mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD RELATING TO "STANDARD FOR DETERMINING JOINT EMPLOYER STATUS"--VETO MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT...
Betty McCollum (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2024-5-10

I rise to address my intended vote against H.J. Res. 98, a joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval of a rule submitted by the National Labor Relations Board relating to a ``Standard for Determining Joint Employer Status.'' prgtoken In January, House s brought forward a resolution to block a rule issued by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to clarify the definition of who is considered a joint employer under federal law. I voted against the resolution in January because, not only would it have blocked the NLRB's rule, it would have prohibited the administration and any future administrations from issuing similar rulemaking to clarify the definition of who is considered a joint employer. The resolution passed the House in January in a vote of 206- 177 and passed the Senate in April in a vote of 50-48. When the resolution was sent to President 's desk he vetoed the resolution. When the resolution to override the President's veto comes to the floor, I intend to vote no because I still believe we should not tie the hands of the National Labor Relations Board from ever taking up a similar attempt to clarify essential protections against labor rights violations in situations where multiple companies have control of a worker's conditions. prgtoken Let's also be clear about why House s are bringing up this resolution and attempting to override the President's veto. They didn't do it because they're the party of workers' rights. They brought forth H.J. Res. 98 simply as another way to attack the Administration and try to stop the federal government's regulatory and rulemaking authority. prgtoken Tuesday afternoon, shortly before the House floor vote on H.J. Res. 98, I met with a group of St. Paul area realtors to discuss several issues including the importance of protecting independent contractor status for real estate agents. Eighty-seven percent of realtors are classified as independent contractors. When the National Labor Relations Board and the Department of Labor are issuing rules relating to joint employers and independent contractors, the agencies must keep in mind the unique classification of realtors as independent contractors. That is why I am a cosponsor of H.R. 5419 which would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (29 U.S.C. 203(e)) to ensure that the status of realtors as independent contractors is protected. prgtoken The NLRB should work to issue regulations that address the concerns of independent contractors like realtors and protect the rights of working-class Americans whose working conditions are impacted by multiple employers. But it would be prohibited from ever doing that essential work if this veto override was passed, and so I will oppose this legislation.
TRIBUTE TO VIOLET SAGE WALKER--CALIFORNIA'S 24TH CONGRESSIONAL WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Salud O. Carbajal (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2024-5-10

each year, through the Women of the Year Award, my office extends special recognition to women on the Central Coast who have made a difference in our community. I would like to recognize one outstanding Women of the Year Award recipient, Violet Sage Walker of San Luis Obispo, California. prgtoken Violet is the chairwoman of the Northern Chumash Tribal Council (NCTC), a non-profit offering a foundation for the Chumash people of San Luis Obispo County to continue practicing their heritage and culture with dignity and vibrancy. She assumed the position after the passing of her father, Native American Tribal Chief Fred Harvey Collins, on October 1, 2021, and continues to advance Chumash heritage and culture in partnership with a broad community of Tribal allies, conservation organizations, and others. prgtoken As leader of the NCTC, Violet's mission is to protect the sacred places for those who were here long ago, for those here now, and for those who are still coming. The Central Coast is home to many sacred locations that are mentioned in Chumash oral tradition which include stories (saga' squatinas'ni) and context over the past 15,000 years, including an older recorded date at Point Conception, an extremely important Chumas Sacred Place known to Native Americans as the Western Gate (Humqaq). prgtoken For Violet, one of those duties is serving as the nominator of the proposed Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, the first Indigenous-led sanctuary nomination and one that tribal elders and members of the local community in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties have advocated for decades. As proposed, this sanctuary bridges the physical gap of protection between the Monterey Bay and Channel Islands national marine sanctuaries. It will enhance the lifeforce (tishwin) of coastal ocean waters and shorelines by integrating and engaging the traditional knowledge of the indigenous People in partnership with scientists, environmental public interest groups, and diverse members of the concerned public. prgtoken So far. the proposal has received an overwhelmingly positive response, and the plan is to provide formal designation by mid-2024. prgtoken Violet's continued leadership to the Chumash people and the San Luis Obispo/Santa Barbara County community is an inspiration to men and women throughout the district. Her ongoing efforts ensure that the heritage and legacy of the Chumash are respected and will endure for generations to come. prgtoken I am honored to recognize Violet Sage Walker for her continued commitment to the Central Coast. I ask all Members to join me today in honoring an exceptional woman of California's 24th Congressional District for her incredible work in the community.
RECOGNIZING COEN BREHMER'S FLORIDA HIGH SCHOOL WEIGHTLIFTING CHAMPIONSHIP
Aaron Bean (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-5-10

I rise today to celebrate Coen Brehmer, a Yulee High School Hornet who recently won the Florida High School weightlifting championships which is impressive at any age, but even more so as only a junior in high school. prgtoken Coen qualified for both the Olympic and traditional in the 119-pound weight class. At the state championship, Coen stung the competition, winning first in the Olympic lift and finishing second in traditional. He pulled off a 160-pound snatch, a 205-pound clean-and-jerk, and a 215-pound bench to bring home the gold. The victory was as sweet as honey and the crowd was buzzing at his magnificent displays of strength. prgtoken The Hornets, under the leadership of Coach Kyle Dougherty, performed incredibly well across the board this season. Coen's teammates, Zachary Kruger and Kevin , also qualified for state after exceptional performances this season. prgtoken Coen is a fantastic representation of Northeast Florida. He is a kind friend and a great teammate. His hard work paid off and he became Yulee High School's first male state champion in any sport. prgtoken , on behalf of Florida's 4th Congressional District, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in congratulating Coen Brehmer on this remarkable achievement.
BRINGING AWARENESS TO THE EQUAL REPRESENTATION ACT, ISSUES SURROUNDING THE BORDER CRISIS, ANTISEMITISM AND ENERGY COSTS
Chuck Edwards (Republican, NC) \u2014 2024-5-10

I include in the Record the following newsletter to give an update to my constituents to bring awareness to the Equal Representation Act in addition to issues surrounding the border crisis, antisemitism and energy costs. Dear Friend, This week, I was successful in passing my fourth bill since serving in Congress, the Equal Representation Act. Our democracy depends on electoral integrity, and that includes fair and equal representation of American citizens. By requiring a citizenship question on the decennial census, the Equal Representation Act would make sure that only U.S. citizens--those who have the right to vote--are counted when apportioning the number of congressional seats and Electoral College votes that each state has. Including non-citizens in the count when divvying up the number of congressional seats for each state weakens Americans' representation. In fact, the Center for Immigration Studies found that California has more congressional seats than the population would otherwise allow, and New York has four more, giving these states a greater influence in determining the direction of our country. We need guardrails to protect our democracy, and that includes making sure that American citizens--and American citizens only--are accurately represented in their federal government. It's time to stop diluting the voice and votes of Americans and with the passage of my bill, it's clear that many of my colleagues agree. Condemning the administration's deadly border crisis A major reason we need to stop illegal immigrants from skewing representation numbers in our government is due to this administration's disastrous open-border policies that have allowed more than 7.2 million illegal immigrants to enter our country through our southern border. That is more than the population of 36 states. President inherited policies from President that would have strengthened our border security. However, since 's first day in office, he has reversed policies that were in place to stem the flow of illegal immigrants, and has undermined U.S. border security on more than 60 occasions. The House sent a strong message by passing H. Res. 1112, which condemns this administration's policies that have created this costly border crisis. We also urged the administration to take immediate action to end this national security threat, and we will not rest until law and order is restored at our borders. The president's clandestine flights of more than 400,000 illegal immigrants The House Homeland Security Committee recently released documents that identified more than 45 airport locations to which the president
RECOGNIZING ERNEST SCANGO
Gus M. Bilirakis (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-5-10

I rise today to recognize and honor the service and patriotism of one of my constituents, Ernest Scango. Mr. Scango was born on January 8, 1923 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was drafted into the United States Army on March 5, 1943. After training at Fort Benning, Ernest joined the 551st Paratroop Infantry Battalion. As a Parachutist and Rifleman, Ernest participated in the major battles taking place in France. He took part in Operation Dragoon which was designed to secure the southern coast of France and the critical Mediterranean ports while forcing the Germans to open a second front while facing the D-Day invasion in Normandy under Operation Overlord. Then, he subsequently redeployed and took part in the Ardennes Offensive and Rhineland campaigns which were critical to ending war in Europe. prgtoken Today, Mr. Scango lives in Homosassa, Florida where he just celebrated his 102nd birthday. This month, he is receiving the distinguished insignia at ``Chevalier de la Legion d'Honneur'' (``Knight in the Legion of Honor'') from the French government. As a Member of the Greatest Generation, Mr. Scango and his fellow brothers and sisters-in-arms demonstrated incredible bravery and skill as they fought to save the world from the evils of Nazism, hatred and genocide. We all owe this hero a debt of gratitude that can never fully be repaid. Today and always, we remember his patriotism and courageous actions. We must honor his service and sacrifice by continuing to protect the sacred values of freedom he fought so hard to defend.
EQUAL REPRESENTATION ACT
Harriet M. Hageman (Republican, WY) \u2014 2024-5-10

I wish to reiterate Congress's intent to further describe its expectations of the executive branch when interpreting, administering, and complying with this bill's provisions should it become law. The legislative intent of this bill is simple, yet Congress is compelled to further clarify the record on this bill to pre-empt an executive branch that routinely seeks to avoid the letter of the law through rule- and policy-making, and in the face of an administration opposed to this bill. prgtoken The Fourteenth Amendment establishes that a U.S. citizen is a person born or naturalized in the U.S. Federal law further clarifies that a U.S. citizen is someone who is a citizen of the U.S. by law, birth, or naturalization. Under H.R. 7109, it is this citizenship status that the federal government is to collect through the decennial census, and then determine apportionment and the electoral college. Should this bill become law, Congress intends the executive branch to use this definition when implementing the Act, and no rule or policy can infringe on this requirement. prgtoken Congress would typically expect the executive branch to execute all of the Nation's lawful force as instructed by the legislative branch and as required by the separation-of-powers provisions found in the Constitution. Congressional and judicial scrutiny of the acts of the executive branch has continued to increase over time because of its propensity to ignore, misinterpret, or misapply Congressionally imposed restrictions or mandates. The current administration has a track record of routinely pushing the limits of, and outright ignoring, the law to achieve political goals through rulemaking and other executive policy. prgtoken The Administration's regulatory abuse is exemplified through a variety of actions, such as the Department of Education's Income Drive Repayment Program; a slate of Environmental Protection Act rules, such as Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027. Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles, and the Clean Power Plan 2.0; the Bureau of Land Management's Conservation and Landscape Health Rule; and the Security and Exchange Commission's Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors. None of these rulemakings find a foundation in the laws, yet the Administration has moved forward with prgtoken them in furtherance of a political agenda. The scope of this issue is further confirmed as a contributing factor in the Supreme Court's consideration of Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo. prgtoken Congress should also be concerned about the Administration's willingness to carry out this Act as written in light of its stated opposition to the Equal Representation Act. Just this week, the Administration issued a formal Statement of Administration Policy ``strongly opposing the bill.'' Contrary to the Administration's statement, this law is imperative to gathering impor
EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND CONDEMNING EFFORTS TO DEFUND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
Jim Jordan (Republican, OH) \u2014 2024-5-14

. Madam , the balance of my time to close. prgtoken Madam , a little over a year ago, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders gave the response to President 's State of the Union Address. I thought she did a wonderful job, but the line that stuck out to me was, in the course of her remarks, she said that the divide in America today is normal versus crazy. prgtoken My colleagues can start thinking about some of the crazy policies that are advocated by the radical left. I mean, it is crazy not to have a border. It is crazy to think noncitizens should be able to vote in our Federal elections. It is crazy to think boys should compete against girls in sports. prgtoken How about this one: It is crazy, in my mind, to let a Chinese spy balloon fly clear across the country and then shoot it down. I don't know, but I think most people I represent would probably have shot it down before it went across the country. prgtoken Additionally, it is crazy to defund the police. Americans understand that instinctively, yet that is something that the left has advocated now for--what?--5 years. We should thank the numerous law enforcement officers who have come to Washington, D.C for Police Week and all those across our great country. Every day, police officers put their lives on the line to safeguard our families and communities. prgtoken The left's defund the police movement continues to cause detrimental effects across our Nation, with attacks against police officers increasing and prgtoken becoming more brazen. We have all seen it. We saw it on the streets of New York City. We have all seen it happen, the harmful rhetoric that has demoralized our police officers and directly impacted their ability to maintain public safety. prgtoken Law enforcement agencies across the country are facing challenges in recruiting and retaining qualified law enforcement officers. It is why I supported the bill that we just passed. The gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Ivey) was right on that one. prgtoken This resolution is exactly what is needed. Congress must declare that we oppose the defund the police rhetoric. H. Con. Res. 106 seeks to correct these false and harmful narratives by explicitly condemning efforts to undermine law enforcement agencies. prgtoken This resolution acknowledges and expresses the gratitude of Congress for the dedication and commitment shown by the men and women of law enforcement. Law enforcement officers and their families serve and make sacrifices every single day for the good of our communities. prgtoken This resolution is rooted in commonsense, normal policy. I believe we can all agree that the defund the police movement was a disgrace, and our police officers deserve better. prgtoken Let's all work together, taking a stand against cutting our police department funding and calling for not abolishing the police but actually funding our law enforcement officers, again, in our municipalities, in our counties, and a
HONORING RICHARD JOHN McDERMOTT II AND ANNAMARIE McDERMOTT
Claudia Tenney (Republican, NY) \u2014 2024-5-14

I rise today to honor and celebrate the lives of Richard John McDermott II and Annamarie Christine McDermott, valued and beloved members of the Oswego County community who were tragically killed in a car accident last year, on June 10, 2023. prgtoken Nearly 1 year later, our community still feels the gaping hole created by the sudden loss of these two wonderful people. Rick and Annamarie left an enduring legacy and profound impact on their three children and their grandchildren, family, friends, and community, and also on me. prgtoken I was fortunate enough to know Rick and to actually become friends with him over the past 20 years. He was a bright, engaging, and passionate advocate, particularly for the Second Amendment, and also an avid sportsman and conservationist. Rick believed in preserving the natural resources we are blessed to have in New York State, especially in the beautiful region of upstate New York, where he resided for most of his life. prgtoken Rick McDermott worked at Novelis for over 23 years as an electrical engineer and retired in April 2023, just a few months before his life was tragically taken from him. prgtoken As an avid outdoorsman, Rick devoted countless hours to local gun clubs and conservation groups. He was a tireless advocate and trusted resource for hunting rights and Second Amendment rights across New York State. prgtoken In 2012, Rick founded the New York Crossbow Coalition, which was critically important to the efforts to legalize the crossbow as hunting equipment in New York. I remember meeting with Rick when I was a member of the State legislature to organize several rallies in Albany against New York's unconstitutional gun law, known as the SAFE Act, passed in the dark of night in 2013. prgtoken Earlier today, I had the honor of meeting Tom, Rick's son, at the White House. They were touring the White House, a wonderful opportunity that we have as American citizens. Tom informed me earlier that he was actually an attendee at one of these massive rallies at the capitol in Albany. prgtoken Rick was always leading the way on Second Amendment issues and always in Oswego. He was passionate, always trying to educate everyone in our community so they understood the true value of our Bill of Rights and everything that we stood for as Americans and as New Yorkers, particularly. Understanding the value of outdoor recreational programs, Rick led many youth pheasant hunts and wounded veterans crossbow hunts throughout the years, making this his mission. prgtoken Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Rick's lovely wife, Annamarie, she exhibited a similar passion and dedication to our community. prgtoken The heartwarming tributes by their own hometown to Annamarie and Rick are really incredible and touching, and they reveal the depth of devotion of these two wonderful people to our community and to their families. prgtoken Annamarie McDermott was a devoted teacher's assistant for
Cloture Motion (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2024-5-14

. The following Senators are necessarily absent: the Senator from West Virginia (Mrs. Capito), the Senator from Arkansas (Mr. Cotton), the Senator from Tennessee (Mr. Hagerty), the Senator from Nebraska (Mr. Ricketts), the Senator from Idaho (Mr. Risch), the Senator from Florida (Mr. Rubio), the Senator from Florida (Mr. Scott), and the Senator from South Carolina (Mr. Scott). prgtoken Further, if present and voting: the Senator from Florida (Mr. Scott) would have voted ``nay.''