mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF DR. JAMES HENRY NEELY
Trent Kelly (Republican, MS) \u2014 2020-6-26

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate the life of Dr. James Henry Neely, who passed away on Tuesday, June 23, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oxford, Mississippi. prgtoken Dr. Neely was born on August 8, 1932, in West Point, Mississippi. His many accomplishments began at Mary Holmes College High School. He was the editor of the school newspaper, secretary of the senior class, president of the athletic club and, member at large of the Student Council. He then took his successes to Kentucky State University, earning a degree in chemistry and a minor in math and French. prgtoken His passion for chemistry and academia lead Dr. Neely to Meharry Medical College in 1960, where he received his Doctor of Medicine degree. After graduation, he took his leadership skills and medical expertise to the United States Air Force. He earned the rank of Captain and served as a Flight Surgeon stationed in El Paso, Texas, and Belleville, Illinois. prgtoken Dr. Neely's achievements didn't stop there. After an honorable discharge from the military in 1964, he relocated to Tupelo, Mississippi, to set up his medical practice. He served his community in medical practice for 35 years. He was the first African American doctor to have full hospital privileges of admitting and treating patients at the North Mississippi Medical Center. This was only the beginning of his successes in the medical field. He would go on to earn the Mississippi Medical and Surgical Award as Practitioner of the Year and the Meharry Medical College Distinguished Service Award for 25 years of service. Out of all of his accomplishments, however, Dr. Neely claimed his greatest achievement was his marriage to Elaine Kilgore for 66 years. prgtoken Outside of the medical profession, Dr. Neely held memberships in numerous organizations including the National Medical Association, The Black Business Association of Mississippi, the NAACP, and was a member of the West Point Trinity United Presbyterian Church. prgtoken Dr. Neely was not only a prominent figure in the medical field but in his community as well. He served as a member of the Board of Directors Community Development Foundation. He was involved in Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Boy Scouts of America, Tupelo UNCF, Good Samaritan Health Services and, St. Paul Outreach Boys Home. prgtoken Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Elaine; his son and my friend, mentor, colleague, and Assistant District Attorney in my office Brian Neely; his daughter, acclaimed poet and Goodwill Ambassador for the state of Mississippi Patricia Neely-Dorsey; his four grandchildren, and many other friends and extended family members. prgtoken Dr. Neely's life was one of service, grace, and love for his family and community. He will be greatly missed by all whom he encountered. In today's world, we should all look towards Dr. Neely as an example of how to make desired change by way of public service.
WASHINGTON, D.C. ADMISSION ACT
Thomas Massie (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-6-26

if there is a constitutional way to turn D.C. into a State, this bill is not it. This bill is a farcical exercise in legislative virtue signaling because it contains a fatal constitutional flaw. prgtoken Let's talk about what this bill doesn't do. This bill doesn't magically convert all of D.C. into a State. This bill doesn't create a new State containing a city called D.C. Because both of these clearly violate the Constitution. prgtoken Some overly clever legislative artists think they have found a new loophole, a way to create a State in D.C. without violating the Constitution. What this bill does is it seeks to shrink the city prgtoken of D.C. into a tiny city, and then creates a State from the territory that is left over. prgtoken The problem with that is there is the 23rd Amendment to the Constitution that gives the city of D.C. presently three electoral votes. Paradoxically, the bill itself acknowledges the constitutional flaw within because it contains an expedited procedure to vote on the repeal of the 23rd Amendment in this Chamber and the Senate Chamber. prgtoken The problem is, the bill keeps plowing forward and would create a new State, even if the 23rd Amendment is not repealed. This creates the farcical situation where the few residents, which are the residents at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, the First Family, would control three electoral votes. This is crazy. prgtoken So, I urge my colleagues to vote for the Constitution today and vote against H.R. 51.
WASHINGTON, D.C. ADMISSION ACT
Jody B. Hice (Republican, GA) \u2014 2020-6-26

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise in opposition to H.R. 51, the Washington, D.C. Admission Act. prgtoken There is a whole lot more to statehood than simply being a large and vibrant city. Our Nation's Founders made it clear that D.C. is not meant to be a State. They thought about it, they debated it, and they rejected it. In fact, in those early days, Alexander Hamilton himself proposed an amendment that would allow the District residents to have a voting Member in the House, and that proposal was rejected. prgtoken If the majority wishes to go against our Founders, that is their prerogative, but they should simply admit, in their opinion, the Founders were wrong. They cannot ignore the intention behind D.C.'s current status. The Constitution simply does not allow city governments to become microstates with all the rights and responsibilities of full States. The debate about the nature of Washington, D.C is not a new debate, but it is absolutely a settled one. prgtoken My friends on the other side of the aisle may gasp and protest in outrage at the suggestion that what this is really all about is an attempt to get two more ic Senators. That is what this really is all about. prgtoken On our side, there is no question that we have the Constitution on our side on this whole debate. The Constitution clearly establishes a federation of sovereign States, and representation here in Washington, D.C comes from those States, the federation of those States. This District is a unique entity. It was set apart to not be influenced by a State, but to, in itself, be governed by those representatives of the various States who are here. prgtoken Our Founders did not want this city, the seat of our Federal Government, to be influenced by any other State, but that is exactly what this proposal would do. prgtoken As James Madison expressed it himself in Federalist 43, if the Nation's Capital City were situated within a State, the Federal Government could be subject to undue influence of that State. That is not the intent of our Federal Government; that is not the intent of this District that has been set aside; and that is exactly what would happen under this bill. prgtoken My colleagues across the aisle believe that excluding a small Federal enclave from this new State would nullify the need for a constitutional amendment, but that is simply not true. The original text of the Constitution is clear. prgtoken Congress has the power to create States from two sources: a territory or prgtoken an existing State that agrees to secede its territory to become a State. Washington, D.C is neither of these. It is the Nation's only Federal District, and it is set aside for a specific purpose. Congress does not have the authority to take this District and create a State out of it. At least one constitutional amendment would be required for that to happen. prgtoken During the markup of this bill, I person
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF RULE SUBMITTED BY OFFICE OF THE COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY RELATING TO ``COMMUNITY REINVESTMENT ACT REGULATIONS''
Patrick T. McHenry (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-6-26

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken So, in closing, the Community Reinvestment Act, we agree, is an important law that is intended to support underserved communities across America. Maintaining the status quo also ignores the innovation and the needs of our community. prgtoken The innovations taking place to financial services and to banking over the last 25 years need to be addressed, but also the fact that we are not actually meeting the needs desperately needed in communities around our district, both the urban and rural. prgtoken The new regulations will increase investment and capital in communities and provide more clarity and transparency to all parties involved in the process. That is why it is a good update. prgtoken As we work to ensure a strong economic recovery for all Americans, it is critical we encourage financial institutions to continue to provide services for those most in need. The OCC's final rule will play an important role in this recovery effort by encouraging more capital, investment, and lending services in the communities hardest hid by COVID-19. That is good. prgtoken The OCC took a very thoughtful approach, embracing input from other agencies and stakeholders over the course of several years. The final rule builds in nearly all of the constructive criticism the agency has received through the open comment process. In fact, this shows the agency is willing to compromise but not willing to settle for the status quo. prgtoken The OCC's modernization of the CRA regulation is a long overdue update that will help our communities come into the 21st century stronger and healthier. The last time these regulations were revised was in 1995, when banking received most of their deposits through branches, and as such, the old regulations that are on the books still rely heavily on branch locations. prgtoken Quite frankly, what we have seen over the last 100 days in America is that branches are less vital than they were in previous generations, because most of these branches have been shut down in our States because our States are trying to do the right thing to address this health crisis. That is why we are wearing masks, that is why we are social distancing, and that is why we are trying to be responsible to one another and be thoughtful in our approach to one another. prgtoken But, unfortunately, this bill before us is a very straightforward up- and-down. I will say let's not support the status quo. Let's support innovation and an update to our regulation to meet the needs of our communities and to meet the needs that are so desperately needed both in the rural communities and the urban communities in America. prgtoken Vote against this resolution and support the underlying rule. prgtoken Madam , .
UNITE AMERICA
Bill Posey (Republican, FL) \u2014 2020-6-26

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. ``We want America back.'' Those were just a few of the lyrics of a song written by a group named The Steeles in 1996. Some of the lyrics said: Something is wrong with America. This Nation is like a runaway train, Headed down the wrong track. prgtoken And it concludes, in part, with: I love America. But I do not love what she has become. prgtoken Circumstances seemed pretty despairing back then, but they pale in comparison to what we are seeing going on across our country today, perpetrated by Marxists, anarchists, and those malcontents who are funding them. prgtoken Today, the miscreants are using George Floyd's death to neuter the ability of the police to enforce the law. So far, they have been successful in getting the police out of the way. prgtoken Without law enforcement, their mobs are free to move in, smash businesses, injure people, and cause chaos. Those aren't peaceful protesters, and they are not peaceful protests. prgtoken Their outcry for justice makes sympathetic, or perhaps even cowardly, corporations and stupid movie stars send money to them. Now they are tearing down the statues, intimidating the public and politicians into accepting their farfetched demands, and giving them even more power. prgtoken Circumstances are advantageous for them right now because we are in the midst of a pandemic so they have a freer rein of the streets. prgtoken Who could have ever imagined sanctuary cities where America's rule of law is ruefully ignored by government officials? prgtoken Who would have ever imagined some elected officials would allow domestic terrorists or wannabe revolutionaries to commandeer a complete takeover and rule of both public and private property and have dominion over other unwilling citizens of the United States in so-called autonomous zones. prgtoken Give me a break. prgtoken Then, the lawbreakers have the audacity to demand our police be defunded or reimagined, whatever the heck that means. It sounds insane. prgtoken It is really a campaign to drive our duly-elected President from office. Anyone who stands in their way they think should be destroyed. prgtoken We can expect it to get worse and worse until November 3, when they hope to put an end to the prosperity created by the President. You have to suffer from the world's worst case of Potomac fever, or beltway brain drain, to think they are fooling anybody. prgtoken Meanwhile, the leadership and majority in this Chamber have been silent. I have not heard a single word, syllable, or letter uttered by them in opposition to the miscreants. It is past time for them to condemn their activities, and it is time for law enforcement across this Nation in every State, in every county, in every city, in every little burgh, community, and the rural areas in-between to put an end to this lawlessness. prgtoken If you don't start acting soon, there wouldn't be anything left to
PROTECTING YOUR CREDIT SCORE ACT OF 2019
Denver Riggleman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2020-6-26

. Madam , I rise today in opposition to H.R. 5332, the Protecting Your Credit Score Act. prgtoken I would like to thank the ranking member for his leadership, but also my colleague from New Jersey. Not only is he a friend, but I respect him very much, and I do applaud his efforts on this legislation. prgtoken I share his interest in ensuring credit reports are complete, accurate, and transparent, but I believe this bill fails to achieve that goal. prgtoken The passage of H.R. 5332 will have harmful and unintended consequences for consumers. It is, simply put, yet another veiled attempt to socialize the credit reporting and scoring industry that will cause harm to hardworking Americans. prgtoken This bill is disguised as pro-consumer, but H.R. 5332 will decrease competition, increase the cost of credit for consumers, provide opportunities for trial attorneys to exploit the litigation system, and expand the authority of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. prgtoken It undermines the Fair Credit Reporting Act and our ability to maintain a nationwide credit reporting system that benefits businesses and consumers. This bill would create a conflicting patchwork of interpretations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act that will lead to confusion among financial institutions and raise costs for all consumers. prgtoken While my colleague named this bill the Protecting Your Credit Score Act of 2019, it does little to protect consumers and their data. Quite to the contrary, it expands and increases the risk of harm to consumers affected by a data breach. prgtoken This bill mandates the three nationwide credit reporting agencies create a shared online portal and would create significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities for consumers and companies, all while creating opportunities for bad actors to manipulate and take advantage of our consumer data. prgtoken I know a little bit about this because I have done this for about 22 years. prgtoken Creating a one-stop-shop for the credit report, personal information, and Social Security number of every individual would be disastrous in the event of a cyber hack or data breach. prgtoken We need to find targeted solutions that focus on increasing the cybersecurity capability at credit reporting agencies, increase competition, and increase access to credit for consumers and businesses, rather than put forward proposals that undermine the consumer reporting system and further empower unelected bureaucrats at the expense of the free market.
HONORING THE LIFE OF THYRA STEVENSON
Russ Fulcher (Republican, ID) \u2014 2020-6-26

. Madam , prior to serving in Congress, I served in the Idaho Legislature with a beloved individual. This special person, who passed recently, was an aircraft commander, an instructor, a Captain, a teacher, a linguist, and a mother to five children and twelve grandchildren in her life of 75 years. Joyfully, Thyra Stevenson of Lewiston, Idaho, lived to the fullest in her life of adventure but sadly, she died suddenly last month. As a precursor to her success, Thyra was the Valedictorian of Lewiston High School, a doctorate of Latin American Literature, having studied in Madrid, Spain, and at the University of Washington in Seattle. Additionally, she was a musician playing the oboe, cello, piano, and the bagpipes. Amid her career, Thyra served our country as an amazing pilot and worked as an officer in the United States Coast Guard. Thrya flew large transport jet airplanes including the McDonnel-Douglas DC-9, the Boeing 727, the Boeing 737, and the Boeing 757. After her time as a pilot, Thyra went on to serve in the Idaho House of Representatives for three terms. While in the State Legislature, Thrya's passion for education shined through, and she took a keen interest in ensuring the success of our local dairymen, farmers, and ranchers. In 2018, Thyra, in the self- described ultimate show of her life, purchased a 2019 F-350 Platinum. It is said that parking for such a large truck was limited around the Idaho State Capitol, but, today, our hearts are joined by family, friends, and colleagues in celebrating the ``full-throttle'' life she led. Thyra, a woman of her time, and a woman beyond her time will be sorely missed. I believe lhe embodiment of this message is a small tribute to the large life she lived. I pray for her family and those impacted by the sudden loss of loved ones during this difficult time. The Congressional Record is the permanent archive of the American people, and I am thankful to include the life of Thyra Stevenson of Lewiston, Idaho. May God bless our great country and wonderful people like Thyra that grace this world with their lives
WASHINGTON, D.C. ADMISSION ACT
Paul A. Gosar (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2020-6-26

I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 51 and its affront to the Constitution. prgtoken The Founding Fathers did not intend for Washington, D.C to be a State. Article I, Section 8, Clause 17 of the United States Constitution provides Congress with exclusive jurisdiction over the District of Columbia. The enclave clause was included for specific reasons, notably the fact that the operation of the seat of the Federal Government of the United States, whose laws now affect approximately 330 million Americans, should not be impeded by local ordinances, actions, or taxation. prgtoken The Framers of the Constitution had good reason for this concern, having witnessed the reluctance of local authorities to police disorderly conduct by protesters in June of 1783, conduct that forced the adjournment of Congress and the flight of its Members to neighboring States. We see similar situations playing out in the streets today, right here in Washington, D.C. prgtoken Passage of this vote today violates the Constitution in two different ways: first, withdrawing specifically enumerated powers granting Congress control of the Federal district; and, two, ignoring the constitutional amendment process the Framers outlined to make changes to our founding charter. prgtoken Yesterday, I testified on my amendment to the Rules Committee, which reaffirmed and enhanced congressional leadership over the District provided in the District of Columbia Home Rule Act. Unfortunately, my colleagues did not accept this amendment, which was crafted in the spirit of the Constitution, pushing this legislation and the legal thought behind it even further away from our founding tradition. prgtoken The last few months have been very difficult times in this country, with unrest spanning throughout our Nation, including right here inside Washington, D.C itself. In the face of willful disregard for the rule of law, it is irresponsible for this body to follow in these footsteps by blatantly taking action against our Constitution. prgtoken The democratic and legal wisdom of our Founders is unprecedented, and their calls for a legal charter, which granted and preserved individual liberties and good governance, stand true today. Going against their intentions now is neither prudent nor in the best interest of the country. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to vote against H.R. 51.
TRISOMY 13 AWARENESS
Dusty Johnson (Republican, SD) \u2014 2020-6-26

. Madam , I include in the Record my constituent, Belle Lunders proclamation on Trisomy 13 awareness. prgtoken I thank Belle Lunders for sharing the significance of Trisomy 13 awareness. Trisomy 13 is a chromosomal disorder where the 13th pair of chromosomes have an extra copy creating three chromosomes. Trisomy 13 is the least common and most severe of the feasible autosomal trisomies. Median survival is fewer than three days. It affects one in every 8,000 to 12,000 live births. Babies born with Trisomy 13 can have many health problems and more than 80 percent don't survive more than a few weeks. Between 86 percent and 91 percent of live births do not live past their first year. Survival beyond the first year is associated with mosaicism. There is no cure for Trisomy 13 but different treatments depend on the symptoms. In most cases surgery and therapy are the best options. Prenatal testing and ultrasound can confirm a Trisomy 13 diagnosis through amniocentesis.
IN HONOR OF MONSIGNOR J. GASTON HEBERT'S 60TH ORDINATION
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2020-6-26

. Madam , I rise today to honor Monsignor J. Gaston Hebert's 60th ordination as a priest as well as to salute his lasting contributions to our Catholic diocese in Arkansas. prgtoken He was baptized and received his First Communion at St. Mary Church in Hot Springs, where he also celebrated his first mass as an ordained priest in 1960. prgtoken I was privileged to have Monsignor Hebert as my teacher at Catholic High School in Little Rock, where he served as an English and drama teacher from 1960 to 1965. prgtoken Even after he retired from serving as the pastor of Christ the King Church in Little Rock for 20 years, he continued to serve the diocese in Arkansas as vicar general under Bishop Andrew McDonald and Archbishop J. Peter Sartain. And again, importantly, as our diocesan administrator from 2006 to 2008, prior to the Holy Father's appointment of Bishop Anthony Taylor. prgtoken Monsignor Hebert has served our community faithfully, and I thank him for his love, dedication, and years of service. prgtoken Madam , we miss seeing him and are forever grateful.