mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING RYAN PASBORG
Harriet M. Hageman (Republican, WY) \u2014 2024-1-12

I rise today to recognize Ryan Pasborg, a truly remarkable Wyomingite, whose exceptional character and heroic actions left a profound impression on both the community and the State of Wyoming. prgtoken The morning of February 2, 2022, began like any other for Ryan as he went about his daily commute to work. During his drive, he began to smell smoke, witnessed flames, and noticed three young children escaping from a burning home. prgtoken Ryan immediately stopped, and after speaking with the children, learned that their mother and younger brother were still inside the House. Without hesitation, and at great risk to himself, Ryan rushed into the burning home and managed to rescue both their younger brother and mother for whom he later administered CPR--all while on the phone with 911. prgtoken No lives were lost that day due to Ryan's selfless actions and unparalleled courage. prgtoken Upon being nominated, he was later rightfully awarded the Carnegie Medal, North America's highest civilian honor for heroism. prgtoken While Ryan's extraordinary actions that day will be remembered for generations, the courage, compassion, and integrity he exhibited are simply a part of who he is each and every day. prgtoken I urge all my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Ryan Pasborg for his valor and commitment to the safety of his fellow Wyomingites.
RECOGNIZING MR. JOHN WINTERSTEEN
David Schweikert (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2024-1-12

I rise today along with my colleague, Congressman Stanton, to posthumously honor Mr. John Wintersteen, a dedicated public servant of Paradise Valley and a 30-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. Mr. Wintersteen led the Paradise Valley Police Department as police chief from 1995 to 2009, protecting our local communities and showing exemplary care for the safety of residents across Paradise Valley. He founded the community's Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration nearly 26 years ago, helping to grow the celebration of Dr. King's life from 10 to 15 people when it first began to over 250 people coming to celebrate Dr. King's legacy. In retirement, Mr. Wintersteen continued to stay involved with the community by volunteering for the Rotary Club of Southwest USA and served on the board of Empire of Hope, where he helped fight issues of poverty and unemployment and promoted education and medical care in African countries. He also worked with the Creighton Community Foundation to provide food for families of students struggling with food insecurity. prgtoken I join the entire Paradise Valley community in mourning the loss of Mr. Wintersteen and extend my condolences to his family. While this year's MLK Day Celebration will undoubtedly be different without Mr. Wintersteen, I'm confident we will honor his memory at this event which he worked incredibly hard to bring our community together for. He had an unparalleled impact on everyone who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.
HONORING THE LIFE AND MEMORY OF U.S. ARMY SERGEANT ANDREW PAUL SOUTHARD
Andy Biggs (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2024-1-12

I rise to honor the life and service of United States Army Sergeant Andrew Paul Southard. prgtoken Andrew was a husband; a father; a son; a brother; an elite Nightstalker with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment; and a resident of Apache Junction in Arizona's `Fighting Fifth' District. prgtoken Tragically, his life was cut short as one of five Special Operations soldiers aboard a Blackhawk helicopter that went down in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea on Friday, November 10, 2023. His sacrifice, like that of all our courageous fallen, is the culmination of a life of duty and honor. prgtoken Andrew was born to Kim and Randy Southard in Spokane, Washington in 1996, and moved to Apache Junction, Arizona at the age of 11. From a young age, he embodied the integrity and compassion instilled in him by his family and tight-knit community. A former high school teacher shared this about Andrew after his passing: ``He didn't do things because he thought people were going to give him gratitude for doing it. He did it because he thought it was right.'' prgtoken And from a long-time classmate: ``My mother was battling cancer and it made it hard sometimes at school. I will never forget the compassion Andy showed me through the hard days at school. He never treated me differently, but always had a joke to keep me laughing and my mind off of what was going on at home. I will always he grateful for that.'' prgtoken Andrew graduated from Apache Junction High School in 2015. Coming from a military family he eagerly enlisted in the United States Army at the age of 18 and was assigned as a `15T' UH-60 Black Hawk Repairer stationed with the 1st Armored Division's Combat Aviation Brigade at Fort Bliss, Texas. prgtoken In this role, Andrew deployed to Egypt for a 13-month rotation as part of Task Force Sinai in support of peacekeeping operations, and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. prgtoken Wherever he served, Andrew's unit members recognized both his selfless service and the energy and time he dedicated to those around him. Andrew was the type of soldier and man who, while at Fort Bliss, pulled a woman from a burning vehicle without even telling his friends about it. prgtoken When asked about his heroism, Andrew simply responded: ``I feel like anyone would pull over. It was just my time and place where I was that day.'' prgtoken A friend and fellow soldier who completed Army basic training with Andrew shared: ``It's a statement to who he was. You ask anyone; if they knew him for seven years or just seven days, you understood the type of person he was and how much he would be there for you, how much he would invest in you and expect nothing in return.'' prgtoken Never content with the ordinary, Andrew stared down one of the most grueling challenges any military service member can endure by volunteering for the Army's legendary 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. prgtoken After comp
CALIFORNIA'S WATER SUPPLY
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-1-12

I am going to report on the situation of California's water supply, which really is the Nation's water supply, as so much of our food source comes from California. prgtoken , 90 to 95 percent of our specialty crops--tomatoes, pistachios, almonds, walnuts--come from California if we are allowed to grow them. prgtoken Water supply is a core part of that. prgtoken We have a situation in northern California where each year it is a challenge to refill our lakes. Lake Oroville holds 3.5 million acre- feet; Lake Shasta, 4.5; Trinity Lake, 2.5 million--which is a total of about 10.5 million acre-feet. That is a lot of water. prgtoken We have the potential to build Sites Reservoir, another 1.5 million acre-feet. We could raise Shasta Dam and gain another 600,000 acre-feet for a total of 12.5 million acre-feet. prgtoken Yet, we aren't allowed to store that water. There is so much water now being devoted for other purposes that aren't for people, that are not for hydroelectric power. Indeed, they are tearing out hydroelectric dams in my district right now at a time when we want to go green with more CO2-free power and electrify everything. prgtoken We have to do much better with corralling and saving our water supply for people's needs in California so it benefits the whole country.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD RELATING TO "STANDARD FOR DETERMINING JOINT EMPLOYER STATUS"
Rick W. Allen (Republican, GA) \u2014 2024-1-12

. Madam , I thank the chairwoman for yielding the time. prgtoken Madam , I rise in support of H.J. Res. 98, which would nullify the prgtoken administration's expanded joint employer standard, impacting franchises and small businesses across the Nation. prgtoken In October, President 's radical National Labor Relations Board appointees circumvented Congress to reimpose a broad joint employer standard that threatens the flexibility of businessowners, upends the franchise model as we know it, and negatively impacts the U.S. economy and workers. prgtoken We know and appreciate our local franchises and want to make sure they have the flexibility to operate efficiently and inspire future entrepreneurs. However, in a report released by the International Franchise Association, two-thirds of franchises expected the new standard to raise barriers to entry into franchising. prgtoken As a small business man, I know that in today's evolving economy, certainty in the workplace is a key ingredient to success for employers, job creators, and small businesses nationwide. Unfortunately, the Federal Government tends to get in the way, muddying the waters and blurring the lines in already difficult economic conditions. prgtoken Having started a small business, I know all too well how additional hurdles and barriers to entrepreneurship can stifle innovation. In fact, what we have in this administration is a war on small businesses. prgtoken At a time when workers and families are struggling to keep up with the inflationary reality of omics, it is appalling that this administration is now saddling entrepreneurs with further roadblocks. prgtoken s will continue to promote policies that foster the entrepreneurial spirit and the small business community. prgtoken Madam , I urge support of H.J. Res. 98.
HOUSE REPUBLICANS COMMITTED TO SECURING BORDER
Russ Fulcher (Republican, ID) \u2014 2024-1-12

how many more innocent lives need to be lost before Secretary Mayorkas and President realize that securing our border is more than an immigration issue? It is a fundamental duty we owe to the American people. prgtoken Since President took office, over 7 million encounters have taken place on our southern border, and that number continues to climb at an unsettling rate, with roughly 10,000 additional crossings each day. prgtoken The United States offers more legal immigration than anywhere in the world. The individuals entering illegally are not all coming with hopes of living out the American Dream. They are helping China bring more than 26,000 pounds of fentanyl across the border. They are trafficking an all-time high number of vulnerable women and children. They are known terrorists on the FBI watch list and more. prgtoken U.S. taxpayers are the ones footing the bill to cover emergency care, housing, shelter, and more for these illegal immigrants. prgtoken It is imperative the President and Senate pass the Secure the Border Act to fortify the safety of our country and protect our citizens.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD RELATING TO "STANDARD FOR DETERMINING JOINT EMPLOYER STATUS"
John James (Republican, MI) \u2014 2024-1-12

. Madam , I rise today in support of my resolution, H.J. Res. 98, to provide for congressional disapproval of the NLRB's recent joint employer rule. prgtoken I first thank the esteemed Member from North Carolina, Chairwoman Foxx, and her staff for working with me and my staff to get this joint resolution to the floor and, hopefully, through to the Senate. prgtoken I have been here for about a year, and it is readily apparent to me that too many people in this town are making rules that they will never live by in an area where they have never had to survive in the business world. Additionally, too many of my colleagues seem to be convinced that small business is the enemy and Big Government is here to save them. prgtoken Plainly put, this joint employer rule is part of the administration's antifreedom, antigrowth, and antibusiness agenda that is gutting the American Dream. prgtoken Madam , the American people don't want Washington telling them how to start or manage a business in this country. prgtoken Don't take it from me. Franchise owners in my district have conveyed to me that they are choosing retirement over dealing with this harmful policy. They want the chance to create a better life for their families and their employees' families and not be controlled by out-of-control bureaucrats at the NLRB. prgtoken We already have the right to collectively bargain in this country, but this rule goes too far. This is the most glaring evidence yet that capitalism and choice are threats to this administration's socialist America last agenda. prgtoken When this regulation was enacted under the administration, it cost franchise businesses $33.3 billion per year. According to the International Franchise Association, around 26 percent of franchises are owned by people of color compared with 17 percent of independent businesses generally. prgtoken Madam , I fear this harmful rule will lead to job losses, increases in the cost of living, and for Americans already suffering, fewer American Dreams being realized, as well. prgtoken It burns me up when I hear politicians talk about creating jobs. Politicians can't create jobs, but they sure can kill them. That is what this regulation does. prgtoken Bureaucrats don't create jobs; businesses create jobs. s aim to make policy that will not only result in more jobs but more job creators. prgtoken These job creators, these entrepreneurs, these franchisees, and these independent contractors create good-paying jobs and give people opportunities to succeed. Overturning this joint employer rule is just the first step in the right direction. prgtoken I am the walking result of the American Dream. My father started our family business with one truck, one trailer, and no excuses. He worked 25 hours a day and 8 days a week with my mother by his side. When he handed that business down, my brother and I, with a wonderful team and the grace of God, were helped to grow it to h
RECOGNIZING FIRE CHIEF EUGENE A. VANCE, III
Scott Perry (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-1-12

I'm honored, humbled, and saddened to posthumously recognize Steelton Fire Chief, Eugene A. Vance, III. prgtoken Upon graduating from Steelton-Highspire High School in 1972, Chief Vance dedicated his life to the service of our communities. As a 35- year veteran of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of General Services, he was a member of the Steelton Baldwin Hose Company No. 4 serving as Firefighter, Foreman, Captain, and Battalion Chief before earning the privilege of becoming Chief of the Steelton Fire Department in 1998. He also served on several Dauphin County volunteer fire companies, the Dauphin County Volunteer Fireman's Association, and County Volunteer Fire Chiefs Association. prgtoken Chief Vance retired from his official capacity in 2012, but continued to play a vital role, and his call to duty returned him to the Fire Chief position once again in 2016. He administered countless AED life- saving responses, and earned prestigious awards, honors, and accolades throughout his storied career--to name but a few, in 2012, he earned the Firefighter of the Year and was presented his bugle from the Department, and in 2020, he earned the Craig Webb Memorial Award for Excellence in Fire Service. prgtoken Chief Vance's life truly mattered; he made a mark on everyone he met--whether he knew them briefly, personally, professionally, or for a lifetime. He will be dearly missed. prgtoken , I'm honored to recognize Fire Chief Eugene A. Vance, III for his selfless, tireless, and dedicated service to his family, friends, fellow brave Firefighters, our communities, Commonwealth, and United States of America. He is the standard by which we all should be judged. May God bless and keep him.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2024-1-16

when is enough enough? prgtoken At the start of 2024, we find ourselves in another Presidential election cycle, and as we move closer to election day in November, we can expect political tensions to rise. But, as the new year begins, a rise in political violence threatens to overshadow the traditional Presidential process. prgtoken Across the country, at every level of government, we are experiencing a surge in violent threats against public officials and government workers. Some officials have been victims of swatting incidents, in which false 9-1-1 calls lead to law enforcement swarming the homes of targeted individuals. In other cases, officials have received death threats or bomb threats where they live or work, and in some tragic instances, violent threats have escalated into violent acts. prgtoken It should go without saying, but it is worth repeating: Political violence in furtherance of any cause--any cause--is unacceptable. But it is undeniable that the recent spike in violent threats and acts has one major source: the grievances of former President . prgtoken Just over 3 years after President called his supporters to Washington, DC, and directed them to this prgtoken Senate Chamber and Capitol Building, where they staged a violent insurrection, his calls for retribution against his perceived enemies continue on an almost daily basis. Recent victims have included the secretary of state in the State of Maine, the former speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives, and the employees of the Georgia secretary of state's office--all of whom were targets of swatting and violent threats. These individuals were targeted for their roles in upholding the lawful result of the 2020 Presidential election or for their involvement in the upcoming election. Many election workers at lower levels have also been threatened, especially women and people of color. prgtoken Just this morning, POLITICO published an article about the fears and concerns of local election workers and the conspiracy theories and threats they face. These threats deter Americans from engaging in civic life or even seeking public office. prgtoken The recent rise in political violence has not just affected those who run for office or help to run our elections; judges, jurors, and officers of the court have also faced threats. Just last week, Justice Arthur Engoron--the New York State judge presiding over the former President's civil fraud trial--had his home swarmed by police after someone called in a fake bomb threat. This occurred hours after took to his now favorite social media platform, Truth Social, and called Judge Engoron ``a -hating judge.'' prgtoken This came on the heels of similar swatting, targeting the homes of Jack Smith and Judge Tanya Chutkan--the special prosecutor pursuing criminal charges against the former President for election interference and the judge overseeing the case. The former Pres
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2024-1-16

as of today, over 200 million Americans remain on alert as heavy snow and subzero temperatures persist across the country. As far south as Texas, Americans are seeing snow, ice, and dangerous road conditions and power outages by the hundreds of thousands. prgtoken On Friday, Governor Hochul declared a state of emergency for western New York and warned residents to stay off the roads. Of course, I might say, though, the cold did not stop the Buffalo Bills. Go Bills. prgtoken And, last week, Senator Gillibrand and I sent a ``stand ready'' letter to FEMA, urging them to remain at the ready to assist our State officials with whatever support they request. prgtoken Thankfully, snowfall in New York has slowed today compared to over the weekend, but we are not out of the woods yet. Yet another wave of lake-effect weather is set to pass through our State in the coming days. prgtoken My office will continue to remain in touch with State officials, and I urge everyone to continue to exercise caution. Government Funding prgtoken , now, on the CR, over the weekend, Congressional leadership reached a bipartisan agreement on a clean extension of government funding until March 1 and March 8, which will prevent a government shutdown. prgtoken The focus of this week will be to pass this extension as quickly as we can. Time is of the essence. If we don't act soon, the government will run out of funding at midnight this Friday, January 19, just a few days away. prgtoken So, today, the Senate will take the first vote to move forward on a clean CR, putting the Senate on a path to pass the CR before Friday's deadline. If both sides continue to work in good faith, I am hopeful that we can wrap up work on the CR no later than Thursday. prgtoken The key to finishing our work this week will be bipartisan cooperation in both Chambers. You can't pass these bills without support from s and in both the House and the Senate. prgtoken And passing a clean CR this week is important for two main reasons: First, prgtoken passing the CR, of course, will avert a harmful and unnecessary government shutdown. No reasonable Member on either side, or , wants a government shutdown. Both sides recognize that a government shutdown would mean crushing delays to veterans programs; nutrition programs for women, infants, and children; delayed benefits for our military; and so much more. prgtoken Second, passing the CR will give our appropriators time to finish drafting all 12 bills to reflect our bipartisan agreement. Congressional leaders have already agreed to a top-line number that will protect critical priorities like housing, veterans' benefits, healthcare, nutrition programs, and more. We want to move forward as quickly as we can to turn this top-line number into legislation, but everyone knows we need more time. prgtoken Now while most and s wa
MOTION TO DISCHARGE--S. RES. 504
Peter Welch (Democrat, VT) \u2014 2024-1-16

I support this resolution and appreciate the leadership of my good friend, the senior Senator from Vermont. prgtoken Section 502B of the Foreign Assistance Act is an important and long underutilized tool. It provides a practical mechanism to focus attention on serious human rights concerns around the world. These concerns should matter deeply to every Member of Congress and every American. prgtoken There are some who may not support asking the State Department to provide the information called for in this resolution. That is unfortunate. The Senate should be asking the hard questions, especially when fundamental rights and thousands of innocent lives are at stake. Though there are clauses in the resolution I believe could be more effective if drafted differently, that is the nature of the legislative process. prgtoken The people of Gaza are in the midst of a humanitarian catastrophe. The amount of death and destruction is staggering. An estimated 10,000 children have been killed and many more likely buried under rubble. The United Nations and other humanitarian relief organizations have warned of widespread starvation if the amount of food, potable water, medicines, and other necessities of life getting into Gaza is not drastically increased in the coming days. prgtoken Differences regarding this resolution and the conduct of the war aside, we have a shared responsibility to do whatever we can to save the lives of the 2 million men, women, and children who have been displaced in Gaza and are now completely dependent on international aid. That should be our immediate priority, and I look forward to working on this with other Members of Congress, the State Department, USAID, the United Nations, and other relief organizations in the coming days and weeks. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Maryland.