mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DIRECTING THE PRESIDENT, PURSUANT TO SECTION 5(C) OF THE WAR POWERS RESOLUTION, TO REMOVE ALL UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES, OTHER THAN UNITED STATES ARMED FORCES ASSIGNED TO PROTECT THE UNITED STATES...
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-4-27

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , if what it takes to protect the 17 million people in Somalia is 900 U.S. troops forever, then I don't have high hopes for them. I have far more confidence in the strategy that Congresswoman Omar laid out, which was the Somali Government working to create some sense of national identity among Somali clans, and no one has made a compelling argument that we are essential to that process. prgtoken I take some exception to my colleague from Texas calling this a get- out-quick resolution. It gives us a year. Can't we move 900 people in a year? prgtoken My colleague from Georgia argued that Somali troop presence was essential to keep America safe. Let me be clear: I fear China and some crazy Russian general with nuclear codes far more than I fear Somali warlords fighting over who controls aid streams. prgtoken It is not just my opinion. It is the opinion of our military leaders at AFRICOM. It was Brigadier General Bailey who said recently: What we have seen is not necessarily holding land or territory. It is more extortion, closer to an organized crime organization. prgtoken That was on February 27, 2023, on ``Nightly News with Lester Holt.'' prgtoken Even General Bailey doesn't view this as a way to get land, seize land, and keep it away from Al-Shabaab. He is saying that they are not really holding land. They are just engaged in low-level thuggery, and it seems unworthy of a sustained U.S. troop presence. prgtoken Let's make clear that while the debate was elegant and compelling about the need to engage Africa, the vote on this resolution is whether 900 U.S. troops should stay in Somalia or come home. prgtoken Those who vote against my resolution are functionally taking the position that the 2001 AUMF, which was voted on when 89 percent of us who are currently in the House were not even here to vote on it and which was voted on before Al-Shabaab even existed, has become a global permission slip for U.S. interventionism everywhere. prgtoken Al-Shabaab had nothing to do with 9/11. The fact that they have co- branded with al-Qaida is not indicative of any interoperability. prgtoken , as we are evaluating whether or not we have to keep 900 troops in Somalia for the safety and security of Americans, the principal goal of Al-Shabaab is to rule greater Somalia under sharia law and overthrow the government. prgtoken That is not my opinion. That is a February 2023 Congressional Research Service conclusion. That very same CRS report indicates that Al-Shabaab does not have the capability to attack the United States. prgtoken I guess it is easy to stand up and say that we should be the police force everywhere because anywhere some bad person could harbor the desire to kill us, but the best research we have says that that is not in line with their existing capabilities. prgtoken , I include in the Record the February 2023 Congressional Research Service report.
HONORING VIETNAM ERA VETERAN JOHN STEWART
Diana Harshbarger (Republican, TN) \u2014 2023-4-27

I rise today to honor my constituent and Vietnam era veteran John Stewart of Telford, Tennessee who served in the United States Army from 1967 through 1970. He was stationed in Korea, as well as Vietnam, where he served as a heavy equipment operator. prgtoken Stewart was first stationed in South Korea working on clearing roads in the winter for convoys near the Joint Security Area. While working there he witnessed the famous POW exchange of the Navy soldiers who were captured by North Korea on the USS Pueblo. In October of 1969, he was deployed to South Vietnam where he transported construction machinery. prgtoken After finishing his tour in Vietnam, he safely returned to his home in the United States in late 1970.
TRIBUTE TO DAVID "GUNNER" KELLY
John Barrasso (Republican, WY) \u2014 2023-4-27

I would like to take the opportunity to express my appreciation to Gunner for his hard work as an intern in my Casper office. I recognize his efforts and contributions to my office, as well as to the State of Wyoming. prgtoken Gunner is a native of Mississippi. He is currently attending Casper College and plans to attend the University of Wyoming in the fall. He has demonstrated a strong work ethic, which has made him an invaluable asset to our office. The quality of his work is reflected in his great efforts over the last several months. prgtoken I want to thank Gunner for the dedication he has shown while working for me and my staff. It is a pleasure to have him as part of our team. I know he will have continued success with all of his future endeavors. I wish him all my best on his journey.
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-4-27

as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize Simply Blooming of Traer, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken Simply Blooming was founded in 2006 by Lisa Eikamp as a one-stop shop for all of your floral needs. Simply Blooming has flowers from all over the world in store. As an experienced floral designer, Eikamp is able to design and accessorize an arrangement for a variety of events and occasions. Simply Blooming's website boasts a broad portfolio of floral designs including prom corsages, wedding bouquets, and sympathy flowers. In addition to flowers, you can also find a variety of plants, home decor, stylish clothing, and even boots for sale. prgtoken This year has been a momentous one for Simply Blooming. They opened a new location in Vinton on the exact day of their 17th anniversary of the flagship store opening in Traer. The second store is called Simply Blooming, Too, and has already become an integral part of the Vinton community. They had a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the occasion, and an Elvis Presley impersonator even stopped by for the festivities. prgtoken Part of what makes Simply Blooming special is their attention to customer service. They maintain active social media profiles updating customers on the arrangements they design, community events hosted at Simply Blooming, and information on all of their new products. prgtoken Simply Blooming's commitment to providing flower arrangements for every occasion is clear. In 17 years, Ms. Eikamp has been able to provide quality customer service by treating her customers like family. I want to commend Lisa Eikamp and the entire team at Simply Blooming for their work. This business exemplifies the innovative spirit and leadership skills of the Iowa entrepreneur. I look forward to seeing your continued growth and success in Iowa.
RECOGNIZING CHIEF MASTER SERGEANT JAMES J. WELLER
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-4-28

I rise today to recognize an outstanding constituent from my district, Chief Master Sergeant James J. Weller. CMSgt Weller is retiring from the United States Air Force after 42 years of faithful service to our country. prgtoken Born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, Jim went on to graduate from Upper Dublin High School in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania. He began his career of service early as a Civil Air Patrol Cadet and would go on to enlist as an Infantryman in the U.S. Army Reserves. In 1983 he transferred to the Air Force and began an illustrious career that saw him serve in locales throughout the world in support of the Cold War and the Global War on Terror. prgtoken Jim has served in many positions in defense of our great nation to include Military Law Enforcement, Aircraft Armament Technician, Emergency Manager, and various other additional duties. In March of 2003, Jim was part of the Red Tail Express, the first successful Air Force ground convoy into Iraq. On a subsequent deployment to Iraq, he served as the Security Escort Manager to Baghdad Air Base. Jim's professional excellence and dedication to service is exemplified in his support of Operations Desert Storm, Deny Flight, Southern Watch, Southern Focus, Inherent Resolve, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. prgtoken On the domestic front, Jim leveraged his extensive military experience in disaster management across 20 domestic operations. Notably he supported efforts during Covid-19, Hurricanes Floyd and Irene, Tropical Storm Lee, and Super Storm Sandy. His security expertise has been used in support of G-20 summits, a Papal visit, the 2016 ic National Convention and Presidential Inaugurations. Jim has also been instrumental in service to our local community where he serves as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Civil Air Patrol as well as volunteer Fire Rescue and Emergency Medical Services. prgtoken In his private life, Jim and his wife Michelle reside in Warrington, Pennsylvania where they have raised 4 wonderful children. prgtoken We are all incredibly grateful for the positive impact Jim has had through his long career, and we wish him countless blessings during his retirement.
CONGRESSIONAL ART COMPETITION
Warren Davidson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-4-28

I rise today to recognize the talented and diligent students in our Eighth District who participated in our annual Congressional Art Competition. prgtoken This year, we received 230 submissions from eight schools. The artwork from these dedicated students is on display at the Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park and Museum until April 30, and it is available online, as well. prgtoken One standout student received the grand prize victory for her art submission. I congratulate Paige , who was our grand prize winner of the 2023 Eighth District Congressional Art Competition. prgtoken Paige is an 11th-grader and attends Badin High School, and her Urban Renewal work will be placed on display in the United States Capitol for the next year. Last week, I had the honor to meet Paige and her fellow art competition participants, and her family, as well. prgtoken We celebrate their hard work, their skills, and their creativity. I thank them all for their participation.
JULIE SU'S RECORD OF FAILURE
Jeff Duncan (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-4-28

that is what you call making it just in time. I thank the gentleman from California for yielding just a little time in this Special Order hour in order for me to recognize a very special group of students down in Clinton, South Carolina. prgtoken , today I recognize the Clinton High School and Clinton Middle School Olympiad teams for both bringing home the State championship in Charleston this past month and qualifying for the National Science Olympiad tournament in Kansas this May. prgtoken Now, the Science Olympiad was founded in 1984 as the premier team STEM competition in the Nation and provides standards-based challenges to 6,000 teams at 425 tournaments in all 50 States. prgtoken Winning the State Olympiad is a tremendous accomplishment alone, but the fact that Clinton has a history of excellence in the Science Olympiad is even more impressive. prgtoken Listen to this: Clinton has been involved in the Olympiad since 1986, and I am proud of Clinton's continued success in this competition. prgtoken The Clinton Middle School, formerly Bell Street Middle School where my sons went to middle school, has won the State Olympiad title 19 times in the last 21 years--19 times in the last 21 years--and Clinton High School has won the State title 12 of the last 15 years. prgtoken I congratulate the coaches and members of the Clinton State Championship Science Olympiad team for their win this year and applaud them for their wins over the years. prgtoken This year's middle school team included Jackie Alcudia, Liam Bell, Madison Boyter, Lauren Ficklin, Sam Hunt, Salaam Jenkins, Jacob King, Matthew King, Shayne Kiselak, Hank Lanford, Landen Lowman, Kelly Nelson, Sidney Nelson, Arohi Patel, Shrey Patel, Ada Tiller, Brian Phillips, Aubrie Watts, Ben Wiggins, and Marlee Williamson. prgtoken This year's high school team included Kaelyn Bell, Jules Darden, Keegan Fortman, Julieta Garcia, Becca King, Anna Litzenberger, Addison Lowman, Shane Nelson, Junia Nolan, Wes Ray, Helen Sarah, Bailey Suarez, and Rachel Vondergeest. prgtoken Now, of course, we have to remember the coaches because a team is only as good as the leadership, so you have head coach Terri O'Shields and David O'Shields, who is our superintendent in that district. They are both dear friends of mine. prgtoken Kevin Cox, Michael Mack, Jason Smith, Ami Vaughn, Allison Lanford, Stan Walsh, Jimbo Langston, Scott Shiflet, Dianne Summer, Sharon Lone, David Bell, Katie Scarlett, Maggie O'Shields, and Asheton Wilbanks. prgtoken Clinton High School defeated 14 other high school teams to win, and they brought home the gold medal in astronomy, bridge building, chemistry lab, dynamic planet, environmental chemistry, forestry, remote sensing, and the WiFi lab. What great categories for STEM education. prgtoken Clinton Middle School defeated all of its competition in each event. prgtoken Congratulations to the students of Clinton High School and Clinton Middle School for another Scienc
JULIE SU'S RECORD OF FAILURE
Richard McCormick (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-4-28

I too have major concerns about this nomination. prgtoken , I rise today in opposition of President 's nominee for Secretary of Labor, Julie Su. America's labor secretary should defend both American workers and understand the economy which provides jobs, feeds families, and keeps our communities strong. prgtoken Unfortunately, Ms. Su oversaw and distributed about $32.6 billion in fraudulent unemployment claims paid out to death row inmates, international criminal syndicates, and other fraudsters. She has tried and failed to obscure this fact in front of the Senate Committee. prgtoken While she was doing this, Su also denied or delayed over 5 million legitimate unemployment insurance claims. She was also an architect and key enforcer in California law that effectively outlaws freelance work in California, destroying the livelihoods of thousands of families. prgtoken Our Nation's 1099 employees are just as important to this country as the liberal elite donors that are so set on destroying the American working class. prgtoken The facts are clear, President should pick someone else to be his Labor Secretary. prgtoken I urge my colleagues in the United States Senate to stand with America's workers, to stand for American prosperity, and stand for a better nominee for the Department of Labor.
HONORING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL
Jennifer Kiggans (Republican, VA) \u2014 2023-4-28

today, I recognize and celebrate Israel's 75th anniversary. prgtoken Like so many Americans, I am amazed by all that Israel has achieved in the face of immense challenges. Born in the aftermath of the horrors of the Holocaust and the Second World War, Israel's short history is full of success. In a short time span, Israel has become one of the world's leading nations for innovation and technology; its contributions to fields like cybersecurity, healthcare, and agriculture benefit Americans every day. prgtoken We also cannot lose sight of the fact that Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East and a beacon of hope for not only Jews, but freedom-loving people of all faiths and backgrounds. Our relationship with Israel is a mutually beneficial partnership that reinforces America's moral values and strategic interests, promoting stability in a highly volatile region. Our two nations face many of the same threats, making it imperative that America does not waiver in our commitment to strengthen Israel's ability to defend itself. prgtoken The U.S.-IsraeI relationship is truly the embodiment of ''peace through strength''. By standing together, we demonstrate to our adversaries that we will not be intimidated and that we will defend our shared values and interests. As malicious regimes like Iran continue their quest for nuclear capabilities, it is vital that America remains committed to ensuring a strong and secure Israel. prgtoken As a Member of Congress, I remain steadfast in my support for Israel and look forward to helping advance U.S.-Israel defense cooperation. I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating Israel's 75th anniversary and reaffirming our commitment to this important partnership.
JULIE SU'S RECORD OF FAILURE
Burgess Owens (Republican, UT) \u2014 2023-4-28

I thank my friend for yielding. prgtoken , I rise today in opposition to the nomination of Julie Su for U.S. Labor Secretary. prgtoken I have always been told that you can get some idea of a person's future judgment and skill based on their past judgments and skill. prgtoken Ms. Su has a history that is very instructive. It was her tenure as the secretary of the Labor and Workforce Development Agency of California that put the Golden State on a fast track to bankruptcy and economic collapse. prgtoken Because of Julie Su's leadership, hundreds of business headquarters have fled the State. Between 2020 and 2022, over one-half million Californians left the State for greener pastures. prgtoken , as a California executive, the primary responsibility in representing your State should be growing it, not expelling your citizens. prgtoken Ms. Su's reign has shown a failure in both judgment and skills. Under her watch, over $31 billion of California COVID funds were delivered to the bank accounts of fraudsters. At the same time, delays and red tape plagued legitimate COVID relief claims for those who desperately needed it. prgtoken Caving to the demands of union bosses, Ms. Su has been and will continue to be totally tone-deaf to businessowners. She will never understand Americans who build our Nation's tax base; who power our middle class; who pay her salary; and who, through robust employment, are the source for union dues. She literally turned her back on the goose that laid the golden egg--California's risk-taking businessowners. prgtoken At the behest of the union bosses, she instead launched an all-out assault on independent contractors critical to the success of the gig economy. prgtoken At every government post Ms. Su has been appointed to, she has prioritized non-revenue producers: the union bosses and unelected bureaucrats. Her priority has always been those who empty the government coffers instead of the small business owners who, through work, risk, expansion, and paying taxes, replenish them. prgtoken After forcing Californians who can afford to leave to move out, the ic-controlled legislature then figured a way to tax departing citizens several years after the taxpayer's departure. It is sad that wisdom and creativity weren't used at the front end to keep them from leaving the State. prgtoken Unsurprisingly, the administration plans to continue its disastrous antigrowth and antibusiness policies under the leadership of Ms. Su. prgtoken American families and the workforce are hurting from 40-year record inflation, supply chain disruptions, and high energy prices. Ms. Su is not the right person to tackle America's pressing economic challenges. prgtoken , I call on the White House to withdraw Julie Su from the confirmation process for Secretary of Labor and prioritize American families, the workforce, and economic growth.
NATURAL GAS INTEGRAL TO ENERGY APPROACH
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-4-28

today, over 187 million Americans use natural gas, as well as another approximately 50 million who use propane, because it is affordable and available right here in North America. Over half the country uses this product. prgtoken Over 45 million stoves and ovens, 61 million water heaters, and 73 million space heaters use natural gas across the country, which provides consistent, reliable energy for heating and cooking, et cetera. prgtoken Our Nation is the largest consumer of natural gas and one of the largest producers of natural gas due to the miracle of hydraulic fracturing. It has become an integral and reliable part of our energy arsenal over the decades. prgtoken Yet, States like California--and now the administration--can't seem to admit the unreliable alternatives that they are trying to force upon all of us are not the be-all and end-all. They can't seem to admit that these technologies have not advanced to the point where they can rely on solar or wind, a tiny part of our grid, for all of our needs. prgtoken are content to source foreign energy to fill in the gaps where their green energy falls way short. s and other commonsense Americans know we need an all-of-the-above energy approach to fill our energy needs. prgtoken Natural gas, oil, hydropower, geothermal, nuclear, and biomass are all important parts of the grid, not just windmills, not just solar panels. We need all of the above.
JULIE SU'S RECORD OF FAILURE
Mary E. Miller (Republican, IL) \u2014 2023-4-28

I thank Congressman Kiley for hosting this Special Order to oppose Deputy Secretary Su as the next Secretary of Labor. prgtoken The administration's radical Department of Labor attempted to unconstitutionally fire 84 million Americans unless they took the COVID vaccine and handed over their personal medical files to prove it. prgtoken Under 's leadership, the Federal Government has been weaponized to go after American workers, causing permanent damage to small businesses and the lives of working Americans. prgtoken As vice chair of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, I support a full oversight investigation to hold the administration and Deputy Secretary Su accountable over OSHA's unconstitutional and illegal COVID vaccine mandate. prgtoken My constituents miss having a booming economy full of good jobs and a President who supports working families. In Congress, I will always defend hardworking Americans from leftists who want to strip away our freedoms and our ability to provide for our families.
COMMEMORATING THE 48TH ANNIVERSARY OF BLACK APRIL
Michelle Steel (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-4-28

I rise today to commemorate the 48th anniversary of Black April. prgtoken I am proud to represent Orange County's Little Saigon, which is home to the largest population of Vietnamese in the world outside of Vietnam itself. prgtoken During Black April, we remember the fall of Saigon, those who served in Vietnam, and those who lost their lives fleeing communism. prgtoken The fall of the Republic of Vietnam is one of the greatest tragedies in modern history. It reminds us that freedom is not free. It reminds us that we are blessed to live in the greatest country in the world. prgtoken Today, I invite all of my colleagues to join me and stand with the Vietnamese community in Orange County and across the country during Black April.