mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
FLORIDA LOVES SMALL BUSINESS
Aaron Bean (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-7-27

as a member of the Small Business Committee, I rise today to honor Florida's Main Street Award for Business Owner of the Year, Nathalie Wu. prgtoken Ms. Wu is a resident of Nassau County, and I am proud to represent her in Florida's Fourth Congressional District. prgtoken Nathalie opened the wonderful Wicked Bao Restaurant 5 years ago. For the first time, amazing Asian street food was available to patrons of downtown Fernandina Beach's historic district. prgtoken Delectable and scrumptious are words we use to describe our food, but what about innovative? prgtoken Who knew that tater tots made with rice instead of potatoes--rice tots--could be so delicious? prgtoken That would be Ms. Wu. With her establishment, she has inspired what was once an overlooked area off the beaten path into a popular destination. prgtoken In addition to serving up delicious treats, Ms. Wu is a steadfast advocate for local small businesses. She is a Fernandina Beach Main Street No Cost Ways to Promote Your Business panelist and a prominent supporter of the Fernandina Beach window painting event, inspiring local high school artists to showcase their work. She is also an awesome mother to her two sons, Phillip and Martin Toxldorf. prgtoken Ms. Wu's dedication to her business and our community will have a lasting impact on Fernandina Beach. My colleagues and I on the Small Business Committee are inspired by her story. prgtoken , I ask that all of my colleagues in Congress join me in honoring Florida Secretary of State's Florida Main Street Award for Business Owner of the Year, Ms. Nathalie Wu.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Kennedy (Republican, LA) \u2014 2023-7-27

as we all know, the International Monetary Fund--or the IMF, as we call it--is an international bank. Most countries belong to it--190, in fact. Virtually every country in the world is a member of the IMF--there are 190 countries--and everybody puts up money. When another country gets in trouble, the IMF helps bail them out. prgtoken Now, not every country in the IMF is equal in voting rights. The countries that put up the most money get most of the voting rights and have most of the control. And you will not be surprised to learn that the United States of America puts up over $100 billion, and we have the largest share of voting rights. prgtoken Periodically, the IMF issues what are called special drawing rights. The technical definition of a special drawing right is an international reserve asset created by and issued by the IMF. But forget that. Let me tell you what a special drawing right is. A special drawing right is like a dividend. Think of it as a poker chip. So the IMF says: We are going to give dividends or poker chips to every member of the IMF. prgtoken Well, what can you do with this poker chip? Well, if you are Iran, for example, you can take this poker chip and go to the IMF and say ``Here is my poker chip, and I want $1.42''--that is the exchange rate--``of U.S. dollars,'' whether Iran needs it or not. Pretty sweet deal. prgtoken Iran would never have to pay back that money. The IMF does charge Iran interest on those U.S. dollars. Iran wouldn't have to pay it back, but they have to pay interest. Guess what the interest rate is. It is .05 percent--not 5 percent, .05 percent. Sweet deal for Iran, especially when they don't need the money. prgtoken My amendment would simply say that the United States cannot-- Secretary of the Treasury--cannot vote to approve special drawing rights, or these poker chips, for any country that, according to the State Department, sponsors genocide or state-backed terrorism--genocide or state-backed terrorism--unless Congress approves. prgtoken I will reserve my time but yield to Senator Menendez, my good friend from New Jersey.
RECOGNIZING THE LANCASTER HIGH SCHOOL TRACK TEAM'S STATE CHAMPIONSHIP
Robert J. Wittman (Republican, VA) \u2014 2023-7-27

I rise today in recognition of the Lancaster High School varsity boys track and field team's Class 1 State Championship. prgtoken On Saturday, June 3rd, the Red Devil varsity boys track and field team came home with the class 1 State championship after a 2-day meet at James Madison University. The Lancaster team scored an impressive 80.5 points and placed in every single event. I would like to congratulate Reece Rhodes, Daveon Smith, Jeremia Laws, Creston Saunders, Creaton Saunders, Tyson Henderson, Mathew Kane, prgtoken Joshua Woolard, Zaden Veney, Brandonn Wade, Trajan Waddy, and Trenielle Kelley for a great team victory. prgtoken I would like to recognize the leadership of head coach Draper Washington, as well as assistant coaches James Timm and Markus Ferguson. The coaches combined effort and leadership has led the track team to victory in 2 of the last 4 class 1 state titles. Next, I would like to recognize Reece Rhodes and Daveon Smith for their individual championships. Reece Rhodes broke the shot-put state record with a throw of 60'11", and Daveon Smith won the long jump with a jump of 21'4". prgtoken , I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the accomplishments and hard work of the student-athletes, coaches, and volunteers of Lancaster High School's varsity boys track and field program. I look forward to seeing their continued excellence.
SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES
James C. Moylan (Republican, GU) \u2014 2023-7-27

today, I rise to congratulate the Guam Association of Realtors, or GAR, for the launch of their assistance program for both homeowners and renters and for receiving a grant of $500,000 to fund their program. prgtoken It was several months ago when my island community was struck by Typhoon Mawar, leaving it in devastation. Many were left stranded, homeless, and without the means to rebuild their lives. It is through programs like this that we can rebuild our community and provide a much-needed lifeline for our people. prgtoken GAR's legacy dates back several decades and is part of one of the largest and most influential trade industries in the Nation, the National Association of Realtors. Their primary objectives include promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct, providing a unified medium for real estate owners, and creating an atmosphere of unity. prgtoken I applaud the executive director, Peggy Llagas, the hardworking staff and management of GAR, and the board of directors for their contributions on Guam and for giving our community hope.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Josh Hawley (Republican, MO) \u2014 2023-7-27

for 50 years--50 years--the Federal Government has put into the water, into the soil, into the air of St. Louis and surrounding regions radioactive nuclear material. prgtoken They have not told the people of St. Louis. They have not compensated the people of St. Louis. They have not helped the people of St. Louis-- in fact, just the opposite. For decades--decades--they told the people of St. Louis: No problem. There is no problem here. prgtoken Meanwhile, children were dying of cancer, and people all over the region were contracting autoimmune diseases. Why? Because the groundwater had been poisoned, because the creeks where they played in had been poisoned. And now we know for a fact that the government has covered it up for decades. prgtoken , it is time to make this right. The amendment we are about to vote on is a very simple amendment. It is about basic justice: compensating the victims of the Federal Government's negligence for what the government itself has done. prgtoken And it hasn't only happened in Missouri. It has happened around the country, which is why this amendment would reauthorize a victims fund for those who have suffered because of the government's negligence. And by ``suffered'' I mean gotten sick and had family members die--in Missouri, in States across the country. It reauthorizes it, and it makes it available to those who have been the victims of what the government has done. prgtoken This is a bipartisan bill. I am proud to have worked with Senator Lujan, Senator Crapo, Senator Schmitt, and others. prgtoken Now I would like to recognize the Senator from New Mexico, Senator Lujan.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Mike Crapo (Republican, ID) \u2014 2023-7-27

when America conducted nuclear tests in Nevada, New Mexico, and the Pacific, we had little understanding of how radiation spread. prgtoken Throughout my time in Congress, I have advocated for expanding the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to cover the forgotten victims of these tests, including the residents of all the affected States that have been identified here today. prgtoken Downwinders, those affected by these tests, deserve to be compensated for the effects of these weapons. I am grateful for working with Senator Lujan and Senator Hawley and our other colleagues to ensure that we do not leave our downwinders behind.
NATIONAL INTERN DAY
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-7-27

I rise to recognize National Intern Day. Today is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the future leaders of the world: interns. prgtoken National Intern Day has served as an opportunity for thousands of employers to commemorate and thank their hardworking interns. prgtoken At this time I recognize and thank the interns who joined me this summer, both in my personal office and on the Agriculture Committee. prgtoken Justin and Tessa served in my personal office and have been instrumental in helping serve the people of Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District. Bailee, Callie, and Kylie help support myself and the Agriculture Committee staff through dozens of hearings, roundtables, and other committee events as we work toward crafting a farm bill. prgtoken From conducting research to drafting speeches and statements to guiding tours and responding to constituents, these interns were fantastic additions to my team this summer. prgtoken , our interns today are truly the leaders of tomorrow, and they deserve recognition for their outstanding work. I thank them again for joining us this summer.
PASS THIS YEAR'S FARM BILL
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-7-27

soon the House Committee on Rules will begin its consideration of this year's farm bill. This is a bill to include some of the top priorities for not only northern California, but the whole country, as my own district is home to some of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. prgtoken We are the second largest rice-growing region in the Nation, and we grow over half of all the dried plums, also known as prunes, produced in the world. Our farmers are international leaders in almond and walnut production, among other crops. prgtoken The farm bill gives farmers the tools they need to manage their risks during a difficult economic year or a natural disaster with the insurance that has been so successful over the recent years. It strengthens incentives for our next generation of farmers, as our farmers' average age is well into the sixties now. prgtoken Beyond agriculture, it allocates resources to programs that are vital to the economic well-being of our area, and all rural areas that have agriculture, by funding rural health projects that help our communities address a growing opioid addiction issue and other substance abuse disorders. prgtoken It provides funding to close the rural and urban digital divide by improving broadband connectivity in rural areas. prgtoken It is really important that we get onboard with the farm bill this fall and pass it on time.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Roger Marshall (Republican, KS) \u2014 2023-7-27

every time our flag is unfurled, I would ask you all: What emotion is stirred in your hearts? Old Glory means many things to many people. Some stand and some kneel. Some salute her while others burn her. prgtoken Regardless of your sentiments, what no one can deny is that hundreds of thousands of Americans have died for this one flag that gives you the freedoms we all enjoy. Few, if any, Americans have died for any other flag. prgtoken As for me, every time this flag is unfurled, I think about my own family members who have served. My family has had someone from every generation serve under this one flag since the Civil War. Four of my grandfathers' grandfathers enlisted in the Union to preserve this Republic, three of whom died on a bloody battlefield. My mom's uncle served in World War I and was exposed to mustard gas in the Argonne Forest, and two of my dad's uncles stormed the beaches of Normandy. My own uncles and cousins have served. My father served. My brother served. I served. My son is serving. And we all serve under one flag. My family who served, that is what I think of when this flag is unfurled. prgtoken Look, many Americans have died to give you the freedom to honor or disgrace the flag as you see fit for your own home. Wouldn't you think that, to honor America and those who serve, especially for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and the Gold Star families, our country should honor one American flag? prgtoken I hope you will agree with me as patriots that it would be right and proper that on the buildings and grounds owned by we the people, only one flag, with reasonable exceptions--the flag so many Americans have fought and died for, the one flag that represents this idea of America--should be unfurled. This is exactly what our amendment does. prgtoken A vote against this amendment is a slap on the face of those of us who have served, and it is disrespectful to the families whose loved ones have died in defending this one flag and the Republic for which it stands. prgtoken .
SUPPORTING OUR MILITARY
Daniel Meuser (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-7-27

earlier this year, during the debt ceiling negotiations, some of my colleagues across the aisle baselessly claimed that s were cutting funding for our Nation's veterans, which was entirely unfounded and untrue. prgtoken As Members of this House, s have always supported those who served our country, and our MILCON-VA funding legislation this past week further proves this fact. prgtoken In this year's appropriations bill, not only did we not cut funding for veterans, but rather we fully fund their healthcare and benefits programs to ensure our veterans receive the timely care they have rightfully earned and deserve. prgtoken Additionally, the GOP is continuing to fight to improve the quality of life of Active Duty servicemembers by supporting the construction of new family housing units and childcare centers. In my district, Fort Indiantown Gap is receiving a significant level of funding for necessary upgrades. prgtoken Our bill, , also keeps ideology and politics out of the care of veterans by, quite frankly, rightfully prohibiting from our military the use of funds to advance such things as critical race theory and disallowing the implementation, administration, and enforcement of President 's executive orders on diversity, equity, and inclusion. prgtoken These functions and plans probably have a place in society, where appropriate, but certainly not in our military because in the military, we continue to respect all Americans who are willing to serve. prgtoken s as well, , just recently passed the strongest NDAA in history, which included the largest pay raise in 20 years for our soldiers, our sailors, our airmen, and our marines. Despite this, only a handful, , of our colleagues voted for it. prgtoken House s have supported and will continue to support our military and those who risk their lives and make the sacrifices necessary to serve our great country, and I am appreciative. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to continue to support H.R. 4366.
STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS
James E. Risch (Republican, ID) \u2014 2023-7-27

I rise today to introduce the Grizzly Bear Review and Resource Restart Act. prgtoken The grizzly bear was originally listed under the Endangered Species Act, ESA, in 1975 with the worthy intent to recover the species. The ESA has succeeded and grizzly bear populations have rebounded. However, the overly-broad listing, which covers all of the lower 48 States, has led courts to block the Fish and Wildlife Service from delisting populations which by all measures are recovered and no longer require strict ESA protections. prgtoken This has prevented the ESA from being what it is meant to be, a temporary assistance for wildlife recovery. It was never intended to provide a permanent designation for robust species. If enacted, the Grizzly Bear Review and Resource Restart Act will remove the unreachable recovery targets based on the erroneous first listing and allow wildlife managers to focus on areas in the lower 48 which actually host grizzly bears, not the 30 States currently listed where bears never were in the first place. prgtoken Giving the opportunity to ``delist and relist'' based on scientific and historic data rather than a panicked first plan from 1975 will help mitigate human-bear interactions, protect rural communities, and emphasize and recenter the role of science in grizzly bear recovery. It will also allow funding and focus to be given where it is needed most: to grizzly bear populations and other species actually at risk.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Tim Scott (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-7-27

my amendment is a very simple amendment. It directs the Treasury Department to provide transparency on the state of Chinese military donations to U.S. universities. Every year, undisclosed sources within the People's Republic of China sends millions of dollars in gifts, grants, and other financial means to U.S. colleges and universities, and the sad fact is we know too little about that. My amendment would be the first step in understanding their impact. prgtoken I ask unanimous consent that the 60-vote threshold with respect to this amendment be vitiated.
HONORING THE LIFE OF CRISP COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPUTY TYEE BROWNE
Austin Scott (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-7-27

I rise today to honor the life of Crisp County Sheriff's Deputy Tyee Browne, who lost his life in the line of duty on July 10 at the age of 26. prgtoken Deputy Browne was a graduate of Mary Persons High School in Monroe County, and he served the Crisp County community with the sheriff's department for less than a year before he was shot and killed in a traffic stop. prgtoken Before serving Crisp County, he served our Nation in the Army National Guard and dedicated his life to protecting others. His service is a powerful reminder of the sacrifice our law enforcement officers make daily to keep our communities safe. prgtoken To the family of Deputy Tyee Browne, I offer my deep condolences on behalf of Georgia's Eighth District. I prgtoken thank Sheriff Billy Hancock and the Crisp County Sheriff's Department for their dedication to protecting our district and the people of Georgia.
HONORING THE LIFE OF DANIEL "DAN" CARR JOHNSTON BOWLING II
H. Morgan Griffith (Republican, VA) \u2014 2023-7-27

I rise to honor the life of Delegate Daniel ``Dan'' Carr Johnston Bowling II, of North Tazewell, Virginia, who passed away at home on July 19, 2023. Delegate Bowling was a longtime public servant of Tazewell County and the state of Virginia. prgtoken He was a former member of the Virginia General Assembly in the Virginia House of Delegates, and previously served on the Tazewell County Board of Supervisors, the Public Service Authority Board of Tazewell County, and the Tazewell County Soil and Water Conservation Board of Directors. Recently, he was elevated to Director Emeritus Honorarium status by the Tazewell Soil & Water Conservation District Board. prgtoken Delegate Bowling was a lifelong resident of Tazewell County. He was a member and former pastor of Bradshaw Memorial Church in Cedar Bluff, VA. He was a graduate of Virginia Tech and was a professor at Southwest Virginia Community College for 36 years. After a gratifying career, Delegate Bowling retired in 2010 to the family farm, raising registered Angus cattle. prgtoken Delegate Bowling was an active community member. He was a member of the Tazewell Lions Club for 5 years, and a member of the North Tazewell Lions Club for 30 years, serving in all offices and as District Governor from 1997 to 1998. He was a former president of both the Lions of Virginia Foundation and the Lions of Virginia Hearing Foundation. Delegate Bowling was also a member of the Gideons of Virginia. prgtoken Delegate Bowling is survived by his wife of 30 years, Janice ``Jan'' Bowling, as well as his children, Daniel Bowling III and wife Beth of Beaver, WV, William Chris Matney of Cedar Bluff, VA, Louetta Esponisa of Richlands, VA, and Danita Bowling of Tazewell, VA; his brother, Othel Donald Bowling of Onley, VA; and 4 grandchildren and 4 great- grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. prgtoken Delegate Bowling was involved and important in the Tazewell community, offering public service in so many areas. He touched the lives of many, including fellow members of his community, worshippers of his church, and students he taught. I have no doubt that he will be greatly missed.
HONORING THE CITY OF DOVER, IDAHO ON 100 YEARS
Russ Fulcher (Republican, ID) \u2014 2023-7-27

I want to make a special mention of the 100th Anniversary of the City of Dover, Idaho. Dover is situated near the beautiful Lake Pend Oreille and is in the northern part of the district I represent. On July 22nd and 23rd, the City of Dover celebrated 100 years of history with a boat parade, historical walk, and community barbecue--wrapping up with an exceptional Sunday service at the historic Dover Church, which has served as the heart of the community for the last 100 years. prgtoken I am honored to serve communities like Dover in Idaho, and I wish the city of Dover a bright future in the next 100 years.
THANKING JAMES (TRE) WILLIAMS
Chuck Edwards (Republican, NC) \u2014 2023-7-27

I rise today to honor Mr. James (Tre) Williams, for his work as an intern in my D.C. office. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for his hard work and recognize the meaningful contributions he has made to the office this summer. prgtoken Tre is from St Louis, Missouri, and is a rising sophomore at Loyola Marymount University where he is studying business marketing. Tre enjoys playing intramural basketball and making music during his free time. prgtoken Interns work with staff to serve constituents in North Carolina's 11th congressional district. Tre was chosen from a competitive pool of applicants and exceeded every expectation with his positive attitude and impressive work ethic. prgtoken It was a pleasure to work with Tre, and I am so proud to have such an intelligent and ambitious intern representing my office. Tre exemplified the spirit of public service and represents the best that our Nation has to offer. I congratulate Tre on this successful completion of his internship, and on behalf of the people of Western North Carolina, I thank him.
NYC OVERWHELMED BY MIGRANTS
George Santos (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-7-27

today, I rise to bring attention to the state of chaos that the administration's border policies have created in New York's Third District. prgtoken Today, at 1 p.m there is a press conference taking place back home in front of the new mega-structure tent being built at Creedmoor Center across the street from an elementary school, P.S. 18, in Queens. prgtoken , when I visited the border just a couple of weeks ago, I toured a similar facility to the one being built in my district. It is safe to say what is going on at the southern border can be felt as far north as New York. prgtoken This problem is no longer out of sight, out of mind. Thanks to the administration's policies, all districts are border districts. prgtoken I am calling on Mayor Eric Adams to stop this madness, declare a state of emergency for New York City, and stop taking in these migrants. The city is overwhelmed by a constant influx of migrants, alongside being plagued by rising crime. prgtoken As the only representing Queens in Congress, I call on my counterparts on the other side of the aisle to join me in efforts to end this madness in our county and in our city. New Yorkers deserve a better quality of life prgtoken than the one imposed by its one-party rule government.