mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. JAY SCOTT MYERS
Tony Gonzales (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-2-5

. Madam , I rise today to recognize the remarkable life of the late Jay Scott Myers. A World War II veteran and longtime resident of Carrizo Springs, Texas, Jay passed away on Sunday, January 3, at the age of 99. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring his achievements and extending my condolences to his loved ones. prgtoken Born to Cullie Scott and William S. Myers in Houston on March 22, 1921, Jay graduated from San Jacinto High School and enrolled in the prestigious Harvard College in 1938. As an undergraduate, he majored in economics and participated in Naval ROTC until his graduation in 1942. That same year, he was commissioned to the USS Mississippi in San Francisco and deployed as a gunnery officer to the Pacific Ocean. prgtoken In 1944, Jay served valiantly in the Battle of the Philippines, a major victory against Japanese Imperial Forces. He was also scheduled to take part in the invasion of Japan in the fall of 1945, but the war came to a close with the dropping of the atomic bomb. prgtoken Back home, Jay accomplished the goal of a lifetime, and married the late Lucille White of Carrizo Springs, a childhood neighbor to his parent's adjoining ranch. When Jay first met Lucille at the age of eleven, he said to himself, ``That's the girl I'm going to marry'', and more than a decade later, he fulfilled that promise. prgtoken Joined in matrimony, the couple made a life for themselves in Houston, where Jay worked for his father's company, Myers-Spalti. While living in Houston, the couple had three of their four children: Barbara, Scott and Marilyn. In 1953, Jay thought that ranch life in a small town sounded exciting, so the family moved to Carrizo Springs in 1953 where they had their fourth child, Beverly. prgtoken Over the rest of Jay's life in Carrizo Springs, he actively participated in his community's civic life. In 1953, he helped found the area's Lion's Club, where he engaged in the scholarship committee and helped youth develop leadership skills. He also served as County Judge from 1954 through 1958, served on the Chamber of Commerce, and played an active role in the American Legion, where he oversaw the Homecoming Parade for 25 years. prgtoken Jay was also a member of numerous commissions, including the Hospital Board and Library Board. He was also appointed to the Underground Water Conservation Board by Texas Governor Dolph Briscoe. In 1976, Jay was named Citizen of the Year, and he served steadfastly as County Chairman for thirty years. prgtoken Madam , Jay's accomplishments are truly extraordinary, and his legacy will be remembered for many years to come. I extend my thoughts and prayers to his family and ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Mr. Jay Scott Myers.
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2021
Russ Fulcher (Republican, ID) \u2014 2021-2-5

I rise in opposition to H.R. 447, the National Apprenticeship Act. prgtoken This bill invites continued Federal rules that hinder Idaho's ability to use industry-based standards. prgtoken There is a lot of success with apprenticeships in Idaho. From companies like Idaho Power, Micron Technology, and St. Luke's Hospital to small businesses of all types, apprenticeships are crucial to job growth in the Gem State. prgtoken These businesses partner with colleges and universities across my State, connecting skill development to college degrees from regionally accredited schools. prgtoken Whether it is Idaho Power partnering with the College of Southern Idaho or the many small entrepreneurs working with schools like College of Western prgtoken Idaho, North Idaho College, Lewis-Clark State College, and others, businesses need the flexibility to use approved third parties to certify apprenticeship programs. prgtoken Make no mistake, Idahoans are used to dealing with heavy-handed Federal bureaucracy. Despite long wait times for approval by the Federal Department of Labor, our State officials continue to succeed in setting up apprenticeship programs. But often, Idaho's labor officials must use existing occupations because the Federal Department of Labor doesn't have standards for new ones. prgtoken Why make it harder by removing qualified third parties that can approve industry-recognized apprenticeship programs needed for our economy? prgtoken Why eliminate the opportunity for employees to participate in industry-based programs where they can go to school, get paid work experience, and earn an industry credential? prgtoken Idaho's economy has been resilient, despite government intervention due to COVID. Last year, I said if the government shut down the economy, it had an obligation to help open it back up. prgtoken We should not hamper companies trying to create apprenticeship programs for the types of jobs they need. We should help industry by freeing them to develop high-quality, high-paying jobs for the future. prgtoken We should give jobseekers more opportunities to grow and succeed, not with Federal boundaries, but only by the limits of their imaginations. prgtoken It is for these reasons I vote ``no'' on H.R. 447.
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2021
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-2-5

I rise today in opposition to H.R. 447, the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021. prgtoken As co-chair of the Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus, it takes a lot for me to oppose legislation like this, which should be and always has been bipartisan. But my friends across the aisle have included measures that just are not good for America, and not bipartisan. prgtoken The National Apprenticeship Act, which was originally passed in 1937, established the registered apprenticeship system we see today. This system has provided many Americans with the opportunities to learn tangible skills they need for high-wage, high-skill, and in-demand jobs that will lead to fulfilling careers. prgtoken More recently, we have seen interest for apprenticeships rise as more employers and small businesses are recognizing the vital role they play in the development of a skilled workforce. This law is in desperate need of reforms that will both strengthen and expand this traditional system, while empowering employers and others to pursue work-based learning innovation. prgtoken As co-chair of the bipartisan Career and Technical Education Caucus, I have always supported and will continue to support legislation that promotes skills-based education for a 21st century economy. prgtoken With that being said, we must acknowledge that the registered apprenticeship system created during the Great Depression will never be suitable by itself for a modern workforce. prgtoken While this bill codifies several Federal regulations for the registered apprenticeship model, the underlying bill ignores the needs of our workers and our economy. prgtoken Previous administrations have taken tremendous steps to grow the number of high-quality apprenticeships and modernize work-based learning programs, especially through the Department of Labor's Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs, or IRAPS. prgtoken This program is aimed to help foster continued innovation that recognizes the dignity of all work and provides another tool for apprentices to move into meaningful work in our rapidly evolving economy. prgtoken However, the current legislation does not provide the needed flexibility for innovation of these programs, the necessary funding to carry out these programs, or change the current status quo. prgtoken By prohibiting these innovative programs, this bill assumes that a registered program that works for one employer will meet the various needs of every business across the country, regardless of size or industry. We need to listen to what businesses are telling us. prgtoken For this reason, I urge my colleagues to oppose this bill.
SOUTH DAKOTA STOCKGROWERS BAND TOGETHER
Dusty Johnson (Republican, SD) \u2014 2021-2-5

from supply chain issues to uncertain prices, it has been a tough time in cattle country. prgtoken To make things worse, there was a fire up near Lemmon, and it was a big one. It burned 16,000 acres of land used to feed South Dakota cattle. prgtoken The tough hand that so many have been dealt did not keep the South Dakota Stockgrowers from coming together and donating bale after bale of hay to those Lemmon ranchers. prgtoken When asked why they came to the rescue, Scott Edoff of the South Dakota Stockgrowers said: Nobody asks. We just do it. That is part of our culture, part of our community. prgtoken , that sentiment did not surprise me in the least. That is South Dakota. And that is what I call unity.
HONORING THE LIFE OF CARROLL MAXWELL
Van Taylor (Republican, TX) \u2014 2021-2-5

. Madam , today, I rise to recognize and celebrate the life of Carroll Homer Maxwell, Jr. prgtoken Born to Virginia and Carroll Homer, Sr. on May 29, 1928, in Wichita Falls, Texas, Carroll would later relocate to Dallas where he would attend Highland Park High School. Mr. Maxwell would later attend Texas A&M University where he would foster a lifelong love of the Aggies. prgtoken Ever the entrepreneur, Carroll would establish several businesses including an apartment and home development in Richardson, Texas, a transistor radio factory, a local television station, and a Central Systems among others. prgtoken Mr. Maxwell was particularly known for his commitment to service as evidenced by his long-time membership and involvement with First United Methodist Church of McKinney. Additional efforts to serve those around him included membership in the McKinney Kiwanis Club, Sons of the American Revolution, Collin County Foster Friends, participation as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Collin County, and as an active figure in conservative politics. prgtoken Mr. Maxwell's impressive list of awards and accolades are a testament to the high esteem the community held him in. Carroll went home to our Lord on December 26, 2020 where he was reunited with a host of those he had loved in life most notably, his wife, Marilyn Maxwell. prgtoken While many in Collin County will miss his steadfast presence and servant leadership, those who knew him best celebrate a life well lived. Now as we recognize Mr. Carroll Maxwell, Jr I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring his rich life and legacy.
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2021
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2021-2-5

. Madam , for more than a year, America's workers have faced unprecedented challenges and unimaginable uncertainty. prgtoken Today, nearly 9 million fewer Americans are working than before the COVID pandemic struck, robbing mothers, fathers, friends, and neighbors of the dignity, purpose, and security of work. prgtoken As we help our Nation recover from the economic toll of COVID-19 and strive to restore the livelihoods of millions of America's workers, we have a responsibility to put forth solutions that strengthen the pathways to meaningful family-sustaining careers. prgtoken The apprenticeship model of providing paid work experience, coupled with classroom instruction and on-the-job mentorship, is a proven approach to equipping workers with the skills they need for lifelong success. prgtoken Individuals who complete high-quality apprenticeship programs enter into well-paying jobs and do so without the debt that so often saddles our younger generation of workers. prgtoken Yet, less than 3 percent of the workforce participates in the registered apprenticeship system, and the vast majority of the programs are concentrated in only a handful of industries. This leaves our strongest workforce development strategies vastly underutilized and emphasizes a blunt truth: Doubling down on this decades-old system won't change the trajectory during this historic time of need. prgtoken We must develop an apprenticeship system that is responsive to the demands of the 21st century workplace and accessible to job creators in emerging industry sectors. prgtoken Unfortunately, the ' bill doubles down on a one-size-fits- all approach that closes pathways into the workforce and stifles the employer-led innovation. For all the rhetoric about expanding apprenticeships, the most immediate impact of the underlying bill would be just the opposite, pulling the rug out from under new programs that are equipping healthcare workers to combat the pandemic. prgtoken My substitute amendment makes improvements to modernize and reinvigorate the national apprenticeship system, changes that will increase opportunities for workers and help bolster the Nation's economic recovery. prgtoken First, expanding apprenticeships to small businesses and new industries will require flexibilities for employers to design a program that fits their unique needs. Our amendment provides this flexibility by allowing small businesses to seek waivers to Federal requirements that don't match the nature of their business and would prevent them from ever developing an apprenticeship program. prgtoken Second, engaging more Americans in apprenticeship opportunities will require a robust pipeline of workers with the base skills and workplace competencies to succeed. Our amendment will help grow youth and pre- apprenticeship programs, equipping them to prepare the next generation for a full range of workforce development opportunities and careers, not siloing them from the
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2021
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-2-5

we all want to help. We all want to help the people in our community find their way; do better for themselves; seek the opportunities that support themselves, their dreams, and their families. prgtoken Now, this bill establishes ratios of journeymen and apprentices on the job. prgtoken What does that mean? prgtoken That means you have to have somebody watching when somebody is pulling wire, you have to have somebody watching when somebody is learning to sweat joints because you have got to make sure it is done right, you have got to make sure it is done safely. And that is great. That ratio is going to be established by the Department of Labor based on something--hopefully by people in the trade that know what they are doing. prgtoken But this is what it also does: It says that if you have a collective bargaining agreement, you don't have to worry about those ratios. You can make your own up. So the union and the business can make their own, but everybody else has to use the Department of Labor standards. prgtoken Ladies and gentlemen, one standard for all. If it is good for the goose, it is good for the gander. This is picking winners and losers. This is saying, if you are not in a union, you have got to have a different standard. Oh, by the way, the different standard is it is always more expensive for you than it is for the union. Oh, by the way, we see that all the time. prgtoken Additionally, this bill prevents entities not affiliated with the union from obtaining Title II grants, the grants we are talking about in this bill. They can't get them. You have to be in a union. prgtoken Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you see what this is. It is okay for me, but not for thee. It is the same old thing in Washington, D.C and it is the same thing we are seeing around the country: If you are hooked up with the elite, if you are hooked up with the entitled class, you get the fruit. If you are not, you get punished, you are left out in the cold. prgtoken Ladies and gentlemen, we want to see one standard. We all want to help our friends and we all want to help the people in our community realize their dream. But picking winners and losers, which is exactly what this does, actually keeps people out of work, increases the price, and picks winners and losers. That is not what our Government is supposed to be doing. That is not what we are supposed to be doing. prgtoken , I urge a ``no'' vote on this bill.
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2021
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2021-2-5

I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 447. prgtoken Coming from the construction industry, I know firsthand that apprenticeships help Americans gain valuable skills that lead to good- paying jobs and long-lasting careers. prgtoken Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we had the greatest economy in the world. Unfortunately, we have seen the negative impact this virus has had on employment opportunities, and Congress should be working in a bipartisan manner to get this economy back on track. prgtoken There is no doubt that skilled trades will play a crucial part in economic recovery in the coming months. By encouraging more apprenticeship programs, we can help American workers get back on their feet while, simultaneously, helping employers meet their workforce needs. prgtoken But the last thing American workers and businesses need is additional bureaucratic red tape like those included in H.R. 447. prgtoken My ic colleagues are pushing forward an approach that doubles down on burdensome mandates and will prevent more workers from accessing apprenticeship opportunities by imposing a one-size-fits-all Federal registered apprenticeship system, while doing nothing to support other models. prgtoken I offered an amendment to today's bill that would uphold the administration's rule regarding the Department of Labor's Industry- Recognized Apprenticeship Programs, which provides companies an alternative avenue to train skilled workers for their specific industry needs, while allowing Americans to earn while they learn. prgtoken We should empower employers to innovate and develop their own apprenticeship programs, not constrain them. Yet, per usual, my ic colleagues blocked my amendment from consideration. prgtoken If you truly want unity and working across the aisle, then I urge my colleagues to work with the s on the House Education and Labor Committee on a bipartisan bill that would encourage innovation and flexibility into the apprenticeship model so that more Americans can get back to work.
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2021
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2021-2-5

apprenticeship programs are incredibly important for job growth in the State of Wisconsin and around the Nation; and insofar as this bill highlights apprenticeships, that is a good thing. prgtoken I was talking again to one of our programs this morning in Wisconsin, and they could desperately use more people going through these apprenticeships and making these $70-, $80-, $90,000-a-year jobs. prgtoken I think it is particularly important to get more people in the trades because we have so many people going to 4-year universities and maybe they wind up going to apprenticeship 5 or 6 years later, maybe they wind up heavy in debt. If they had made the move to a construction apprenticeship earlier on, they would be a lot better. prgtoken Unfortunately, this bill is not quite exactly what we need. The registered apprenticeship program through the Department of Labor is important. For many employers it works fine. However, it is a one-size- fits-all approach. In fiscal year 2019, over 250,000 individuals entered registered apprenticeships and only 81,000 graduated from the system. prgtoken Over the years, some employers have expressed that participation in registered apprenticeships allows the Department of Labor to dictate skills an employer must provide to apprentices in specific industries rather than allowing the business to determine that themselves. Let's face it, employers know what kind of on-the-job training and vocational education their apprentices need more than the Federal Government does. prgtoken IRAPs still would have to comply with Federal standards and would have been overseen by third parties, such as trade and industry groups, nonprofit organizations, unions, and joint labor management organizations. prgtoken Of course, the idea of the IRAPs has totally shut down, probably for two reasons. It took control of the apprenticeship program out of the hands of the Federal Government. And, quite frankly, it was an idea proposed by , who did a lot of good things. prgtoken Our workforce is evolving. So should our models of job training and apprenticeships. prgtoken I have also offered an amendment to this bill concerning the definition of recognized postsecondary credential. Under the bill, recognized postsecondary credential has a meaning, given the definition in the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act. That definition should specifically include technical diplomas and degrees, which differ from general associate degrees. I look forward to revisiting that when the House brings up WIOA for reauthorization.
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF S. CON. RES. 5, CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021
Kat Cammack (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-2-5

. Madam , I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken Madam , I rise before you today in opposition to this rule. Since we began this new Congress in January--and I realize that I am new here--I have yet to see a single action by this House that could be interpreted as bipartisan; unifying; or, if we are being honest, a good use of our collective time. prgtoken Our Nation is experiencing one of the worst crises in our history. Last Congress, this body passed legislation that was quadruple the size of all New Deal programs combined, and that is adjusted for inflation. We are talking about $4 trillion. Today's solutions cannot be tomorrow's problems. prgtoken Madam , I am in favor of relief for our struggling businesses, our constituents, and our hardworking families. However, what we are considering here today is not relief. Rather, we are garnishing the wages of future generations. While the left is focused on charging Members of Congress thousands of dollars for their masks falling below their nose, mom-and-pop shops back home are having their local, State, and now Federal Government stand in the way of them opening their doors and getting this economy up and running. prgtoken And what of the $1.3 trillion that this body recently passed and that this administration has yet to spend? Where is that money going? prgtoken History shows us that the most successful actions by government have been bipartisan. It is time to let everyone, including s, have a seat at the table. Until we prioritize all--all--of our people instead of just some coastal elites, I will not and I cannot support the actions of this majority.
PUTTING AMERICA FIRST
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2021-2-5

the administration has now issued at least 42 executive actions, including 25 executive orders, by far the most of any President during this span. Clearly, all his rhetoric about unity is, to use his favorite word, malarkey. prgtoken This week, the President signed three more executive orders to destroy progress we have made on immigration and border security. prgtoken He reversed President 's public charge rule. That rule prevented immigrants likely to rely on social welfare programs--paid for by you and me, the taxpayer--from accessing green cards. prgtoken Asylum seekers will no longer be required to wait in Mexico while being processed, which is a commonsense deterrent against dubious asylum claims. Instead, it just waves them right in, with a backlog already of years on asylum hearings. prgtoken This power has been transferred from the proper agencies now to the White House, where immigration no doubt will be politicized. prgtoken Americans are suffering. Many need work because their jobs have been shut down due to the corona China virus. prgtoken How can we justify closing our schools and businesses but putting our borders wide open? prgtoken If the President wants to heal this Nation, he must pull together for the needs of struggling Americans, not these others.