mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROTECTING AND ENHANCING PUBLIC ACCESS TO CODES ACT
Darrell Issa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-7-22

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , where do I begin? The gentlewoman is aware that in previous Congresses we have held hearings, and this bill is not new, but in fact is in its third iteration before the Congress. prgtoken Additionally, she is right, we did schedule a markup, and the gentlewoman objected. We waited, and we scheduled it again. A quorum being present, by a vote of 19-4, overwhelmingly it was passed out of the Judiciary Committee, the committee of jurisdiction for copyright. prgtoken Just for the purpose of the , I want to read one clause of the Constitution. Article I, Section 8, Clause 8: ``[The Congress shall have power] to promote the progress of science and useful arts, by securing for limited times to authors and inventors the exclusive right to their respective writings and discoveries.'' prgtoken , that is a solemn obligation of the Constitution. For nearly 250 years, we have made sure that, in fact, authors, musicians, anyone producing copyrighted material, have had protection. We have not, historically, even partially opened that up. prgtoken In this case, we have gone much further on this legislation. We have provided a form of fair use. Any citizen can go online and read any part of any of these documents, thousands of pages. They can look at them, they can take notes. They can do any number of things. What they can't do is distribute it to others, circumventing the copyright. prgtoken To put it in perspective, for the first 100-plus years of this, there was no controversy. They printed books, and they sold the books, and it was a copyright violation if you copied the book, if you made a duplicate of it. Nobody argued that because it made common sense. prgtoken This makes common sense, too. We are making 100 percent of the material contained in any of these pro codes available. What we are not doing is allowing people to say they are giving something that in fact they have stolen from the author. prgtoken , .
BILLION DOLLAR BOONDOGGLE ACT OF 2023
Mariannette Miller-Meeks (Republican, IA) \u2014 2024-7-22

I thank the gentlewoman from South Carolina (Ms. Mace) for yielding me time. prgtoken , I rise today in support of my bill, the Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act, bipartisan legislation that would require the public disclosure of every taxpayer-funded project that is $1 billion or more over budget or 5 years or more behind schedule. prgtoken This disclosure would include an explanation for the delays and added costs as well as the identification of the contractors. prgtoken In Congress, we are entrusted to be stewards of taxpayer dollars. In an example of protracted government-funded projects, the Department of Veterans Affairs had fumbled replacing its decades-old electronic health records system. An assessment found that the 2018 initial cost projection of $10 billion over 10 years soon ballooned to $50.8 billion over 28 years. prgtoken Government-funded projects that are excessively costly and delayed must be held to account. The bill will increase transparency over these projects to ensure we aren't wasting billions of hard-earned taxpayer dollars. prgtoken , I thank Iowa Senator Joni Ernst for championing this act in the Senate. I urge my colleagues to support and get the Billion Dollar Boondoggle Act to the President's desk.
RECOGNIZING THE NAVAL AIR DEVELOPMENT CENTER IN WARMINSTER, PENNSYLVANIA
Brian K. Fitzpatrick (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-7-22

today it is my great honor to rise in recognition of the countless invaluable contributions of the Naval Air Development Center (NADC) in Warminster, Pennsylvania, to the aerospace heritage of my community and our entire country. prgtoken For six decades, the NADC has been the cornerstone of United States Naval aviation research. Before the era of Silicon Valley and Research Triangle Park, NADC was the premier aviation research center and cradle of aerospace innovation. prgtoken Originally acquired from the Brewster Aircraft Corporation by the United States Government during World War II, the NADC transitioned to United States Navy management in 1947 and quickly became synonymous with innovation, pioneering advancements in pilotless aircraft, modern aircraft design, propulsion systems, electronics, surveillance technologies, acoustics processing, communications, navigation (including Global Positioning System (GPS)), and weaponry. Its mission was clear: to be a global leader in naval aviation research and development, and it accomplished this mission successfully. prgtoken The NADC housed over thirty laboratories, each focusing on various critical aspects of naval aviation. These hubs of innovation drew visionary engineers, scientists, technicians, and support staff from across the nation to take part in this groundbreaking research that pushed the boundaries of aerospace technology. Their collective efforts yielded numerous breakthroughs crucial to securing our national defense and advancing global aerospace capabilities. prgtoken Among their countless achievements, one of the most significant was the establishment of the Aviation Medical Acceleration Laboratory (AMAL). Central to this laboratory was the world's most powerful human centrifuge. Famously known as the ``Johnsville Centrifuge'', this facility played a critical role in advancing the understanding of high- performance jet aircraft's effects on pilots, significantly contributing to the training and safety protocols of pilots in groundbreaking programs like the North American X-15, Mercury, Gemini, Apollo Spacecrafts, and Space Shuttle missions. prgtoken In addition, the Anti-Submarine Warfare Laboratory was instrumental in developing cutting-edge technologies vital to the Navy's Cold War efforts. Innovations like the Lockheed P-3 Orion and S-3 Viking aircraft, Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) helicopters, and advanced sonobuoys significantly enhanced their capability to detect and counter Soviet submarine threats. prgtoken Furthermore, the NADC served as the lead laboratory for several iconic aircraft, including the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet tactical fighters, the Presidential Helicopter fleet, and the Take Charge and Move Out (TACAMO) communications platforms. Its influence extended beyond aircraft to encompass the entire spectrum of navigation systems used by Navy aircraft, submarines, and surface vessels.
REMEMBERING MARIA MACAULAY
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2024-7-22

today a Service of Worship in Remembrance of and Thanksgiving for Life was held for Maria Locke Boineau Macaulay at the historic First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, South Carolina. Services were conducted by Reverend Dr. David H. Lauten, with organist Thomas Russell, and soloist Emma Hagood. prgtoken I am grateful Maria was the wife of my fellow former State Senator Alex Macaulay and my cherished Boineau second cousin. prgtoken I include in the Record the following obituary that was published in the service bulletin: ``Maria Locke Boineau Macaulay passed away in the morning of July 17, 2024. Born in Columbia on January 11, 1943, Maria was the proud daughter of the late Edward ``Bru'' Boineau and Helen Gayle Bell Boineau. She attended Columbia High, where at 5'2'' and 95 pounds she earned the nickname ``Moose.'' A lifelong lover of books and the Gamecocks, she graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor's degree in English. ``After a brief stint in Charlotte, she returned to her home state and married her first (and only) husband Alex Macaulay of Columbia. In 1973, she moved with her husband and two children--also named Maria and Alex--to Walhalla, South Carolina where she established herself as a vibrant and active presence in the community. As a member of the Walhalla Presbyterian Church, she played in the hand bell choir with a focus and intensity that was truly something to behold. She worked years as an award winning and beloved substitute teacher at Walhalla High School. While the students never wished any ill will on their day to day teachers, they were always excited when they walked in the classroom and saw Mrs. Macaulay sitting behind the desk. In addition to her daily walks around Sertoma Field, she dedicated countless hours to the Oconee Public Library, delivering books throughout the county, serving as chairperson of the Library's Board of Trustees and as president of the Oconee County Friends of the Library. In 1999, she was appointed by the governor to the South Carolina State Library Board and would go on to chair its Board of Trustees as well. ``A devoted and exuberant mother and grandmother, Riri, as her six grandchildren called her, traveled across South Carolina and the mountains of western North Carolina taking them on vacations as well as attending an infinite number of sporting events, dance recitals, graduations, birthday parties, and other special and non-special occasions where she let the children know each and every time how much she loved them and how proud she was of them. ``Maria is survived by her husband, Alex Macaulay; her sister, Gayle Boineau Darby; her daughter, Maria Macaulay Sellers; her son, Alex Macaulay; a slew of grandchildren, Ma
ROYALTY RESILIENCY ACT
Wesley Hunt (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-7-22

I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 7377, the Royalty Resiliency Act. prgtoken This legislation is a commonsense fix to an accounting problem that has plagued both energy operators and personnel at the Department of the Interior for years. prgtoken Due to a myriad of reasons, including staff shortages and burdensome oversight, the BLM has encountered significant delays in approving communitization agreements, costing both the Federal Government and private industry billions of dollars. prgtoken Ensuring the Department of the Interior completes CAs in a timely fashion is something my office and the administration are continuing to work on, but this piece of legislation fixes an erroneous accounting issue that has been plaguing the Department of the Interior. prgtoken We all know that the Federal Government is not the best at returning your money, and the Department of the Interior realizes that timely and accurate royalty allocations are not only good for development but, more importantly, are the fairest way of conducting business. prgtoken That is why during a March 6, 2024, House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee hearing, Benjamin Gruber, Deputy Assistant Director for Energy, Minerals, and Realty Management supported my legislation. prgtoken Mr. Gruber stated: ``The department recognizes the importance of timely approval of units and CAs and supports H.R. 7377.'' prgtoken I would also like to take a moment to recognize and thank my team on Natural Resources along with Eric Haley, who is on my staff.
U.S. CONGRESSMAN SAM JOHNSON MEMORIAL VA CLINIC ACT
Keith Self (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-7-22

I rise to speak on my bill to rename the Plano, Texas, VA Clinic after former Congressman, Air Force Fighter Pilot, and POW Sam Johnson. prgtoken Congressman Sam Johnson served in the U.S. Air Force for 29 years where he was the director of the Air Force Fighter Weapons School and flew the F-100 Super Sabre with the Air Force Thunderbirds precision flying demonstration team. He flew the slot. prgtoken He was a combat veteran of both the Korean and Vietnam wars as a fighter pilot, flying 87 combat missions. prgtoken On April 16, 1966, while flying his 25th combat mission over Vietnam, he was shot down and suffered a broken right arm, broken back, and dislocated shoulder. He was a prisoner of war for nearly 7 years, including 42 months in solitary confinement. prgtoken He was part of a group of 11 U.S. military prisoners known as the Alcatraz Gang, a group of prisoners separated from other captives because they would not break. prgtoken His heroic actions led him to be awarded two Silver Stars, three Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, and two Purple Hearts. prgtoken In 1985, he was called on again to serve, only this time in the Texas State House of Representatives, where he served until being elected to this body in 1991. prgtoken He went on to serve in Congress until his retirement in 2019. During his time in Congress, Sam was a force. His House tenure included many accomplishments, including holding a position on the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. prgtoken I am proud to serve as Representative for Texas' Third District, the same district that Sam served so honorably. prgtoken As I reflect on Sam's life, I am reminded of a story that demonstrates his signature tenacity, toughness, and character. prgtoken Gib Lewis, Texas of the House of Representatives at the time, tried threatening Sam regarding a piece of legislation. Sam put his old, crooked hands, those that had been broken many times in torture, on Gib's desk and said: What are you going to do, Gib? Break my hands? prgtoken There was absolutely nothing that Gib Lewis could say. prgtoken I truly can think of no individual who is more deserving of having a VA clinic named in his honor.
WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2024
Tom Cole (Republican, OK) \u2014 2024-7-22

I thank my friend, Chairman Graves for yielding to me. prgtoken Like many of our colleagues, I recognize the critical importance of the biennial Water Resources Development Act. I also appreciate the need to move the House version as quickly as possible. prgtoken However, I must raise serious concerns with the bill presented on suspension today. These concerns are shared by my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee on a bipartisan basis. prgtoken Certain sections of the bill would cede Congress' Article I authority to fund and oversee Federal agencies. This should not only concern the Appropriations Committee, but all Members of Congress. Allowing agencies to become self-funded is a terrible idea. This is true whatever form it takes, whether allowing agencies to spend incoming fees without congressional approval, accept funding from other sources including non-Federal sources, or transfer funds across agencies without congressional oversight. Such actions make the Federal bureaucracy far less accountable and embolden unelected officials to overstep their congressional mandates. The requirement that agencies receive appropriations from Congress each year is one of the most important checks on their authority and is critical to preserving the separation of powers under the Constitution. prgtoken Creating self-funded agencies also removes them from the top-line spending caps on appropriations, thereby increasing total spending and taking another piece of total spending outside of fiscal controls. Finally, it is the Appropriations Committee's exclusive jurisdiction to determine how much funding each Federal agency must work with, by carefully balancing the needs of the entire Federal Government. Putting certain agencies or activities outside of appropriations makes comprehensive budgeting more difficult, as agencies evade congressional controls. prgtoken Without much time to review this text, we were not able to have a meaningful dialogue and fix these serious issues before today's vote. Giving this much power to agencies is not an action we should take lightly. prgtoken The gentleman has provided his commitment to work through these issues before a final product is presented to the House. Because of that, I will not oppose the measure today. As we move forward, I expect that we as a conference will have an opportunity to thoroughly discuss this issue.
RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF MAJOR MATTHEW D. WILEY
Zachary Nunn (Republican, IA) \u2014 2024-7-22

I rise today to honor Major Matthew D. Willey for his retirement from the United States Air Force after 20 years of distinguished service. prgtoken Major Willey enlisted in the Air Force after graduating from the University of Iowa in 2003 Throughout his career, he consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and a strong work ethic. In 2009, he commissioned and cross-trained in the Tactical Air Control Party Officer career field. He has deployed multiple times in support of Operation Resolute Support, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Enduring Freedom. Among his many accomplishments, he notably became the first in his career field to receive the Air Force Commendation Medal with Valor in August of 2011. This prestigious award is reserved for those who display extraordinary heroism in the face of extreme danger. While in Afghanistan, Major Willey's detachment was ambushed by insurgents, and he was forced to cross open fire to call in a danger close strafing run. This display of remarkable bravery and selflessness resulted in the elimination of 15 insurgents without a single American casualty. His quick thinking and courageous actions serve as a profound example for all. prgtoken Major Willey has continued to excel as a leader, not only in combat but also in his roles as Flight Commander, Assistant Director of Operations, and Director of Operations, accumulating over 14 awards and decorations throughout his illustrious 20-year career. But he hasn't stopped there, he has spent these last two years of service here in the great state Iowa, striving to cultivate and shape the minds of young men and women, both as students as well as cadets. Through his role as Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies as well his role as Operations Officer at Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 250 at Iowa State University, he dedicates himself to the task of producing the highest quality and highest caliber of students and officers for not only the United States Air and Space Force but for this nation. Major Willey not only reflects great credit upon himself, but he reflects great credit up the United States Air Force and his country. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Major Willey for his unwavering dedication to our country. His service before self, exceptional military achievements, and steadfast roles as a spouse, father, and friend have not only enhanced our national security but also stand as a testament to the values of bravery, devotion, and compassion. I join Major Willey's family, friends, and colleagues in celebrating his retirement and extend to him my heartfelt best wishes for the future.
HONORING KENNETH "MICKEY" SNYDER, JR.
Tim Burchett (Republican, TN) \u2014 2024-7-22

. Madam , I recognize my dear friend, Mr. Kenneth Snyder, Jr also known as Mickey, who just passed away. They had his funeral tonight. He was the age of 84. I can't believe it. prgtoken Mickey was born and raised in Knoxville and had a deep sense of community and service. In West High School, he was honored as one of the top 50 athletes in the school's history, Madam , and he went on to play for the semiprofessional football team, the Knoxville Bears. prgtoken He had a passion for sports and mentoring young athletes, and he left a lasting impact on countless children, the current Congressman from the Second District being one of them. He coached me in baseball and football. prgtoken Mickey dedicated over 30 years of his life to the Knoxville Police Department until his retirement as a captain in 1993. He loved his family very much. He was married to his wife, Lana Sue Hinds, but we all call her Tootie, for 65 years. They raised three children together. They had four grandchildren and a great-grandson, and Mickey adored them all. prgtoken I offer my condolences to the family, including Tootie, along with their children and their spouses, Tracey and Dan, Kristie and Jennifer, and Little Mickey that just went by Mickey and Kiersten, along with all their other friends and family. prgtoken Mickey will be remembered for his kindness and ability to bring laughter and comfort to those around him, and he won't be forgotten by the people who knew and loved him, me being one of them. prgtoken Madam , I will truly miss Mickey Snyder. He was one in a million. He was a great mentor to a lot of young people, an excellent police officer, a great husband, a great father, and a great grandfather as well.
RESTORING POWER TO THE PEOPLE'S HOUSE
Richard McCormick (Republican, GA) \u2014 2024-7-22

I rise today to remind this body that our role as Members of Congress is not just to pass laws and allocate funding. We are the people's House because we are the closest to the people. prgtoken We have the most crucial duty to oversee the executive branch and hold the bureaucracy accountable for their actions. Since the founding of our Nation, this oversight function has been a cornerstone of our democracy. prgtoken Yet, time and time again, we see witnesses from the executive branch refusing to answer the questions of the people. They quibble over details and dodge questions. Our hearings have become political theater. Witnesses act like teenagers caught out after curfew. prgtoken The deep state evades the constitutional oversight authority that the people's House is supposed to yield. This authority is the way our Founders intended to keep the Federal bureaucracy in check. prgtoken Enough is enough. This cannot continue. It is time to take a stand and restore the power of the people's House. We must ensure that the men and women who would act like rulers over the American people, despite never being elected, and then intentionally withholding information from the United States Congress, finally face consequences. prgtoken Under title 2 of current law, their duplicity is already illegal. Refusing to answer the people's questions that are deemed ``pertinent to the question under inquiry'' is currently punishable by a fine or imprisonment. The application of this law, however, has been lost to history. prgtoken Just this year, Attorney General Merrick Garland, FBI Director Christopher Wray, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and many others blatantly and boldly violated the law and have gleefully and unabashedly refused to answer questions in hearing after hearing. They have zero respect for the American people and no fear of the United States Congress. prgtoken At a hearing on June 4, Attorney General Garland was asked if the Supreme Court's then-pending decision on obstruction charges would change the Department of Justice's actions in prosecutions related to January 6. Garland's response was: ``I don't answer hypotheticals.'' prgtoken In November of last year, at a hearing of the Homeland Security Committee, Secretary Mayorkas simply refused to answer when asked by Vice Chairman Guest how many daily apprehensions constituted a crisis at the southern border. prgtoken Just today, the Director of the Secret Service, Dr. Kimberly Cheatle, refused to answer nearly every single question she was asked by Members on both sides of the aisle about the egregious security failures of July 13. prgtoken This is what we have experienced over and over again. That is why I am introducing the STOP the SWAMP Act. Our legislation will make it clear that those bureaucrats who refuse to answer the questions of the American people will be permanently disqualified from Federal employment. It will further e