mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Seth Magaziner (Democrat, RI) \u2014 2024-6-26

. Mr. Chair, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. prgtoken The most solemn duty that we have as Members of Congress is to keep Americans safe. Unfortunately, instead of focusing on the very real threats facing our homeland, too many House s are playing politics trying to defund the FBI and the Department of Justice, refusing to take action on gun violence and cheerleading for violent extremists like those who attacked this Capitol and the people in it on January 6. prgtoken They are putting their political agendas ahead of keeping everyday American people safe. prgtoken Let's not forget that it was House s who killed the bipartisan plan to secure the border because told them he would rather have an issue to campaign on than fix the problem. Shameful. prgtoken When asked to explain his opposition to the bipartisan border security bill, one House even said, ``Let me tell you, I am not willing to do too damn much right now to help a and to help 's approval rating,'' putting politics ahead of securing the border. prgtoken This appropriations bill proposed by House s cuts funding for regional counterterrorism efforts that keep Americans safe from both domestic and foreign terrorism and cuts all funding to help States and cities manage the impact of migration. prgtoken I sit on the Homeland Security Committee, and I saw as House s brought in officials from States and cities to talk about how difficult it is to deal with the challenges of migration in their communities. Guess what? If those State or city officials are watching now, this budget that the House s are proposing zeros you out, cuts you off. They are saying to you that you are on your own at the State and local level to deal with these challenges. prgtoken The American people want House s to stop playing political games and work together across the aisle with to secure our homeland. prgtoken For this reason, at the appropriate time, I will offer a motion to recommit this bill back to committee for further work. My amendment would secure our homeland by providing an additional $51 million to Customs and Border Protection to improve information sharing and prevent people who are on the watch list from entering our country and to enhance security at ports of entry and combat fentanyl trafficking by purchasing equipment, including license plate readers and substance detection devices. prgtoken It would also provide over $150 million to detect radiological and nuclear materials and biohazard threats, and prevent terror attacks, and it would restore funding and authorities to combat domestic terrorism, domestic extremists like those who violently attacked police officers and tried to stop the people's votes from being counted on January 6. prgtoken I ask my colleagues, let's put Americans first by working together across the aisle, the way people expect o
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Ken Calvert (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-6-27

the Secretary of Defense serves at the pleasure of the President of the United States. He implements the President's policies. prgtoken We have, in many ways, been addressing our serious differences with the Department and this administration. We have done so on multiple occasions, and we have done so within this bill. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I oppose this amendment, and from Minnesota (Ms. McCollum).
HONORING OFFICERS OF THE VINTON POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR HEROIC ACTIONS
Clay Higgins (Republican, LA) \u2014 2024-6-27

I rise to honor Officer David Lyons and Corporal Dempsey Lavergne of the Vinton Police Department (VPD) for their life-saving actions in response to a dire situation. Their actions illustrate an optimal delivery of a vital public service: timely heroics by law enforcement officers. prgtoken In July of 2022, a resident of Vinton, Louisiana was driving home with her four-year-old granddaughter via Interstate-10. As they neared their exit, the driver maneuvered her vehicle to avoid a collision, veering off the road and into the middle of a canal. As a result of the crash, the vehicle's windows and doors would not open. As the vehicle began to sink in the 10-foot-deep canal, the occupants trapped within were at risk of losing their lives. The driver's daughter and mother of the four-year-old child was alerted to this incident via a family safety app on her phone. When her mother failed to answer a phone call, she reported the vehicle's location to an emergency operator. Officer Lyons and then-Sergeant Lavergne were immediately dispatched to the scene. Arriving at the vehicle's location, the officers identified the weight of the situation and rushed into the canal's waters toward the sinking vehicle. prgtoken Unable to budge the vehicle's locked doors, the officers smashed its rear window, through which the driver passed them her granddaughter. While the four-year-old had reached safety, the driver remained trapped in the nearly submerged car. With admirable resolve, Officer Lyons and Corporal Lavergne clung to her, ignoring the water rising around them. Finally, moments after the car had fully submerged, the officers were able to pull her from prgtoken the vehicle. This harrowing rescue, and the incident's overwhelmingly positive outcome were described by witnesses as a miracle. prgtoken Details in the incident's aftermath leave no doubt that Officer Lyons and Corporal Lavergne are the instruments through which this miracle came. These officers' courageous actions are a testament to their character. Dismissing the obstacles, danger, and odds, these officers instinctually abided by their oath of office, exemplifying the very best of the Thin Blue Line. Officer Lyons' only statement regarding this incident presents an ethos worthy of aspiration: ``We don't do it for the glory, we simply do what God put us on the planet to do.'' May the Lord continue to bless and protect Officer Lyons and Corporal Lavergne in their service and protection of our community.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Jake Ellzey (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Mr. Chair, today, I rise in strong support of this bill as a member of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. prgtoken I commend Chairman Calvert and his team behind us for legislation that makes investments in our national defense. This bill invests in technology, innovation, and people with an eye on tomorrow while sustaining today's important platforms, such as the F-35 strike fighter. prgtoken If we prioritize social issues over lethality, our enemies will take note. Our colleagues across the aisle seem to prioritize shaking a fist at Mother Nature over standing strong against our enemies. prgtoken Make no mistake: This bill comes at a time of global conflict. Today seems a lot more like June 1938 than June 2024. prgtoken In the Middle East, Iran is sponsoring Houthis to shut down commerce in the Red Sea, which directly affects prices here at home. They are sponsoring, training, funding, and directing Hamas and Hezbollah in conflict with our good friends in Israel. prgtoken On the European Continent, for the first time since World War II and the formation of both NATO and the U.N Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine foreshadows more imperial expansion and the desire to reconstitute the Soviet Union. prgtoken On the Korean Peninsula, we are technically still at war. prgtoken Finally, China is waging cyber warfare and chemical warfare here in our own homes and on our own border. Through the proliferation of fentanyl, all of the compounds which come from China, they are killing our future cops, teachers, servicemembers, and welders at numbers not seen since World War II, to the tune of 300 Americans every day. prgtoken They aspire to control the entire South China Sea, the maritime highway for one-third of the world's commerce. If they shut that down, imagine what happens to prices here at home and indeed world trade. prgtoken With a jealous eye on Taiwan, they are watching our every move to understand how the U.S. responds, or more importantly doesn't respond, to unprovoked attacks on our allies. prgtoken This bill counters those threats in a sensible way, and that is why I am proud to support it.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Michael Waltz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Mr. Chair, I find it ironic that the administration has assured the world, assured the public, and assured the Congress that the pier would be in place until September. prgtoken I guess they are somewhat acknowledging the failure of the harebrained idea and saying, well, now it can only be 2 to 3 more weeks, all the more reason we need to put this measure in place to prevent another attempt next year. History is replete with all kinds of elected and other officials saying the war will be over by Christmas. The war will be over soon. prgtoken We need to ensure this can't happen again, this type of waste can't happen again, and that we don't put our servicemembers at risk. prgtoken Absolutely, as the gentlewoman pointed out, USAID has a heavy hand. The State Department has a heavy hand. This amendment will ensure that we don't do this again. prgtoken Finally, Mr. Chair, I just need to point out that the U.N.-supported Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) initiative has revised its earlier findings and concluded there is no famine in Gaza. prgtoken Mr. Chair, .
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman for his leadership with this bill. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of this en bloc, which includes an amendment that I was proud to introduce. prgtoken Amendment No. 168 will restore funding for the APEX Accelerator program to the fiscal year `24 enacted level. prgtoken APEX accelerators provide individualized, no-cost assistance and training for businesses to identify and compete for defense and other government contracts. With 97 APEX accelerators across all 50 States, this program serves as the access for existing and new businesses to strengthen the defense industrial base by accelerating innovation, fostering ingenuity, and bolstering supply chains. prgtoken The success of the APEX Accelerator program speaks for itself. In 2023 alone, APEX accelerators counseled more than 62,000 businesses that received more than $28 billion in contracts. prgtoken Our Nation faces unprecedented national security challenges. We must continue to invest in our small businesses to spur innovation, strengthen a resilient supply chain, and diversify our industrial base. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this en bloc.
HONORING JUNE VETERAN OF THE MONTH, SERGEANT MAJOR THOMAS HUMPHRIES
Tim Burchett (Republican, TN) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Madam , I rise to recognize Sergeant Major Thomas Humphries as Tennessee's Second District June 2024 Veteran of the Month. prgtoken Sergeant Major Humphries joined the Marine Corps in January 1983 and spent years working on helicopters at Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina and Naval Air Station Atlanta. prgtoken He then spent a couple years as a drill instructor at Parris Island, where he completed boot camp a decade before. prgtoken He went back to serve in New River again, then moved to Palms, California, after he was promoted to first sergeant. In 2003, he was deployed to Iraq and participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom. prgtoken He was then promoted to sergeant major and served in Fort Lewis, Washington, and a few years later, he retired from the Marine Corps in 2007 after more than 24 years of service. prgtoken Sergeant Major Humphries became a veterans benefit representative with the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs until July 2012 and then became the Knox County veterans service officer when I was mayor. prgtoken He represented almost 30,000 veterans living in Knox County during that time and he used his knowledge of the VA system to help veterans get the benefits they deserve. prgtoken He is now taking a well-deserved retirement. He truly cares about our veterans and troops and used his career to serve them however possible. prgtoken Madam , I congratulate him on a great career, and I wish him the best in retirement. prgtoken The Marine Corps motto is ``Semper Fidelis,'' which means ``always faithful,'' and Tom has always been faithful to his country and his beloved corps, his fellow veterans, and he has been a good friend of mine.
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF RHYS TAYLOR FROST
Guy Reschenthaler (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-6-27

I rise to celebrate the life of Rhys Taylor Frost, president of the Donora Fire Company, who sadly passed away on June 24, 2024. prgtoken Rhys was born and raised in Donora, Pennsylvania. He had a passion for his local community and always wanted to be a first responder to help those in need. prgtoken At only 14 years old, Rhys became a volunteer firefighter at the Donora Fire Company and later became an emergency medical technician (EMT) in 2018. Through his determination and selfless work ethic, he became president of the company a year later in 2019. Rhys never stopped finding ways to serve southwestern Pennsylvania and always answered the call of duty. prgtoken It was his dream to simultaneously serve as a policeman, EMT, and firefighter, a testament to his desire to protect and defend his community. Those who knew Rhys best will never forget his infinite selflessness and his eternal love for Donora. As the community comes together to celebrate his life and legacy, I am grateful for his vast impact on our commonwealth and his fellow Pennsylvanians. prgtoken , Rhys Taylor Frost dedicated his life to the people of Donora. His legacy is an example of a selfless and inspiring life. On behalf of the people of Pennsylvania's 14th Congressional District, I wish his family healing during this difficult time.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE, FOREIGN OPERATIONS, AND RELATED PROGRAMS APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer an amendment to the State Department and Foreign Operations appropriations bill deeply rooted in our commitment to responsible governance and the ethical stewardship of the American taxpayer as evidenced by the great work of Congressman Diaz-Balart. prgtoken Amendment No. 75 seeks to prohibit American taxpayer humanitarian funding in Syria from indirectly supporting the murderous regime of Bashar al-Assad, a known war criminal. prgtoken Current appropriations law has established that taxpayer dollars do not go to the Assad regime. Sadly, however, it has been well-documented that taxpayer dollars have reached the Assad dictatorship. prgtoken In 2022, a study presented at the Middle East Institute in Washington revealed a disturbing reality. Nearly half of the United Nations' aid funds in Syria were funneled to companies directly related to the Syrian Government, entities associated with serious human rights abuses. prgtoken This raises profound concerns about systemic flaws in the United Nations' aid delivery process in Syria, including the questionable awarding of significant contracts to high-risk suppliers. prgtoken In their powerful op-ed published February 12, 2018, in The Hill titled: ``Assad's Syria plays dirty with U.S. humanitarian aid,'' esteemed former U.S. officials, former Ambassador to prgtoken Syria Robert Ford and Assistant Leader Mark Ward, both of the administration, have recommended a cessation of funding to U.N. agencies responsible for delivering aid to Syria. prgtoken They note this aid has become a weapon in the hands of the Assad dictatorship. Their rationale is clear: Such a bold move would not only assert U.S. leadership but also strengthen the international leverage against the mass murdering Assad regime. prgtoken Furthermore, the Center for Strategic and International Studies in their October 2021 report outlined how the Assad regime systemically diverts international aid. By enforcing a distorted exchange rate, the regime siphons off nearly $0.51 of every aid dollar spent in 2020, bolstering its central bank, an entity sanctioned not only by the United States but also by the European Union and the United Kingdom. prgtoken It is well-documented that the Assad regime also diverted critical earthquake aid as his regime and war criminal Putin continued bombing areas hardest hit by the earthquake 130 times. Our well-intended financial support has not reached those in dire need. prgtoken Devastatingly, over half of the citizens of Syria, 14 million people, have forcibly been displaced from their homes, businesses, schools, religious institutions, and communities by the mass murderer Assad and war criminal Putin. Nearly a million have been brutally murdered as the U.N. stopped counting at half a million. prgtoken Since the outset of the conflict, the United States has contributed humanitarian assistance to Syria. This generous support, funded by the American
POST-TRAUMATIC GROWTH
Jack Bergman (Republican, MI) \u2014 2024-6-27

. Madam , I am honored to lead this Special Order today to discuss post-traumatic growth. I repeat: Post-traumatic growth. prgtoken June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month, and today, June 27, is National PTSD Awareness Day. prgtoken Post-traumatic stress is a serious condition that impacts far too many members of the communities that we love and serve and especially among those who have served in uniform. prgtoken Raising awareness of PTSD has helped in our efforts to reduce stigma, recognize the struggles faced by many, and encourage those in need to seek help. However, it is also critical that we balance the story we tell about times of struggle and trauma. prgtoken For far too long, society has focused exclusively on the negative impacts of trauma and struggle and pushed a narrative dominated by ideas of dysfunction, disorder, and diagnosis. This language can feel debilitating, a label far too heavy to carry. prgtoken The result is we are left feeling permanently diminished and damaged and victims of the worst experiences of our lives. prgtoken It is time to change the conversation, to shine a light on the possibility of growth in the aftermath of trauma and how struggle can be a catalyst, a positive catalyst, for profound growth and transformation. prgtoken Last year, in partnership with the Boulder Crest Foundation, I introduced H. Res. 496, a resolution to proclaim June 13 as National Post-Traumatic Growth Day. This June 13, Boulder Crest launched the Choose Growth initiative, focused on proliferating the notion of post- traumatic growth, or PTG, across our country. prgtoken This initiative is intentionally brand and organization agnostic. The objective is to spread the word of growth, possibility, and hope to every corner of our country. prgtoken Through the Choose Growth community, we will increase support and awareness of the possibility of growth in the aftermath of trauma. We will encourage individuals to share their stories of turning their personal struggles into strength and positivity. prgtoken The initiative aims to foster a supportive community that embraces growth as part of the healing process. We must ensure that all of those who struggle, no matter who they are, and those who love and care for them, realize that how things are isn't how they have to be, and that growth and strength are possible in the aftermath of trauma. prgtoken There is much more for us to do here in Washington and around the country in support of those who have experienced trauma. We hope you all will join us in raising awareness of post-traumatic growth as we continue these efforts. prgtoken Madam , from Nebraska (Mr. Bacon), a fellow classmate from the 115th Congress and fellow General officer.
HONORING THE THREAT HUNTING OP GRANOLA BEARD TEAM FOR EXCELLENT SERVICE
Mark E. Green (Republican, TN) \u2014 2024-6-27

I rise to honor a team of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals for their invaluable service to the United States. While few know their name or see their work, the Threat Hunting OP Granola Beard responding team saved millions of Americans from a devastating series of cyberattacks prgtoken Volt Typhoon, a malicious state-sponsored cyber actor connected to the People's Republic of China (PRC), repeatedly targeted critical U.S. infrastructure. By pre-positioning cyber threats within critical infrastructure IT networks, Volt Typhoon was poised to launch destructive cyberattacks of immense proportions against the U.S. The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) confirmed that the malign group compromised critical infrastructure organizations in communications, energy, transportation systems, and water and wastewater systems. In a moment of crisis, the PRC could devastate American communities. prgtoken Through the vigilance, dedication, and hard work of the Threat Hunting OP Granola Beard responding team, Volt Typhoon was detected and evicted from many of these critical infrastructure organizations. Despite Volt Typhoon operating in a pattern of behavior inconsistent with traditional cyber espionage, they were no match for our best and brightest. Using their expertise, this unique group of specialists shared Volt Typhoon's tactics, techniques, and activity with the public, ensuring that the malign group could no longer operate in the dark. prgtoken Americans owe much to these patriots, though their work often goes unnoticed. This team deserves our deepest gratitude. prgtoken On behalf of the American people and the United States Congress, I thank the Threat Hunting OP Granola Beard team for their service to this country.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Barry Moore (Republican, AL) \u2014 2024-6-27

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , I rise today in support of amendment No. 129 that would cut $4.91 million from the DOD climate change research and reallocate that funding for the enhancements to the Army's unmanned ground vehicles, or UGVs. prgtoken I start by thanking my friend and colleague from Alabama, Representative Strong, for cosponsoring this important amendment. prgtoken , we should not be focusing on climate change research at the Department of Defense. Instead, we should be preparing for the next conflict and assure that our military is lethal and ready for combat. prgtoken According to the Presidential budget item justification for this project submitted by the Office of the Secretary of Defense, they claim that climate change will impact the full range of U.S. military operating environments. That is complete hogwash. Do we really think China cares about climate change that impacts their operations based on environment? Absolutely not. prgtoken To better protect American servicemembers from enemy fire, we should upgrade unmanned systems that operate in enemy environments. UGVs have already demonstrated their transformative potential on the battlefield. They can perform a wide range of tasks from reconnaissance to surveillance to logistics to explosive ordnance disposal without putting human lives at risk. prgtoken By increasing our investment in these technologies, we can significantly reduce the casualties and injuries among our troops, ensuring that fewer families will have to face the heartache of loved ones being harmed in the line of duty. prgtoken Moreover, enhancing our UGV capabilities will give us a strategic edge over our adversaries. As geopolitical tensions rise and threats become more and more sophisticated, having a fleet of advanced UGVs will enable our forces to respond swiftly and effectively to any threat. These vehicles can operate in environments that are too dangerous and inaccessible for humans, providing critical support in situations where conventional vehicles or personnel could be compromised. prgtoken This amendment aligns DOD dollars toward closing the most urgent warfighting gaps rather than funding climate research that does nothing to enhance national defense. prgtoken , .