mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING LIEUTENANT GENERAL BASHAM'S RETIREMENT FROM THE U.S. AIR FORCE
Brett Guthrie (Republican, KY) \u2014 2024-6-28

I rise today to recognize and celebrate the retirement of Lieutenant General Steven Basham after thirty-six years of service in the United States Air Force. A native of Bowling Green, General Basham received his commission in 1989 through the ROTC program at Western Kentucky University and went on to fly over 3,400 hours as a bomber pilot in the B-1, B-2, and B-52 planes. Lt. Gen Basham then proudly served as the Legislative Director for the Department of the Air Force as a two-star general. His distinguished record of service and accomplishments are a result of his selfless and supportive family, so I thank his wife Angie and his daughters Lauren and Sarah for their sacrifice and support. Sarah even served as an intern in my office and possessed the same determination and work ethic as her proud father. Lt. Gen. Basham will complete his military career as the Deputy Commander for the United States European Command which oversees more than 64,000 military personnel and is responsible for U.S. defense operations and relations with NATO and 50 countries. prgtoken His career of service brings great pride to every Kentuckian, and I wish him and his family the best during his retirement.
RECOGNIZING DUBOIS CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL'S SOFTBALL TEAM
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2024-6-28

I rise today to recognize the extraordinary achievements of DuBois Central Catholic High School's softball team on their first-ever State championship victory. prgtoken On June 13, at Penn State's Medlar Field at Lubrano Park, this team made history by winning the school's first-ever PIAA single A crown State championship, defeating Carmichaels High School 2-0. DuBois Central completed its season with an outstanding 21-2 record. prgtoken Marina Hanes put DuBois Central Catholic on the board in the fifth inning with a line double to left field. At the top of the sixth, her teammate, Melia Mitskavich, added another run to seal the deal for DCC. prgtoken , this is a historic win for the Cardinals as it is their first State championship victory in program history. I am incredibly proud of the team and Coach Heigel for their heroic season. prgtoken I congratulate the DCC Cardinals on this impressive victory.
A TURNING POINT FOR CALIFORNIA
Kevin Kiley (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Madam , following the testimony before our committee, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, yesterday by prgtoken Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, I am again calling for the Senate to pass legislation that has already passed this House to stop California from banning gas-powered vehicles. prgtoken California has announced this ban, and now some 18 other States are going along with it, States that have linked their emissions policies to California. The ban is set to go into effect by 2035. This was done, by the way, simply by regulation, not even by a vote of the legislature. prgtoken Now, I am all for electric vehicles. I have many constituents who drive them. However, I think that it should be a matter of choice, that folks should have the chance and the opportunity to select what vehicle they want to drive. prgtoken The interesting thing about yesterday's testimony by Secretary Buttigieg is that he actually agreed with me. He testified several times, and confirmed in response to my questioning, that he does not favor a ban on gas-powered vehicles. He said that this should be a matter for consumers to choose. Supposedly that would appear to be the same position that I have, that this should be a matter of consumer choice. prgtoken Then I asked him whether he is against California's attempt to ban gas-powered vehicles, and the Secretary responded: This is a matter of States' rights. The State should be able to do whatever it wants. prgtoken Here is the problem. The Federal Government, the administration, is actually enabling California to do this. California would not have the ability to ban gas-powered cars if it were not for the administration giving it special authority to do so, giving California a waiver under the Clean Air Act. prgtoken This is something that California asked the administration for and the administration granted. Saying they are just deferring to what the State is doing, that argument has no merit. In fact, it is precisely the actions of the administration that is allowing California to take this completely overreaching action of saying we are going to ban all gas-powered vehicles within about a decade. prgtoken I was very happy that legislation that I am supporting, the Preserving Choice in Vehicle Purchases Act, passed the House of Representatives. prgtoken This would simply rescind the authority that the administration gave California to ban gas-powered cars. It passed the House of Representatives, but it has been languishing in the Senate. prgtoken I think it is incredibly important that the Senate take action so that we restore the confidence on the part of consumers in California and now in many other parts of the country that their right to choose which vehicle to buy will not be taken away. High-Speed Rail Boondoggle
RECOGNIZING CONGRESSIONAL PATRIOT AWARD RECIPIENT DRU NEWMAN
Pat Fallon (Republican, TX) \u2014 2024-6-28

I rise today to recognize Mrs. Drusilla ``Dru'' Wade Newman of Frisco, Texas, and present her with the Congressional Patriot Award. Dru has dedicated herself to faithfully serving our community. prgtoken Dru is a fourth-generation resident of Frisco and graduated from Frisco High School in 1974. She earned her bachelor's degree in secondary education from Baylor University in 1978. For over 45 years, Dru has been a fantastic community leader and passionate advocate for youth education. She worked closely with the Frisco Education Foundation to help provide students with scholarships. Furthermore, Dru mentored young adults at her church while being involved in local parent-teacher associations and booster clubs. prgtoken In addition to her work on education, Dru has continued to be involved in charitable efforts in Frisco to help families in need. She participated in mission trips around the world to support humanitarian efforts and share her faith. Dru also worked with the Frisco Heritage Association to organize and fundraise for their annual Heritage Days event, which highlights the beauty and rich history of the city. She has a servant's heart, and her generosity and kindness has not gone unnoticed by those around her. In her free time, Dru is an avid sports fan, and she enjoys cheering for the Baylor Bears. Along with her husband Jim, she attends Frisco First Baptist Church. I am proud of the work Dru has accomplished for our community, and I wish her continued success for many years to come. prgtoken It is an honor to bestow Dru with the Patriot Award for her exceptional service to the people of North Texas.
REMEMBERING BRIGADIER GENERAL TRAVIS ACHESON
Zachary Nunn (Republican, IA) \u2014 2024-6-28

I rise today in memory of retired Brigadier General Travis Acheson who passed away this week after battling brain cancer. prgtoken Ever the patriot, Travis was born on July 4, 1968 in Des Moines, Iowa to Douglas and Margaret Acheson. He grew up on Army Post Road in West Des Moines and graduated from Valley High School in 1986. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Iowa in 1990, where he began dating his future wife. After five years together, Travis married Brooke in June 1995. prgtoken Travis spent much of his working life following his passion: flying airplanes. He retired from the military in September 2022 as a brigadier general after 33 years of service. Travis was a command pilot with almost 3,000 flying hours in the F-16 fighter jet. He was deployed overseas five times and flew over 500 combat hours during his military career. Travis was also employed as a commercial pilot with American Airlines for over 20 years. He was a captain on the Airbus at the time of his diagnosis. prgtoken Travis was an incredible pilot, a great Iowan, a loving husband to Brooke, and a doting father to daughters Isabelle, Emma, and Gretta. prgtoken I thank Travis for his service to our community, state, and country. Fly high.
CONGRATULATING TIM ROGERS ON HIS RETIREMENT
Tracey Mann (Republican, KS) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Madam , I rise today to recognize and honor a fellow Kansan, a great neighbor, a public servant, and an even better friend. prgtoken Since 1985, Tim Rogers has served as executive director of the Salina Airport Authority. For almost 40 years, he has been at the helm of bringing the Salina Airport Authority's mission to life--to become a trusted leader, to propel economic growth, and to strengthen partnerships. Under his leadership, the Salina Regional Airport has become well known as America's fuel stop and as one of the leading forward operating locations for military and research missions in the U.S. prgtoken For those of us who live in Kansas, we have seen the Salina Regional Airport grow into the thriving airport and airport industrial center that it is today. That is no easy task, but Tim has led the charge to make it happen. prgtoken On behalf of all of us who live in Salina, I thank Tim. We are deeply grateful for his service, and our community is stronger because of his hard work and leadership. I wish him well in retirement.
HONORING THE LIFE OF BOB GALLO
John S. Duarte (Republican, CA) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Madam , I rise today to honor Mr. Bob Gallo of Modesto, California, who passed away earlier this week. prgtoken A successful businessman, Bob grew the E. & J. Gallo Winery into the largest family-owned winery in the world. Bob also played a key role in establishing the Gallo Glass Company and other business ventures in the valley. prgtoken Bob helped put Modesto on the map. He and his late wife, Marie, supported arts and education through the valley, culminating in the Gallo Center for the Arts. Bob and Marie transformed the cultural landscape of Modesto and our valley. prgtoken The loss of Bob will be deeply felt in our community. His generosity and hard work left a legacy of kindness and community spirit that will make a difference in the valley for years to come. prgtoken Alexandra and I send our sincere condolences to Bob's 7 children, 22 grandchildren, and the entire Gallo family.
HONORING ABIT MASSEY
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Madam , I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Abit Massey who recently passed away at the age of 96. prgtoken Abit Massey was a respected leader across the State of Georgia. He was appointed in 1959 as the director of what is now the Georgia Department of Economic Development before he was named the president of the Georgia Poultry Federation, a position he served in for 48 years. In 2009, he retired and served as president emeritus until his death. prgtoken Mr. Massey was known as an icon and leader across the agricultural community and is responsible, in part, for the growth and success of Georgia's poultry industry, earning him the title ``dean of the poultry industry.'' prgtoken He used his free time to give back by serving on boards and advisory committees of countless organizations. prgtoken More than this, Mr. Massey was known for his outstanding character and being a friend to everyone he met. prgtoken I join all Georgians in honoring the life and mourning the loss of a Georgia giant, Mr. Abit Massey, whose legacy will be felt for generations to come.
CELEBRATING CULLEN EDDIE CHALKER'S 100TH BIRTHDAY
John H. Rutherford (Republican, FL) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Madam , I rise today to celebrate Mr. Cullen Eddie Chalker of Jacksonville, Florida, on the occasion of his 100th birthday and to congratulate him for his many years of dedicated service in the United States Navy and on the Jacksonville Fire Department. prgtoken Mr. Chalker was born on July 10, 1924, in Fernandina Beach, Florida. At 17 years old, he enlisted in the United States Navy just months before the attack on Pearl Harbor. After 4 years of service to our country, he was discharged on April 6, 1946, as a seaman first class, aviation mechanics mate, U.S. Navy Reserve. prgtoken Shortly after completing his military service, Mr. Chalker joined the Jacksonville Fire Department as an entry-level fire private, eventually rising through the ranks to the position of district fire chief. prgtoken Not long after joining the Jacksonville Fire Department, he met the love of his life, Illa ``Dubie'' Mae. The two were married in April 1949, and by 1952, they had saved up enough money to buy a home on Fourth Avenue North in Jacksonville Beach, a home that Mr. Chalker still lives in 72 years later. Sadly, after 64 years of marriage, Mrs. Chalker passed away in 2013. prgtoken I congratulate him on his milestone 100 years.
BIDEN POLICIES UNDERMINE FOURTH OF JULY BARBECUES
John W. Rose (Republican, TN) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Madam , Tennesseans celebrating America's independence will have to pay more for their Fourth of July barbecues thanks to President 's disastrous economic policies that have caused rampant inflation. prgtoken According to the American Farm Bureau, the cost of a cookout has reached record highs, 30 percent higher than just 5 years ago or $71.22 for a 10-person barbecue. prgtoken Madam , while the President attempts to take away our freedoms by implementing his burdensome and wrongheaded policy agenda through executive action and administrative rulings, he is also undermining our ability to celebrate our freedoms by making almost everything more and more unaffordable. prgtoken Tennesseans have rightfully had enough and will have their voices heard this November. Until then, House s are committed to holding the line on the administration's desire to recklessly spend our country into oblivion.
DEBT BAILOUT DEEPENS DEFICIT
Mike Flood (Republican, NE) \u2014 2024-6-28

I rise today to address the growing impact of President 's student loan bailouts on our Federal deficit. prgtoken Over the past 3 years, President has repeatedly bypassed Congress and the courts to cancel student loans. His actions have fueled inflation and have now become the number one factor in growing the Federal deficit, according to the Congressional Budget Office. prgtoken Let's be clear: Canceling student debt is not free. Just this year, student loan bailouts will cost the Federal taxpayers $145 billion. prgtoken While debtors won't be responsible for their loans anymore, taxpayers will still be paying principal and interest. prgtoken Every dollar President cancels in student loans adds directly to our country's crippling $35 trillion debt. prgtoken It is only getting worse. Interest payments on our national debt have nearly doubled in the last few years, crossing $1 trillion for the first time in 2023. prgtoken We cannot go on like this. It is time to stop these outrageous loan bailouts and restore fiscal sanity.
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2025
Eric A. "Rick" Crawford (Republican, AR) \u2014 2024-6-28

. Mr. Chair, I thank the chairman for yielding me time. prgtoken I rise today in support of the cluster munitions prohibition amendment. prgtoken We have heard from Members speaking in favor of this amendment, and I would like to echo their concerns from a military perspective. prgtoken Cluster munitions do kill innocent civilians, but they also are incredibly deadly to U.S. military personnel as well. prgtoken The vast majority of cluster munitions lack a self-destruct capability and have failure rates of 2 to 40 percent. prgtoken With many of these war-torn nations unable to adequately address their own UXO clearance operations, often due to a lack of having their own EOD-trained personnel, this is where the United States military steps in. prgtoken Through programs like the Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program and the Humanitarian Mine Action Program, the U.S. Department of Defense sends highly skilled EOD personnel to provide demining assistance to partner nations post-conflict. prgtoken This means that even if the United States is not directly involved in a conflict, we send America's EOD personnel into harm's way when they conduct clearance operations. prgtoken President has provided Ukraine with cluster munitions for use against Russia, and anyone would be a fool to believe that when the Ukraine-Russia conflict is over, American EOD personnel will not be sent to assist in post-conflict clearance operations. prgtoken On my last visit to the EOD Memorial Wall at Eglin Air Force Base, I reread the names of 344 fallen EOD technicians. If we don't support the cluster munitions prohibition amendment, we will be adding more names to that wall. prgtoken As a founder and co-chair of the Congressional Explosive Ordnance Disposal Caucus, it is my duty to be a voice in Congress for America's EOD personnel. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support the amendment.
INTRODUCTION OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE HOME RULE ACT
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2024-7-2

today, I introduce the District of Columbia Government Accountability Office Home Rule Act. This bill would repeal the authority of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) over the District of Columbia. prgtoken GAO, a federal agency that conducts investigations and audits for Congress, has the same authority over D.C. that it has over federal agencies. GAO's authorizing statute defines D.C. as a federal agency. In addition, GAO's authorizing statute and the D.C. Home Rule Act require GAO to engage in specific types of oversight of D.C. prgtoken D.C. is not a federal agency, and it should never be treated as such. D.C. already has a locally appointed auditor and inspector general, so GAO's authority over D.C. is both redundant and offensive. GAO does not have general authority over states and cities, and therefore should not have such authority over D.C. This bill is an important step to increase home rule for D.C.
HONORING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE MICHIGAN MUNICIPAL LEAGUE
Elissa Slotkin (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2024-7-2

today I honor and celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Michigan Municipal League, an organization dedicated to making communities better through innovation, connection, and service. Since its founding in 1899, the League has played a crucial role in enhancing municipal governance and fostering community development across Michigan. prgtoken Originally known as the League of Michigan Municipalities, the League found a permanent home in Ann Arbor in 1928 and established an additional office in Lansing in 1957. Initially focused on promoting home rule for cities and villages, it has evolved to address a wide range of municipal concerns, from legislative advocacy to comprehensive service offerings. Today, the League represents over 500 full-service cities, villages, and townships. It has worked tirelessly to educate and inspire public servants to build trust and create a sense of belonging among residents and local leaders to build opportunity and address social and economic needs. prgtoken The League's motto is ``Cooperation solves any problem,'' a principle the organization has demonstrated for over a century by bringing together officials to learn from one another. Through its advocacy efforts and commitment to cooperation and mutual support, the League has highlighted the transformative power of public service in local governments. prgtoken Throughout its history, the Michigan Municipal League has been instrumental in numerous significant initiatives. The League played a vital role in the construction of the Mackinac Bridge in the 1950s, a landmark project that connected Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Its advocacy was pivotal in the expansion of the Dial-A-Ride Transportation system in 1975, which greatly benefited seniors and individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the League championed the Complete Streets Act in Michigan, which was signed in 2010 and promotes mobility and safety for all users, including pedestrians, public transportation users, older individuals, and children. prgtoken In 2009, the League, alongside the Detroit Regional Chamber and Transportation Riders United, formed a coalition to embrace public transit as a powerful economic development tool and resource for residents. This initiative underscored the League's belief in collaborative efforts and the power of community-focused policies that has been a tenet of its mission since its earliest days. prgtoken This 125th anniversary is a perfect time to recognize the Michigan Municipal League for its dedication to improving local governance and fostering vibrant, equitable communities. It is with great respect that I honor the League's 125 years of service and its ongoing contributions to Michigan's cities, villages, and townships. May the Michigan Municipal League continue to inspire and lead for many more years to come.
THE STATE OF VOTING RIGHTS IN AMERICA
Sheila Jackson Lee (Democrat, TX) \u2014 2024-7-2

I want to thank my colleagues for hosting this Congressional Black Caucus Special Order to discuss the issue at the heart of American democracy--our right to vote. prgtoken This right is fundamental to our democracy and a threat to it is a threat to America itself. prgtoken A crucial benchmark of progress and inclusion in this country has been the passage of one of the most important pieces of legislation in our nation's history--the Voting Rights Act of 1965. prgtoken Signed in to law by President Johnson, this legislation helped to reinforce America's promise of a truly democratic Nation and our 15th Amendment prohibition on denying Black Americans the right to vote. prgtoken The Voting Rights Act served as a beacon for full political participation and engagement in our nation for all Americans. prgtoken Because of that law, I stand before you as Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, the first African American woman Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, and a Senior Member on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and the Budget Committees. prgtoken On August 6, 1965, in the Rotunda of the Capitol and in the presence of such luminaries as the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rev. Ralph Abernathy of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference; Roy Wilkins of the NAACP; Whitney Young of the National Urban League; James Foreman of the Congress of Racial Equality; A. Philip Randolph of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters; John Lewis of the Student Non- Violent Coordinating Committee; Senators Robert Kennedy, Hubert Humphrey, and Everett Dirksen; President Johnson addressed the Nation before signing the Voting Rights Act: ``The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men.'' prgtoken The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was critical to preventing brazen voter discrimination violations that historically left millions of African Americans disenfranchised. prgtoken In 1940, for example, only about 3 percent of African Americans living in the South were registered to vote. prgtoken Poll taxes, literacy tests, and threats of violence were the major causes of these racially discriminatory results. prgtoken In 1964, the year before the Voting Rights Act became law, there were approximately 300 African-Americans in public office, including just three in Congress. prgtoken Few, if any, African Americans held elective office anywhere in the South. prgtoken Because of the Voting Rights Act, today there are more than 9,100 black elected officials, including approximately 60 members of Congress, the largest number ever. prgtoken Additionally, for the first time in our history, we have a Vice President, Kamala D the first woman, first Black person and first Asian American to be sworn into that role. prgtoken Furthermore, we have the first Black woman, Ketanji Brown Jackson, serv