mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Steve Scalise (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , I thank my friend from Kentucky (Mr. Guthrie) for yielding. prgtoken I rise in strong opposition to this bill that will absolutely increase the deficit. It will absolutely increase inflation, and this bill will absolutely increase energy costs. In fact, they have a multibillion-dollar new tax on energy. prgtoken I haven't heard one person in America saying they want to pay more money for gasoline, yet they are putting billions in new taxes on energy, so you will not only be paying more for gasoline, but you will be paying more for utility bills for your household, which are already skyrocketing because of President and Pelosi's radical, far-left spending they have already done the last year and a half. prgtoken But it doesn't end there. $250 billion in cuts to Medicare drugs--that is right. For seniors, this bill cuts $250 billion out of Medicare drug spending to help people in higher income brackets be eligible for more Care subsidies, so a massive wealth transfer away from seniors to higher- income people to get subsidies for Care. prgtoken Then let's talk about these 87,000 IRS agents. You think of just about any NFL stadium in America filled completely with new IRS agents. That is right, more than doubling the size of the IRS to go after lower-income people. They love saying on the other side: Don't worry. It is not going to touch them. prgtoken There is only one problem: It doesn't stand up to the facts. prgtoken There was an amendment in the Senate, right here, very simple, a one- page amendment to protect people making under $400,000 from new audits by the IRS. This amendment was voted down on a party-line vote because they want that army of 87,000 IRS agents going after lower-income people. prgtoken In fact, the smoking gun came out this morning. They don't have a full CBO report on this bill. You heard the old adage that you have to pass the bill to find out what is in it. That is what they are doing today. That is why they are rushing this bill through today. It doesn't even have a review from the Congressional Budget Office. prgtoken But just a few hours ago, we got this. It was a confirmation that the IRS agents will be getting about $20 billion in new taxes from people making less than $400,000. That is right. The CBO just confirmed it a few hours ago. prgtoken President made that promise multiple times: If you make under $400,000, don't worry; your taxes don't go up. This bill breaks President 's promise. It is confirmed by the CBO. prgtoken There was an amendment to stop it from happening, and every voted against it. They wouldn't allow us to bring that amendment here on the floor because they are ramming it through because they don't want people to know what is inside of this bill. $700-plus billion in new taxes--budget gimmicks that say, for the new taxes over 10 years, they are only going to account for 3 years of spending, which means if you account
HONORING THE PUBLIC SERVICE OF MAYOR JIM DURRETT
Mark E. Green (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize Mayor Jim Durrett for his distinguished career in service to the people of Montgomery County, Tennessee. prgtoken Mayor Durrett is truly a man of Montgomery County. It is there that he was born and raised, there that he and his wife raised their 3 children, there that he attends church, and there that he lives today. Both of his parents were public servants in the County; his father served 26 years on the Clarksville City Council and his mother worked the election polls for as long as he could remember. Public service is in his blood. prgtoken He began his career early in life, shoveling asphalt for the City of Clarksville while attending Clarksville High School. He attended Austin Peay State University in Montgomery County, and upon graduation, he started work full-time for the City of Clarksville. He served as the Director of Streets for 20 years, later becoming Chief of Staff for the City. prgtoken Mayor Durrett was elected by the people of Montgomery County in August 2014, though it was not an easy first term. Within months of his election, Hemlock Semiconductor announced they were pulling out their $1.2 billion facility--a sharp blow to the community. Within one year of this notice, however, and after much hard work by Mayor Durrett and his team, Google announced their plans to move to Montgomery County. Since then, LG, Shinhung, and Pantos have all joined Google. prgtoken His tenure as Mayor has undoubtedly improved the lives of Montgomery County residents. From projects such as the Downtown Commons, a public field in the middle of downtown Clarksville, to the ongoing F&M Bank Arena, Mayor Durrett's vision for the County is coming alive. From just 2019 to today, Mayor Durrett's efforts have added or announced 6,700 new jobs in the County, amounting to $2 billion in capital investment. prgtoken As a veteran myself, I am especially grateful for Mayor Durrett's leadership in support of our servicemembers. Montgomery County has a large population of servicemembers and veterans, due to the location of Fort Campbell. Under his leadership, the County was 1 of only 7 communities worldwide to be recognized with an Army Community Partnership Award. prgtoken Mayor Durrett embodies what it means to be a servant-leader in one's community. Through over 31 years of public service, and 8 years as County Mayor, Jim Durrett's career is an example to us all. It is fitting that we honor him as he concludes a long and effective career. On behalf of the United States Congress, I congratulate Mayor Durrett on the occasion of his retirement and thank him for his service to the people of Montgomery County.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Jodey C. Arrington (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , the last time my colleagues used reconciliation to jam through a massive partisan spending spree, it was under the pretense of COVID recovery. Not only did they ``fail to rescue America,'' they destroyed our recovery efforts and sent us spiraling into recession. prgtoken Now, in the aftermath of their self-inflicted economic disaster, my colleagues' response is to run the same play and expect a different result. prgtoken Another false promise under the guise of a grandiose title, the Inflation Reduction Act. prgtoken Nobody in America, Madam , believes that this bill will reduce inflation. In fact, it is going to make inflation worse by imposing massive tax hikes on U.S. job creators, strangling domestic oil and gas production, unleashing an army of tens of thousands of IRS agents to shake down working families and small businesses, handing out hundreds of billions of dollars in Green New Deal giveaways that will jeopardize America's energy security, putting America in the same position of weakness as our European allies. prgtoken Mark my words, Madam , this bill will further fuel inflation, deepen our recession, cripple our competitiveness, and increase costs at the pump.
HONORING THE LIFE OF DEPUTY ANDREW PEERY
Doug Lamborn (Republican, CO) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , I rise today on behalf of Congressman Kevin McCarthy and myself, to honor the life of El Paso County Sheriff Deputy Andrew Peery. Deputy Peery was tragically killed in the line of duty on August 7, 2022, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. prgtoken Andrew Peery was born in Frazier Park, California, on December 12, 1982, to parents David and Sandy Peery. He graduated from Frazier Mountain High School in 2001. prgtoken After graduating, Andrew joined the United States Army. He became part of the prestigious 173rd Airborne Unit based out of Vicenza, Italy, where he served as an 11B Infantryman. Andrew and his platoon were some of the first boots on the ground during the airborne assault into Iraq in March of 2003. He later served with the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado. prgtoken While in the Army, Andrew held a top-secret clearance, developing and executing over 600 operations to maintain foreign relations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Andrew Peery served three tours of duty in Iraq. During the first two tours, he was a sniper. prgtoken A decorated veteran, Andrew was awarded seven Army Commendation Medals, three Army Achievement Medals, and a Meritorious Service Medal for his service. Andrew medically retired from the Army as a Staff Sergeant in 2013. prgtoken Andrew then returned to Bakersfield, California, to work as a police officer and served in the Gang Unit for the Bakersfield Police Department from 2013 until 2016. While at the Bakersfield Police Department, Andrew received a commendation for his life-saving efforts helping a stabbing victim. He also volunteered over 100 hours of his time for the California Special Olympics. prgtoken In November of 2016, Andrew was hired on with the El Paso County Sheriff's Office as a lateral transfer from the Bakersfield Police Department. He was assigned to the midnight shift on patrol and later transferred to the Tactical Support Unit, becoming a part of the auxiliary SWAT team. After becoming a full-time SWAT Team member, Deputy Peery served as the Sniper Team Leader. Additionally, Andrew was assigned to the Gang Unit, served prgtoken as a Field Training Officer, a Firearms Instructor, and a Close Quarter Battle Instructor. prgtoken During his time at the El Paso County Sheriffs Office, Andrew was awarded numerous commendations, including five letters of appreciation, three Coins of Excellence, two Distinguished Service Awards, two Commander Citations, and a Leadership Award. prgtoken Andrew met his wife, Meghan, a schoolteacher, in November of 2004 in Colorado Springs. They were married in July of 2005. Together, they have two children, Matthew and Amy. Andrew was passionate about mountain biking, music, and spending time with his family and friends. According to his wife Meghan, ``Andrew was an adrenaline junky.'' He loved watching his son, Matthew, run cross-country and track and supported Amy as she pursued gymnastics. Matthew shares a lo
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Mike Kelly (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , I thank my friend from Texas, and I hate to see him leave because he has been so productive. prgtoken Madam , it is interesting. We had the talk and hear it going back and forth about what the IRS is not going to do. I would just tell my fellow citizens--and I am not going to talk to the other side because we shouldn't be doing that anyway. prgtoken There is something wrong whenever we look at the money that is being spent to hire agents for enforcement. I would tell my fellow citizens: Be afraid. Be very afraid. If the events of this week don't shake you to the bottom as to what this government can do to you whenever it chooses to do it and however it chooses to do it, understand that this agency, the IRS, is the most feared agency in the United States Government. It is incredible the power that it wields. prgtoken It is incredible that it is going to increase the number of enforcement officers. They are not coming in to help with the processing because all of us in Congress, including my friends on the other side, have been doing the work of the IRS for the IRS. They haven't been back to work full time for 2\1/2\ years. prgtoken Madam , I urge my friends on both sides of the aisle to vote ``no'' on this monstrosity that does not do anything about inflation but continues to harass hardworking American taxpayers.
RECOGNIZING NATIONAL HOTEL EMPLOYEE DAY
Ralph Norman (Republican, SC) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the outstanding work of hotel employees and the contributions of these hard-working men and women who provide critical service, welcoming guests at hotels across the country, and ensuring that travel is possible. I express my support for the designation of September 1, 2022, as National Hotel Employee Day. prgtoken It is true that hotel workers are a vital part of the American economy; they are crucial to enabling travel ranging from family vacations to business meetings. prgtoken Hotel workers also served as frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring other first responders and healthcare workers had a clean and comfortable place to stay while performing their duties. More importantly, nearly two million hotel workers across the country are driving the hotel industry's recovery and helping to rebuild their communities from the COVID-19 pandemic. prgtoken The hotel industry and the AHLA Foundation provide opportunities for training and advancement for hotel workers across the industry. prgtoken I concur that September 1, 2022 would be an appropriate date to designate as National Hotel Employee Day for all the reasons above, and more.
PEACE BETWEEN RUSSIA AND UKRAINE
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , it is an obvious fact that the conflict in Ukraine has led to an inordinate amount of human suffering. As much as global elites insincerely bemoan the death and devastation, their tinkering and meddling in Eastern Europe--treating countries with long, complicated histories almost as pieces on a chess board--has done nothing to bring about peace. prgtoken With the American working class suffering from crippling inflation and still reeling from unconstitutional and abusive lockdowns, sending billions of dollars to a country 6,000 miles away takes ``out-of- touch'' to a new level. Could what happened in Afghanistan--billions of dollars-worth of defense equipment squandered and left in the hands of our enemies--occur again in Ukraine? Two large French artillery units have already been captured by the Russians. Is that a foretaste of another Afghanistan-like debacle? prgtoken Politically correct politicians on both sides of the aisle are constantly preaching about the need to send more arms, more aid, more support to Ukraine. One word that is noticeably absent is the word ``peace.'' Instead of constant finger pointing, world leaders should be doing all in their power to facilitate negotiations and make reasoned arguments for why peace benefits both countries. prgtoken The problem with peace is that the administration would no longer have a distraction to their horrific domestic crises--ridiculous inflation, a tepid housing market, a weak supply chain, an invasion of criminal illegal aliens, failing public schools, and a deadly drug epidemic, to name a few. prgtoken The obstinacy implicit in this conflict--Putin's insistence on Donbas and Zelensky's determination to oppose him--highlights the error of attempting to intrude in foreign affairs not connected to American security. An amendment I offered to the National Defense Authorization Act requires the administration to explain their objectives that would justify involvement in a country thousands of miles away. It was ignored. prgtoken America's military strength has served as a deterrent to hostile foreign powers over its history. However, aid to Ukraine has depleted military stockpiles. A quarter of Stinger missiles and a third of Javelins have been sent to Ukraine. An expert from the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimates that it could take 32 months to restock the Javelins. And that was when the U.S. had only spent $2.6 billion total. Now, the tally isup to $63 billion. Imagine how strong our military would be if that money was invested here at home. prgtoken The United States is weaker as a result of interference in Eastern Europe. Russia is depleted. Ukraine is devastated. Sending money to Ukraine extends and fuels war. Can peace be obtained through diplomatic means? Maybe. But U.S. military involvement has only worsened the conflict.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , I thank my good friend from the great State of Kentucky as well. prgtoken Madam , I rise today in strong opposition to the inflation, recession, IRS army act. prgtoken As the American people struggle to put food on their tables and gas in their cars, bring us here today to raise Americans' taxes and destabilize our prescription drug market. prgtoken My colleagues across the aisle want everyone to believe that this bill will drive down the cost of drugs, but they fail to mention that this policy will severely stifle innovation, unfortunately. prgtoken As a proud advocate for individuals suffering with cancer, rare diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases, such as ALS, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's, I am committed to seeing cures come to market. But policies like this one will heartlessly jeopardize the likelihood of these breakthroughs. prgtoken I would like to see my ic colleagues work with us on the productive policy solutions found in the Lower Costs, More Cures Act, which would drive down the cost of drugs for the American people but would not destroy the innovative research and development that is uniquely American. prgtoken Sadly, it seems more thought was put into targeting average Americans with an IRS army and over 1 million new audits than in helping them find cures for their life-threatening ailments, unfortunately. prgtoken Floridians deserve better. And the American people deserve better than this bogus piece of legislation that will raise taxes and reduce the number of cures and treatments coming to market.
RECOGNITION OF PAMELA KLYN
Fred Upton (Republican, MI) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , I rise today in recognition of Pamela Klyn upon her receipt of the Good Scout Award. Pamela Klyn has dedicated her life to bettering Southwest Michigan through her work with the Whirlpool Corporation. A graduate of Michigan Technological University, Pam came to Benton Harbor in 1993 with a sharp mind and has brought the corporation to new heights locally as well as internationally. prgtoken In addition to her incredible work ethic, Pam is also an accomplished scholar. She completed her master's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan in 1995. She also achieved an Executive MBA from Bowling Green State University. At the start of this year, Pam was named Senior Vice President of Corporate Relations and Sustainability for Whirlpool Corporation. prgtoken Pam was raised by an Eagle Scout. Her father taught her to ``always be prepared'' and to ``leave things better than you found them.'' It's clear that she has reflected these lessons in everything she does. In addition to heading corporate relations and sustainability for Whirlpool Corporation, Pam is also an active Board member of the Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor and a Trustee for the Whirlpool Foundation. Pam also serves on the External Advisory Board for the Dean of Engineering at her alma mater, Michigan Tech, and as a board member for the American Association of Home Appliances and the Board of Directors for Patrick Industries. prgtoken Congratulations to Pam. There truly is no one more fitting to receive the honor of the Good Scout Award.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
David Schweikert (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , for everyone here, this is a subsidy bill. And this is the classic difference between the left and the right. They are functionally subsidizing. We on the right actually want to change the market. We want competition. prgtoken So I am going to pull out one very simple example. In here, we have $2.5 billion of subsidies for our ports to get greener and more efficient. But then the slip in language that says human- operated, meaning you are not going to take on the unions, you are not actually going to make it more efficient, you are not going to actually embrace disruption and technology. prgtoken We keep coming to the floor and talking about things that would make our ports greener, faster, more efficient, feed the supply chain--these electric rail cars, except you functionally just made them not happen. prgtoken This is a subsidy for those unions, those folks who right checks to the left. You claim you are making the environment better and cleaner, but then you build the very barriers in the language that stop those good things from happening.
BUILD BACK BETTER ACT
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , I am back home in Green Bay, Wisconsin, awaiting the birth of my second child and was unable to participate in rollcall numbers 418, 419, and 420. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall No. 418, ``nay'' on rollcall No. 419, and ``nay'' on rollcall No. 420. Members Recorded Pursuant to House Resolution 8, 117th Congress Amodei (Keller) Axne (Wexton) Babin (Tenney) Bacon (Stauber) Baird (Mooney) Barr (Guthrie) Barragan (Blunt Rochester) Bass (Kuster) Bentz (Fitzgerald) Bera (Beyer) Bonamici (Beyer) Bost (Mooney) Brooks (Moore (AL)) Brownley (Kuster) Buchanan (Franklin, C. Scott) Bucshon (Banks) Budd (Donalds) (Bowman) Calvert (Valadao) Cardenas (Correa) Carter (TX) (Weber (TX)) Cawthorn (Donalds) Cherfilus-McCormick (Takano) Cicilline (Foster) Cohen (Beyer) Comer (Guthrie) Connolly (Beyer) Conway (Valadao) Cooper (Blunt Rochester) Crawford (Fleischmann) Crist (Soto) Curtis (Stewart) DeFazio (Pallone) DeGette (Perlmutter) DeLauro (Courtney) DeSaulnier (Perlmutter) DesJarlais (Fleischmann) Deutch (Rice (NY)) Diaz-Balart (Salazar) Doggett (Takano) Doyle, Michael F. (Bowman) Duncan (Johnson (LA)) Dunn (Cammack) Escobar (Garcia (TX)) Fallon (Johnson (LA)) Flores (Pfluger) Frankel, Lois (Kuster) Gaetz (Johnson (LA)) Garbarino (Fleischmann) Gibbs (Balderson) Gomez (Correa) Gonzales, Tony (Gimenez) Good (Donalds) Gooden (Weber (TX)) Gosar (Reschenthaler) Gottheimer (Neguse) Granger (Weber (TX)) Graves (MO) (Guthrie) Green (TN) (Fleischmann) Harder (CA) (Beyer) (Mooney) Hartzler (Tenney) Herrell (Donalds) Herrera Beutler (Stewart) Huffman (Beyer) Jackson (Burgess) Jacobs (NY) (Fleischmann) Johnson (GA) (Pallone) Johnson (SD) (Reschenthaler) Johnson (TX) (Jeffries) Joyce (PA) (Keller) Kahele (Correa) Keating (Pappas) Kelly (IL) (Blunt Rochester) Kilmer (Strickland) Kim (CA) (Mooney) Kinzinger (Gonzalez (OH)) Kirkpatrick (Pallone) Krishnamoorthi (Neguse) LaHood (Reschenthaler) LaMalfa (Fleischmann) Lamborn (Fleischmann) Langevin (Lynch) Lawrence (Stevens) Lawson (FL) (Soto) Leger Fernandez (Correa) Lesko (Fleischmann) Letlow (Tenney) Levin (MI) (Correa) Lieu (Takano) Lucas (Cammack) Luetkemeyer (Weber (TX)) Mace (Mooney) Manning (Wexton) Matsui (Eshoo) McBath (Blunt Rochester) McEachin (Beyer) McHenry (Cammack) McNerney (Correa) Meijer (Stauber) Meng (Kuster) Meuser (Weber (TX)) Miller (WV) (Mooney) Miller-Meeks (Mooney) Moore (UT) (Stewart) Moore (WI) (Beyer) Mou
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Greg Pence (Republican, IN) \u2014 2022-8-12

. Madam , I am not recorded for Roll Call vote No. 418, Roll Call vote No. 419, and Roll Call vote No. 420 on Friday, August 12, 2022. Since my first day in office, I have been squarely focused on what I was sent here to do: Represent Hoosiers of the 6th Congressional District of Indiana. Unfortunately, the out-of-control spending bill being rammed through Congress is wrong for Hoosiers and wrong for America. Our Nation does not need more taxes, does not need more spending, and certainly does not need more liberal pet-projects being forced upon us by the radical left. prgtoken I am wholeheartedly opposed to H.R. 5376, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022--this tax and spending spree will push our country further into a recession, fuel our rampant inflation, and slow economic growth to a halt. in Washington are intent on crushing the American dream with out-of-control wasteful government spending. Instead, we should be focusing our efforts on reining in inflation for hardworking families, lowering the costs of energy through domestic energy production, and incentivizing common sense free market solutions to spur economic prosperity in our communities. prgtoken Had l been present, I would have voted Nay on Ordering the Previous Question on H. Res. 1316 (Roll Call No. 418), Nay on Adoption of H. Res. 1316 (Roll Call No. 419), and Nay on Final Passage of H.R. 5376 (Roll Call No. 420).