mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
MIDDLE CLASS BORROWER PROTECTION ACT OF 2023
Stephanie I. Bice (Republican, OK) \u2014 2023-6-23

from Ohio (Mr. Davidson) for yielding. prgtoken When this news broke that the FHFA organization had passed a rule to change how this particular policy was put in place, I immediately went to him and I said: We need to fix this, and here we are. prgtoken I am proud to stand in support of this legislation, which I am collating with Congressman Davidson. Under the rule from the Federal Housing Finance Agency, home buyers with good credit scores will be forced to pay more for their mortgages to subsidize loans to higher risk borrowers, and that is why the Middle Class Borrower Protection Act is so important. prgtoken It will roll back this administration's senseless rule and stop the anticapitalist agenda. Similar to the student loan scam, the President is, once again, trying to bypass Congress and centralize more power in the hands of the executive branch. prgtoken Since President took office, he has increased the role of the Federal Government in the lives of everyday Americans, and this is a perfect example. prgtoken With sky-high mortgage rates, the last thing we need is to add more fees and burdens on hardworking Americans and certainly hardworking Oklahomans in my district. I stand in support of this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill.
HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF CHARLES R. WOOTEN
Eric Burlison (Republican, MO) \u2014 2023-6-23

I rise today to celebrate the life and legacy of Chuck Wooten. Mr. Wooten recently passed away at the age of 95, having dedicated his life and career to public service and giving back to his community. A U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II, Mr. Wooten served with honor and distinction overseas in Japan. His patriotism and love for his country were evident in every aspect of his life, and his military service exemplified his unwavering dedication to defending the principles upon which this nation was built. prgtoken In addition to Mr, Wooten's service to our nation in World War II, he also served as a Missouri State Representative for 5 terms, as well as a City Councilman for Springfield. During his time in the state legislature, Mr. Wooten played a critical role in the creation of the Missouri Veterans Cemetery located in my hometown of Springfield, Missouri. The Veterans Cemetery would not be a reality without Chuck Wooten. prgtoken Additionaljy. Mr. Wooten's many talents carried over to his career as a talk radio host on the legendary KWTO radio station in Springfield. He is survived by his wife Joan; his three children Johnie, Donnie, and Mary, and daughter-in-law, Carole Wooten; also 10 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. prgtoken Mr. Wooten is described by those who knew him well as an upbeat, always positive, kind, and generous man who would give you the shirt off his back. I can't think of a more deserving man to honor and recognize today.
CONGRATULATING THE UNIONVILLE-SEBEWAING AREA PATRIOTS ON THEIR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE STATE SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
Lisa C. McClain (Republican, MI) \u2014 2023-6-23

I rise today to offer my heartfelt congratulations to the Unionville-Sebewaing Area Patriots on their fourth consecutive state softball championship, which also marks their ninth overall title. The unmatched dedication, skill, and determination of these incredible athletes have once more brought great pride to our community. prgtoken This team's triumph not only further solidifies their place as champions, but also sets a new standard of excellence for future athletes to follow. The Patriots' commitment to their craft, their tireless hours of practice, and their winning sportsmanship have certainly propelled them to this fantastic achievement. prgtoken As we celebrate this resounding victory, we must also remember that this victory extends far beyond the field. Behind this team, there are incredibly dedicated and supportive coaches, teachers, friends, and families. prgtoken It is no small feat to achieve victory once, let alone four straight times. This team has continuously showcased their resilience, winning spirit, and tireless dedication, and it is no doubt that this mindset led to yet another victory. prgtoken On behalf of Michigan's 9th Congressional District, I extend my most sincere congratulations to the Unionville-Sebewaing Area Patriots and to all the coaches and families who have helped build this outstanding record.
HONORING HENRY WILLIAMSON
Russell Fry (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-6-23

I rise today to honor Henry Williamson, an aviation mechanic with 50 years of dedicated service, most of which he spent working at the Conway-Horry County Airport. prgtoken Mr. Williamson, of Horry County, began his career in aviation after receiving a degree in aircraft maintenance from the Florence-Darlington Technical College. prgtoken In honor of his dedication to the industry as an aviation mechanic, Mr. prgtoken Williamson was recently awarded the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award from the Federal Aviation Administration. This is an award that only 40 South Carolinians have ever received. prgtoken I want to express my sincerest congratulations to Mr. Williamson for this much-deserved recognition and thank him for his dedication to keeping his customers safe in the skies.
WELCOMING PASTOR DAVID BULLOCK
Jerry L. Carl (Republican, AL) \u2014 2023-6-23

I will take just a moment to thank David Bullock, my pastor, my friend. I sometimes refer to him as a son. prgtoken I have known David most all of his life. We grew up in church together. His beautiful family is here in the gallery with us. I am sure you probably can't see them there, but David has come a long way from our old roots in Cottage Hill Baptist Church. prgtoken When I say ``roots,'' we are roots. We are family. We all grew up under the ministry of Dr. Fred Wolfe. I gave a speech on brother Fred here a short time ago. prgtoken David is the next legacy. He is the next step in the vision of God for our church and for our Nation. It is men like David and women like David's wife, Leslie, and his children that make this country such a special place. prgtoken We get on the floor and argue issues down here while we have prayer warriors that are at home praying for us--all of us, not just for my side of the aisle, but for all sides of the aisle. prgtoken I want to take just a moment to say thank you to the Bullocks and thank you to David for coming and speaking today, and may God bless this assembly.
FLYING THE PRIDE FLAG AT EMBASSIES
Glenn Grothman (Republican, WI) \u2014 2023-6-23

first of all, I point out that every month in this country, if you include the people who come over here kind of administratively, we hit new records of people who I think are here illegally. That is not going down if you compare month after month. prgtoken In any event, currently the administration is encouraging our embassies abroad to fly the so-called pride flag on our embassies, including the Vatican. This is completely inappropriate, and the administration should immediately stop this policy. prgtoken America is a blessed Nation that has, I think, been the light of the world. Rather than sending a message to the world that America stands for and is great because of its freedoms guaranteed under our Constitution and the bravery, faith, purity, and respect for the law of its people, it sends the message that America stands for the LGBT sexual agenda. prgtoken Leaving aside the absurdity that any sexually related flag should stand with Old Glory--how ridiculous--this is not the message we want to send to the countries around the world. It is also an insult to the hundreds of millions of Americans who oppose this agenda as well as the hundreds of thousands who made our country great and would be appalled by this. prgtoken President , please take down this flag.
ISSUES OF THE DAY
John H. Rutherford (Republican, FL) \u2014 2023-6-23

I thank the gentleman for yielding. prgtoken , I rise today to recognize Leslie and Carlton C. Smith for their high achievement in exportation. Leslie and Carlton's Jacksonville-based heavy equipment exporting business, Heavy Equipment Resources of Florida, or ``HERO FL,'' is a top exporter of components and spare parts to mining industries all around the globe. prgtoken Earlier this month, HERO FL was awarded with its second Presidential E Star Award for Exportation. This award is the highest honor given to our Nation's exporters and highlights HERO FL's significant contribution to U.S. exports and their development of market entry strategies for challenging international markets, specifically in Africa. prgtoken The E Star Award, which is now designated by the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, sets HERO FL apart from their peers for their noteworthy export promotion efforts. prgtoken Just since 2013, HERO FL has grown from 10 export markets to over 32. This is an incredible achievement and is a testament to Leslie and Carlton's hard work in northeast Florida and across the globe. prgtoken I am honored to recognize their efforts, and I am grateful for the economic growth that they continue to bring to Florida's Fifth Congressional District. prgtoken , I thank the gentleman, again, for yielding.
MOMENT OF SILENCE FOR STATE TROOPER JACQUES ROUGEAU, JR., AND A PRAYER FOR A FULL RECOVERY FOR LT. JAMES WAGNER
John Joyce (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-6-23

we gather today to remember the life of a Pennsylvania State Trooper, Jacques Rougeau who was killed in the line of duty on June 17 while serving at the Juniata County Barracks in Pennsylvania's 13th Congressional District. prgtoken Trooper Rougeau leaves behind a loving wife, Chloe, and all of our hearts go out to her, along with the rest of his family, his friends, and the entire Pennsylvania State Troopers. prgtoken At this time, I ask that we also recognize Lieutenant Jim Wagner who was injured in the line of duty on that same terrible day and remains hospitalized. prgtoken Please join me in a moment of silence to honor the life of State Trooper Jacques Rougeau and in prayer for the full recovery of Lieutenant Jim Wagner.
DISASTER IN TEXAS PANHANDLE
Ronny Jackson (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-6-23

unfortunately, multiple disasters have struck Texas-13 over the last month, from devastating floods in May to a series of deadly tornadoes in the last week, first in Perryton and later in Matador and Afton. prgtoken While we continue to assess the most recent damage, we already know that hundreds of homes, businesses, and properties were destroyed. Many of my constituents were injured, and tragically, lives were lost. prgtoken Despite the wreckage, my constituents, assisted by their community, local officials, and volunteers from across the State, came together to provide water, food, fuel, and so much more to their neighbors in need. prgtoken The Federal Government must act to do everything it can to bring the needed aid to the Texas Panhandle and help expedite the recovery and cleanup efforts. prgtoken For too long, the Federal Government has forgotten about rural America. We cannot let this happen here. It may take months to rebuild, but I know we will do it thanks to the steadfast spirit of the Texans I represent. prgtoken , I am proud to represent the brave people of the Texas Panhandle, and I ask that you please join me in praying for them at this time.
REMEMBERING JERRY LEWIS CLARK
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-6-23

I rise today in memory of Jerry Lewis Clark, also known as Red Dog. prgtoken Mr. Clark was born on March 31, 1943, in Savannah, Georgia, where he began his life of service to others. He served for 25 years in the military as an Army combat medic in Vietnam and in the Georgia Air National Guard. He was a Purple Heart recipient for his heroics during the Vietnam war, and he retired from the military as a senior master sergeant. prgtoken Outside of his military service, Mr. Clark was a computer programmer, an English teacher, a medical salesman, and a homebuilder. He also worked as the minister of activity and director of operations at Calvary Baptist Temple. prgtoken Mr. Clark's record shows what he truly was. He was a patriot. He was a public servant. He truly had a servant's heart. prgtoken Mr. Clark is a hero who will be greatly missed by his community and by his friends and his family.
RECOGNIZING BARBARA TALLEY
Rashida Tlaib (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-6-27

today I want to recognize Barbara Talley, a long-time resident of Southfield in Michigan's 12th District Strong, for her leadership in the civil rights movement and numerous contributions to the community. prgtoken Known locally as the ``Mother of Civil Rights.'' Ms. Talley blazed the trail for women of color to pursue elected office by being elected as the first African American to serve on Southfield's City Council. She has worked tirelessly to elevate the voices of people of color and championed issues that would create a more equitable and better quality of life for all. prgtoken During her two terms of service on Southfield's City Council, Ms. Talley initiated an Affirmative Action Plan for hiring more diverse police, fire, management personnel and elevating women in city government. In 1985. she founded the Southfield Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force and held the first annual Peace Walk and Program, which continues to be one of the largest events honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King in the state of Michigan. In 2008, she coordinated a Peace Mission to Liberia, West Africa to meet President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and conducted several workshops aimed at helping to heal trauma of the Liberian Civil War on teen soldiers. She is the author of a book entitled Pathways to Interfaith Dialogue: An Innovative Model for Peace and Community Building. She formerly served as the executive director of Detroit Renaissance District Peace Center at Hope United Methodist Church. As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Ms. Talley continues to promote their mission of service as a member of the Southfield Alumnae Chapter and as a Delta Dear. She remains active with the Task Force, Hope Church and the sorority. She is also a member of the National Congress of Black Women and Southfield Historical Society. prgtoken Mother Talley has been a paragon of public service, a promoter of peace and equity, and a fearless leader in the civil rights movement in Southfield and beyond. Please join me in recognizing her leadership and dedication.
HONORING CHAD MASCOE AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA FOR CARIBBEAN HERITAGE MONTH
Darren Soto (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2023-6-27

Chad Mascoe has been a pillar in the community for over 20 years. He is a native of Kissimmee, Florida who always strives to pour into the community. Chad was born and raised in Kissimmee and attended Osceola High School. He was a member of the 1998 Osceola High School state champion football team. prgtoken He continued his education at Southwest Mississippi Community College then transferred to the University of Central Florida and played football at both schools. prgtoken Chad is the CEO of Athletes United Group which is an organization that strives to focus on creating opportunities for all student- athletes to develop skills through peer interaction and competition. Chad has taken young men from Kissimmee on college tours, 7-on-7 tournaments, and to several community service events throughout the years. Each year he hosts a Feed the Homeless tournament in which he collects and donates goods to various homeless shelters in Central Florida. prgtoken Chad Mascoe is very passionate about what he does and always makes sure that no kids are left out. His gentle disposition has a way of rubbing off on those around him.
HONORING WILLIAM MAXWELL ``BILLY'' CARROLL
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2023-6-27

I rise to honor a dedicated husband, loving father, extraordinary funeral practitioner, humble community servant and friend of longstanding, Mr. William Maxwell ``Billy'' Carroll. Sadly, Billy transitioned this life from labor to reward on June 18, 2023. A home going service celebrating his remarkable life was held on Sunday, June 25, 2023, at the Saint Mary Missionary Baptist Church in Baconton, Georgia. prgtoken William Maxwell Carroll was born in Camilla, Georgia on October 6, 1936, to the union of the late Horace Carroll of Atlanta, Georgia and Thelma Jester Carroll White of Albany, Georgia. He received his early fruits of knowledge in the public-school systems of Atlanta, Camilla and Moultrie, Georgia. Following high school, Billy matriculated at the Agricultural and Technical College of Greensboro, North Carolina where he majored in Business Administration. He then attended Atlanta College of Mortuary Science and upon completion returned to his hometown roots in Camilla to operate a family-owned business. prgtoken A licensed funeral director and embalmer, Billy used his stewardship of the Robert Jester Mortuary to serve and comfort thousands of families during their times of bereavement. He and the entire staff did whatever it took to support the needs of those who entrusted Robert Jester Mortuary with the care of their dearly departed loved ones. He was a longtime member of the Georgia Funeral Services Practitioners Association, Inc. where he served as President from 1982 to 1984. He was chosen 4th District Mortician of the Year in 1972 and selected as Mortician of the year in 1988 by Alpha Gamma Chapter of Epsilon Nu Delta Mortuary Fraternity, Inc. prgtoken It has been said that ``Service is the rent we pay for the space we occupy on this earth.'' Billy Carroll paid his rent, and he paid it well! He gave his time, talent and treasure to numerous social and civic organizations to include City of Camilla Zoning Board; Mitchell County Hospital Endowment Board; Camilla Chamber of Commerce; Kiwanis Club of Mitchell County; NAACP; and Boys and Girls Club; to name a few. He was appointed by Gov. George Busbee to serve on the Georgia State Commission on Indian Affairs and by Gov. Joe Frank to serve on the Governor's Education Review Commission. He prgtoken was politically astute, active, a trail blazer and was the first African American to run for City Commissioner in Camilla, Georgia. He received the Living History Award in 2009, the Great Man Award in 2017 and was honored by the Southern Poverty Law Center, the Georgia Department of Public Safety and was nominated by the African American Funeral Services Museum for the Hall of Fame. prgtoken A faithful man of God, Billy was an active member of Saint Peter AME Church where he was both a Steward and Trustee. prgtoken Billy accomplished much in his life, but none of it would have been possible without the grace of God, the love and support of his belo
SUPPORT FROM THE DESCENDANTS OF THE ARLINGTON HOUSE ESTATE FOR REDESIGNATION
Donald S. Beyer, Jr. (Democrat, VA) \u2014 2023-6-27

to accompany the introduction of H.J. Res. 76, I am including in the Record statements and letters of support for the Redesignation of Arlington House from the descendants of the estate. Congressman Beyer: I am writing to express my support for the redesignation of the National Park Service site currently known as `Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial' as the `Arlington House National Historic Site.' The memorial to Lee was established in two pieces of legislation 18 years apart. Public Law 84-1071, passed in June 1955, dedicated the memorial and stated that ``Lee, whose name will ever be bright in our history as a great military leader, a great educator, and a great American.'' It went on to say that ``he was a truly great man through the simple heritage of his personal traits of high character, his grandeur of soul, and his unfailing strength of heart.'' The 1972 legislation established public law 92-333 which gave the site its current name, `Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial'. I continue believe this redesignation is long overdue. The name Arlington House National Historic Site is not only inclusive, it is consistent with how the National Park Service manages and interprets this iconic, historic property. I am a descendant and historian of the Syphax family. Syphaxes were enslaved on the Arlington House plantation by both Robert E. Lee and George Washington Parke Custis before him. Although I disagree with how the earlier legislation characterizes Lee, I disparage neither Lee nor the Custises. I do, however, work hard to give agency to the Syphaxes and all of the Arlington House plantation enslaved community. Their lives and stories are equally as important to the history of this site as is those who enslaved them. Their stories are educational, inspiring and uplifting. Their stories are intertwined with the Lees and Custises. The stories and history told completely can help our country better understand slavery at the Arlington House plantation and have the ability to help generate important and necessary conversations that can help repair and heal from a painful, divisive past. This redesignation is important to the entire country, not just Arlington House descendant families, the state of Virginia and Washington, D.C. It is important to all Americans. During the short time our on line petition (RedesignateARHO.org) has been collecting signatures, citizens from every state in the country and 9 other nations have expressed their support for the site redesignation. I live in Loudoun County, VA. I intend to share this message with my own elected officials. Your colleague, Representative Jennifer Wexton, and Senator Tim Kaine, have bo
HONORING KATHY BURNS
A. Drew Ferguson IV (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-6-27

I rise today to honor Kathy Burns, a remarkable veteran who has dedicated herself to serving and supporting our military and their families. Following her marriage to Mike Burns in 1981, Kathy and Mike attended the Officer Basic Course at Fort Benning, GA. During her 26 years of service, Kathy completed assignments in Fort Leavenworth, KS and the Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, PA, where Mike attended two Army courses. Because Kathy and Mike served at Fort Benning for a total of five tours and eleven years, when it came time to retire from active duty, Kathy and Mike decided to retire in Columbus, GA. prgtoken Throughout their military journey, Kathy consistently volunteered to lead and support her husband's family support groups which provide guidance and mentorship to junior spouses and families. Her contributions were instrumental in unit readiness and the well-being of countless families in many military instillations. Kathy's impact extended beyond the military realm. She made it her goal to bridge the gap between the Army and the civilian community, serving on the boards of the Springer Opera House and Wynn House, among other community organizations. prgtoken Throughout her 42-year marriage, while balancing multiple jobs and raising her son John, Kathy remained an unwavering role model for other Army spouses. Her positive impact on hundreds of Army spouses and families lives cannot be overstated her selfless actions have provided an amazing resource to our local families and beyond and we are extremely grateful for her dedication to our Nation's Army.