mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
EQUALITY ACT
Doug Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2019-5-17

I am prepared to close, and such time as I may consume. prgtoken , we have heard a lot of debate, and we have heard a lot of issues today. prgtoken One of the issues that I want to bring up today is, again, as I started out in my opening statement, no one on our side and no one who disagrees with this bill is saying anyone ought to be treated wrongly or badly in any way. That is not who we are. In fact, we have struggled with that on this floor. prgtoken This bill, I can agree with the intent. I agree with the fact that no one should be. prgtoken But my friend, the majority leader, just made a statement. He quoted scripture, and it was a good one. It says love your neighbor. And I agree with him. I have talked about it. I have preached on that many years now. But it also didn't say, ``Love your neighbor,'' and then, ``I have to agree with my neighbor.'' prgtoken We can love each other and disagree. We love each other and disagree, and then we come into this place with this bill. That is where it gets not amorphous, not the intent, not what we want to do to make us feel better. It actually is how we then legislate this. prgtoken This bill is just not a good attempt. It is an imperfect step toward making something that others want to be right but, in the end, runs a real risk of causing others harm at the same time. prgtoken It is a risk that is brought on by rushing something. Even if it has been talked about for 5 years, the legislative part has been rushed, . prgtoken I understand the concern. I understand the anxiety. But let's make it right. Let's at least have an open debate. Let's discuss it here. prgtoken It is interesting to me that we had to have a colloquy on the floor to assuage some Members that this bill would not attack a worship service or who could lead a worship service or if a minister would actually have to do a service that would be against their personal faith beliefs. prgtoken The bill does not talk about that, but it does leave an open issue of public accommodation and how somebody would prgtoken look at public accommodation in a church setting. That is an honest question that needs to be answered. prgtoken It does bring up a lot of questions. What if a church or a religious organization accepts Federal money? What if a Catholic church accepts school lunch programs? What if a Jewish synagogue accepts money for homeland security? At that point, for the programs that they have, the bill says if you receive Federal money, you fall under this. Do they then have to violate their own faith beliefs? prgtoken Making one group of people deny their faith while trying to give another one a leg up is still wrong. It is not equal. prgtoken The questions that we have here today are honest disagreement. It is honest disagreement, but not in the sense of, if you take this, you have made a gender identity claim that is self-professing. prgtoken As was just said a moment ago, we talk about great idea
TRIBUTE TO SYDNEY STROTHER SMITH III
H. Morgan Griffith (Republican, VA) \u2014 2019-5-17

. Madam , I pay tribute to Sydney Strother Smith III of Abingdon, Virginia, a faithful servant of his God and country. prgtoken Strother was born on August 1, 1941, to Strother and Betsy Smith. His father was one of the Army's last commissioned cavalry officers, and during young Strother's baptism at Fort Knox on December 7, 1941, news from Pearl Harbor interrupted the service. As his father fought in World War II as a tank commander, Strother lived in Richmond with his mother and grandfather. They remained there after his father returned from the war. prgtoken Hoping to follow in his father's footsteps by joining the military, Strother enrolled at the Virginia Military Institute in Lexington. A fall from cliffs broke his back, however, and ended hopes of a military career. Among his roommates at VMI, he was the only one not to die in Vietnam, convincing him that God had a different purpose for his life. prgtoken Strother is known as a dedicated and effective organizer of the Party in Virginia. He was the founding president of the Young s Club at the University of Richmond and served as vice president of the statewide Young s Federation, where he helped expand the number of clubs statewide and met his future wife Barbara. He managed his father's successful campaign for the Virginia House of Delegates as a at a time when Virginia was still largely controlled by the ic Party and went on to manage other campaigns for the House of Delegates, United States Senate, and House of Representatives. After moving to Washington County to practice law, he became an active member of the county party and instilled it with new blood. He served as chairman of the county party from 1974 to 1980 and, along with Professor Ray Hancock, organized the College s at Emory and Henry College, my alma mater. prgtoken Strother also achieved distinction in his legal career. He became one of the youngest attorneys to argue in front of the United States Supreme Court and would return several times, as well as appear before the Virginia Supreme Court. He was drawn toward cases in which he championed the underdog. One example unfolded over 25 years as he represented an elderly Kentucky mountain man, John Johnson, and eventually Mr. Johnson's heirs against the industrial giant Bethlehem Minerals. Mr. Johnson claimed rights over the coal on his property, and Strother argued his case up to the Kentucky Supreme Court, then to the U.S. Supreme Court, and back to Kentucky. When the case was finally resolved, Mr. Johnson's heirs and co-litigants were awarded $37 million in damages, and willful trespassing became part of mineral rights law. Strother relished such cases and often engaged in them on a pro bono basis, about which his wife sometimes noted that his family had bills to pay, too. prgtoken Strother was an active member of the Anglican Church. He was a chancellor, canon lawyer, and a
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2019-5-17

. Madam , on Roll Call Vote Nos. 197, 198, 199, 200, 201 and 202 from May 10, 2019 I am not recorded because I was not present in the House. I was presiding over a commissioning ceremony for my cousin, Joe Gutsoke, who was newly commissioned in the Army as a 2nd Lieutenant in the University of North Dakota's ROTC program. prgtoken Had I been present, I would have voted: NAY on Roll Call No. 197; NAY on Roll Call No. 198; NAY on Roll Call No. 199; YEA on Roll Call No. 200; YEA on Roll Call No. 201; and NAY on Roll Call No. 202.
HONORING OFFICERS DURING NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Steve Chabot (Republican, OH) \u2014 2019-5-17

. Madam , this week is National Police Week, a week the American people join hundreds of thousands of law enforcement officers across the country to honor all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in order to keep our communities safe. prgtoken Words alone can never fully express our gratitude for the sacrifices that police officers and their families make to protect the rest of us. And too often, it takes a tragedy to realize just what is at stake, and what we owe to those who are willing to take that risk. prgtoken It's why I do all that I can as a Member of Congress to help give police officers the resources they need to do their job effectively and safely. For example, this week, we passed important legislation to reauthorize the Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program. This important program helps protect the men and women who serve in law enforcement by giving states and localities the resources they need to ensure that all police officers have the proper equipment to keep them safe and help prevent line-of-duty deaths. prgtoken Every day and night, in cities and towns across America, the men and women who wear the uniform risk their lives to protect us as we go to school, to work, and spend time with our families. prgtoken And so, as we commemorate National Police Week, let's take a moment to thank those officers for their bravery, selfless dedication and tireless efforts to keep our communities safe. prgtoken To those who serve us, who wear the uniform, and the badge, and the gun, thank them for their service. I also thank them for their dedication and the sacrifices they and their families make to keep the rest of us safe. God bless them.
TRIBUTE TO BLAKE EDWARD BUTLER
Ken Calvert (Republican, CA) \u2014 2019-5-17

. Madam , I rise to pay tribute to a public servant and American patriot, Blake Butler, who passed away suddenly on May 3, 2019 at his home in Yerevan, Armenia. Today I ask that the U.S. House of Representatives join me to honor and remember the life of Blake Edward Butler. prgtoken Blake Butler joined the U.S. Department of State in 2009 as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer. In 2018, he began his tour as the Human Resources and Financial Management Officer at U.S. Embassy Yerevan. From 2015 to 2018 he served as the Assistant General Services Officer at U.S. Embassy Buenos Aires where he led the team that provided logistical support to 14 different U.S. government agencies and close to 400 employees. Blake's other assignments included General Services Officer at U.S. Embassy Baghdad; Environmental, Science, Technology and Health Officer at U.S. Embassy Paris; and Vice Consul at U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince. Prior to joining the Foreign Service, he worked as a civil service employee for the Department of State as a budget analyst and in the office responsible for the President's foreign travel. He was the recipient of multiple Department Superior Honor and Meritorious Honor Awards. In addition to his service with the Department of State, Blake valiantly served in the U.S. Army's Reserve from 2001 to 2011 and was deployed overseas on multiple occasions. prgtoken Blake was the loving husband of Sara Hurst Butler, who previously worked in my office, and the proud father of Everett Ian Butler. Blake received his BA from Baylor University and his MBA and Master's in Health Administration from Texas Woman's University. prgtoken As we look at the incredibly rich history of our country we realize that this history is comprised of men, just like Blake, who chose a life of public service. I am grateful for Blake's service to our country and my thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences goes out Blake's wife, son, parents and brother. There are no words that can relieve their pain and what words I offer only begin to convey my deep respect and highest appreciation. I hope they know that the goodness Blake brought to this world will always be remembered.
HONORING AMERICAN LEGION POST 13 IN STAUNTON, VIRGINIA
Ben Cline (Republican, VA) \u2014 2019-5-17

. Madame , I rise today to recognize 100 years of the American Legion and specifically Post 13 in Staunton, Virginia. In March of 1919, Congress chartered and incorporated the American Legion as a veteran's organization that works to strengthen communities while encouraging patriotism and honor. The American Legion is dedicated to its fellow servicemembers and veterans. prgtoken Soon after its national charter was passed, a group of veterans of World War I gathered at the YMCA on Main Street in Staunton, Virginia, to organize a local American Legion post. This year, in 2019, that post celebrates its centennial. For the past 100 years, the Clemmer-McGuffin American Legion Post 13 has shown unwavering support to veterans, servicemembers, and the communities of Augusta County and Staunton, Virginia. This Staunton American Legion post is named after two local servicemen, Augusta County resident Jay F. Clemmer, and Staunton resident Robert A. McGuffin. Both young men were students at the Staunton Military Academy and were killed in 1918 during World War I. Today, I recognize the Clemmer-McGuffin American Legion Post as they celebrate their 100 years of assembly in the Shenandoah Valley.
IN RECOGNITION OF FLOWER MOUND HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL SONYA LAIL
Michael C. Burgess (Republican, TX) \u2014 2019-5-17

. Madam , today I rise to recognize the outstanding career of Ms. Sonya Lail. This spring, she is retiring from her position as principal of Flower Mound High School, where she has served in multiple leadership positions for the past 17 years. prgtoken Ms. Lail grew up in El Paso, Texas, where she was inspired by one of her teachers to become an educator. She went on to pursue her Bachelors of Science degree in education from the University of Texas at El Paso, and achieved master's degrees from Texas Tech University and Sul Ross State University. prgtoken In 2002, Ms. Lail joined Flower Mound High School as an assistant principal, a position in which she served for five years, and served as an associate principal for another four years. She has led FMHS as its principal for the last eight years. From day one, Ms. Lail has been a dedicated leader and educator, working to help each student meet his or her full potential. prgtoken After nearly two decades of service to Flower Mound High School, Ms. Lail will be sorely missed by the entire Jaguar community. I am grateful for her total of thirty-three years in education and public service, and I wish Ms. Lail every continued success in her well-earned retirement.
EQUALITY ACT
Ross Spano (Republican, FL) \u2014 2019-5-17

I happen to be a Christian, and I am grateful. I am grateful to have been born in a nation where my beliefs and those of every other American are legally protected by our Constitution. prgtoken It is no coincidence that the very First Amendment to the Constitution guarantees religious liberty. Our Nation was settled by men and women from all over the world with divergent beliefs and conviction. We were Catholics, Puritans, Lutherans, Jews, Baptists, Hindus, Anglicans, Quakers, and Muslims. prgtoken This rich and diverse cultural melting pot was the soil in which the guarantees of the First Amendment were planted, sprouted, and grew very strong. And over these last 230 years, the freedom of Americans to worship and believe as their conscience and their God dictates has become deeply and firmly rooted in our Nations's heritage, laws, and jurisprudence. But although deeply rooted, I fear we have forgotten and neglected its fundamental importance. prgtoken The First Amendment was adopted long ago, but freedom--freedom--is always a new idea. Coretta Scott King wisely said: ``Freedom is never really won. You earn it and win it in every generation.'' prgtoken H.R. 5 is bad for freedom. You see, it would immediately expose churches, religious schools, and universities and faith-based organizations to legal liability for simply following their earnest beliefs. It would essentially allow the government to place its hard and unyielding fist inside the church walls to force compliance with the convictions and dictates of the State instead of the church. prgtoken H.R. 5 is bad for freedom. It would force small businesses, small business owners all across this country to provide services or products to the public that may violate their deeply held, faith-based convictions, again, allowing the State to essentially impose from above, top down, its own moral codes and rules in place of those of the individual. prgtoken H.R. 5 is bad for freedom. It is a large leap backward for parental rights, pitting physicians against parents, the genuine religious convictions of parents when their child seeks life-altering, irreversible sex reassignment treatment before that child has even developed physically or emotionally, once again, government inserting its rigid fist and iron will, this time, directly into the family unit. prgtoken H.R. 5 is bad for freedom. It would, in one fell swoop, deliver a crushing blow to the base of the tree of religious liberty, the tree that has grown strong and provided shade and protection for many for so long.
IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE, SERVICE, AND SACRIFICE OF MR. MITCHELL LUNDGAARD
Mike Gallagher (Republican, WI) \u2014 2019-5-17

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life, service, and sacrifice of Appleton firefighter Mitchell Lundgaard. prgtoken Mr. Lundgaard began his career with the Appleton Fire Department in March of 2005 and spent the next 14 years serving and protecting his community. Through his dedication and hard work, Mr. Lundgaard achieved the rank of firefighter inspector. prgtoken On Wednesday, May 15, 2019, Mr. Lundgaard tragically lost his life while on active duty. His heroism and bravery in response to a medical call will forever be remembered. He was a true leader in the Appleton community, and his absence will be felt across all of Northeast Wisconsin. prgtoken Mr. Lundgaard's years of service to our community and his commitment to ensuring the safety of others set the highest example of citizenship that we must all strive for. Mr. Lundgaard's death is a tragedy for our community, and my deepest condolences go out to his wife, three daughters, and the rest of their family. prgtoken Madam , I ask that the members of this chamber rise in honor of Mr. Lundgaard's life, and that we keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers.
COMMEMORATING NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
Guy Reschenthaler (Republican, PA) \u2014 2019-5-17

this week, communities across the country honored law enforcement officers in recognition of National Police Week. prgtoken Police officers put their lives on the line every day to protect our loved ones and neighbors. These brave men and women experience daily trauma and injury. In fact, the stress endured by our police officers contributes to a suicide rate that is 50 percent higher than the national average. prgtoken That is why I introduced the STOIC Act with my ic colleague from Pennsylvania, Madeleine Dean. This is a bipartisan bill to better address the mental health needs of our law enforcement officers. prgtoken I think that s and should all be able to get together to fight against suicide and for the worthy cause of suicide prevention. Just yesterday, the Senate passed their version of STOIC with unanimous consent. prgtoken I want us to work together to unite our country, and I hope we can vote on this legislation that has strong bipartisan support. I hope that my colleagues from across the aisle will work with us to address the mental health needs of our Nation's law enforcement.
HONORING OMAHA POLICE OFFICER KERRIE OROZCO
Don Bacon (Republican, NE) \u2014 2019-5-17

I rise today during National Police Week to ask my colleagues to support H.R. 2378, the Kerrie Orozco First Responders Family Act. prgtoken As we approach the 4-year anniversary of Omaha Police Officer Kerrie Orozco being killed in the line of duty, this legislation will show our first responders that we care about them and have their back. prgtoken The Kerrie Orozco First Responders Family Act will amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow for the surviving family members of a fallen U.S. citizen first responder to be naturalized upon compliance with all requirements, waiving any residency waiting period. This bill is simply extending the privileges to first responders that current law affords to spouses of U.S. military killed while serving our country. prgtoken In 2015, Officer Orozco was killed. Her husband, Hector, was going through the immigration process. His immigration status was put in jeopardy because his wife made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our community. prgtoken Every day, thousands of first responders leave loved ones to risk their lives for our safety. They need to have the peace of mind that if something should happen to them, their loved ones will be taken care of. prgtoken I look forward to working with and s alike to protect our first responders and their families by passing the Kerrie Orozco First Responders Family Act. prgtoken It did pass unanimously last Congress. We need to pass it again, get it to the Senate, and get it done.
EQUALITY ACT
Bradley Byrne (Republican, AL) \u2014 2019-5-17

I rise in strong opposition to H.R. 5. As many of my colleagues have stated, there are a number of very troubling issues with this legislation. In my mind, perhaps none is more troubling than the bill's explicit carveout from the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, also known as RFRA. prgtoken Under the First Amendment, Americans are blessed with the freedom of religion. This is much more than the freedom of worship. Not only do Americans have the right to worship as they see fit, their faith is not confined to what happens inside their place of worship. They have the right to practice their religion every day as they see fit. prgtoken For many years, there was a strong, bipartisan agreement that protecting this right was of the utmost importance. In the Civil Rights Act of 1964, religious protections enjoyed bipartisan support. Likewise, RFRA was heralded as an historic, bipartisan achievement. prgtoken In the wake of the Supreme Court's 1990 decision in Employment Division v. Smith, which rolled back longstanding constitutional protections for religious liberty, the Congress came together and restored broad protections for religious freedom under RFRA. prgtoken RFRA was introduced by then-Representative Chuck Schumer and Senator Ted Kennedy. It passed unanimously in the House and by a vote of 97-3 in the Senate, and it was signed into law by President Clinton. prgtoken For nearly two decades, RFRA has been the hallmark of protecting the religious freedom of Americans against the weight of a powerful Federal Government. Contrary to what some of its recent opponents claim, RFRA is not an automatic opt out of any law for people of faith. Instead, RFRA provides a commonsense balancing test between religious belief and government action. prgtoken First, an individual challenging the government must show that they have a sincerely held belief that is being substantially burdened by the government--that is, there is a real matter of faith actually being affected by the government's actions. If the individual successfully shows that, they do not automatically win their claim. prgtoken The government may then show that it has a compelling interest--that is, a good reason--to interfere with the individual's religious rights and that the interference is the least restrictive means to accomplish the government's goals--that is, the government doesn't have a better alternative. prgtoken This test provides fairness for both sides. Unfortunately, today, the House proposes to break this historic protection and say that RFRA will not apply to the Equality Act. It is clear why they have done this. prgtoken Without RFRA, it is less likely that faith-based charities and organizations will be able to uphold the faith of their organization when it runs counter to evolving norms on human sexuality. prgtoken Without RFRA, it is less likely that Christian colleges and universities will be able to teach and uphold a biblical understanding