mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE ACT OF 2019
Lloyd Smucker (Republican, PA) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong opposition to the PRO Act. prgtoken Today's egregious legislation really is mislabeled. It is called the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, but it really should be renamed the Unfair to American Workers, or the UAW, Act. prgtoken I strongly agree that our constitutionally guaranteed rights, like the freedom of association, should be protected, but this bill doesn't strengthen protections for all Americans. This bill upsets the balance between the right of employees to form a union and the right of individuals to refrain from joining a union. prgtoken H.R. 2474 deliberately speeds up the union election process so that employees do not have the time to fully vet the pros and cons of joining a union. prgtoken This bill also strips away critical privacy rights by forcing employers to hand over sensitive private employee information, such as where an employee lives, what work shifts they work, and more. prgtoken Why do they want this information? So union leaders can stalk and harass employees until they agree to sign up. prgtoken The PRO Act, in fact, leaves no corner of labor law untouched. This bill will disrupt the franchise model to eliminate a franchisee's ability to operate their business as their own, and it even decimates the sharing economy by codifying California's ABC test. prgtoken What is worse, this bill repeals every right-to-work law in the Nation, forcing millions of Americans to contribute to a union that they don't need or that they don't want. prgtoken I offered a commonsense amendment to this bill that would require unions to seek employee consent when using dues for political purposes, but my amendment was blocked by from being even debated on the House floor. prgtoken My colleagues on the left will claim that economic inequality has resulted because of declining union membership, but we know this isn't true. The economic success that we are seeing today, particularly for minority groups who have historically faced the most inequality, is changing thanks to policies put in place by a Congress and by President . Wage growth is rising faster today for minorities and individuals most impacted by economic inequality than for any other group. prgtoken Rather than innovating to become more attractive to employees so they want to join, unions are trying to change Federal law to stack the deck against hardworking Americans. prgtoken Americans aren't rejecting union membership because current labor law acts as a barrier to forming one. They are declining to join because they are sick of seeing union leaders harass and coerce their colleagues; line their own pockets with dues, as we have seen exhibited in the recent racketeering acts committed by former UAW leaders; and use employee dues to support political platforms that don't align with an individual's views. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to oppose this harmful power grab.
PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE ACT OF 2019
Randy K. Weber, Sr. (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman. prgtoken The gentleman over there used the word ``perverse.'' There is something perverse here, all right. I will say that I support the amendment by Mr. Meadows. prgtoken Among the numerous perverse power grabs in this bill offered today, H.R. 2474 seeks to eliminate right-to-work protections nationwide, superseding laws passed in those 27 States my good friend talked about, including my home State of Texas, which as he alluded to, by the way, its economy is so successful and our economy so big that if we were a country, we would be the 10th largest country in the world. That is how good our economy is. prgtoken Right-to-work laws prohibit the termination of employees for refusal to join or pay dues or fees to an organization they may or may not even support. prgtoken Let's protect families, not organizations. Let's protect families' incomes, not unions'. prgtoken My friend Mr. Meadows' amendment strikes the provision of this bill so that States may continue to protect workers from forced unionization and ensure Americans keep their hard-earned money.
RECOGNIZING PCWA GENERAL MANAGER EINAR MAISCH
Tom McClintock (Republican, CA) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Madam , I rise along with my colleague, Representative Doug LaMalfa, to recognize Einar Maisch for his 34 years of service at the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA). Einar's career as a civil engineer in the greater Sacramento area began immediately after his graduation from California State University, Sacramento. After stints at two local engineering firms, Einar joined PCWA in 1985, and his rapid ascension since then highlights his profound impact in serving the needs of the community. Water resiliency and infrastructure are among the most pressing needs in our region, and Einar has never shied away from tackling the most challenging projects that certainly could not have been completed without his hard work and devotion. Beginning his tenure at PCWA as a Senior Civil Engineer, Einar went on to serve as the Agency's Director of Strategic Affairs for fifteen years. His responsibilities in engaging in external matters included his participation in the Sacramento Area Water Forum and managing several large-scale water infrastructure projects critical to the region. These include the Penryn/Lincoln pipeline project, the expansion of the Foothill Water Treatment Plant, and the Stanford Ranch project, just to name a few. Einar provided strategic planning, management, and oversight for PCWA's Cross-Basin Pipeline Project, L.L. Anderson Dam spillway modification project, American River Pump Station project, and relicensing of the Middle Fork American River Project, where he negotiated a new power sale contract and the renewal of PCWA's water supply contracts. All of this work has greatly expanded the Agency's status in the California energy market. This extensive list of accomplishment led to him being selected as PCWA's General Manager in 2015, a role he has thrived in over the past five years. As General Manager, he worked to ensure PCWA's long-term viability as the local leader in water rights and economic prosperity by overseeing a clear and transparent budget process, increasing customer accessibility to the Agency, and expanding its regional and national influence on water issues. Throughout this long tenure, Einar has always prioritized the needs and interests of the customers and community. Einar is now retiring after nearly 35 years of service at the Agency, where he took tremendous pride in serving the people of Placer County. His work will leave a lasting impact on water planning, resiliency, and management in Northern California for decades to come, and Representative LaMalfa and I could not be more thankful for all Einar has done. He will now be able to spend much more time traveling, playing golf, and spending time with his wife Susan, his son, daughter, stepdaughter, and two grandsons. We wish him the best of luck in his much-deserved retirement.
PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE ACT OF 2019
William R. Timmons IV (Republican, SC) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong opposition to the PRO Act. prgtoken Our economy is booming. The unemployment rate is at a record low. The PRO Act would interfere with this historic progress by adding more Federal regulations on the very businesses that have been responsible for this growth. prgtoken Employers and businesses could face more than $47 billion in new annual costs if this bill becomes law. This bill would force employees to take a public vote on whether they would want to be a part of a union, a rule that the House do not even follow themselves. prgtoken even held up the USMCA vote to guarantee the right to a secret ballot, yet they are depriving the American worker of that same protection in the PRO Act. Over half of the States in this country have passed their own right-to-work laws, including my home State of South Carolina. prgtoken The PRO Act would effectively invalidate those laws by forcing workers to pay union dues in order to keep their jobs. This is a gross overreach of the Federal Government and something we need less of not more of throughout this country. prgtoken The PRO Act is yet another example of ic partisanship and a flagrant power grab and is, as many other things we have done this year, not going to get a hearing in the Senate. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no.''
AMERICAN HEART MONTH
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Madam , February is American Heart Month, a month where we especially recognize and promote positive heart health. prgtoken Currently, 302,000 people in South Carolina have coronary heart disease. I am thankful for the great work of the National Coalition for Women with Heart Disease and the American Heart Association for their steps to spread awareness about heart disease, the number one killer of men and women in America. prgtoken I am grateful that, in the Second Congressional District, we have many incredible events to recognize heart health, including the Heart Walk, held in Aiken and the Midlands. These walks raise critical funds to help save lives from heart disease. prgtoken As a volunteer with the Lexington County Heart Association, I know firsthand of the dedicated personnel. I appreciate American Heart Association Executive Director Crystal Kirkland of the Midlands and Jackie Lipscomb of the American Heart Association-CSRA. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September the 11th in the global war on terrorism. prgtoken Congratulations, President , for your deserved exoneration.
HAROLD KNIGHT AND DAVID HALE TO BE INDUCTED INTO GRAND NATIONAL TURKEY CALLERS HALL OF FAME
James Comer (Republican, KY) \u2014 2020-2-6

near the end of last week, I had the privilege of being back home in Kentucky and, as I try to do often, visit with constituents and see some of the exciting programs underway in the First Congressional District. prgtoken While stopping in the city of Paducah, I had the opportunity to see some of the life-changing workforce development opportunities becoming available to our citizens. In a time when we have more available jobs than qualified workers to fill them, both the McCracken County Jail and Paducah's school system are stepping up to fill the void. prgtoken At the local jail, I saw the great work they are doing to provide low-level inmates with a pathway to becoming productive members of society. The training programs they are providing for welding and HVAC training will help fill critical workforce gaps and reduce incarceration rates over the long term. prgtoken Once operational, the Paducah Innovation Hub will house technical classes like carpentry, welding, and engineering. I was excited to see the construction of this new innovative facility, which will be a model for education moving forward. prgtoken The old model of 4-year degrees and piles of student loan debt are not the answer for moving forward in education. Instead, we must emphasize certificates and skills training. I thoroughly enjoyed traveling my district and seeing firsthand the need for a more skills- based education system moving forward. prgtoken I am proud to represent McCracken County in this distinguished body, and I look forward to seeing the great work being done by the McCracken County Jail--and, in the future, the Paducah Innovation Hub--become a model for both Kentucky and the entire Nation. Commending President 's Successful Week
HONORING JOSHUA KNOWLES
Sam Graves (Republican, MO) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Madam , I proudly pause to recognize Joshua Knowles. Joshua is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1099, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. Joshua has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Joshua has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community. Most notably, Joshua has contributed to his community through his Eagle Scout project. Joshua collected materials and sewing famine hygiene kids for Days for Girls, which distributes the kits to young women in impoverished countries so they can stay in school when they get to the age of menstruation. Madam , I proudly ask you to join me in commending Joshua Knowles for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.
PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE ACT OF 2019
Mark Meadows (Republican, NC) \u2014 2020-2-6

my amendment strikes the language in the PRO Act that would, in effect, repeal right-to-work laws nationwide. prgtoken Currently, 27 States have adopted right-to-work laws that protect workers in their States from forced unionization. Eight of these States further protect their workers by enshrining right to work in their State constitutions. prgtoken At their root, right-to-work laws let workers choose whether or not to join a union. Right-to-work laws do not ban union membership. Instead, they let workers, not their employer and not the government, make the choice for them. prgtoken My colleagues opposite want to make the government the answer to everything. Yet, here we are today, and we should be protecting American values, American freedoms, that freedom of speech and that freedom to associate as a worker chooses. prgtoken The Supreme Court already recognized these rights in the union context when it ruled that government workers cannot be forced to pay union dues. Taking away this freedom in the private sector would reverse decades of protections that the States have given their workers. prgtoken I might add that some of the best growing economies are States where we have this ability, and my colleagues opposite want to, indeed, come in and reach into States and tell them how to operate when we have growing economies? prgtoken If California wants to make sure that everybody has to be in a union, let them move to California. prgtoken But do you know what? The verdict is already in. They are leaving California for States like Texas and other places where workers truly have the ability to choose for themselves. prgtoken I believe that we ought to adopt this amendment, and .
GUN VIOLENCE IS MISNOMER
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2020-2-6

. Madam , it is indeed National Gun Violence Survivors Week. We all share in mourning the loss of those lives that have been taken by those filled with anger, hate, and evil. However, gun violence is a misnomer. prgtoken Evil lies in the hearts of people. Guns are inanimate objects, much like this pen, which isn't going to move for the entire time I am making this speech. prgtoken It is naive to believe that more gun seizures, more violations of our Second Amendment, are going to do anything other than create more victims in gun-free zones. Ask Jack Wilson, who stopped evil because he was armed in that church in Texas recently. prgtoken It is naive to think that evil will be disarmed. Only the innocent will be disarmed in this continued press to have our Second Amendment violated and eliminated.
PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE ACT OF 2019
Bradley Byrne (Republican, AL) \u2014 2020-2-6

I thank my friend, the distinguished ranking member, for yielding. prgtoken , there is one reason we are here today and one reason alone. It is not to protect American workers. No, it is to protect big labor and their bosses. prgtoken There is so much real work to be done. We should be working to empower American workers, to modernize our employment laws, and to meet the demands of the 21st century economy. Instead, with this legislation, my friends on the other side want to turn back the clock and try to force power back into the hands of union bosses. prgtoken Make no mistake, this bill is a massive job killer. It will wipe out right-to-work laws which have now been adopted in a majority of States in this country. It will close small businesses. It will allow union bosses the freedom to coerce American workers, and it will force millions to pay union dues against their consent. prgtoken For some reason, my friends on the other side refuse to see the results of the proworker agenda. When government gets out of the way, when we put down the regulatory pen, when we let the American economy work, American ingenuity will lead the world. prgtoken At a time of record prosperity, they propose we bring back many of the failed policies of the administration, the very policies that led to so many years of stagnation. prgtoken My message to my friends on the other side is clear: Do not betray the American worker. Do not turn back the clock. Vote ``no'' on the PRO Act.
PROTECTING THE RIGHT TO ORGANIZE ACT OF 2019
Tim Walberg (Republican, MI) \u2014 2020-2-6

I thank my good friend from North Carolina for yielding. prgtoken I rise today in strong opposition to H.R. 2474, but not necessarily because of some of the reasons that I have heard, though questionable, from my friends on the other side of the aisle. prgtoken As the son of a machinist tool and die maker and a former union steelworker myself, I value the time-honored role unions play in our workforce. prgtoken I can remember some of the arguments that my dad made for the unions in the steel mills' machine shops where he worked. I also remember many of the arguments he made for unions going above and beyond, in the sense of going too far, for their own protection and not that of the employees. prgtoken But any reforms we make to Federal labor laws should put workers first, not union leaders first. When we fail to do that, it opens the door to extravagant abuses of power. Just look at what is happening in Michigan, sadly, with the corruption scandal at the top levels of the UAW. prgtoken How can we even entertain a transformational labor law at a time when members of the UAW leadership are under an ongoing Federal investigation for using members' dues to pay for UAW leadership's lavish trips to California featuring poolside villas, top-shelf liquor, fine cigars, golf, and even a $1,200 bill at a Hollywood salon. In our ethics investigations, we would certainly put those to the top of our concerns. prgtoken This corruption scandal has already yielded 11 convictions. Two previous UAW presidents have been formally implicated as members of a racketeering enterprise within the union--I hate hearing those words, because those impact union membership and their dues--and the current president, who took over because of the corruption allegations against the former presidents, has come under Federal investigation as well. prgtoken We should, instead, be looking into these abuses as our committee rather than turning a blind eye and passing legislation that will, instead, consolidate special interest power to coerce workers by undermining their right to privacy. prgtoken Clearly, this bill sends exactly the wrong message at the wrong time. It is not speaking for the hardworking families we represent, the hardworking union members we represent. They deserve better, and that is what this legislation doesn't offer.
RECOGNIZING 175TH ANNIVERSARY OF BAYLOR UNIVERSITY
Bill Flores (Republican, TX) \u2014 2020-2-6

I rise today to honor Dr. Stephen A. Holditch of College Station, Texas, who passed away unexpectedly on August 9, 2019. prgtoken Before I continue our discussion about Steve, I want to give some context about the importance of his professional career. Let me state first that Steve considered his roles as a husband, father, and grandfather to be his most important. Because of the exceptional way he lived those roles, his legacy is readily apparent in the lives of those he left behind--his wife, Ann; his daughters, Katie and Abbie, and their five grandchildren. prgtoken The discussion of his professional accomplishments starts with a description of current energy metrics. Today, the United States of America is blessed to be the number one producer of oil and natural gas in the world, and as of this year, we are a net exporter of oil and gas. Reserves of American oil and gas rank us among the top 10 countries in the world. We also lead the industrialized world in the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions over the past few decades. Ten years ago, no one would have ever predicted we would be where we are today. prgtoken This new world of American energy dominance is having dramatic implications, both domestically and internationally. We have secure, stable, environmentally responsible, and attractively priced energy resources for American families and businesses. We have become a reliable source of energy for our allies, giving them the flexibility to move away from unstable Russian and Middle Eastern suppliers. The oil and gas sector of our economy has created millions of good jobs and great paychecks for hardworking Americans. Our balance of trade payments has improved, and our geopolitical position has strengthened. prgtoken This dramatic energy renaissance didn't happen by accident or by government. It is the result of American ingenuity, research, and bold leadership. While no one person is solely responsible for the seismic shift in American energy, there are a number of bold leaders who took challenges that looked impossible to solve and solved them, particularly in the area of stimulation of low permeability, or tight, reservoirs. Their developments, studies, research, and field experiments using horizontal drilling and very large hydraulic fracturing treatments revolutionized American oil and natural gas and transformed our economy and our security. prgtoken One of those bold leaders was the late George P. Mitchell, Texas A&M class of 1940. Another is the person we are honoring today, Dr. Stephen A. Holditch, Texas A&M class of 1969. prgtoken Stephen Holditch was born on October 20, 1946, in Corsicana, Texas, to Damon and Margie Holditch. Growing up, Steve and his family moved often while his father pursued a career in the oil and gas industry. He spent most of his childhood in San Antonio before moving to Richardson, Texas, for his final year of high school, where he graduated in 1965. prgtoken Foll
EXPRESSING DISAPPROVAL OF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S HARMFUL ACTIONS TOWARDS MEDICAID
Paul Mitchell (Republican, MI) \u2014 2020-2-6

. I am not sure, , if you are aware or my colleagues are aware that we are now over 15 resolutions expressing disapproval with some policy of the administration, more than one per month. It appears maybe we have a monthly checklist that we must do some resolution disapproving of the administration's action on a monthly basis. prgtoken There is a point in time in this body we actually legislated. Imagine that. We considered an issue. We would have hearings. We would get experts in. We would have a bill. We would have regular order. We would amend the bill. And we would debate the policies. prgtoken This is not legislation. H. Res. 826 has less impact and less importance than the tissue in the Cloakroom has on this body. I repeat that: less impact because, frankly, it is more useful. prgtoken This is not. This is a media opportunity. This is a press release. At some time, the media will have people gathered together to bemoan the policy of the administration. prgtoken By the way, this is simply a guide to the States if they want to pursue waivers. States are choosing what is best for their citizens to serve them. As has been noted, there have been over 43 waivers approved by multiple States. prgtoken So let me just say, I watched with great interest last evening the debate over expressing one's opinion and First Amendment rights in this body. With great interest, I watched them. So let me at this point in time express my opinion and exercise my First Amendment rights by simply saying----