mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING TROY POLICE DETECTIVE SGT. MICHAEL E. PARROW, SR.
Elise M. Stefanik (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-7-11

I rise today to honor the life of service and sacrifice of Army veteran and Troy City Police Detective Sgt. Michael E. Parrow, Sr. prgtoken Sgt. Parrow graduated from La Salle Institute in Troy in 1973. After graduating, he enlisted in the United States Army serving in Vietnam and in Europe as a Military Policeman while simultaneously attending the University of Maryland--Europe. Sgt. Parrow's service overseas earned him the Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and numerous awards for proficiency with his standard issue service weapons. prgtoken Upon returning home in 1976, Sgt. Parrow would join the Rensselaer County Sheriff's Department where he would serve for 7 years as a deputy. Sgt. Parrow then began working for the Troy City Police Department. While serving as an officer, he received the Silver Shield Award for heroism, the John J. Givney ``Officer of the Year'' award, and earned more than 60 letters of commendation and awards for noteworthy performance as an officer of the law. prgtoken During his time with the Troy Police Department, Sgt. Parrow proudly served in various positions ranging from patrolman to evidence technician before his promotion to Sergeant in 2003. He was assigned to the detective bureau in 2005 where he remained for 13 years until his retirement in 2018. Despite stepping away from the department, Michael remained an employee of Rensselaer County Health Department as a medicolegal death investigator. prgtoken Even when not in uniform, Michael Parrow, Sr. still found ways to serve his local community. He was known for coaching the Lansingburgh Little League and Pop Warner football teams, becoming loved by players and parents alike for his team spirit, camaraderie, and dedication to the programs. Michael served as the president of Capital District Pop Warner for years and was an active member of the Eastern Region staff. prgtoken Sgt. Parrow's record of service to his country and Rensselaer County is admirable, and it is my honor to recognize the commendable career and inspiring legacy of Detective Sgt. Michael E. Parrow, Sr.
Graphite and Graphite One (Executive Calendar)
Lisa Murkowski (Republican, AK) \u2014 2023-7-11

more is happening with minerals around the world than ever before. We are seeing global demand driven by growth and technology, legislation and regulation. Everything is just skyrocketing. Yet the global supply is often tenuous. Really, it is very thoroughly dominated by China, and there are clear warning signs that we here in the United States urgently need to reduce our foreign dependence by rebuilding our domestic supply chains. prgtoken As we stand here today, our Nation's lack of mineral security is a glaring vulnerability. It is a threat to our security. It is a threat to our competitiveness. It is a threat to our geopolitical power and our ability to lead on industries of the future. The obvious solution is to do a lot more in this space, which makes sense, but it starts with mining, and until we have achieved stable, affordable supplies of as many minerals as possible here at home, that vulnerability will continue. prgtoken We have begun to put a framework in place to do that. We did this through the legislation that I had introduced, the American Mineral and Security Act. We also did some with the bipartisan infrastructure law and with the provisions that Chairman Manchin added to the Inflation Reduction Act. These are a good start, but there is no shortage of minerals where meaningful action is still needed. prgtoken So we could talk about copper--the ``metal of electrification'' as my friend Dr. Daniel Yergin puts it--where forecasts of shortages in the twenties and thirties are becoming commonplace. Now, I would be the first one to acknowledge that we cannot produce copper everywhere it is found--I think there are just a few places that are too, too sensitive--but we need to make up for this by approving projects in locations where it does make sense, and that is simply not happening right now. prgtoken We could also talk about gallium and germanium. Just before the Fourth of July, our Independence Day, China announced export controls for both of these critical minerals as part of their escalating war over semiconductors. So what is our domestic reaction to that? Well, it is not independence. It has really become more of a scramble. We have seen with the Department of the Interior that they have repeatedly delayed a good project in Alaska--this is the Ambler Access Project-- that would provide access to long-term supplies of both germanium and gallium. prgtoken What we are doing here is giving China leverage. They have certainly seized on it in what could well become a pattern across dozens of minerals and materials. In a very real sense, in many ways, we are giving them bullets for the gun that they will hold us hostage to. And it is not just here in the United States. We saw it just few years back when China cut off supplies of rare earths to Japan in an effort to utilize that leverage. prgtoken Today, I have come to the floor to discuss a different type of critical mineral, and t
COMMEMORATING THE 200TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF NEWSTEAD
Nicholas A. Langworthy (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-7-11

I rise today to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Town of Newstead in Erie County, New York. I want to thank Supervisor Dawn D. Izydorczak and the celebration committee for putting together a fantastic week celebrating this flourishing community. prgtoken On March 27, 1823, the New York Stage Legislature officially voted to form the Town of Erie: a 55-square mile area of land that would be renamed as Newstead in 1831. The source of the name change is fascinating: following intense debate among Newstead's officials over a new name, it was reportedly Abigail Fillmore, wife of future 13th President Millard Fillmore, who suggested that the town be called Newstead. prgtoken Newstead's convenient location in between Buffalo and Rochester resulted in the town becoming a prominent location for trade and travel. Everyone from tourists to businessmen to soldiers visited Newstead while on their journeys to shape Western New York and the United States at-large. The centralization of shops, mills, and storage depots during Newstead's earlier decades eventually resulted in the 1918 establishment of the Village of Akron, now of regional acclaim for being home of Perry's Ice Cream. prgtoken Residents of Newstead can both recognize and be proud of their town's historical significance within Western New York. I am honored to share in this rich history by representing Newstead as their Member of Congress and look forward to watching Newstead continue to welcome new visitors, families, and neighbors. prgtoken I ask that this Legislative Body join me to celebrate the Town of Newstead's 200th anniversary.
SUPPORTING THE NDAA
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-7-11

. Madam , I rise today in support of the conservative priorities included in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act. prgtoken In recent years, our military has struggled with a severe recruiting crisis that will have enormous implications for our strategic position in an increasingly unstable global stage. There are several factors exacerbated by the administration that have made military service less compelling to young Americans, and I say this as a 24-year Army veteran. prgtoken For instance, discharging servicemembers who declined to take the COVID-19 vaccine, despite requesting an exemption, upended careers and negatively impacted many servicemembers and their hard-earned benefits. prgtoken This year's NDAA provides critical steps to gut the administration's political agenda that has no place in our prgtoken military. For instance, it provides a pathway back to the Armed Forces for servicemembers who declined to take the COVID vaccine. It also continues to prohibit the DOD from mandating that servicemembers take an emergency use vaccine. prgtoken Additionally, this legislation includes an extremely important provision of a 5.2 percent increase in servicemember pay. This is tremendously important for our enlisted ranks, and it is the largest pay raise in over 20 years. prgtoken I urge all my colleagues to support this important legislation that supports our military families and ensures our national security. Congratulating the Quad City Strikers
FISCAL YEAR 2024 NDAA
John W. Rose (Republican, TN) \u2014 2023-7-11

. Madam , this week the House will consider the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, otherwise known as the NDAA. prgtoken The NDAA primarily authorizes the spending levels for our military and the Department of Defense, but it also serves as the legislative vehicle for how our military ought to operate. prgtoken That is why I was proud to submit numerous amendments to this year's NDAA to ensure our military is focused on fighting our enemies and deterring our adversaries and that Congress is well-informed of the Department of Defense's goals and initiatives to ensure stringent oversight and accountability and to push back on wokeness in the military being advanced by President . prgtoken One of my amendments would require that all Members of Congress receive a briefing on the joint multiyear plan to fulfill defensive requirements for Taiwan. The underlying bill only makes this briefing available to appropriate congressional committees, but my amendment would make this briefing available to all Members because I think it is important that all of the people's Representatives are included in this important process. prgtoken I also filed two additional amendments, one to require a briefing, and the other to require a report on the People's Republic of China's actions in Africa that pose a threat to U.S. national security and the Defense Department's plan to counter such threats. prgtoken We can all agree that we must continue to do everything in our power to assess the threat that China poses to our national security, which includes its actions in Africa. prgtoken On that same note, I also proposed another amendment that would prohibit the Department of Defense's Office of Strategic Capital from investing or facilitating investments in Chinese-owned firms. As we continue to counteract China's aggression, including their use of stolen intellectual property and U.S. trade secrets, we must ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars are not being invested or facilitating investments in Chinese-owned firms. prgtoken Lastly, I joined a number of my colleagues in cosponsoring a bipartisan amendment that would establish the United States-Israel Artificial Intelligence Center to leverage the experience, knowledge, and expertise of our two countries to develop more robust research and development cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence. prgtoken I believe that all of these amendments I mentioned today would strengthen the NDAA and help provide for a stronger national defense. I urge the Rules Committee to make all of my amendments in order.
TRIBUTE TO NACHHATTAR AND SUSANA CHANDI
Ken Calvert (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-7-11

I rise today to honor and congratulate Nachhattar and Susana Chandi on receiving the Lifetime Achievment Award from the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce. Nachhattar and Susana have been true leaders in the Coachella Valley for decades, and residents throughout the community deeply appreciate their many contributions. prgtoken The Chandi family story is one that echoes the epitome of the American dream. Both Nachhattar and Susana are immigrants who have become naturalized U.S. citizens while growing a highly successful family business. The couple co-founded the Chandi Group USA, which owns and operates more than 20 gas station and convenience stores, nearly a dozen car washes, and several restaurant businesses. Nachhattar's passion for development led to the establishment of the Black Gold Builders Group, which is responsible for the construction of the Chandi Group's projects. In total, more than 700 people are employed in the Coachella Valley and throughout California by the Chandi Group USA. prgtoken In addition to growing a thriving business, Nachhattar and Susana have been incredibly generous in supporting philanthropic causes in the Coachella Valley and beyond. Nachhattar currently sits on the Pepperdine University Board of Trustees and the couple supports over 34 youth, military, senior and community-based organizations from El Centro to Sacramento, California. He has been honored with numerous awards recognizing his leadership and his charitable contributions to the community. He has been named ``Business Person of the Year'' by the State Legislature in 2013, the Entrepreneur of the Year for 2015 by both the Indio Chamber of Commerce and Rotary International, Indian Wells, and the 2018 Large Business of the Year by the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce. Susana has been an active affiliate of Steven's Hope for Children, Dr. Carreon Foundation, Mecca & North Shore Community, Family YMCA of the Desert, Big Sisters Big Brothers of the Desert, and the Boys and Girls Club of the Coachella Valley. prgtoken With their admirable record of entrepreneurship and service, Nachhattar and Susana Chandi are incredibly deserving of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce. I would like to thank Nachhattar and Susana for their friendship and selfless dedication to our community and wish them the very best in the future.
250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS COMMEMORATIVE COIN ACT
Ann Wagner (Republican, MO) \u2014 2023-7-11

. Madam , I thank my congressional colleagues for their work on this bill, Captain Seth Moulton and General Jack Bergman. Their steadfast commitment and determination to commemorate the Marine Corps truly shows once a marine, always a marine. prgtoken Madam , . prgtoken Ms. Jackson Lee. Madam , I rise in support of H.R. 1096, a bill authorizing the U.S. Treasury to mint commemorative coins in honor of the Marine Corps' 250th Anniversary in 2025 and to support programs at the Marine Corps Heritage Center. prgtoken The 250th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps Commemorative Coin Act will allow Americans to continue their substantial contributions toward the preservation of the Marine Corps history without any costs to the taxpayers. prgtoken November 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of the Navy Marine Corps' founding at Tun Tavern, Philadelphia, on November 10, 1775. prgtoken Since its founding, the Marine Corps has gone on to safeguard our freedom in every climate and region, and in almost every war our nation has fought. prgtoken As this House may fervently remember, the coin minted in 2005 for the 230th anniversary of the Marine Corps turned out to be one of the most popular in U.S. Mint history. prgtoken The revenue from that coin supported the funding of the construction of the National Museum of the Marine Corps--an award-winning cultural institution which continues to welcome visitors from around the world. prgtoken No reason to doubt that a coin marking the 250th anniversary of the Marine Corps will be just as popular. prgtoken Revenue from the 250th Anniversary coin will support Marine Corps Heritage Foundation's historical and cultural programs that preserve, showcase, and educate the public on Marine Corps, history, traditions, and culture and support to the National Museum of the Marine Corps. prgtoken H.R. 1096 will also help to take the history, tradition, culture, and values of the Marine Corps beyond the museum's walls to Americans across the country. prgtoken Today's Marine Corps is an integrated air-ground team, capable of rapidly deploying to any conflict or crisis location in the world. prgtoken The men and women of the Marine Corps, Always Faithful, remain our nation's finest examples of Honor, Courage, and Commitment for nearly 250 years. prgtoken This legislation is an opportunity for Congress to help Americans honor the Marine Corps legacy of bravery and selfless service on a national scale, in a way that won't cost taxpayers a single cent. prgtoken I am honored to join with a bipartisan group of Marine veterans, and other veterans of the armed forces serving in Congress, in supporting a legislation that directs the Treasury Department to issue more than one million coins in 2025 for the commemoration of the 250th Anniversary of the United States Marine Corps.
HONORING THE 60TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY OF MIKE AND SANDY FRANCIS
Thomas H. Kean, Jr. (Republican, NJ) \u2014 2023-7-11

I rise today to honor the 60th Wedding Anniversary for Hopatcong Borough Mayor Mike Francis and his wife, Sandy Francis. prgtoken Mike and Sandy Francis married on June 20th, 1963. They met at Watchung Hills High School in Warren, New Jersey. Their lockers were next to each other as freshmen, although they didn't start dating until their senior year. They moved to Hopatcong in 1973 and are the proud parents of three children and eight grandchildren. prgtoken Mike and Sandy have been an integral part of the Hopatcong community throughout the last fifty years, including many years of public service. Mike has served as a member of the Hopatcong Borough Council since 2008, and as Mayor of Hopatcong since 2016. Mike also serves on the Sussex County Planning Board and the New Jersey Highlands Council. prgtoken , I ask you to join me in congratulating Mike and Sandy Francis for their 60 years of matrimony and for their many years of service to the Hopatcong community.
Border Security (Executive Session)
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-7-11

I would like to talk for a few minutes about what is happening at the southern border. prgtoken Coming from Texas, we have a 1,200-mile common border with Mexico. That is 1,200 out of 2,000 miles of a border with Mexico, most of which has been in the midst of a humanitarian and public safety crisis for-- well, for many years. But nowhere at no time has it been worse than it has been during the administration. prgtoken You will recall during the COVID crisis, title 42 was issued, which is a public health order which allowed the Border Patrol to expel individuals coming across the border in certain categories--mainly adult males. Family units and children were handled differently under court orders. But title 42 went away this last spring, 2 months ago. For 3 years prior, it had allowed the Border Patrol to quickly expel migrants who had illegally crossed the southern border. With detention facilities and shelters bursting at the seams, title 42 was the only tool the administration was willing to use to prevent even more chaos from unfolding. prgtoken In the weeks and months leading up to its end last spring, there was widespread fear that a post-title 42 border would look even worse than it did at the time, which was a historically bad time. Would the newly set records for illegal immigration be replaced? Would we see up to 18,000 migrants a day as the Department of Homeland Security officials once predicted? Would more law enforcement officers be removed from the frontlines in order to process and care for migrants under the flawed policies of the administration? prgtoken The migration levels over the last 2 months haven't been as bad as some had expected, but they certainly have not been good either. Last week, the New York Times reported that since May 12, the average number of illegal crossings has been around 3,360. Well, that is an improvement from where we were a few months ago, but it is hardly reason to pop a champagne cork and celebrate. For one, the drop is likely seasonal, temporary. Officials and immigration experts believe many migrants are in a wait-and-see mode. They are paying close attention to the legal challenges and other migrants' journeys in order to determine their best courses of action. prgtoken That is also true of the criminal cartels that control the flow of migrants across the U.S.-Mexico border. This is a business proposition for them. They are continuing to get rich in moving people and drugs across the border, and they are taking a wait-and-see attitude to see: OK, what is public opinion going to look like? Are we going to create a backlash and even a more dramatic response by the U.S. Government or can we just sort of go slowly, and they won't notice as we gradually ramp up the numbers of migrants and drugs coming across the border? prgtoken It is also likely that many migrants are holding out for a highly sought after appointment with Customs a
DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY FROM THE PRESIDENT
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-7-11

. Madam , for the past 2 years, the American people have been led by a President that has failed to bring accountability to the executive branch. prgtoken This weekend, the House Energy and Commerce Committee uncovered the embarrassing and disastrous fact that HHS Secretary Becerra failed to lawfully reappoint key NIH officials before their terms expired. prgtoken This failure to reappoint the above NIH directors jeopardizes the legal validity of more than $25 billion in Federal biomedical research grants made in 2022 alone. This is yet another example of the administration's reckless decisionmaking. prgtoken Our Commitment to America means creating a government that is accountable. Since January, House s have fought to expose the wrongdoing by President and those that he appointed. prgtoken It is time to put a stop to the reckless actions that the administration continues to pursue that has led to 74 percent of Americans believing that our Nation is on the wrong track. prgtoken Madam , it is time to demand accountability from the President. It is time, once again, to have a Federal Government that is worthy, worthy of the American people. prgtoken Celebrating 285 Years of Worship at Presbyterian Church of Upper West Conococheague
EXECUTIVE SESSION--Continued
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-7-11

reserving the right to object, far too often, Congress operates under the delusion that we know what is best for the American consumer. Instead of allowing market participants to determine the information they want, we seek to manipulate the free market to impose our preferences on private actors. prgtoken As I am sure my colleague will readily agree, the Federal Government is far too large in size and scope. In this case, the additional Federal regulation and the associated potential penalties and costs are not appropriate. This is not a case of industry committing fraud or making willful misrepresentations about their products. This bill simply mandates what manufacturers must tell consumers because it assumes that consumers are not sophisticated enough to make the judgment themselves. prgtoken If American consumers want more information about a product, they can be sure they will make it known. If a manufacturer wants to sell more of their products, you can be sure they will listen to the consumers. Congress doesn't need to insert itself into every equation. prgtoken I object.