez, outstanding healthcare advocate and community member in the 51st Congressional District. prgtoken Ms. Martinez is being honored for her long-time commitment to supporting healthcare and public health access. She was one of seven founding ``Mothers'' of San Ysidro Health, founded by residents in search of medical services for their children. prgtoken Ms. Martinez originally established ``el Club de las Madres,'' and in 1969 opened the ``casita,'' the Centro de Salud de la Comunidad, which was a small house with only 2 rooms and 4 dedicated volunteers. San Ysidro Health, one of San Diego's largest non-profit community health providers, has grown to having a $50 million budget, 650 employees and 24 medical, dental, counseling and other services. San Ysidro Health has provided care for more than 110,000 patients and has more than 50 clinic and program sites, serving patients who have no insurance and receive Medi-Cal or Medicare. prgtoken For her dedication, Mother Carmen Martinez was awarded with Southwestern College's honorary degree. She has been honored in the community for her strength, wisdom, perseverance, courage and love for its people. prgtoken Ms. Martinez is being honored as the 51st District Constituent of the Month in September 2022, during Hispanic Heritage Month, as well as, during the month she turns 99 years of age. She is recognized for her work in paving the way to provide greater access and affordable healthcare services for all constituents, and she also continues to inspire the next generation of supporters of healthcare access.
HONORING THE LIFE OF DORA MARIE KNELL
Jared Huffman (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-2-6

I rise today in memory of Dora Marie Knell, who passed away at the age of 98 on December 19, 2022. Dora was a political activist in her community and a champion of women's rights. prgtoken Born in Sonoma County in 1924, Dora grew up in Guerneville, CA and attended Santa Rosa Junior College where she was the first woman elected student body president. She later earned her bachelor's degree in English and Journalism from UC Berkeley. Dora became a successful small business owner in Marin County, founding her own printing business, Copy Desk, in San Rafael and starting a publishing company, ETRI. In 1989, she sold her businesses and purchased several commercial properties, managing them herself. prgtoken A dedicated political activist and feminist, Dora was committed to increasing women's participation in the political process. She was a founding member of the National Woman's Political Caucus, an Emeritus Member of the Marin Woman's Political Action Committee and elected to serve two terms on the Marin ic Central Committee. In addition, she also served on the Marin County Grand Jury and the Marin County Housing-Family and Child Advisory Committee. Known for her vocal activism, Dora is remembered for speaking her mind and fighting for a healthy democracy. prgtoken Along with her hard work ethic and commitment to making a positive difference for others, Dora was known for her quick-witted humor, fierce determination, and generous spirit. While she will be greatly missed, her legacy will live on through the positive impact she has had on her community and beyond. prgtoken Dora is survived by her children Gregory, Catalaine, Theodora, Valerie, Vivian, Geoffrey, Derek, and her 21 grandchildren and great- grandchildren, many of whom have carried on her passion for politics and public service. prgtoken , I respectfully ask that you join me in extending condolences to Dora's family and many friends and in expressing my deep appreciation for her decades of public service in her community.