mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
TERMINATING CDC REQUIREMENT FOR PROOF OF COVID-19 VACCINATION FOR FOREIGN TRAVELERS
Larry Bucshon (Republican, IN) \u2014 2023-2-8

. Mr. Chair, it is clear that the administration has pushed its authorities past reasonable interpretation during the COVID- 19 pandemic. prgtoken With everything from eviction moratoriums and student loan forgiveness to vaccine and mask mandates being challenged and defeated in court, it is clear that the administration needs the oversight of Congress. prgtoken The prohibition on rulemaking makes sure the CDC cannot impose a future COVID-19 vaccine requirement on international travelers and that the administration would need to come to Congress for CDC to take such action in the future. prgtoken H.R. 185 is a commonsense bill. As President himself has stated: The ``pandemic is over.'' And, as he announced last week, the White House would end the current COVID-19 public health emergency effective May 11, 2023. prgtoken We are currently one of the only countries still requiring any such vaccine mandate. The CDC itself has also acknowledged the vaccine does not prevent transmission. Why then are we still requiring a vaccine to enter our borders for legal travelers? Again, reminding everyone that for illegal travelers entering across the southern border, we are not requiring it. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment, and .
DISAPPROVING THE ACTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COUNCIL IN APPROVING THE LOCAL RESIDENT VOTING RIGHTS AMENDMENT ACT OF 2022
Laurel M. Lee (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-2-8

I rise today in support of Chairman Comer's resolution disapproving of the D.C. Council's recent action to allow noncitizens, including illegal immigrants, to vote in local elections. The council's actions undermine voter confidence, faith in our elections, and, ultimately, the sovereignty of the United States. prgtoken Voting is a sacred right reserved only for American citizens. That is why Federal law and the Constitution prohibit noncitizens from voting in Federal elections. prgtoken In order to further promote integrity in our elections, many States have also prohibited noncitizens from voting in their State and local elections. Our Nation's Capital should be a model for the rest of the country, but for years, the District has run poor elections. Now, the council wants to take it even further by allowing noncitizens to vote. prgtoken At a time when communities across our Nation are dealing with the consequences of an unprecedented number of criminals, human smugglers, and deadly fentanyl pouring across our borders, it is unthinkable that the D.C. Council wants to reward those who have broken the law. prgtoken Further, this would let diplomats vote in D.C. elections, some of whom can be agents of our adversaries, like China and Russia. That is why several of my colleagues on the House Administration and Oversight and Accountability Committees last Congress, including Chairman Steil and Mr. Comer, sent a letter to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, criticizing the measure and calling on her to reject it. prgtoken Congress can and should exercise its constitutional responsibility over D.C. and stop this law with this joint resolution of disapproval. prgtoken I commend Chairman Comer for leading this commonsense measure and taking steps to restore voter confidence. prgtoken We have seen that in States like Georgia and Florida, when you implement key election integrity tools that make it easier to vote and harder to cheat, we can boost voter confidence, which in turn boosts voter turnout.
SOUTH CAROLINA LEADERSHIP MEANS JOBS
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-2-8

. Madam , the wallets of South Carolinians and all Americans have been negatively affected by the destructive decisions of and the -led Congress destroying jobs. prgtoken However, through the leadership of Governor Henry McMaster, with the largest supermajority in South Carolina in 150 years, South Carolina has achieved a record surplus of over $3.5 billion in unexpected revenue for the year. prgtoken Last week, in the State of the State Address by Governor McMaster, he stated that 2022 was the most successful year for economic growth in our State's history. prgtoken The Governor announced 12 projects valued at over $10 billion creating 14,000 new jobs. Governor Jim Edwards recruited Michelin, Governor Carroll Campbell recruited BMW, Governor David Beasley promoted workfare programs, and Governor Nikki Haley saved Boeing. prgtoken South Carolina remains a shining example for America. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops, who successfully protected America for 20 years, as the global war on terrorism continues moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America. prgtoken Our support is for our appreciated ally Turkey, which has been so devastated by the earthquake.
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE 2023 CONGRESS-BUNDESTAG/BUNDESRAT EXCHANGE
Kevin McCarthy (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-2-8

since 1983, the U.S. Congress (House and Senate) and the German Bundestag and Bundesrat have conducted an annual exchange program for staff members from both countries. The program gives professional staff the opportunity to observe and learn about each other's political institutions and engage in discussion regarding mutual interest. prgtoken A staff delegation from the U.S. Congress will be selected to visit Germany from Friday, June 30-Sunday, July 9, 2023. During this exchange, the delegation will attend meetings with Bundestag/Bundesrat party staff members, and representatives of numerous political, business, academic and media agencies. prgtoken A comparable delegation of German staff members will visit the United States from Saturday, October 21-Monday, October 30, 2023. They will attend similar meetings in Washington organized by the members of the U.S. delegation. prgtoken The Congress-Bundestag/Bundesrat Exchange is highly regarded in Germany and the United States and is one of several exchange programs sponsored by public and private institutions in the United States and Germany to foster better understanding of the politics and policies of both countries. This exchange is funded by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. prgtoken The U.S. delegation shall consist of experienced and accomplished Hill staff who can contribute to the success of the exchange on both sides of the Atlantic. The Bundestag reciprocates by sending senior staff professionals to the United States. prgtoken Applicants should have a demonstrable interest in events in Europe. Applicants need not be working in the field of foreign affairs, although such a background can be helpful. The composite U.S. delegation should exhibit a range of expertise in issues of mutual concern to the United States and Germany such as, but not limited to, trade, security, the environment, economic development, health care, and other social policy issues. This year's delegation should be familiar with transatlantic relations within the context of recent world events. prgtoken Please note that there is a significant time commitment aspect for those selected for the program. In addition, U.S. participants are expected to plan and implement the meetings and programs for the Bundestag/Bundesrat staff members when they visit the United States. prgtoken Members of the House and Senate who would like a member of their staff to apply for participation in this year's program should direct them to submit a resume and cover letter in which they state their qualifications, the contributions they can make to a successful program and some assurances of their ability to participate during the time stated. prgtoken The completion of two vaccinations and proof of vaccination may be required with the traveler's passport dependent on the destination country's COVID protocols. prgtoken Applications should be sent to the Office of Interp
COMMEMORATING THE LIFE OF ZACH DIDIER
Kevin Kiley (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-2-8

I rise today to commemorate Zach Didier, a beloved member of our community in Rocklin who tragically passed away from fentanyl shortly after Christmas Day a little over 2 years ago, in 2020. prgtoken I would also like to take a moment to introduce the American people to Zach's parents, Laura Didier and Chris Didier, who are with us today in the gallery. I was honored to have Laura and Chris as my guests for last night's State of the Union. They have worked tirelessly to honor Zach's life through raising awareness of the fentanyl crisis and have undoubtedly saved many lives. prgtoken This is Zach. He was 17 years old, a senior at Whitney High School. He was an Eagle Scout, soccer player, star of the high school musical, and straight-A student. He had just applied to college, and his parents had to go through the gut-wrenching experience of watching acceptance envelopes arrive from California's leading universities. prgtoken I would like to offer a moment of silence to honor the memory and life of Zach Didier. prgtoken , Zach had no history of drug use. He was the type of young man that parents hope their child would become. I know how proud of him Chris and Laura are. prgtoken His story shows that the poison of fentanyl is a risk to everyone. No community is safe from it. No family can be unaware of the danger. prgtoken Fentanyl has become the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 45, more than car accidents, more than suicides, more than anything. prgtoken Over 73,000 Americans died from fentanyl this past year. That amounts to 200 deaths a day, about 1 every 7 minutes. prgtoken Though lethality of fentanyl is unlike any other drug, it is about 100 times more potent than morphine. Two milligrams, or the amount that fits on the tip of a pencil, is a deadly dose. It is now very commonly added to street pills, such that 98 percent of pills on the street are fake, and by some estimates, 60 percent have the potential to be lethal. prgtoken Many of the victims are teenagers, young people, people with no prior drug use. There are many causes connected to this, of course: mental health, teenagers who are just stressed with the stresses of school, and certainly the isolation during the whole COVID era. prgtoken They often purchase these fake pills on social media over the internet. The dealers sometimes drive and deliver them straight to the victims' homes. prgtoken What can we do? Well, the first and most important thing, perhaps, is to continue to raise awareness. Many Americans aren't aware of the severity of this crisis until it is too late. prgtoken Chris and Laura Didier have done 45 school assemblies this year alone, reaching tens of thousands of students and families, and have saved many lives, I know, in the process. Every school across the country needs to have a strategy for making students and families aware of the dangers. prgtoken Secondly, we need to do much more to prevent fentanyl from flowing into
A MISSED OPPORTUNITY
Brian Babin (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-2-8

I thank my friend from California for this Special Order. I appreciate it very much. prgtoken Predictably, the President spent 72 minutes trying to sell us another bill of goods last night. He is so out of touch with reality that he thinks Americans are actually buying what he said. prgtoken But his time would have been much better spent apologizing to the country for being one of the weakest, if not the weakest, Commander in Chief in the history of our country. prgtoken From his botched withdrawal from Afghanistan, to his mismanagement of the economy, to his horrific border crisis, is a President of failure. prgtoken In just 2 years, he has successfully made us less on all fronts, less profitable, less sustainable, less safe, less prosperous, less free. His consistent weakness on the world stage has emboldened our adversaries and sent our allies running. I don't say this lightly. prgtoken You don't have to look hard for examples. The Chinese surveillance balloon that he allowed to fly across country, our entire country, last week, comes to mind. It took him 4 days to shoot it down and, yet he wants us to believe that he is being tough on China. prgtoken Give me a break. prgtoken The world is full of wolves. They know America is being led by a sheep. prgtoken President spoke for over an hour, and yet he failed to thank our Border Patrol agents, mention border security, or take responsibility for the thousands of Americans dying from fentanyl that is being smuggled across our open and erased southern border. prgtoken Instead, he called for mass amnesty for millions of illegal aliens. prgtoken Nearly 300 Americans die of an overdose every single day. That is almost as many as our daily casualties during World War II. Think about that. prgtoken But if we are being honest, we all expected nothing more than a speech that left truth waiting on the sidelines. That is exactly what we got. prgtoken House s have done more to restore and strengthen America in our first month in power than the have done in the last 2 years because where the left prioritizes authoritarian-style control, s believe in the freedom that our forebears fought and died for. prgtoken As Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders so eloquently said last night, ``America is the greatest country the world has ever known because we are the freest country that the world has ever known.'' prgtoken We don't bend to a woke mob pushing insanity or insane policies over common sense. prgtoken s serving in this esteemed Chamber stand united and will be the hammer that shatters the ' radical agenda. We are committed to ensuring America is secure and is strong, and is free. This is a promise that we will keep. prgtoken We will not leave you in the lurch. We are fighting for you and the American Dream that we all love.
AMERICA NEEDS SOLUTIONS
Chip Roy (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-2-8

I appreciate the gentleman from Arizona being down here talking about the trajectory this Nation finds itself on with respect to all spending, but in particular mandatory spending as we call it, and the need for all of us to get serious about doing something about it. prgtoken We sat here in this Chamber last night. The President of the United States did what you do in a campaign speech, not in the State of the Union. He did what you do when you have a failed agenda and you want to try to scare the American people rather than inspire the American people: Accuse your opponents of being against Social Security and Medicare with no real backing, but offering no solutions himself to the very problems articulated by the gentleman from Arizona. prgtoken Did anybody hear the President of the United States last night address at all the reality that Social Security and Medicare are on a path to bankruptcy in terms of their funding relative to the demands to pay benefits? Of course not. Of course not. Because the President of the United States, , has zero solutions to the problems facing this country. Not one. prgtoken Not one solution last night was offered. Standing at the well where the currently sits, not one solution was offered. Instead, it was a campaign speech. prgtoken The fact is, the American people, I think, saw through it because in the same speech that the President attacked s for not having a solution for Social Security and Medicare, accusing s of saying we were going to walk away from the obligations for Social Security and Medicare, the President offered no solutions on the border. None. prgtoken The President said not a word about our men and women in uniform. The President referenced Ukraine but didn't provide an actual strategy or desired outcome besides ``Putin bad, Ukraine good.'' prgtoken Look, the fact of the matter is, the entire Nation is tired of exactly what we saw last night. Tired of it. The President came in and tried to offer populist rhetoric. Frankly, stealing some of the rhetoric almost directly from President . prgtoken He tried to offer some old school rhetoric, saying, we have got a program for everybody in America. Don't worry, we are going to pay for it. I gave a speech on the floor of the House about a year ago entitled the United States House of free stuff about this body. A number of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle came down and talked about all of the student loans that would be forgiven, all of the spending that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle would offer with no indication of how it would be paid for because why would you do that? prgtoken Look, the fact of the matter is, this body, the people's House, is never going to be serious about representing the people until we stop spending money we don't have, stop allowing for the printing of money to carry out the very things the American people sent us here
RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF AMELIA LITYNSKI
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2023-2-8

I rise today in recognition of Amelia Litynski and her service to Virginia's First District and the Nation. prgtoken Amelia earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin- Madison, where she triple-majored in Economics, History, and Political Science. She is currently working on her Master's degree in Military Operational Art and Science at the USAF Air Command and Staff College. prgtoken During her undergraduate studies, she interned for the Congressional Research Service, the U.S. Department of Defense, debra of America, and the Wisconsin State Legislature. After graduating and prior to joining my office, she scheduled for Congressman Bryan Steil of Wisconsin. prgtoken Amelia joined my office in October 2021 as my Staff Assistant. She then worked her way up to Legislative Correspondent, and subsequently to Legislative Aide. She contributed tremendously to providing the best constituent service and running one of the best mail programs in the Commonwealth and the Nation. She was also an important member of my defense and legislative team, and a great mentor to both interns and staff. prgtoken I would like to thank Amelia for her contributions and dedicated service over the last year and a half. She's been an invaluable member of my team, and I wish her the best as she continues her journey here at the Capitol working for Congressman Tom Emmer in his House Majority Whip office. prgtoken , I ask you to join me in recognizing Amelia Litynski for her service to Virginia's First District and the Nation. May God bless Amelia as she continues her career in public service.
TERMINATING CDC REQUIREMENT FOR PROOF OF COVID-19 VACCINATION FOR FOREIGN TRAVELERS
Thomas Massie (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-2-8

. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentleman from Indiana for yielding. prgtoken I find it somewhat ironic that the other side is complaining about the process during the debate on the amendment that the other side gets to offer by virtue of a decision in the Rules Committee to open up this process. So this is the process. prgtoken The gentleman from Indiana is correct. It is not a given; it has not been established that the CDC has this authority. There is no need for us to legislate beyond the intent of this bill. prgtoken The intent of this bill is to eliminate a Presidential order about a COVID vaccine for international travelers. There is no need for us, in this bill, to try and give the CDC additional authority. In fact, the bill is quiet on whether they have this authority, and that is a subject that is being debated in the courts right now. prgtoken I also want to point out that the order, as well as the gentleman's amendment, doesn't apply to immigrants. The order that the President has put in place on visitors doesn't apply to illegal immigrants to this United States, and neither would this gentleman's amendment. prgtoken So I think when you talk about science and logic, why is it that somebody who is coming here legally would be more of a threat than somebody who is coming here illegally? prgtoken So I urge a ``no'' on the amendment, and a ``yes'' on the bill, but mostly, certainly a ``no'' on this amendment.
RECOGNIZING MANDY SCHAUMBURG UPON HER RETIREMENT
Virginia Foxx (Republican, NC) \u2014 2023-2-8

this speech is bittersweet. I stand to commend a member of my committee staff, Mandy Schaumburg, on her 20 years of public service. prgtoken I thank Mandy for her years of service to this committee and this country and for being someone that I could count on to get the job done. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I have high standards, and sometimes people struggle to meet them. Not Mandy. prgtoken Mandy not only met those standards. She exceeded them. She will be missed by our team, by the committee, and by me. prgtoken Throughout her 20 years in Federal service, Mandy worked for former Representative Mark Green of Wisconsin and for the U.S. Department of Education under the leadership of Secretary Spellings. prgtoken Mandy made her mark on the Education and the Workforce Committee, as well. She served this committee under Chairs Boehner, McKeon, Miller, Kline, Scott, and me. prgtoken Throughout this time, she became highly respected on both sides of the Capitol for her expert knowledge on education and human services policy and for her ability to build coalitions. prgtoken Having great ideas in Congress gets you only so far. You also need someone who knows how to implement those ideas. This is what Mandy was best at. Mandy often came up with creative and strategic solutions that brought individuals across the policy spectrum together. As a result, she was able to see numerous pieces of legislation make it across the finish line. prgtoken Throughout the last two decades, Mandy was involved in nearly every major piece of education legislation. This includes laws that provide relief to victims of Hurricane Katrina as well as legislation that reformed child nutrition laws, the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the Scholarships for Opportunity and Results Act, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, and so many more. prgtoken Mandy has spent much of her career ensuring families have high- quality education options for their children. Fighting side by side with Mandy to spread education freedom has been an honor. She has also been a fierce advocate for maintaining student privacy, something that is increasingly under threat today. prgtoken Additionally, Mandy worked on providing practical solutions to ensure schools are able to implement the school meal programs effectively. This allowed more children to get the help they needed while also protecting taxpayers. prgtoken I have also appreciated Mandy's dedication to holding the Federal Government accountable no matter which party controls the White House. prgtoken Oversight has always been one of my top priorities, and having someone on my team who is as equally committed to slapping back the hand of Big Government whenever it overreaches was a great encouragement. prgtoken Lastly, Mandy's dedication to mentoring younger staff members strengthened her team and the committee as a prgtoken whole. Mandy is one whose door is always open and whose creative