mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-12-22

. So to answer the good gentleman from Texas, the Federal Reserve is trying to cool down the fires of an overinflated, overheated economy by raising the interest rates and targeting the housing market. New home buyers that are hoping to get out there and start their lives in their new homes, they cut their purchases in half or whatever, because they can't afford it. The Federal Reserve is trying to cool down this overheated economy, inflationary pressures and food and gasoline and oil, electricity, housing, meanwhile the House of Representatives and the Senate and the Presidency here in Washington, D.C are throwing the gasoline on the fire, the gasoline of unaccounted for money, unprinted money, untaxed money, just creating money out of thin air and throwing it onto the fire. prgtoken I would agree with the gentleman from Texas. prgtoken I would tell him, as well, that my daughters would like their father to be home for Christmas, too. My daughter texted me today when she knew I wasn't coming home yet, she said, ``Stay strong and save America.'' prgtoken So me and Mr. Roy, the gentleman from Texas, we are going to stay here until the bitter end and do our duty, and we are going to say things like $4.2 million in earmarks for parking spaces in the Northern Mariana Islands or $6 million to expand the reach of the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library might be important things, but can we afford them? prgtoken What is the Federal responsibility? prgtoken And oh, by the way, regarding the Ulysses S. Grant Presidential Library, look, I am a fan, but the lady that offered that, her party is in favor of tearing down the statue of Ulysses S. Grant in New York. prgtoken The great emancipator, right? The guy that carried out Lincoln's order to make sure that slaves were no longer held in the United States of America. prgtoken But, you know, you can't tear it down on one hand and then spend $6 million on it on the other hand while people are struggling to buy their Christmas presents or their Christmas meals.
NATIONAL HERITAGE AREA ACT
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2022-12-22

. Madam , I thank my good friend from Arkansas for his leadership on this bill. prgtoken Madam , I rise today in strong support of S. 1942, the National Heritage Area Act. prgtoken National Heritage Areas provide countless economic benefits to the communities that they serve, while preserving important cultural, historical, and nationally significant areas across the country. prgtoken In my district, I am proud to represent the Oil Region National Heritage Area, which is home to the birth of the petroleum industry located in Venango County, Pennsylvania. prgtoken The Oil Region National Heritage Area includes oil artifacts, scenic communities, farmlands, woodlands, and industrial landscapes, which provide valuable information and insight into the world's first successful commercial oil well, the Drake Well, and the legacy of the petroleum industry. prgtoken This successful public-private partnership has maximized Federal dollars, increased economic investment, and preserved places of local and national significance throughout northwest Pennsylvania. prgtoken This legislation before us will provide increased certainty to the Oil Region National Heritage Area and all National Heritage Areas by creating a National Heritage Area System to extend technical and financial assistance to the entities that support the maintenance and operation of existing heritage areas. prgtoken This bill will also provide a clear set of criteria for establishing new National Heritage Areas, and this bipartisan legislation is long overdue. prgtoken I urge all my colleagues to support the passage of S. 1942.
DISASTER RELIEF
Chuck Grassley (Republican, IA) \u2014 2022-12-22

I have historically supported disaster assistance to farmers and others who experience losses due to no fault of their own. prgtoken However, I had to vote no on Senator Scott's disaster relief standalone amendment. As a lifelong family farmer and taxpayer watchdog, I have fought for many years to close loopholes that have allowed some farming operations to exploit Federal farm payments at taxpayer expense. prgtoken Congress has been generous when it comes to supporting farmers. Farmers have federally subsidized crop insurance, commodity payments, and supplemental disaster payments. Farmers also had access to Market Facilitation Program during the administration and Coronavirus Food Assistance payments in the past couple years. prgtoken The Scott amendment would remove any payment limit to the disaster supplemental payments. This is a dangerous precedent to set. This amendment would release the spigot of disaster payments to wealthy farmers without regard to how much total assistance we are providing, which could mean less funding for family farmers who really need the help most. prgtoken I want a strong farm safety net program that helps farmers weather downturns in the market and survive natural disasters, but I do not want an unending stream of payments with no caps. prgtoken This amendment aims to help large farms get large bailouts while small farmers are left behind. Instead of fundamentally changing market dynamics, we should work together to make sure small and medium sized farmers do not get left behind in farm payment programs. This is especially true as we go into farm bill discussions in the next Congress.
PRESIDENTIAL TAX FILINGS AND AUDIT TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2022
Kevin Brady (Republican, TX) \u2014 2022-12-22

. Madam , such time as I may consume. prgtoken Madam , I would note that, every year, President 's tax returns were under audit and that the tradition of making Presidential tax returns public is just that, a tradition, not a law, and unrelated to the Presidential audit program. prgtoken I would also note that while I have loved serving with my colleagues from Houston, I would note that they were among the very first Members of Congress to introduce impeachment resolutions against this President in the very first year of his Presidency, revealing that this is political targeting and nothing else. prgtoken Madam , .
HONORING MICHELE GARGIULO'S CONGRESSIONAL SERVICE
Steven M. Palazzo (Republican, MS) \u2014 2022-12-22

. Madam , I rise today to recognize one of my key staff members, Michele Gargiulo. In 2011, I hired Michele to assist in opening my district office in Gulfport, Mississippi. As a military veteran, she performed constituent services specializing in military and veterans' issues. Because of her strong work ethic and dedication to serving the constituents of Mississippi's 4th Congressional District, she was entrusted with the role of Director of Constituent Services in 2012 and was promoted to District Director in 2017, serving as such for five years. prgtoken Michele grew up in Huntington Beach, California, and graduated from San Diego State University, receiving her bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Commission as an Active-Duty U.S. Army Transportation Officer. While stationed in Stuttgart, Germany, she met her husband, Frederick Gargiulo. They married in 1988, and in 1992, Michele left the military as a Captain in the Louisiana National Guard. For the next 25 years, she focused on supporting military families and raising her three children--Danielle, Blaise, and Sydney. During this time, she ran a transition center for underserved teenagers in a local high school and oversaw family support groups for military families with service members that were forward deployed. prgtoken Michele's accomplishments as a congressional staffer are both numerous and outstanding. Of note, she ensured several Vietnam War veterans received the Purple Heart medals they had earned in combat, she worked with key stakeholders throughout the district to ensure their concerns were heard and their needs were met, and she oversaw the successful resolution of over 60,000 constituent service requests. Beyond her work, Michele is a beloved mother, wife, sister, and grandmother--and in all of those roles, she truly excels. Additionally, she served as the President of the Board of Directors for CASA of on County, was awarded the Yellow Rose of Texas by President and is an avid long-distance runner and tennis player. prgtoken The signature block on Michele's email includes a phrase in Latin that means ``getting better, faster,'' and that epitomizes Michele's impact as a District Director. She led, mentored, and managed the district staff through multiple sessions of Congress, always intending to improve the team so that we could better serve the people of Mississippi's 4th Congressional District. She is relentless in her work ethic, dedicated to her cause, and positively impacts everyone she meets. For over a decade, Michele's organizational skills and tireless effort have enabled our staff to achieve real and lasting results for the people of Mississippi. prgtoken I thank Michele.
PROTECTING AMERICAN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ACT OF 2022
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2022-12-22

. the balance of my time. prgtoken Madam , this is, again, an indication of bipartisanship. I appreciate Chairman Greg Meeks and referencing the speech last night, the historic speech by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It was bipartisan. prgtoken Initially, the unintended action of war criminal Putin was to unify s and in a bipartisan manner due to the depravity of the invasion and the mass murder being conducted in Ukraine. prgtoken But actually, we saw last night, s and have come together to respect the resolve and the capabilities of the people of Ukraine to defend themselves. It is so inspiring and again, unintended. prgtoken War criminal Putin has brought s and together; has brought NATO together and expanded NATO with Finland and Sweden; how incredible. prgtoken He has achieved, sadly, but it is really good that the European Union now is actively supporting the people of Ukraine. Then worldwide, it is not America alone helping the people of Ukraine. We have substantial efforts by South Korea, by Japan, worldwide, dozens of countries that are helping. prgtoken Again, I appreciate Congressman Meeks raising that because it was a bipartisan initiative that now we can proceed with this to take action against the continuous threat of American intellectual property. prgtoken According to former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, the U.S. has closed the People's Republic of China consulate in Houston because it was a ``den of spies'' and a ``hub of spying and intellectual property theft.'' prgtoken We have seen the PRC steal research from our universities. We can also, sadly, be sure this is happening all across America as we speak. This must stop. prgtoken We must end the theft and sale of U.S. technology to China to build their war machine. We must prepare for the next great global power competition, and that starts by instituting strong export controls and passing this legislation to stem the tide of American intellectual property theft. prgtoken I support this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to do the same. prgtoken Madam , .
HONORING THE SERVICE OF THE HONORABLE CLARENCE ``BUD'' ALBRIGHT
Jeff Duncan (Republican, SC) \u2014 2022-12-22

. Madam , I rise today to honor and celebrate the service of the Honorable Clarence ``Bud'' Albright, who served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the United States Nuclear Industry Council (USNIC) for the past 3 years. Previously, Bud served as the organization's board chair, and he will be retiring at the end of this year. prgtoken As a native of Rock Hill, South Carolina, Bud has had a successful and impressive career, giving him broad and extensive experience in the energy sector. Prior to his work in energy issues, Bud served in several senior government roles. In the energy field, Bud was Vice President of Federal Affairs for Texas-based Reliant Energy in the Washington, D.C. office. He also served as the former Under Secretary of Energy, after being appointed by President and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate. prgtoken Bud is a proud husband, father, son, and friend, and his tremendous work has not only made the State of South Carolina proud, but the entire country. His tireless commitment to public service and providing Americans with reliable energy throughout his career is inspirational. I am reminded of the verse Colossians 3:23: ``Whatever you do work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord and not for human masters.'' Bud has a servant's heart which was evident in the work he produced and relationships he built. I am thankful for Bud's friendship and the resource that he has been to me in Congress. prgtoken Madam , it is a privilege to be able to serve the Third District of South Carolina and to honor those who have dedicated their life to public service, like Bud. I wish Bud and his family many more years of health and happiness.
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2023--Continued
Bill Cassidy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2022-12-22

I commend my colleague's efforts to ensure this bill has strong religious liberties protections. We share that intent. I am told that the title VII religious exemption, which is specifically referred to and which, by the way, was drafted by House Virginia Foxx. It addresses the issue. prgtoken Analysis from Senator Burr's HELP counsel shows that Federal courts have interpreted title VII broadly beyond hiring and firing. This is based upon decisions from the liberal Ninth Circuit and the more conservative Fourth. I am told by attorneys that adding language to the bill actually, paradoxically, increases the ability of a liberal court to reinterpret previous jurisprudence. prgtoken I don't strongly oppose this, but because of the attorneys telling me that it would increase the likelihood of changing previous jurisprudence, which clearly is in favor of these religious employers having abilities that we all want them to have, I will oppose. prgtoken .
PRESIDENTIAL TAX FILINGS AND AUDIT TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2022
Jason Smith (Republican, MO) \u2014 2022-12-22

. Madam , we are 12 days, 12 days until the majority does not exist. In 13 days, the majority will be in charge. prgtoken Americans are facing the highest spike in prices in 40 years because of the one-party rule in Washington, because of their reckless spending. prgtoken The Ways and Means Committee is the committee that affects the economy more than any committee in all of Congress. What do the House feel like their last 12 days, their biggest priority is not solving issues affecting working-class Americans, but issues targeting their main political opponents. prgtoken This legislation is only cover for what they have been campaigning on for years, and that is, to get 's tax returns. prgtoken Let me tell you, if you don't believe me now, this is called the mandatory audit program. It is about auditing all current and former Presidents to make sure their tax returns are audited. But the chairman of this committee only requested how the mandatory audit program has worked for one President, one, and it was a President. His name was . prgtoken I asked, on Tuesday, did you request a mandatory audit review process on ? No. prgtoken Did you request one on ? No. Clinton? No. ? No. Carter? No. But yes, only . prgtoken This is a cover for their political objective, and that is to target their political opponents. prgtoken We have heard over and over that no one is above the law; that includes everyone in this Chamber. prgtoken On Tuesday, when we sat in this markup, I raised the point, how can you release the full tax returns, with all of the private personal information of the private citizens, their Social Security number, children's Social Security numbers? And I said, we need an amendment to redact that information. I was told, we are not going to vote on amendments. prgtoken But everyone says that no one is above the law. We were told good faith, good faith, would redact the full transcripts, and it would be decided by the majority staff. prgtoken Has the minority staff been able to participate in it? No. We don't even know what the final documents of the tax returns that are going to be released, what they are going to look at. prgtoken This was another example where you had to pass something before you know what is in it. That is what Pelosi has done this entire Congress. That is exactly what the Ways and Means did. They have charted a new territory for the Ways and Means Committee. prgtoken It is the oldest committee in Congress. It is supposed to be the most bipartisan committee in Congress. But they ignited a new political tool, that future Congresses will now utilize. prgtoken I have traveled all over the country, 42 States just this year alone, and one thing that constantly kept coming up to me is, Congressman, look into President 's family and how they have been enriched by his position. prgtoken In fact, banks hav
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2023--Continued
Richard C. Shelby (Republican, AL) \u2014 2022-12-22

I rise today for the last time here to address my colleagues on the floor. After nearly 100 years of combined service between myself and the chairman, I think that we understand the Senate a little bit. This bill, we know what it is--we know it is an omnibus. We know it is not perfect. But it has a lot of stuff in it, a lot of good stuff. And I urge all my friends and colleagues to vote for this, for it is the right thing for the government, the right thing for the Nation, I believe. prgtoken Also, I want to thank the entire Appropriations and leadership staff on both sides of the aisle here for their years of service while I have served on the committee. And, also, once again, without them, we wouldn't be where we are today. prgtoken , I rise today for the last time to address my colleagues on the floor of the United States Senate. prgtoken After nearly 100 years of combined public service, my longtime colleague, good friend, and chairman of the Appropriations Committee, Senator Patrick Leahy, and I are seeking your support on one last piece of legislation. prgtoken This particular bill or omnibus, as we call it, includes all 12 appropriations bills as well as emergency supplemental funding for disaster relief and Ukraine. prgtoken I think the chairman would agree that the road we traveled to get to this point has been long, and it has been winding at times. We have hit some rough patches, taken some detours, and at times we broke down on the side of the road. prgtoken Notwithstanding the difficulties and disagreements, however, we always shared the same goal--getting to yes. prgtoken Was this a perfect process that led to a perfect result? Of course not. It never is, and it never does. prgtoken The path we followed to produce this particular legislation is not the path that either one of us would have freely chosen. Over the years, our strong preference has been to engage in regular order, but, for a number of reasons, many of them out of our control, that was not to be this time around. prgtoken This bill in just about every respect represents a compromise. The legislative process and the appropriations process in particular rarely produce anything different. In other words, if you are seeking purity, you will not find it here, and you never will. prgtoken What you will find in this bill, however, is a serious commitment to our national defense, aid for Americans in need as a result of natural disasters, and continuing support for the people of Ukraine as they fight against Russian aggression. prgtoken As the leader pointed out yesterday, we have a choice to make. I urge you all to choose in favor of our men and women in uniform and fulfill one of our most fundamental obligations and that is to fund the government. prgtoken , before I yield, I would like to once again recognize my good friend the senior Senator from Vermont. It has been my great privilege and hig
TRIBUTE TO NANCY PELOSI
Mitch McConnell (Republican, KY) \u2014 2022-12-22

before the conclusion of the 117th Congress, I want to add a few of my own congratulations to the outgoing of the House, Nancy Pelosi, as she concludes her second history-making and history-changing tenure as . prgtoken It is a cliche to begin these kinds of tributes with the obligatory observation that the person speaking and the subject of the reflections had their fair share of disagreements. In this particular case, that cliche certainly applies in full. Over the course of our careers, Pelosi and I have disagreed both frequently and forcefully on practically every kind of national issue that comes before Congress. We have led opposite parties. We have spent many years fighting hard on behalf of policies, ideas, and visions that usually sharply diverged. prgtoken But all of the frequent interactions that have brought our differences into sharp relief have also given me a close-up view of the formidable qualities that fueled the 's historic life journey to becoming the first woman ever to lead the House and made her such an effective advocate for her party's point of view. prgtoken Throughout our Nation's history, rising to prominence in Congress has often seen leaders sorted into competing archetypes of either a pragmatist or an idealist. But Pelosi's leadership has resembled a combination of both. Even while working to synthesize the views of the entire ic Caucus, the never relinquished her own passionate, substantive set of convictions on policy matters. prgtoken Pelosi's ability to marshal her side of the aisle to support specific tactics and outcomes has been formidable. It has made her a powerful partner to multiple ic Presidents. These abilities paved the way for the 's instrumental role in helping to deliver a long list of consequential policy changes. I have no doubt that historians will reserve Pelosi a place on their lists of the most influential and consequential s that our country has seen thus far. prgtoken On the very rare occasions when the and I did find ourselves rowing in the same direction--such as our shared determination that the House and Senate reconvene as soon as humanly possible on the evening of January 6, 2021, and complete our constitutional duties straightaway--I was glad to have this formidable leader in my corner. prgtoken I congratulate the on the conclusion of her time leading the House.
MAKING EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS FOR DISASTER RELIEF FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2023
Rick Scott (Republican, FL) \u2014 2022-12-22

immediately after Hurricane Ian passed, I made clear that I would fight for and support a standalone disaster aid package to get Floridians the assistance they need to recover. prgtoken On September 30, just 2 days after Ian made its catastrophic landfall near Fort Myers, FL, I wrote to my colleagues urging them to work with me on getting much needed aid to Florida families as quickly as possible. prgtoken Immediately after, the aid Floridians desperately needed was delayed so that it could be stuffed into this massive and reckless $1.7 trillion omnibus bill. While that is disappointing enough, I have now heard from Floridians, especially our growers in agriculture, that without changes, this disaster aid will not be delivered in the most efficient and effective way possible to ensure their recovery. prgtoken We should take this opportunity to act on their concerns today and make needed changes that ensure this Federal disaster aid does as much good as possible. There is no reason to delay this further. I urge my colleagues to stand with those recovering from these terrible storms and the folks who put the food on our tables. Please support this bill.