mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE SERVICEMEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE COMPONENTS
Randy K. Weber, Sr. (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-5-12

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of country music legend, Mickey Gilley. Mickey Gilley passed away Saturday, May 7, in Branson at the age of 86. prgtoken Born on March 9, 1936, Mickey was a native of Natchez, Mississippi, where he grew up around his two famous cousins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart. prgtoken In his career, Mickey earned 39 top 10 hits and 17 number-one songs, with six Academy of Country Music Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was a member of the 2011 Texas Country Music Hall of Fame. Gilley was also one of few artists to have received the Academy of Country Music's Triple Crown Award. prgtoken But it was the opening of a country dance club bearing his name that changed the world of country music prgtoken forever. It was 1971 when Mickey Gilley officially opened the doors of his famous honky-tonk, Gilley's. prgtoken Gilley's reputation grew so much that Hollywood even took notice with the hit movie, ``Urban Cowboy''--some of y'all have probably seen it-- where he even made an appearance alongside John Travolta, Debra Winger, and Johnny Lee. prgtoken Inspired by the real-life romance of a pair of the club's patrons, ``Urban Cowboy'' put Gilley's on the map, revived music careers, launched other careers, introduced two-stepping to a whole new audience, and created a lifestyle that has been adopted by millions. prgtoken Following his role in ``Urban Cowboy,'' Mickey Gilley found himself performing in the main showrooms in places like Las Vegas, Reno, Tahoe, Atlantic City, and even traveling to Europe to perform. Gilley even performed for Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. . Over the decades, Gilley appeared in a number of popular television series, including ``The Fall Guy,'' ``Fantasy Island,'' ``Dukes of Hazzard,'' ``Murder, She Wrote,'' and ``CHiPS.'' prgtoken Not only will Mickey Gilley's music live on in the hearts of so many who loved his music, but his cultural influence cannot be understated. ``Urban Cowboy'' became an American phenomenon, and it was influenced by the real-life stories of Gilley's patrons Dew Westbrook and Betty Helmer. ``Urban Cowboy'' told the story of a west Texas farmhand new to the area and working his job at a refinery. prgtoken This film introduced country-western dance to America and created a lifestyle adopted by millions. Even more surprisingly, it directly resulted in the most unlikely outcome of all, country-western music becoming mainstream. Once considered outdated hillbilly attire, cowboy hats and belt buckles were back in, and they became high fashion. prgtoken Recently, on Saturday, July 29, Mickey Gilley came to the Galveston Regional Chamber of Commerce's celebration: ``The 50th Anniversary of Gilley's and the 42nd Anniversary of Urban Cowboy.'' It was a great celebration with thousands, and Mickey sang for us, delighting the crowd. We even presented him with a copy of a tribute I did to him on the floor of the U.S. House
Vote on Powell Nomination (Executive Calendar)
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-5-12

I agree that members of the judicial branch need better protection. In fact, I have been appalled that leftwing pro-abortion groups released the addresses of our Supreme Court Justices and that there have been people at their houses trying to intimidate them. It is appalling and shouldn't happen. Whoever it was that released the addresses of the Supreme Court Justices should be punished. prgtoken So I think there is bipartisan support in this. I was disappointed though that the White House has not condemned the release of the Supreme Court Justices. I think that ranting and raving and noise all night is disturbing the peace and isn't actually First Amendment protected speech. prgtoken But if recent years have taught us anything, it is that Members of the legislative branch also need protection. That was clear in 2011 when Congresswoman Gabby Giffords was tragically shot while doing the most important part of her job, meeting with constituents. prgtoken Words cannot express how happy and inspired I was to see Congresswoman Giffords was in the Chamber as her husband, Senator Kelly, was recently sworn in, but words also cannot express the pain felt by the families of the people who were killed and wounded that day. prgtoken That should have been a wakeup call to better protect Members of Congress and, in doing so, better protect the people around them. But just a few years ago, a shooter nearly killed Congressman Steve Scalise during practice for the annual charity baseball game. I know. I was there. One staffer was shot less than 10 feet from me. prgtoken The Capitol Hill police were there and saved our lives. Had they not been there, things might have been much worse. But the Capitol Police aren't everywhere, and our families live in many cities outside of Washington. Extending the provisions of this bill to Members of Congress would do nothing to change the content. In fact, I believe our legislative changes add four words ``and Members of Congress.'' prgtoken So I think these protections actually are good protections. I agree with the spirit of the bill; I agree with the letter of the bill, but really it should be judicial folks protected as well as Congress. prgtoken My substitute amendment, which I will offer for unanimous consent, would make a simple change. My amendment would simply extend the protections that would be offered to the judicial branch to the legislative branch. prgtoken So I ask the committee-reported amendment be withdrawn and that the Senator modify his request to include my substitute amendment which is at the desk; that the substitute amendment be considered read a third time and passed and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.
Nomination of Mary T. Boyle (Executive Session)
Roy Blunt (Republican, MO) \u2014 2022-5-12

in reserving the right to object, my colleague Senator Paul is well-intended in this recommendation, and I listened to it carefully, as I am sure others did. prgtoken The Page Program, which has been in effect since 1829, has become a program of both opportunity and education and is a program that the Page Board, the Senate Page Board, has responsibility for. prgtoken I would say, in looking at the immediate future, the pages who are here now, the pages who have agreed to be pages in the summer, and the pages, I think, who are in line to be pages in the fall--and their families--have all looked at these recommendations. They have all decided they are recommendations they would be able to meet. Maybe more importantly, they also have decided to make that family decision for their children to be here and be pages as high school juniors, perhaps, because of the standards that have been set that they are well aware of. prgtoken I would hope that Senator Paul would continue to talk to the Page Board. I think the Page Board has a very important job to do. They accept an incredible responsibility of the relationships that they have decided to enter into between the pages, their families, and the Page Board in representing the Senate. prgtoken That Board has some oversight from the Rules Committee, and I yield to the chairman of the Rules Committee.
ABORTION IS NOT HEALTHCARE
Fred Keller (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-5-12

. Madam , I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Kelly) for allowing me to speak on such an important issue. As my colleague mentioned, my friend, any loss of life is tragic. What is even more tragic is the loss of life that could have been prevented. prgtoken I want to make sure that there is no doubt where I stand when it comes to defending human life, especially the life of the unborn. That is why every day I wear this pin on my collar that represents the size of a baby's feet at 10 weeks after conception, a baby that has a heartbeat, a baby that is alive. prgtoken I have two children and three granddaughters, and after holding each one of them in my arms for the very first time after they were born, I know what we all know, that before they were born, they were children. They are human life, and they deserve the opportunity for that inalienable right of life. prgtoken When two healthy individuals go to the doctor for a procedure and only one life comes out of that procedure, that is not healthcare. In fact, it is the exact opposite of healthcare. prgtoken We hear a lot of people talking about reproductive rights, and I am all about people being able to exercise all of their rights, but when an individual exercises their reproductive rights, the baby, the child, deserves to be born. prgtoken The left has said many times that overturning Roe v. Wade is radical. Well, from what we have heard about the decision, it simply puts it back into the legislatures of the States. Overturning Roe v. Wade is not radical. What is radical is allowing abortions up until the day of a baby's birth. That is radical. One thing that I want to be remembered for when the good Lord calls me home is the fact that during my lifetime, if nothing else, I will be remembered that I fought for life. I fought to defend those babies before they were born. prgtoken The chart that we see over here says that there have been 327,649 abortions so far this year. That is almost 2,500--it is 2,482 abortions per day in the United States of America. I call that a pandemic. And that is one that is preventable. prgtoken I think we should be doing everything we can in the people's House to make sure all the babies in the United States of America have that constitutional right, that inalienable right to prgtoken life. I thank the gentleman for yielding to me.
CONGRATULATING KENTUCKY DERBY WINNER RICH STRIKE
Stephanie I. Bice (Republican, OK) \u2014 2022-5-12

I rise today to honor the 148th Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike, and Rich Strike's owner, OU grad and Edmond native, Rick Dawson. prgtoken Rich Strike made history at the 148th Kentucky Derby overcoming 80-1 odds. This monumental victory is even more impressive as Rich Strike was not supposed to be in the Kentucky Derby, entering only after another horse was scratched. Rich Strike was added a mere 34 hours before the race was set to begin. prgtoken Congratulations to Rich Strike and Rick Dawson for bringing the Kentucky Derby to Oklahoma's Fifth Congressional District.
RECOGNIZING KATHLEEN ANN CARLSON FOR BEING INDUCTED INTO THE UPPER PENINSULA LABOR HALL OF FAME
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2022-5-12

. Madam , it's my honor to recognize Kathleen Ann Carlson for her induction into the Upper Peninsula Labor Hall of Fame. Through a lifetime of service and devotion to the public good, Kathleen has become an indispensable part of the Upper Peninsula and the state of Michigan. prgtoken The U.P. Labor Hall of Fame was established in 1993 to recognize unionists who have made outstanding contributions to the cause of worker dignity and workplace fairness. With a lifetime of service to her community in healthcare and local labor groups, Kathleen is very deserving of this honor. prgtoken Kathleen was born in Iron River, Michigan, on September 19, 1960, and was the youngest of four children. After starting a family, she returned to work in 1985 and was hired by the Marquette County Health Department in the Accounting Department of Administrative Services. Her experience there inspired her to join her American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local as a steward, then Treasurer, and eventually the first female President. prgtoken During her involvement with AFSCME, Kathleen successfully advocated for and helped give a voice to workers across the Upper Peninsula. Over the years, she went on to serve in multiple positions in different local union organizations such as U.P. Labor Management Council delegate, AFSCME Staff Representative, a transition team member for the Marquette County Labor Council, and many more. prgtoken Madam , it's my honor to recognize Kathleen Ann Carlson for her induction into the Upper Peninsula Labor Hall of Fame. This great honor reflects a lifetime of service towards the rights and well-being of fellow workers. Michiganders can take great pride in knowing the First District is home to such a dedicated leader. On behalf of my constituents, I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Jerry Moran (Republican, KS) \u2014 2022-5-12

this week, our Nation observes National Police Week, a time when we pay tribute to our brave law enforcement officers and honor those who died in the line of duty. prgtoken Over the course of this week, Americans will come together to pay tribute to the 619 officers who gave their lives in the line of duty last year. Among them, six brave officers from Kansas will be memorialized on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC. prgtoken Thousands travel to our Nation's Capital to honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice during this ceremony, and back home, Kansans will gather to honor the men and women who put on a uniform each day to protect the communities we call home. prgtoken One officer Kansans will gather to pay tribute to next week is Captain Clay Germany of the Wichita Police Department. Captain Germany was a U.S. Navy veteran and started his law enforcement career serving with the Oklahoma County Sheriff's Office and the Midwest City Police Department. He then dedicated 27 years to serving with the Wichita Police Department and, throughout his time, served as police officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. prgtoken Captain Germany earned a reputation for being a trusted leader and mentor within the community and in the department, always willing to lend a helping hand. On behalf of Kansas, I want to express my gratitude for his service. Captain Germany's dedication helped make Wichita a better and safer community. prgtoken I also want to recognize Wichita Police Department Officer Kyle Mellard, who was shot when responding to a welfare check in June of last year. After fighting for his life, Officer Mellard is able to walk again, a recovery that his fellow officers call a miracle. Despite his severe injuries, when talking about his recovery, Officer Mellard made his goal clear: to get back to work as an officer as soon as possible. prgtoken All too often, we forget about the many important roles that our police officers have within our communities. This extends beyond relationships between police officers and individual residents. It is about the relationships between law enforcement and key institutions in our communities, such as churches, hospitals, schools, and businesses. prgtoken During Police Week, we honor those we have lost, but we also remember the families they left behind. May God comfort them in their time of grief and be a source of strength for them. prgtoken May God bless our law enforcement officers and protect them from harm as they faithfully perform their duties each and every day.
SUPREME COURT'S IMPENDING DECISION
Ralph Norman (Republican, SC) \u2014 2022-5-12

I thank Congressman Perry for getting this colloquy together. Dan Bishop put it well. America is getting a front-row seat to a left, unhinged group that, on an opinion that was leaked--that is illegal on its face--can inspire people, before the decision is even rendered, to go to the homes of the Supreme Court Justices and attempt to change their minds. It is illegal. prgtoken It is in Federal statute. It is punishable by a year in prison. Merrick Garland, we call on him to enforce the law, to start arresting people. prgtoken When is it going to end, folks? When is it going to end when a decision that the left doesn't like, in anticipation, is going to the houses of the Supreme Court Justices and all the neighbors, disrupting a complete neighborhood and disrupting the lives of Justices who are not political figures? They are elected for life. prgtoken When will we see fences stop being put up around the Supreme Court? Who would imagine? The Founders would have never guessed that this would have been coming to effect. prgtoken Do you know what is so appalling? The comments from this administration and from its supporters. A quote by one person who is on the abortionist side: ``If abortions aren't safe, then you aren't either.'' prgtoken Another quote: ``The time for civility is over, man. Being polite doesn't get you anywhere.'' prgtoken This is just a replay of the vandalism that took place all across this country--over 537 cities torn up--and a decision has not even been rendered. prgtoken Folks, it is time for a change. It is time for this to stop. It is time for all Americans to voice their opinion and displeasure over this, the killing of a child. prgtoken When you follow the money, that is where you know where the priorities are. For Title X funding, in the `23 budget, this administration is putting prgtoken forth $400 million, a $113 million increase to fund abortions that goes to Planned Parenthood. prgtoken In the United Nations Population Fund going to countries overseas, over $56 million of the taxpayers' dollars are going overseas when we can't get baby formula. We can't get supplies that Americans need. The inability of a parent to tell a child that is crying into the middle of the night ``I can't get you formula'' falls directly on this administration. prgtoken I commend the gentleman for doing this. This voice has to get louder. Americans are simply tired of it. To do this at this time in history has to be stopped. I think it is.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE CAREER OF MAJOR SERGEANT HUNTER SORRELLS
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2022-5-12

. Madam , today I rise to honor the career of retiring United States Marine Corps Master Sergeant Hunter Sorrells. prgtoken During his time as a Marine Corps fellow in my office, Master Sergeant Sorrells served our men and women in uniform, along with the veteran community of Northeast Wisconsin, with the utmost dedication and professionalism. His intelligence, tenacity, and devotion to helping others made him a beloved and invaluable member of my team. His relentless advocacy on behalf of Northeast Wisconsin veterans changed the lives of multiple individuals in my district and delivered for them the benefits they earned in service of our Nation. prgtoken There is no better example of Master Sergeant Sorrells' dedication to his fellow men and women in uniform--particularly Marines--than his efforts to recover the Camp Reasoner base sign from Vietnam. After being informed of the issue, he dove into action and not only gathered bipartisan support, but expertly worked through the logistics that would be required to bring the sign home to American soil. Thanks to his perseverance, all Marines then serving in the House of Representatives signed onto a letter bringing the issue to the attention of Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Throughout his time in my office, Master Sergeant Sorrells exemplified the highest standards and values of the United States Marine Corps. I am privileged to have had the opportunity to work alongside this great American. prgtoken Madam , please join me in recognizing Master Sergeant Hunter Sorrells' exemplary career in the Marine Corps and wishing him all the best in retirement. Our Nation is safer, and the Northeast Wisconsin community is better, because of his service.
TRADE DEFICIT AND MEANS OF PRODUCTION
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2022-5-12

the recent numbers on our trade deficit in this country tie in strongly with our supply chain issues we have been facing during COVID and during this new administration. We have reached a new record of $110 billion for 1 month of March of our trade deficits. prgtoken So why are we in this precarious situation? prgtoken We are not producing the way we need to in this country. I just spoke with some dairy folks a while ago from California. They are having more and more difficulty in producing but also exporting. We are not adhering to our trade regulations and our trade agreements. Basically the USTR is saying we are not being empowered to make new trade agreements, we are instead more worried about other things such as climate change and things like that. prgtoken How are we supposed to compete? prgtoken How are small towns and small town economies supposed to keep going when we cannot produce here and we cannot have trade agreements that are adhered to? prgtoken Under the agreements with China we were $300 billion behind because they were not being enforced. prgtoken How are we supposed to have the means of production in this country when we don't enforce our trade laws and our trade agreements? prgtoken We have shiploads that come over here full of more electronic gadgetry or what have you from China and others, and then they leave our ports a lot of times empty. They don't even fulfill obligations. When they leave the ports in southern California they are supposed to stop in the Port of Oakland, for example, and pick up our ag products, almonds, et cetera, and take them back. Yet they don't because they are not being enforced. prgtoken What does that mean for our economy? prgtoken It means bad things. Bad things for our rural ag economy and bad things for our rural trade deficit. So if we don't have the means of production here, if we are not sustaining them, then we will not have food and we will not have the other things that Americans produce as part of our trade agreements, and then we will be even more dependent on imported food and imported products that have already put us over a barrel. prgtoken Somewhere around 90 percent of our pharmaceuticals, for example, are produced in China. prgtoken What if they decide to cut off their export to us and keep us over a barrel on that? prgtoken How are we supposed to continue to compete? prgtoken How are we supposed to have an economy? prgtoken We need the President and his U.S. trade representatives to adhere to enforcing our trade agreements because it means so much to our jobs, and it means so much to our economy. If they are not producing for export, then they are probably not going to be around to produce for our domestic use. prgtoken So as we see the world food crisis mount up--and we haven't seen anything yet indeed as water is being cut off in California, for example, because of BOR and others are not finding that a priority over fish and over salinity