mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE MEMORY OF STEVEN SPICKELMIER
John H. Rutherford (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-3-16

. Madam , I rise today to congratulate Mr. Charles Darwin Magdaluyo for being named Duval County's Teacher of the Year. Charles received this honor for his work teaching ninth and twelfth grade human anatomy and physiology at Jean Ribault High School. prgtoken Serving as a teacher for 7 years, Mr. Magdaluyo is dedicated to helping students understand and succeed, even in difficult circumstances. Charles works with students to overcome the challenges and struggles they face, helping them to grow as individuals and develop skills that will help them long after they graduate. prgtoken On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Florida, I thank Charles for his dedication to educating the students of northeast Florida and for his commitment to the success of his students and peers alike. prgtoken Congratulating Ms. Shelby Goodwin, Nassau County Teacher of the Year
RECOGNIZING PROSPER MAYOR RAY SMITH
Van Taylor (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-3-16

. Madam , today I rise to recognize Ray Smith as he prepares to depart his longtime service as the steadfast Mayor of Prosper, Texas. prgtoken A 1981 graduate of Baylor University, Ray earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing and Real Estate. During his time at Baylor, Ray, the son of a former Dallas Cowboy, would passionately pursue football as a member of the renowned 1980 Southwest Conference Champion Football Team. prgtoken Smith began his career in public service in Frisco, Texas where he served as a member of the City Council, Economic Development Corporation, Community Development Corporation, Planning & Zoning Board, Frisco Education Foundation, and as a volunteer firefighter during a period of unprecedented growth. prgtoken In 2004, Ray was appointed the President of the Prosper Economic Development Corporation where he continues to serve as council liaison. In 2005, Ray and his family would relocate to the Town of Prosper where he would plant deep roots and play an integral role in the town's early development. Following his service on Town Council, Ray was elected Mayor in 2010. prgtoken Over the past twelve years, Mayor Smith's leadership has helped cultivate the town's rapid but intentional growth. By managing the town in a manner that focuses on the long-term wellbeing of its residents, Smith has worked to implement needed structural improvements while preserving neighborhood greenspace. During his tenue, the community has tripled in growth, and new residents are frequently known to receive Smith's personally signed welcome letter--a trademark of the affable leader. prgtoken In addition to his many leadership roles on numerous boards, councils, and committees, in 2016 Ray was elected to serve on the North Central Texas Council of Governments Executive Board and was elected President of the Board in 2020. He is currently the Chair of the Collin College Foundation Board of Directors, a member of the Meals on Wheels of Collin County Advisory Board, and an Alternate Member of the Regional Transportation Council. prgtoken While Ray's many efforts have undoubtedly made a lasting impact on the region, his greatest achievement is his family. Ray and his wife of 31 years, Lena, were blessed with three sons and two grandsons, Jacob and Jackson, whom they are helping to raise. prgtoken Ray Smith has undoubtedly made a lasting impact on the Prosper community, and while his tenure as Mayor is coming to a close, he will certainly continue to forge a tremendous legacy. As he prepares to begin a new chapter of his life, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Ray Smith for his selfless and dedicated service.
Ukraine (Executive Calendar)
Lindsey Graham (Republican, SC) \u2014 2022-3-16

. Well, thank you. All I can say is, Sheldon, thank you. prgtoken John is no longer with us, but I think he is here in spirit at this moment. If Senator McCain were here, there would be 27 MiGs they would want to transfer because he would probably be in one, headed for Ukraine. prgtoken The bottom line is, 20 days into this fight, we are all amazed at how bad the Russians are doing and how well the Ukrainians are doing. And I think what Senator Whitehouse is trying to remind us all of is that the outcome of Ukraine really does matter to the world at large. prgtoken Senator McCain was known for his support of the transatlantic alliance, a prgtoken rules-based society, a values-based world, and Putin has put that in jeopardy. prgtoken So let's look at it this way. If Putin wins, Sheldon, then the largest war criminal in the 21st century survives the dismemberment of a neighboring democracy, slaughter of the innocents on a mass scale. If he is still standing, I think China understands what to do with Taiwan more clearly; the Iranians are more bold when it comes to their nuclear ambitions; and the ripple effect in Asia and the Middle East will be felt if Putin wins. prgtoken Now, if Putin loses and Ukraine wins--victory for Ukraine--I think it would be the biggest change for the good since World War II. What would it mean? It would mean that a murderous war criminal who tried to use force of arms to impose his will on his neighbor lost. It would mean that the good guys won and the bad guys lost, and China would have to think twice about Taiwan. prgtoken How do we make sure victory for Ukraine is maximized? Only God knows how this ends, but here is what I think we can do in working together, with three lines of effort: prgtoken Economic and military aid. We have had a very robust package leave the Congress. The President announced $800 million more in military aid today. We have a difference about the MiGs, but otherwise we are pretty much on the same sheet of music. prgtoken Sanctions against Russia. The war is not against the Russian people. They are in many ways victims of Putin as much as anybody. Unfortunately, the only way we can bring this to a conclusion and have victory for Ukraine is to crush the Russian economy, so secondary sanctions need to be on the table. Then, if China comes to Putin's aid, they need to understand the consequences of that decision. prgtoken So we are all in on sanctions, and secondary sanctions are now in play. The Ukrainian Ambassador asked me yesterday to broaden the sanctions to Russian officials in different regions that are part of Putin's war machine. President Zelenskyy asked for that today, too. prgtoken My good friend Sheldon Whitehouse has been speaking about victory when nobody else hardly will, and I am here to say that victory for Ukraine is victory for America; it is victory for the rule of law; and it is victory for the post-World War II order that has led to historic prosperi
PRESIDENT ZELENSKYY IS A WAR HERO
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2022-3-16

. Madam , I was grateful to attend the joint session of Congress today to hear directly from the valiant Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He is a world hero for freedom and democracy. prgtoken Courageous Ukrainians will always be cherished as they protect rule of law over rule by gun by authoritarians in a worldwide conflict. prgtoken On Tuesday, President Zelenskyy clarified the war is not against Russian citizens. Putin is the mass murderer. President Zelenskyy called for Russian soldiers to surrender, and I have offered a bipartisan bill in Congress to reward Russian defectors with expedited refugee status to the United States, with up to $100,000 for Russian equipment turned over to Ukraine. prgtoken In the congressional address today, President Zelenskyy cited Mount Rushmore for its busts of American Founders, and I have a bipartisan bill in Congress for a bust of President Zelenskyy to be placed in the U.S. Capitol, in the tradition of Churchill, Havel, and Kossuth. prgtoken God bless Ukraine. God save Ukraine. Long live President Zelenskyy.
BRING BACK AMERICAN ENERGY INDEPENDENCE
Andrew S. Clyde (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-3-16

. Madam , while the devastating war in Ukraine is heartbreaking, we cannot turn a blind eye to the crises that President has created here at home, especially when the American people are paying for his failed policies. prgtoken Last week, inflation hit another new, 40-year high of 7.9 percent in February, continuing to impose a hidden tax on every solitary American. prgtoken Prices at the pump, utility bills, and costs in the grocery store checkout line just keep getting worse. prgtoken Yet, instead of reversing his disastrous policies and reducing government spending in order to alleviate the pain inflicted on Americans' wallets, President pivots to offer deceptive excuses. prgtoken First, we were told inflation was just transitory, that is it, but when price hikes continued, the new spin comically became that inflation is a good thing. prgtoken A good thing, really? Struggling Americans would beg to differ, . prgtoken When that messaging failed, the talking points quickly evolved to blame higher prices on corporate greed. It appears the administration enjoys pointing fingers at others instead of admitting the truth. prgtoken Now, in light of Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine, the administration's convenient scapegoat is Russian President Vladimir Putin, disingenuously labeling the ongoing inflation as Putin's price hike. prgtoken Make no mistake, inflation was skyrocketing long before Putin's troops set one foot into Ukraine. These are most certainly President 's price hikes. He is responsible, and no amount of dishonesty can hide the truth from the American people. prgtoken In fact, Americans simply can't afford to buy any more of 's deceptive excuses. Instead of playing the blame game while workers, families, and small businesses suffer, the administration and congressional must reverse course on their wasteful spending and failed economic policies. We must return to the America-first principles that truly helped the American people thrive.
BOLIVAR Act (Executive Calendar)
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-3-16

as the Federal Government rightfully continues to levy devastating sanctions on Russia and punish Putin and his thugs for their horrific and unlawful invasion of Ukraine, we cannot, as the administration has signaled it will, choose to empower one dictator so we can punish another. prgtoken Nicoles Maduro is the illegitimate, ruthless dictator in Venezuela. I traveled to the Colombia-Venezuela border and saw the suffering of the Venezuelan people at the hand of Maduro's regime. I met with Venezuelan refugees and got updates from Colombian officials on just how bad Venezuelans were being treated by Maduro's tyranny. prgtoken Venezuelan children walk for hours through dense forests, across rivers, and over terrorist-controlled territory just to get to a school in Colombia for an education and a meal. Mothers with young children came to Cucuta to get the only meal they would eat for 3 days. I met a pregnant woman who was forced to sleep on the streets of Venezuela because she was homeless. Think about that. I am a father and a grandfather. Imagine having to look at your 3-year-old child or grandchild in the eyes and tell them that they are not going to eat today because there is no food. prgtoken The pain, the hunger, the devastation--I cannot believe any human being would do this to young children. It was heartbreaking, and it was evil. And there is one man responsible for it: Nicoles Maduro. prgtoken Since my visit, things have only gotten worse. In what is one of the worst humanitarian crises in Latin American history, more than 6 million Venezuelans have fled Maduro's oppression in Venezuela since 2014. prgtoken In 2020, a factfinding mission for the United Nations determined that Maduro's regime has engaged in crimes against humanity, including unlawful executions, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and torture. The regime has imprisoned hundreds of its political opponents and forced countless more into exile. They have used the guise of the COVID-19 pandemic to further crack down on journalists and dissenters. prgtoken We know that what has been happening at the direction of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela is horrific. That is why, in 2019, the previous administration signed an Executive order issuing a complete economic embargo on Venezuela. prgtoken We can all agree that the United States should not be bolstering such a disgusting socialist regime, and we cannot forget that any lifting of sanctions or show of appeasement toward Maduro's Venezuela will only further the suffering there and help its evil allies, like Russia, Cuba, communist China, and Iran, which actively support Maduro's abuses. So I and many others were deeply disturbed last week when we learned that President secretly sent a team to Venezuela-- secretly sent a team to Venezuela--and began negotiations on the potential purchase of Venezuelan oil and the easing of sanctions. prgtoken High gas prices caused by
STOP THE ASSAULT ON AMERICAN ENERGY
Jerry L. Carl (Republican, AL) \u2014 2022-3-16

. Madam , over the past few weeks, we have made it very clear how important it is for the United States to produce its own energy rather than rely on other countries for our supplies. prgtoken The President and his allies have made things very clear that this is the thing that they want to do, shutting down American energy production, but the reality truly is that we can produce energy cleaner and more efficiently than any other nation on the planet. prgtoken This administration decided to shut down American pipelines and shut down American energy production, which has done nothing but drive up the energy costs while threatening our national security and strengthening our adversaries around the globe. We simply cannot allow this to continue. prgtoken President 's hard work to increase energy production and his leadership actually made us energy independent instead of energy dependent during his time. prgtoken America has the resources and the ability to meet our supply needs, and I encourage the President to end his assault on American energy.
HONORING ROY AND WILMA BROWN
John W. Rose (Republican, TN) \u2014 2022-3-16

. Madam , today, I rise to honor Roy and Wilma Brown, who celebrated their 80th wedding anniversary this Monday. prgtoken Married on March 14, 1942, at the Cumberland County Courthouse, Roy and Wilma have remained at each other's side ever since. prgtoken Through the ups and downs of raising five children on a family farm in middle Tennessee, in the early days with no running water or electricity, the Browns have been no stranger to hardship but have always leaned on the Lord. On their 69th anniversary, Wilma said: ``God has blessed us so much, and we are so thankful.'' prgtoken Madam , today, I thank Roy and Wilma Brown for serving as a reminder to all of us, both young and old, of the power and longevity of true love. May both Roy and Wilma have a blessed 80th anniversary, and may this day serve as an inspiration for generations to come.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 963, FORCED ARBITRATION INJUSTICE REPEAL ACT OF 2022, AND PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 2116, CREATING A RESPECTFUL AND OPEN WORLD FOR NATURAL HAIR ACT OF...
Michelle Fischbach (Republican, MN) \u2014 2022-3-16

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , how long will the House continue to attack the basic freedoms of the American people? It is not for Congress in Washington or some bureaucrat to tell the American people what they can and cannot do when revolving disputes. That is, frankly, none of their business. prgtoken If they want to agree to an arbitration clause before a dispute arises, that is for the American people to decide and not Washington, who think they know better than the American people. prgtoken It is not our job to micromanage the lives of our constituents. It is our job to safeguard their freedom. prgtoken We need to consider the unintended consequences of this legislation. There are many policies in this well-intentioned bill, but if it becomes law, contracts will be far less likely to include the option to arbitrate. This may not be an issue for people with deeper pockets and the ability to hire attorneys, but it will be a concern for those who do not have the option of a high-dollar settlement. prgtoken We must also keep in mind that sometimes arbitration is the best way to solve disputes. This is just one of the many aspects of this bill that needs to be reconsidered before we can move forward. prgtoken I oppose this bill, and encourage my colleagues to do the same. Everyone has the best intentions. prgtoken Madam , .
EB-5 REGIONAL CENTER PROGRAM
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-3-16

I have long been a supporter of the EB-5 program, which has been a significant economic driver in Texas. This merit-based immigration program has created thousands of American jobs and brought billions of dollars in investment to urban and rural areas across Texas and the U.S. prgtoken While it was unfortunate that the authorization for the EB-5 Regional Center program was allowed to lapse on June 30, 2021, I am pleased to have worked with my colleagues, Senators Chuck Grassley and Patrick Leahy, on the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act, which was included as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022. prgtoken The EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act reauthorizes the regional center program through September 30, 2027, and implements meaningful reforms and integrity measures that will ensure the viability and security of the program for the coming years. prgtoken This legislation provides the first multiyear authorization for the regional center program since 2015, so that regional centers, which have been in limbo for nearly 9 months, will have much-needed stability going forward. There is also a 60-day implementation period to allow USCIS to begin processing EB-5 petitions and applications that have been on hold since the lapse. Following that initial period, existing regional centers will be able to immediately get back to work driving investment into the U.S. and facilitating the creation of jobs across the country.
HOLDING FEDERAL EMPLOYEES ACCOUNTABLE
Jody B. Hice (Republican, GA) \u2014 2022-3-16

. Madam , I rise today on behalf of the American taxpayer to clarify that the Federal workforce exists to serve them, not the other way around. prgtoken During the COVID pandemic, Americans faced uncertainties as businesses literally struggled to survive. While these Americans wondered whether or not they would receive the next paycheck, there was one group, Federal employees, who did not face these type of concerns. To the contrary, since President took office, there has been a nonstop effort to ensure that Federal workers are treated like a protected, privileged class. prgtoken like to talk about the need to rehabilitate Federal workers after the administration's so-called war on civil servants. That is absolutely ridiculous. The ' road to recovery apparently includes shielding government workers, workers whose positions exist to serve the American people. The want to shield government workers from accountability; from any concern of discipline; from the obligation to actually perform the duties that they were hired to do; and from their duty to serve the elected Representatives of the people. prgtoken But guess what? Despite the claims of trauma during the administration, Federal workers were happier during his time in office. Why? Simply because the Federal workers were held accountable. prgtoken Let's face it: No one likes working in a situation where you can't do anything about poor performers, where you can't do anything regarding people who simply refuse to actually do their jobs. The consequences of that type of environment is that the actual conscientious workers have to pick up the slack, which only adds to their own workloads and creates an extremely toxic work environment. prgtoken Nevertheless, want to continue the false narrative of an abused Federal workforce. They want to curry favor with the core union constituency by looking for as many ways as possible to increase pay and benefits, all under the name of making the Federal Government a model employer. prgtoken But model employers hold their workforce accountable. Model employers put the customer first. In this case, that is the American taxpayer. We don't hear any of this from the , but you do from the s. prgtoken Today, along with a number of my colleagues, I am introducing the Accountable Federal Employees Act, which codifies a suite of executive orders that President issued, but, unfortunately, President has repealed. prgtoken This bill includes a number of commonsense provisions, such as making sure Federal employees actually do their jobs rather than spend time on union activities. It makes sure that poor performers are held accountable. That is something even Federal employees say is sorely lacking in the workplace. It creates a process to ensure collective bargaining agreements are negotiated in a timely manner and in a way that looks out f
THE ECONOMY
Ben Cline (Republican, VA) \u2014 2022-3-16

. Madam , as we celebrate Women's History Month, we recognize the list of women who have contributed to moving the United States forward over the past 244 years. prgtoken I rise today to recognize one trailblazer in particular, Virginia's current Lieutenant Governor, Winsome Sears. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Lieutenant Governor Sears moved to the United States at the age of 6 and has since dedicated her life to serving others and her country. prgtoken Outside of politics, she ran a homeless shelter, provided ministry to prisoners, and spent 3 years wearing our Nation's uniform in the Marine Corps. It was also an honor to serve with Lieutenant Governor Sears in the Virginia House of Delegates. prgtoken Since entering public office, Lieutenant Governor Sears has served as a Presidential appointee to the United States Census Bureau, as a distinguished member of the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans to the United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs, as the vice president of the Virginia State Board of Education, and, as I mentioned, as a delegate in the Virginia General Assembly. prgtoken Upon her swearing-in on January 15 of this year, she became the first female veteran to serve as Lieutenant Governor of Virginia and the first Black woman to hold statewide office in the Commonwealth. prgtoken We applaud the Lieutenant Governor's lifelong accomplishments and thank her for her service to her community, her Commonwealth, and her country.