mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2021
Bob Good (Republican, VA) \u2014 2021-2-5

I rise in opposition to the National Apprenticeship Act. prgtoken s and agree that apprenticeships are important for workforce development. Unfortunately, House think that Federal bureaucrats, who rely on an almost century-old system, should manage all apprenticeship programs, not businesses and job creators. prgtoken This legislation represents a classic one-size-fits-all approach, as it would make the existing Registered Apprenticeship Program the only option for businesses. Registered programs are only a small fraction of total apprenticeships, representing only about 20 percent of apprenticeships in 2019. prgtoken Instead of reducing options and increasing bureaucracy, s support policies that maximize flexibility and innovation, like President 's landmark and highly successful Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Program. prgtoken It is tragic that during a time of historic unemployment, the House of Representatives is taking up a bill that stifles employment and workforce development opportunities when we need it least. prgtoken I stand in opposition to H.R. 447.
PROVIDING FOR THE ADOPTION OF S. CON. RES. 5, CONCURRENT RESOLUTION ON THE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021
Jason Smith (Republican, MO) \u2014 2021-2-5

. Madam , in Missouri, we have this phrase that says: You are all hat and no cattle. That is what this legislation is. It is all hat and no cattle. prgtoken We just had the speak right before me and said this piece of legislation is all about getting vaccines and shots in people's arms. Let me tell you, less than 10 percent of the money that is appropriated in this piece of legislation actually goes to vaccines and shots. It is 9 percent. prgtoken That is all hat and no cattle, what we say in Missouri. If you are actually wanting to make sure that Americans have shots and vaccinations, do your job, not the lip service. If we really want to help American people, we should focus on lifting the burden of government influence and interference on the lives and off of the backs of working-class Americans. prgtoken At a time of great division in this country, we ought to be conscious of the fact that how we govern in this body can serve to unite us, or it can divide us further. prgtoken The only thing that has been bipartisan this week is bipartisan opposition to the bill. Not one voted for it, but voted against it. prgtoken One piece of this debate that is increasingly obvious and concerning to me is how our colleagues are pushing legislation that will rescue or reward their political allies in blue State capitals across this country. How else does one explain the billions in bailouts they have proposed for State governments that have locked down their local economies? They have told Main Street to board up and left families struggling even more to make ends meet. prgtoken We should be looking to help working-class families by reopening schools, ending small business lock-downs, and allowing Americans to get back to work. prgtoken Hardworking American families would also appreciate a White House that focuses more on job creation and economic opportunity instead of continuously issuing executive orders, firing American workers, and increasing the cost of living in this country. prgtoken One truly disturbing part of the resolution before us today is that this resolution repeals the supermajority waiver requirement for unfunded mandates, making it easier for the Senate to impose mandates on our States and local communities on a partisan basis, now with only a simple majority waiver required. prgtoken This paves the way for to enact sweeping policies that will make the cost of living more expensive, and it will give Washington bureaucrats power over the American people and harm the working class. prgtoken Under this resolution, with a mere 51 votes could force States to provide healthcare to illegal immigrants under Medicaid. They could also take away States' ability to ensure Federal carbon mandates don't kill jobs and devastate local economies. prgtoken Ironically, the same folks who want to bail out State governments today to the tune of hundreds of billions of dollars will
HONORING DR. LARRY DEBOER
James R. Baird (Republican, IN) \u2014 2021-2-5

today I rise to honor Purdue University professor Dr. Larry DeBoer. I had the opportunity to work with Dr. DeBoer as a member of Purdue Extension Service as an Indiana State representative and as a farmer. prgtoken Dr. DeBoer recently retired from Purdue after 36 years of teaching economics. His tenure at Purdue is distinguished and worthy of recognition. Every semester, he taught 200 to 400 students macroeconomics. In addition to that, he has authored macroeconomics textbooks for universities. prgtoken Dr. DeBoer was recognized for his outstanding teaching with numerous awards, like the Charles B. Murphy Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award in 2015 and the Richard L. Kohls Outstanding Undergraduate Teacher Award in 2014. prgtoken In addition to being a professor, Dr. DeBoer has advised and worked with the Indiana Legislative Services Agency on tax and finance issues, and has worked on former Governor Mitch Daniels' Commission on Local Government Reform. prgtoken The State of Indiana has benefited greatly from his deep knowledge and expertise in the State's economic affairs. I want to wish Dr. DeBoer the very best in his retirement.
RECOGNIZING MR. JOSEPH H. NEELY, JR. AS THE OKALOOSA COUNTY, FLORID EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2021-2-5

. Madam , I rise to recognize Mr. Joseph H. Neely, Jr. as the Okaloosa County Educational Support Professional of the Year. For eighteen years Mr. Neely has served the Okaloosa County School District with exceptional passion and an unwavering commitment to serving others. prgtoken In Northwest Florida, we are fortunate to have some of the best teachers in the Nation. It is recognized that the position of custodian can be difficult--but also rewarding. Mr. Neely has performed his many duties without hesitation, while always providing a friendly smile for everyone he encounters. prgtoken Mr. Neely is revered by his Principal and colleagues for his strong work ethic and compassion. He selflessly considers the needs of both students and staff because of the immense pride he has for his school. prgtoken His support and outreach extend far beyond the hearts and minds of his own students during school hours through his willingness to help wherever assistance is needed. Mr. Neely has displayed dedicated teamwork by coordinating the cleanup of events. He is also the head football and baseball coach at Meigs Middle School, teaching the importance of sportsmanship to his students. I commend him for his steadfast willingness to serve as an example for those who matter most--the students and youth of our Nation. prgtoken For all of his admirable contributions to our community, I am truly proud to have Mr. Neely as a constituent in Florida's First Congressional District. prgtoken Madam , on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Mr. Joseph H. Neely, Jr. for his many accomplishments, and his commitment to excellence, professionalism, innovation, and collaboration in the Okaloosa County School District. I thank him for his service and wish him all the best for his continued success.
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2021
Lloyd Smucker (Republican, PA) \u2014 2021-2-5

this bill today is a missed opportunity, a missed opportunity for people all across this country to live their own American Dream, to access the jobs that are available in this country. This is at a time when millions have lost their jobs due to this pandemic. prgtoken Why? Because are more interested in protecting the labor unions than they are in helping the 94 percent of the private-sector workforce that is not part of a labor union and in helping the millions of individuals who are not able to access the workforce at all. prgtoken It is a shame. You should be ashamed of yourselves. I know because I owned a nonunion construction company that was unable to start an apprenticeship program due to union pushback. prgtoken Now, I will agree with you, construction labor unions have a great training program. I have seen them firsthand. But why not expand that to other construction companies and other industries? prgtoken All of us know that in the United States, we are far behind many European countries in the apprenticeship programs that we offer in many different industries, and it affects the American worker and the opportunities that they have. This bill doubles down on that system. prgtoken What we need is more innovation to allow more individuals and more families to achieve their own American Dream, and the are wholly failing to do so in this bill.
REPUBLICANS, IF THIS ISN'T IMPEACHABLE, WHAT IS?
Adam Kinzinger (Republican, IL) \u2014 2021-2-5

. Madam , I rise today to include in the Congressional Record an opinion-editorial piece written by two of my good friends and colleagues, Former Representatives Barbara Comstock of Virginia and Charles Boustany of Louisiana, which was printed in Roll Call on February 4, 2021. On Jan. 6, 2021, at 2:24 p.m an angry tweeted: `` didn't have the courage to do what should have been done to protect our country and our Constitution . . .'' At that very moment, Vice President and his family were hiding from a violent mob at the Capitol, having been whisked out of the Senate chamber where he had been conducting his constitutional duty of certifying the election. Over the course of the afternoon, the crowds shouted ``Hang ,'' ``President sent us,'' ``Traitors,'' ``Nancy Pelosi, we're coming for you'' and other frightening and direct threats to members of Congress. This violent insurrection culminated in five deaths, including a Capitol Police officer, and 140 other officers were injured protecting members. During this time, the president and his attorney called at least one senator to ask him to delay the count further. ``The mob was fed lies. They were provoked by the president and other powerful people,'' Senate leader Mitch McConnell said. At a rally near the White House that morning, spoke apocalyptically, warning, ``If you don't fight like hell, you aren't going to have a country anymore.'' lied that he had won in a ``landslide.'' He had to know this was a lie because his pollster had already issued a lengthy report detailing why he lost. Jr. wildly shouted at the rally, ``We are coming after you,'' directed at members of Congress who were doing their constitutional duty of certifying the election. Many of those arrested at the Capitol echoed and his lies. They said, ``We were invited here by the president of the United States.'' Rioters included members of the Proud Boys, QAnon conspiracy theorists and white nationalists who ripped off the helmets of officers, beat them with batons and flagpoles, and hurled racial epithets at our Capitol Police. Some came with zip ties, presumably to take hostages. At the end of the day, recorded a video message, saying to those who stormed the Capitol, ``You're very special. . . . We love you.'' In the months and days leading to Jan. 6, these election fraud lies that whipped up the crowd with had been rejected across the board: By dozens of conservative judges in over 60 court cases who said they were ``without merit'' and ``not credible.'' By Attorney General William Barr who said, ``We have not seen fraud on a scale that
NATIONAL APPRENTICESHIP ACT OF 2021
J. French Hill (Republican, AR) \u2014 2021-2-5

. Madam , the balance of my time. prgtoken In closing, let me say this. Bottom line, in the construction industry, important to every one of our States, registered apprenticeships trained about 28,000 people a year, where the need is over 440,000 people a year in construction. prgtoken We need more flexibility. This amendment is flexible. It supports the American people. prgtoken Madam , I urge a ``yes'' vote, and .
CONGENITAL HEART DEFECT AWARENESS WEEK
John W. Rose (Republican, TN) \u2014 2021-2-5

. Madam , I rise today in support of February 7-14th being recognized as Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week. Each year in the United States, more than 40,000 babies are born with a congenital heart defect. The medical community has identified congenital heart defects as the leading cause of birth defect-related deaths. Currently, there is no cure for congenital heart defects, and it is a lifelong disease requiring ongoing specialized care. prgtoken Chance Bond, a ten-year-old boy that resides in the Sixth District of Tennessee, was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, or HLHS. He had received three open heart surgeries by the age of two. He is now ten years old and his mother, Amanda Bond, says that he is still living his life to the fullest. I was blessed to meet Chance last year when he visited Washington, D.C. His courage and bravery at such a young age is truly an inspiration. prgtoken Fewer than 10 percent of adults with congenital heart disease are receiving the recommended care they need. Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week provides the opportunity for patients and families affected by this condition to share their experiences and knowledge, so that the general public may be made aware of how this defect affects their lives. I urge all of my colleagues to support the recognition of February 7-14th as Congenital Heart Disease Awareness Week.
REINTRODUCTION OF THE CONGRESS COMMISSION ACT
Alcee L. Hastings (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2021-2-8

. Madam , I rise to reintroduce the Congress Commission Act of 2021. This bill establishes the bipartisan Congressional Commission to Strengthen Representative Democracy to study and make recommendations on membership of the House of Representatives, the methods by which representatives are elected, and how to ensure opportunities for greater constituent and representative engagement. prgtoken The United States is the least representative democracy out of all of our international peers. It has been over one hundred years since the representative chamber has increased in size. During those intervening years the United States has added four additional states, the population has expanded exponentially, and the extension of voting suffrage means our national electorate looks vastly different than it did in the early twentieth century. And yet, over the course of more than a century, there has been insufficient effort to consider or enact changes to House membership that could improve how such population growth in number and diversity are reflected by federal representatives. Too many years have passed us by without any serious consideration of how our nation's growth and progress is reflected in the People's House. prgtoken We have in front of us an overwhelming amount of evidence illustrating the need for reform of the House of Representatives. Just last year, our fellow Americans took to the streets and ballot boxes demanding change and we came close to admitting a new state to our union. The completion of the 2020 Census provides us essential data on the population of the nation and the growing, disparate ratio of almost 750,000 Americans to each Member of the House. This is just the average. One Member may represent anywhere from almost 530,000 constituents, up to over 1,050,000 constituents. This Commission will determine if such a disparity in districts' populations ensures the just and equitable representation our chamber is intended to provide each citizen and district. prgtoken While I speak to the challenges of our current membership structure, ultimately the Commission to Strengthen Representative Democracy is not required to change the size of the House, voting methods for Representatives, or any other House process or assembly. I expect my colleagues that will participate on the Commission will execute their duties justly, judiciously, and with the intent of what is best for our constituents and our nation. prgtoken Madam , I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.
HONORING FORMER REP. JANE HARMAN
Steny H. Hoyer (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2021-2-8

. Madam , I want to take a moment to pay tribute to a dear friend and a wonderful former colleague of ours. Former Rep. Jane Harman, who retired from this House in 2011 after nine terms representing the Thirty-Ninth District of California, is stepping down in February after ten very successful years as CEO of the Wilson Center. I hope all of us in this House will join me in congratulating her and wishing her well in her next endeavors. I have no doubt that she will find new ways to continue serving her country, as she has done with such dedication and ability since her days as a staffer for Sen. John Tunney in the early 1970's and during her time in Congress, where she served as Ranking Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. Jane's entire career has been spent in service to the people of California and to the American people. prgtoken The Wilson Center was created by Congress in 1968 to serve as a nonpartisan policy forum and support research into addressing global issues. It continues to fulfill its role as a public think tank, a place where scholars and leaders come together to seek creative solutions to some of the country's and the world's most intractable challenges. As the first woman to serve as its CEO, Jane oversaw an expansion of its programs, helped grow its federal appropriation by a third, and launched its Global Women's Leadership Initiative. She drew on her close contacts abroad to bring world-class scholars and global leaders to the Center for informative discussions and debates, and I was honored to be her guest at the Center's fiftieth anniversary dinner in 2018 and to welcome Jane back to Capitol Hill for the Center's very informative `Fiscal Ship' budgetary exercise in 2016. Under her guidance, the Wilson Center has truly lived up to its mission and will surely continue to do so for a long time to come as a result of her sound management and oversight. prgtoken I hope all of us will take a moment to thank former Rep. Jane Harman for her many years of outstanding service to our country and her commitment to the hard work of ensuring that our democracy can deliver the best policymaking for the American people. She will long remain a friend to so many of us in this House, and I will continue to cherish her friendship and her wise counsel in the years ahead.
REMEMBERING GEORGE P. SHULTZ
Dan Sullivan (Republican, AK) \u2014 2021-2-8

as many of us know, our country is mourning the loss of a great man, a man who I believe was one of the greatest of the Greatest Generation. prgtoken Yesterday, we all received the sad news that George Shultz, Secretary Shultz, died in his home in California yesterday. He was 100 years old. He just celebrated his 100th birthday in December. prgtoken He was a man of great intelligence, of courage, of integrity. He exemplified service, what is great about this Nation, and hope for our country--not just for our country but countries around the world. Democracy itself was something that this great American promoted. prgtoken He leaves behind his wife Charlotte, 3 daughters, 2 sons, 11 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren. Of course, our prayers for his family are going out to all of them during this difficult time. prgtoken There are people who have lived history, and there are people who have made history. Secretary Shultz made history. He lived a life in full, and he was always giving back to his country, to his fellow Americans. prgtoken He was one of only two, I believe, American citizens who held four different Cabinet posts in the U.S. Government. He was OMB Director, Secretary of Labor, Secretary of the Treasury, and, most importantly, Secretary of State for almost the entire two terms of President Reagan's tenure during some very perilous times in our country's history. prgtoken As Secretary of State, there is no doubt that Secretary Shultz, along with President Reagan, did so much to win the Cold War, to bring down the Berlin Wall eventually, to successfully not just defeat in the Cold War the Soviet Union but to foster the infrastructure of democracy around the globe. If you read about his exploits, if you read his autobiography, you will see so much of what George Shultz did for our country, which was so important. prgtoken It is not an exaggeration to say we are living in a more peaceful and prosperous world--there is no doubt we have challenges--because of men like Secretary Shultz. prgtoken One of the great honors of my lifetime was to get to know Secretary Shultz over the last several years. I had the opportunity to meet with him many, many times and to listen and learn--and his mind was so sharp--from the stories that he would tell. This, to me, is another great example of leadership--people who, even in the end years of their life, are still mentoring others, whether Senators or students. prgtoken He would regularly teach classes at Stanford as part of the Hoover Institution out there. He kept writing books until his 100th birthday. prgtoken I had the opportunity to wish him a happy birthday in December and was even on a Zoom call with him. I will say, in my experience with him, certain things kept coming out, themes of a life: service, of course, patriotism, integrity, trust, and also the U.S. Marine Corps. prgtoken You know, when it comes to the issue of integrity, you look at Sec