mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
MIDDLE CLASS BORROWER PROTECTION ACT OF 2023
Warren Davidson (Republican, OH) \u2014 2023-6-23

. Mr. Chair, to the amendment introduced by Ms. Pettersen which would make it impossible to repeal the Federal Housing Finance Agency's damaging price increases on creditworthy home buyers. In fact, it will undo the entire point of the bill. prgtoken The legislation before us, the Middle Class Borrower Protection Act, would repeal these increases and would require the Government Accountability Office to assess the FHFA's fee structure. That is the point of the GAO's study. prgtoken It would also require that any future loan-level fees implemented by the agency adopt a risk-based price framework. prgtoken Ms. Pettersen's amendment would set up a sham test so that FHFA would have to keep those unfair fees in place even at the expense of the majority of middle-class borrowers. prgtoken So while the gentlewoman's amendment is designed to sound fair, the reality is that it would actually have the opposite effect of what it advertises. Instead of lowering fees for middle-income families, it would doom many of them to higher fees. In other words, a vote for Ms. Pettersen's amendment is a vote against the Middle Class Borrower Protection Act. prgtoken I also find it interesting that our friends on the other side of the aisle would support an amendment that essentially says: Don't do this if it makes fees go up, which is exactly what our bill does. It stops the fees from going up or staying up, as the case is on part of the plan that they implemented. prgtoken We should be united in saying that deliberately making mortgages more expensive for creditworthy borrowers is a foolish policy. The sting of inflation and higher interest rates are already hurting middle-income families, and this adjustment by FHFA is not fair. prgtoken While I cannot support this amendment, I am glad to see the recognition that we need to protect middle-income families looking to purchase a home from unfair pricing. It makes it harder for some borrowers to afford because they pay more just because they have high credit scores. prgtoken Ms. Pettersen's amendment would, unfortunately, lock in that unfair system. prgtoken Mr. Chair, .
SUPPORTING HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY VETERANS TREATMENT COURT
Laurel M. Lee (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-6-23

I rise today in support of the Hillsborough County Veterans Treatment Court and the volunteers who are the heart of this program. prgtoken Hillsborough County is proud to be home to Florida's largest population of veterans--nearly 94,000 veterans. Hillsborough is also home to the number one Veterans Treatment Court in the country. prgtoken One in five veterans has a diagnosed mental illness or cognitive impairment, and one in six veterans has a substance abuse problem. In some cases, upon returning home, these men and women commit a criminal offense that is directly attributed to a service or combat-related injury. prgtoken The Hillsborough County Veterans Treatment Court, in addition to its Mentor Program run entirely by volunteers, integrates alcohol and drug treatment programs, mental health services, and justice system case processing, while focusing on the successful reintegration of veterans back into their communities. prgtoken I'd like to not only recognize but extend a sincere thank you to the wonderful volunteers who have had a hand in getting our veterans the care they require and deserve.
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Kevin Kiley (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-6-23

I rise today to recognize Music in the Mountains, a unique organization in Nevada County, California, that combines world-class orchestral, choral, and musical theater performances with a deep commitment to music education. prgtoken The Music in the Mountains season features live concerts and events showcasing the orchestra and chorus performing with world-renowned classical musicians and soloists. Performances are staged in several venues located in historic gold rush communities of Grass Valley and Nevada City. prgtoken At the heart of Music in the Mountains is the SummerFest Classical Festival, now in its 42nd year. Audiences are enthralled by powerful classical masterworks, modern favorites, and innovative pieces from brand new composers staged in an outdoor theater. prgtoken In the days leading up to July Fourth, the festival celebrates music, community, and our country's birth. prgtoken In addition to presenting inspiring concerts, Music in the Mountains offers innovative educational programs touching the lives of about 5,000 students each year. prgtoken To fulfill the goal of empowering children to perform, compose, and listen to music, Music in the Mountains offers a variety of activities, including Take 5 for Music, Carnegie Lineup, Full Circle Music Program, and Peer Performing 4 Peers. prgtoken The youth orchestra is a symphony orchestra program for string, woodwind, brass, and percussion players ages 8 to 21. Students in the Young Composers project study composition, notation software, conducting, melodic and rhythmic dictation, music theory, and music history. prgtoken The Side By Side program offers student musicians the opportunity to sit in with the orchestra at rehearsals and perform with their mentors in live performances. prgtoken Through its performance and educational endeavors, Music in the Mountains recognizes the power of music to heal and transform the individual and the community. prgtoken On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I am honored to recognize Music in the Mountains for the empowering programs and profound impact the organization has had on Nevada County and the broader region.
MIDDLE CLASS BORROWER PROTECTION ACT OF 2023
Debbie Lesko (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2023-6-23

. Mr. Chair, I thank Mr. Davidson for sponsoring this bill and allowing me to talk. prgtoken The administration's mortgage rule is the most recent in a long line of upside-down, absolutely crazy policies by this administration. prgtoken Recently, the Federal Housing Finance Agency increased loan-level pricing adjustments for Americans with good credit scores and decreased the fees for the majority of Americans who have poor credit scores. That makes no sense. It is upside down, and it incentivizes people not to have good credit scores. prgtoken Americans who have good credit scores and have been fiscally responsible should not be forced to effectively subsidize the loans of people with bad credit, especially in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis with still-high inflation rates and rising home prices. prgtoken The Middle Class Borrower Protection Act repeals this terrible policy and ensures that Americans are not unfairly punished for being fiscally responsible. prgtoken I have young adult children, and they struggle. They are not wealthy, as some of my ic colleagues have said, but they have struggled. They live paycheck to paycheck, but they try to have good credit scores. prgtoken One of them said to me: Jeez, with this crazy policy of wanting to punish people with good credit scores so that they have to pay more to subsidize people with poor credit scores, why the heck should I work to have good credit scores? prgtoken That is what this administration is doing. This is like socialism. This is insane. That is why I support Mr. Davidson's bill. That is why I support Americans who strive to be fiscally responsible.
HONORING THE LIFE OF KAYE T. GOOLSBY
Michael T. McCaul (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-6-23

with a heavy but grateful heart, I rise to recognize the life of Kaye Goolsby. Kaye was not only a political giant in the state of Texas; she was also a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and dear friend to so many, including me. prgtoken One of my first supporters, Kaye helped propel me to public service, and she always inspired me to be the best representative I could be for the people of Texas. Originally from Louisiana, she and her family moved to Katy, Texas, in 1977, where they have lived for more than 45 years. And Kaye certainly earned her title as a Texan, holding dozens of leadership roles in the state and helping to advance many Texans to prominent government positions. In 2011, she was honored as one of the Top Ten Women in Texas. Kaye also faithfully supported her local school district, Katy ISD, and selflessly served at First United Methodist Church. prgtoken There simply aren't enough words to describe Kaye's contribution to her community, the state of Texas, and our country. No matter what new task she took on, she remained grounded by an unwavering belief in the importance of freedom, faith, and family. prgtoken She will be deeply missed by her husband of 48 years, Gary Goolsby, her son Greg and his wife Christie, and her grandchildren, Preston and Avery. prgtoken The last words I said to her were, ``I love you, Kaye.'' The fact is: Everyone she touched loved her as well. While we mourn this tremendous loss, we also take comfort in knowing her impact will live on for generations.
CELEBRATING THE BONANZA CASINO'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY
Mark E. Amodei (Republican, NV) \u2014 2023-6-23

on July 1, 2023, the Bonanza Casino in Reno will celebrate its 50th anniversary. In anticipation of this major milestone, I would like to highlight the contributions this family operated business brings to our community and recognize the leadership of one of its original owners and current partner, Russ Sheltra. prgtoken The Bonanza Casino is one of Northern Nevada's most successful gaming properties, but its beginnings were quite humble. prgtoken As a student at the University of Nevada, Russ Sheltra worked at the local Food King. After graduating with a degree in business, Russ bought the Food King with no formal contract--just an agreement etched out on the back of a napkin. Russ turned the Food King into his V&T Market. prgtoken In 1973, he made the decision to transform the V&T Market into the Bonanza Casino when another supermarket was built across the street. The casino thrived, quickly becoming a favorite for locals. Today, the casino has nearly 400 slot machines and two successful restaurants. prgtoken Russ's son, Ryan, now works alongside his father in the family business. Both Russ and Ryan believe in the importance of giving back to the community that has given them so much. prgtoken For the past 22 years, the Bonanza Casino has provided multiple $1,500 college scholarships to graduating students at North Valleys High School. prgtoken Additionally, the Bonanza Casino supports the mission of the Prostate Cancer Foundation by hosting the ``Cruisin' for the Cure'' car show, a fundraiser to raise money for prostate cancer research. To date, the Sheltra family and Bonanza Casino has donated over $165,000 to the Prostate Cancer Foundation. prgtoken , as the Bonanza Casino celebrates its 50th year of operations, I want to thank Russ Sheltra for his lifetime of commitment to Northern Nevada, and this Nation. His ingenuity and dedication serves as an inspiration to us all.
CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF RUTH YARBROUGH
Bob Good (Republican, VA) \u2014 2023-6-23

I rise today to celebrate the 100th birthday of Mrs. Ruth Yarbrough of Dry Fork, Virginia. prgtoken Mrs. Yarbrough was born on July Fourth, 1923, in Dry Fork, where she continues to be an active member of her Pittsylvania County community. prgtoken She is the mother of four sons and has been blessed with an abundance of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. prgtoken While raising her four sons, Mrs. Yarbrough accompanied her children to their school, Stony Mill Elementary School, so frequently that the principal offered her a job as a dietician. She held that position for over 30 years. prgtoken Mrs. Yarbrough lives a vigorous life, still living independently and hosting many visitors in her home. She is steadfast in her faith in God and is currently serving as a deaconess at Guildfield Baptist Church. prgtoken We can all learn from the wisdom that Mrs. Yarbrough graciously shares, often stating that the secret to longevity is to ``love the Lord, be nice to others, and smile.'' prgtoken I am honored to represent such outstanding constituents like Mrs. Yarbrough. Please join me in celebrating Mrs. Yarbrough's birthday and the long-lasting legacy that she continues to hold.
SMALL BUSINESSES NEED AFFORDABLE HEALTHCARE OPTIONS
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-6-23

small businesses in this country have ranked the cost of health insurance as their number one problem for 32 years straight. prgtoken policies like Care have led to skyrocketing health insurance costs and a broken individual health market. Care costs taxpayers more than $1 trillion a year while covering less than 5 percent of the population. prgtoken Small businesses are hardest hit by this as they often struggle to afford the absurdly expensive costs of healthcare. prgtoken The health insurance market is overregulated, and power is concentrated in just a few large insurers. This is not a free market. prgtoken Medicare itself will be on the rocks in just a few years unless we change this tide. prgtoken To ease the burden on small businesses, House s will introduce and have introduced the CHOICE Act, which will enhance the flexibility and affordability of healthcare for small businesses. prgtoken Small businesses are a cornerstone of our American economy and are essential against corporate tyranny, which we see happening these days. prgtoken House s will not let small businesses be crushed to death by rising costs and these failed policies.
SECURING THE BORDER
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-6-23

I have been to the border several times now. When I visited in 2019 under President , it was orderly, and the situation was contained. It brings me no pleasure to say when I visited last time, under the administration, it was an unmitigated disaster. prgtoken We watched migrants flow over the border and saw holding facilities far past capacity. We saw guardsmen pulled away from their border posts to go buy diapers and other supplies. We saw mountains of drugs that had been confiscated, which left everyone wondering how many had gone through undetected. prgtoken On any visit to the border, CBP will inform you that where there is a barrier, the border is secure, and the portions without are not. prgtoken Yet, sadly, this administration has done nothing over the past 2\1/2\ years to curb illegal immigration. Inversely, they have actually encouraged it, which has strengthened the cartels. It has gotten so bad we are having illegals fill up school gymnasiums. prgtoken Yes, we need comprehensive immigration reform, but we need to stop the bleeding first by securing the border. We know how to do it.
REJECTING INDEPENDENCE FOR PUERTO RICO
Jenniffer González-Colón (Republican, PR) \u2014 2023-6-23

I rise to reject attempts by the United Nations Special Committee for Decolonization calling for the independence of Puerto Rico. prgtoken It is no surprise that Cuba, Nicaragua, Russia, Syria, and Venezuela, who are among the worst human rights violators and antidemocratic regimes in the world are the ones calling for Puerto Rico's independence in an attempt to advance their anti-American agenda and grow their influence in the region. prgtoken For 106 years, Puerto Ricans have been proud American citizens, participating in the U.S. Armed Forces in prgtoken record numbers. As a U.S. territory and under the U.S. Constitution, it is Congress, not the United Nations, and certainly not a committee made up of authoritarian regimes that has the ultimate responsibility to address Puerto Rico's political status. prgtoken Puerto Ricans have made it very clear through votes and democratic elections--something these nations will never learn--we want to join our fellow Americans on equal footing as a full State of the Union.
CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF COLSTRIP, MONTANA
Matthew M. Rosendale, Sr. (Republican, MT) \u2014 2023-6-23

it is a privilege to recognize the centennial celebration of the town of Colstrip, Montana's energy capital. Colstrip is surrounded by beautiful open rangeland, farms, and ranches, but what has made this community truly remarkable is the Rosebud mine, which is responsible for much of the area's prosperity. This incredible facility serves as a crucial part of Montana's economy and energy sector. Since its establishment, the mine has not only powered Montana's economy but also provided reliable energy to the entire globe. prgtoken Colstrip was first founded by employees of the Northern Pacific Railway in 1924 to provide Americans with affordable and reliable coal to power their homes and businesses. During the Second World War, the mine was strategically important to America's war effort. Thanks to the work of the men and women of Colstrip, the Allies successfully defeated their enemies and defended freedom across the entire world. prgtoken I want to commend the people of Colstrip for their dedicated work to ensure the continuation of this vital part of Montana's economy and for contributing so much to our state's culture. Colstrip's tight-knit community has powered America for over 100 years, and I'm excited to see what the future holds for this model community I want to thank the entire Colstrip community for their commitment to America, and it is a privilege to celebrate the mine's anniversary in the U,S. House of Representatives
MIDDLE CLASS BORROWER PROTECTION ACT OF 2023
Patrick T. McHenry (Republican, NC) \u2014 2023-6-23

and the chair of the Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance (Mr. Davidson) for his fine work here legislating and the great work that he has put in this Congress on the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee. prgtoken , I rise in support of Mr. Davidson's bill, the Middle Class Borrower Protection Act. What I would say to my colleagues is: Is it right to raise the costs of borrowing for families that have worked hard and saved up to buy a home in order to subsidize those who are less creditworthy? I don't think so. prgtoken This bill would ensure that doesn't happen under this new administration rule set. What we have before us today is a bill that would say to the 95 percent of Americans nationwide that have a credit score over 680 that you are going to pay more, and those that are less creditworthy, under 680, the 5 percent of Americans who are under a 680 credit score will pay less under this new administration proposal. prgtoken If we don't act with this bill, almost half of those borrowers will face an extra $1.8 billion in new fees over the next 2 years. That is a tax on more creditworthy people when they access a mortgage. I don't think that is proper. I don't think that is just. prgtoken Those are middle-class borrowers in each of our districts, and , Independent, rural and urban, young and old. They are across the country, and we are trying to stand up for them. For some reason, the administration wants to put their finger on the scales and decide who gets to pay more and who gets to pay less. prgtoken That is inherently unfair, whether that is in my district in western North Carolina or districts on the other side of the country. It will make housing less affordable, not more. It puts taxpayers at risk by threatening the safety and soundness of our housing finance system, and we have a chance to change that today and do the right thing. prgtoken If you want to protect middle-class borrowers in your district from a new tax, you will support this bill. If you want to take action to address housing affordability, you will support this bill. If you want more Americans to achieve the dream of homeownership, you will vote for this bill. prgtoken , s on the House Financial Services Committee, on both sides of the aisle, for the good work they do in this Congress. I also thank my colleague, Mr. Davidson, for his leadership here on this important housing issue that touches all of us across the country, and I urge a ``yes'' vote.
RECOGNIZING JUDE STAMPER, A REMARKABLE YOUNG MAN
Tim Walberg (Republican, MI) \u2014 2023-6-23

I rise to recognize a remarkable young man from the Fifth District of Michigan, Jude Stamper. prgtoken While completing his Eagle Scout leadership project, Jude sought to raise funds to help purchase a new van for a local shelter. He organized, emceed, and played in a fundraiser with the Monroe High jazz band that far surpassed his initial goal. prgtoken Jude has a rare condition called AMC which makes movement difficult, but Jude doesn't slow down. In 2018, then-Michigan basketball coach John Beilein recognized Jude's infectious attitude, valuable perspective, and unparalleled energy. Beilein had him join the team, and stars like Moe Wagner and Duncan Robinson credited Jude's spirit for helping propel the team to the national championship game. prgtoken , we are grateful for Jude's contributions, and we look forward to what he takes on next.
RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF LARRY DOCKINS
Harriet M. Hageman (Republican, WY) \u2014 2023-6-23

I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of Larry Dockins, a Wyomingite who courageously served our country and who was and remains a beloved hero by all who knew him. prgtoken After receiving his GED, Larry made the decision to join the Army National Guard in 1962, where he began his lifetime career in service to his country. prgtoken Throughout his time in the Army National Guard, he prioritized the needs of his community and that of his fellow residents. Plowing snow and hauling hay were just a few of the ways in which Larry was able to assist those around him. prgtoken He was also a proud member of the Command Maintenance Evaluation and Training team, which sought to solve logistical and equipment-related issues experienced by National Guard units through assistance and training. Upon the conclusion of his service, Larry retired as a master sergeant. prgtoken Despite his love for public service, Larry valued family above all else and cherished every minute he was able to spend with both his grandkids and great-grandkids. prgtoken Larry, sadly, passed away on January 4, 2023. His selfless service will always be remembered by his family and friends and will leave a lasting impression on the communities he dedicated his life to assisting. prgtoken I urge all my colleagues to join me in remembering the life of Larry Dockins, honoring his service to our Nation and standing with his family in these difficult times.
CONGRATULATING CONGRESSIONAL ART WINNER ALMA SWARTZENTRUBER
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-6-23

I rise today to recognize Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District 2023 Congressional Art Competition winner, Alma Swartzentruber. prgtoken The annual art competition, organized by the Congressional Institute, showcases the artwork of high school students from across every congressional district in the country. Alma is a recent graduate from the Keystone High School in Clarion County. Her winning artwork is titled, ``Great Horned Owl.'' She created this piece with charcoal and graphite. prgtoken Alma's work was selected by an independent panel of judges from 73 entries, with a record number of participants in the 15th District's Congressional Art Competition. prgtoken I would also like to congratulate Alma's teacher, Ms. Janet Hockman, and her parents for the role that they played in Alma's success. prgtoken All of the winning pieces will be displayed for the year in the Cannon tunnel, where they will be viewed by Members of Congress, staff, and many visitors to the Capitol each and every day. prgtoken , I congratulate Alma on her great work. I am proud to have her artwork representing the 15th District.