mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
FREE AMERICAN HOSTAGES
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2024-5-17

Roger Zakheim, director of the Ronald Reagan Institute and former general counsel of the House Armed Services Committee, published an op-ed on Wednesday in The Washington Post calling for freeing American hostages from Iran puppet Hamas terrorists: Shifting away from mediation to a more aggressive stance to demonstrate that the United States does not leave its citizens behind. prgtoken Corrupt Judge Merchan qualifies daily for my invitation as guest for the inauguration as Merchan reelects . prgtoken I am glad untrue, false, salacious details of Merchan's perverted sexual conduct have not been admitted as lies of Merchan's untrue, fabricated, illegal conduct is ignored. will prgtoken be reelected due to the rejection of corrupt Judge Merchan's derangement. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops who have successfully protected America for 20 years in the global war on terrorism as it moves from the Afghanistan safe haven to America. prgtoken We do not need new border laws. We need to enforce existing border laws. shamefully opens the borders for dictators as more 9/11 attacks across America are imminent, as warned by the FBI. prgtoken Christians appreciate the courage and the truth of Kansas City kicker on Butker. Coach Lou Holtz is correct.
SOUTHERN BORDER INVASION
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2024-5-17

. Madam , I think one more time today it is important to update the Chamber as far as what is going on with the biggest crisis in America today. That is, of course, the virtual invasion across our southern border. prgtoken We recently had published an estimate of the number of people who have crossed the southern border in April, the most recent month available. That number is about 204,000. April is usually a low month, but per usual, it appears as though we hit the all-time record number of people coming here in April. prgtoken A year ago, it was about 178,000, and a year before that, about 160,000. If you go back to the final year that President was President, it was about 6,000. We have gone from about 6,000 people, which is apparently doable, to about 205,000. prgtoken During that time, President , through executive orders, has changed the policy and is also allowing about 30,000 people here as parolees from countries such as Haiti, Venezuela, Cuba. So, that number of 204,000 is really probably understated by about 30,000. prgtoken Our country continues to struggle with this. It is very expensive, though that is not the biggest problem, be it schools, be it medical care. Even in my district when I talk to people who try to put together free clinics used to get Medicaid payments, that sort of thing, one of them told me even a majority of people they are having to take care of--in essence, charity--are people who some would describe as illegal immigrants. prgtoken I assume that the number of illegal immigrants who are unaccompanied minors continues to be a concern. We have about 6,000 of the 205,000 unaccompanied minors. prgtoken We heard testimony about this recently, but we still do not know exactly where all these folks are. We don't know if they are living with a so-called relative, whether we are consistently giving DNA tests to see whether it really is a relative. We know The New York Times published articles that guessed that there are tens of thousands of unaccompanied minors not accounted for. prgtoken It would be very easy to solve this problem. You reinstitute the stay in Mexico policy. You get parole. By the way, with parole, you automatically get what we refer to as welfare benefits as soon as you come here. You get rid of these programs and this drive to change America would change almost overnight. prgtoken We can never forget that , living in the greatest country in the world, the United States, during his term felt that one of his goals would be to fundamentally change America. When you change the people in America, how they are brought up, how they think about things, you will fundamentally change America, the greatest country in the history of the world. prgtoken The only reason you continue to let, as far as I can see, about a quarter million people coming here every month is because you do want to change it and want it to be different. So, I call upon President
RESOLUTION REGARDING VIOLENCE AGAINST LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
Ben Cline (Republican, VA) \u2014 2024-5-17

we should all come together. We should all be standing united on this floor in support of law enforcement today. Unfortunately, it is the other side that is going to object to this legislation in support of police. To the defund the police movement, this rhetoric has come from Members in this Chamber on the other side and, yes, that has been followed up by action in cities across the country. prgtoken We just had a field hearing in Philadelphia where they defunded the police. They took money away from police departments in Philadelphia. prgtoken The gentleman may call the testimony of our colleague from Minnesota, former law enforcement, ranting, but, instead, I believe it was a passionate defense of each and every law enforcement officer in this country. We must stand and back the blue. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and .
WELCOMING GUEST CHAPLAIN MARK WESTERFIELD
John R. Carter (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-5-17

I rise this morning to introduce my longtime friend, Pastor Mark Westerfield, who I have the honor of hosting as our guest chaplain in the House today. prgtoken Mark is the senior pastor at Central Baptist Church in my hometown of Round Rock, Texas, where he began his ministry nearly 40 years ago. prgtoken Under his leadership, Central Baptist has expanded to a house of worship services, a variety of ministries, Bible studies, and the prestigious Round Rock Christian Academy. prgtoken His impact has extended far beyond the walls of his church. He has been instrumental in organizing the annual Love the Rock volunteer event that marshals volunteers from 40 different churches to unite for a single day in service to help their neighbors in Round Rock. prgtoken Mark embodies what is great about the close-knit central Texas community where I live and how we come together to make our city a better place to live. I am grateful that Mark Westerfield is joining us as our guest chaplain.
CONGRESS OUGHT TO ASSERT ITS EQUITIES TO STOP ELECTION INTERFERENCE
Matt Gaetz (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-5-17

. Madam , I rise to alert this House of election interference that is going on in a Manhattan courtroom right now, and we ought to assert our equities to ensure that Federal elections aren't subject to this type of devious behavior. prgtoken This entire case in New York is based on Michael Cohen. He is one of the few people walking around the planet Earth today who has lied to all three branches of government. He lied to the investigators. He lied to his own sentencing judge. He lied to this very Congress. prgtoken As if that wasn't enough, Michael Cohen lied to this very jury Tuesday. Tuesday, he said that the principal correspondence that he had was directly with President and only about the completion of this payoff to Stormy Daniels. In reality, text messages prove that Michael Cohen was complaining to Keith Schiller about harassing phone calls from a 14-year-old and threatening to send him to Secret Service. prgtoken Michael Cohen lies about matters large and small. There is a reason he was held to the end of this case. They were hoping to corroborate him. They couldn't. It has failed, and it should be dismissed. Otherwise, the Congress should certainly assert our equities to stop election interference.
ISSUES OF THE DAY
Kevin Kiley (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-5-17

. Madam , I would like to share a remarkable moment from a committee hearing this week with Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra. prgtoken Mr. Becerra began his testimony by saying that we can now manage COVID like we do the flu. prgtoken I asked Mr. Becerra: If that is true, then what about these 30 colleges and universities across the country that still have COVID-19 vaccine mandates? prgtoken That is, they require students to get a vaccine in order to enroll, and they will expel students who do not comply with that mandate. prgtoken I asked the Secretary: If it is true that we can now manage COVID like the flu, then will you call on these 30 universities that, right now in May of 2024, still have COVID vaccine mandates? prgtoken The Secretary refused to do it. He is just fine with these institutions continuing to impose these exclusionary policies. prgtoken Now, at this point in time, it is so beyond the pale to continue to have these mandates that I think it is important to specifically call out the universities that still have them. Of course, we now know there was never any public health justification for universities to have COVID vaccine mandates, and it certainly was not consistent with the values of our country or the values of higher education. Nevertheless, to still have them now is so beyond the pale and so utterly absurd that I think we should recognize each and every university that still has them. prgtoken There is Cal State University Cal Poly Humboldt, CSU Dominguez Hills, CSU San Francisco State, Harvey Mudd College, Mount Saint Mary's University, Pitzer College, Pomona College, University of San Francisco, Scripps College, Mitchell College, Trinity Washington University, Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse, Morris Brown College, Oglethorpe University, Spelman, Methodist College, Dillard University, Southern University System, Wellesley, Wayne State University, Franklin Pierce, Mount Saint Vincent, Kenyon, Oberlin, Wooster, Reed, Bryn Mawr, Haverford, and Swarthmore. prgtoken I am calling on these 30 universities to end their COVID vaccine mandates immediately and end their status as bastions of ignorance in American higher education. prgtoken Madam , 2 days ago, I rose on the floor of this House to call for the resignation of the president of Sonoma State University in California. prgtoken This institution is one of a disturbing number that has chosen to deal with this highly disruptive trend of encampments on campuses not by evenhandedly enforcing university rules and enforcing the law but, rather, by caving to the demands of this small minority of unlawful protesters, appeasing their desired changes in university policy in order to make university policy anti-Israel and anti-Semitic in nature. prgtoken What happened at Sonoma State was particularly egregious. In response to the demands of the illegal encampment, the university president agreed to divest, agreed to an academic b
HONORING DEPUTY SHERIFF GLENN HILLIARD
Andy Harris (Republican, MD) \u2014 2024-5-17

as we commemorate National Police Week, I take a moment to honor the memory of Wicomico County Deputy Sheriff Glenn Hilliard, a heroic Maryland Eastern Shore police officer who was killed in the line of duty while protecting his community from a violent criminal; unfortunately, an all too often occurrence in today's America. prgtoken In the evening hours of June 12, 2022, Officer Hilliard received a call that a fleeing fugitive was in the surrounding area. prgtoken While certainly potentially dangerous, this call wasn't much different from the hundreds of calls for help the Wicomico County police departments and police departments across the country receive daily as they confront crime to protect our communities. prgtoken Sadly, for Officer Hilliard, this call to duty would be his last. As he pursued the wanted criminal, the fugitive turned and fired, ultimately taking the life of Officer Hilliard. prgtoken As Officer Hilliard's family reminds us, he died doing what he loved and left behind a legacy of selflessly defending his community. In the end, it was not the way Officer Hilliard died but the way he lived. prgtoken As we honor National Police Week, let's take a moment to thank the many police officers who risk their lives so we can be safe. prgtoken May the memory of Officer Glenn Hilliard and all our fallen police officers never be forgotten.
RECOGNIZING CONGRESSIONAL PATRIOT AWARD RECIPIENT BOB AMICK
Pat Fallon (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-5-17

I rise today to recognize Colonel Bob Amick of Rockwall, Texas, and present him with the Congressional Patriot Award. Bob has dedicated himself to faithfully serving our community and country. prgtoken Bob was born on August 21, 1939, in Gauley Bridge, West Virginia. He attended Gordon Military College and graduated from Marshall University with a BBA in banking and finance. Afterwards, Bob commissioned into the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he served as the Commander of the Special Forces A Detachment and a company of Army Patrol Boats. He was also the Military Police Battalion Commander at Fort McClellan and held numerous leadership positions. For his outstanding service, Bob received numerous awards, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Commendation Medal with ``V'' Device with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and two Gallantry Crosses with Palm from the former South Vietnamese government. prgtoken After he retired from the military in 1984, Bob served as the Director of Security, Director of Ethics, and Director of Plant Management for Raytheon for many years. In September 1999, Bob co- founded ComCept and served as its Vice President of Operations until his retirement in 2002. Along with his beloved wife Sandy, he co- founded Band of Brothers, Sisters, & Friends to support veterans and their families. The group currently has over 290 team members who are committed to uplifting the men and women who served our country. Bob credits much of his success and guidance in life to Sandy. Together, they raised two wonderful children and have one grandchild. I am proud to call Bob a good friend of mine, and I am sure he will continue to make a positive impact on our community for many years to come. prgtoken It is an honor to bestow Bob with the Patriot Award for his exceptional service to our Nation and the people of North Texas.
HONORING JACKSONVILLE SPORTS MEDICINE PROGRAM
Aaron Bean (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-5-17

. Madam , it is all fun and games until somebody gets hurt, especially when it comes to youth sports, but that is where JSMP comes in. prgtoken Madam , I rise today to honor the Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program, which allows local youth to slam dunk and swing for the fences without fearing for their safety. prgtoken It was always a joy to watch my kids play ball, but what if they get hurt? In northeast Florida, we know the answer. We turn to the Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program. Established in 1984, they have been a guiding light for countless families, coaches, and doctors in sports safety. Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death for kids in sports, but thanks to JSMP, over 50,000 student athletes have received free screenings. That is a stadium full of lives. prgtoken We commend the leadership of Bob Sefcik, Dr. Jennifer Maynard, Jeff Ferguson, and Allegra Jaros for their unwavering commitment to this cause. I congratulate the Jacksonville Sports Medicine Program for 40 years. prgtoken JSMP, play ball.
COMMEMORATING ARMED FORCES DAY AND THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVE IN THE UNITED STATES MILITARY
Nicholas A. Langworthy (Republican, NY) \u2014 2024-5-17

I rise today to recognize and honor the service of our brave men and women for Armed Forces Day, May 18, 2024. Armed Forces Day is a seventy-four-year tradition to thank all of those who are currently serving, as well as those who have served and sacrificed to defend our freedom. It is because of their duty, honor, and courage that the United States of America remains free today. prgtoken This Saturday, the Western New York Armed Forces Committee will honor twelve service men and women at its 61st Military Ball, and it is my honor to include in the Record their names as a tribute to their service, and the service of their brothers and sisters in arms: prgtoken Staff Sergeant Martin Gutierrez--U.S. ARMY prgtoken Staff Sergeant Richard Hy--U.S. ARMY RESERVE prgtoken Technical Sergeant Andrew D. Lindaman--U.S. AIR FORCE prgtoken Technical Sergeant Brian P. Nosbisch--U.S. AIR FORCE RESERVE prgtoken Sergeant Ruby D. Wingo--NEW YORK ARMY NATIONAL GUARD prgtoken Master Sergeant Seth D. Sampson--NEW YORK NATIONAL GUARD prgtoken Specialist Jazon Krauze--NEW YORK GUARD prgtoken Sergeant Tiffany Nowicki--U.S. MARINE CORPS prgtoken Staff Sergeant Landon Suber--U.S. MARINE CORPS RESERVE prgtoken Petty Officer First Class Pierce Schrecengast--U.S. COAST GUARD prgtoken Petty Officer First Class Nolan M. Kinne--U.S. COAST GUARD RESERVES prgtoken Lance Corporal James J. Ward--NEW YORK NAVAL MILITIA prgtoken Western New York and the Southern Tier are home to many proud service members and veterans, and our community has a long and proud tradition of military service. It is my honor to recognize their bravery. On behalf of the United States Congress and the constituents of New York's 23rd Congressional District, I thank these men and women for their service and all those who continue to serve with them.
MAY IS FOSTER CARE MONTH
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-5-17

. Madam , I rise to recognize May as National Foster Care Month and to thank every parent, volunteer, and mentor who works with our foster children. prgtoken I am a proud member of the Congressional Caucus on Foster Youth. When I was an 11-year-old, a foster child, Bob, came into our family, and he continues to be my brother today. prgtoken During this month, we renew our commitment to ensure that every child has a safe and loving family. I know firsthand how a supportive and loving home can make all the difference in a young person's life. prgtoken Madam , there are more than 460,000 children and youth in foster care. These children and youth range from infants to 18 years old when they age out. Foster youth who transition out of the foster care system without a permanent home are at high risk for unemployment, poor educational outcomes, health issues, early parenthood, long-term dependency on public assistance, increased rates of incarceration, and homelessness. prgtoken Madam , every child deserves a safe, supportive, and permanent family. We have the responsibility to continue to create policies that will improve outcomes and the overall well-being of foster youth and their families.
PRATT'S COUNTRY STORE
Tim Burchett (Republican, TN) \u2014 2024-5-17

today I recognize the good folks at Pratt's Country Store in Fountain City. They have been longtime friends of mine and my family. prgtoken Perry Pratt's grandfather and brother bought the acreage in the 1920s, and it has been family owned and family operated ever since, Mr. . prgtoken Pratt's sells fresh produce, dairy, baked goods, and fruits. My mama always loved to shop there. I always like to stop there, as well. prgtoken The whole family grew up working in and around the store, and you can tell. They treat everyone like family when they walk in. prgtoken I also never have to worry about where the produce comes from, Mr because Pratt's is known for locally sourcing their food from east Tennessee farmers. prgtoken I always love walking into Pratt's because it just smells good. It smells like an old country store, it smells fresh, and it smells clean. They do things the old-fashioned way, and they make people feel like they are stepping back in time. prgtoken Ralph and Perry Pratt were recently honored as Fountain City's Men of the Year due to their amazing customer service. prgtoken Everyone that goes to Pratt's Country Store knows how delicious everything is, and they have some really great vegetables. prgtoken As good as their produce is, though, , they are best known for the family atmosphere. They are God-fearing people, and they have always been respected in our community. They have been here for three generations for a reason. I want them to know they are appreciated, and I hope they are around for several more generations.
FAIR COMPETITION IN SPORTS
Nick LaLota (Republican, NY) \u2014 2024-5-17

. Madam , girls' sports should be reserved for biological girls. For decades, Title IX has provided young women the opportunity to compete in college athletics. However, the administration's recent actions threaten these very principles. prgtoken As the father of three girls and a husband to a former Division I athlete who is currently a PE teacher, I am appalled by this administration's assault on Title IX. prgtoken Allowing biological men to compete in women's sports denies young women the chance to develop physically and mentally as athletes and teammates. This undermines decades of progress and gender equity in sports. prgtoken Fair competition is crucial to maintaining athletic integrity and the rights of female athletes. Without proper protections, girls may face unfair disadvantages, discouraging their participation and hindering their dreams. prgtoken Upholding Title IX safeguards the future of girls' sports, ensuring every young athlete can thrive and succeed.
HONORING ROBERT MERRIMAN
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2024-5-17

. Madam , I rise today to remember and honor the life of Robert ``Bob'' Merriman, who passed away on May 11 at the age of 69. prgtoken Bob began his law enforcement career in Athens, Georgia, in 1975 and then moved to the Chatham County Police Department in 1977, where he became a detective. He moved to the Chatham-Savannah Police force in 2004 and retired as captain in 2007. prgtoken Bob came out of retirement in 2013 to serve as the chief of police in Thunderbolt and retired 5 years later. prgtoken Officer Merriman's skills as a detective led him to solve some of the toughest cases in his department. He was truly one of our finest. He was known for treating his victims and their families with great dignity and respect. prgtoken Bob will continue to serve as a hero to many and will always be remembered for his compassion, selflessness, and bravery.
PERSONAL EXPLANATION
Bob Good (Republican, VA) \u2014 2024-5-17

I was not present for the second series on May 15. prgtoken Had I been present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call No. 201; YEA on Roll Call No. 202; YEA on Roll Call No. 203; YEA on Roll Call No. 204; NAY on Roll Call No. 205; NAY on Roll Call No. 206; YEA on Roll Call No. 207; YEA on Roll Call No. 208; NAY on Roll Call No. 209; NAY on Roll Call No. 210; NAY on Roll Call No. 211; and NAY on Roll Call No. 212.
RECOGNIZING THE ANASTASIA MOSQUITO CONTROL DISTRICT
John H. Rutherford (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-5-17

. Madam , I rise to recognize the critical public health work carried out by our Nation's mosquito control professionals. prgtoken Mosquitoes are not just a nuisance. In fact, they are also vectors for deadly diseases like malaria, Zika, and the famous West Nile virus. prgtoken The world-renowned Anastasia Mosquito Control District, which is located in my district in St. Johns County, St. Augustine, Florida, was initially formed thanks to Floridians who wanted to live mosquito-free. prgtoken Since 1948, the AMCD has served more than 320,000 Floridians in St. Johns County. AMCD is now the leader in education and applied research all across the world in the field of mosquito control, not just in Florida, not in just the United States, but literally across the globe. prgtoken I urge my colleagues to meet with their mosquito control professionals to learn more about this critical mission because it truly is about our healthcare in America.