hazylavender/hi huggingface dataset:
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [Senate] [Pages S1338-S1339] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. WELCH: I rise today to recognize the 30th anniversary of the U.S. Green Building Council--USGBC--founded in April 1993. This member-led, nonprofit organization has helped schools, businesses, cities, and even countries build and operate better buildings that transform lives. USGBC's LEED certification program, short for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, has grown to become the world's most acclaimed andwidely used green building system, with 105,000 projects in more than 185 countries. In the United States, over 400,000 housing units and more nonresidential projects have applied this system to achieve LEED certification. In Vermont, we have achieved more than 120 certifications, and at least 91 professionals have LEED credentials. These sustainable projects include K-12 schools and higher education, offices, multifamily housing, retail, manufacturing, and additional building types. More than 5 million square feet of space have received LEED certification. As Americans contend with rising prices and energy costs, more green buildings mean more dollars back in the pockets of small business and families. That is because research has repeatedly found that energy- efficient, lower-waste green buildings benefit the bottom line. LEED- certified buildings reduce day-to-day costs year-over-year while benefiting our climate. They help building owners lower vacancies. Plus, they improve staff well-being and productivity. When USGBC started, there was no agreement in the marketplace on what constituted ``green building,'' let alone any kind of accepted, codified mechanism to certify it. Now, 30 years later, USGBC has primed the market to value better-performing buildings that lower costs and waste, mitigate climate impacts, and improve health. Congratulations to this incredible, member-led organization. Here is to another impactful 30 years.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [Senate] [Page S1338] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. SULLIVAN: I rise today, along with Senator Murkowski, to bring awareness to National Education and Sharing Day U.S.A., which we recognized on April 2, 2023. On this day, we acknowledged the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Schneerson's global campaign to educate youth about our responsibility to be a moral and compassionate society. Education and Sharing Day is observed each year on the Rebbe's birthday in recognition of his outstanding and lasting contributions toward the improvement of education, morality, and acts of charity around the world. It is a day to pause and reflect on our responsibility to ensure our youth have the foundation necessary to lead lives rich in purpose and fulfillment through service and good works. This year's National Education and Sharing Day coincided with the 121st birthday of the Rebbe, one of the most significant Jewish leaders of the 20th century. The Rebbe was a global spiritual leader and leading advocate for the advancement of education. He stressed that a moral and ethical education empowers every individual to develop their full potential in making the world a better place. This year's Education and Sharing Day has even greater significance as this year is also a year of ``Hakhel,'' a biblical event of unity, education, and spiritual growth emphasizing how every person is crucial to perfecting the world. The basis for the continuity of any society is education, and in the great State of Alaska, the education of our youth is a priority. We recognize that in order to achieve its highest goals, education must not only impart knowledge but also help our youth learn how to live meaningful lives by strengthening their moral character to make a better life for themselves as individuals and for society as a whole. Such education can nurture the unity of diverse peoples by encouraging increased acts of goodness and kindness, imbued with the awareness that even a single positive act of an individual can change the world. We strongly affirm the purposes of National Education and Sharing Day U.S.A. and encourage educational institutions, businesses, community and civic associations, and all people of the United States to celebrate and promote National Education and Sharing Day U.S.A.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [Senate] [Page S1338] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: SENATE
Ms. HASSAN: I rise today to commemorate National Infertility Awareness Week, which since 1989 has honored the people, doctors, researchers, and others for their work in destigmatizing infertility and raising awareness of the challenges many people face when trying to start a family. Creating life and starting and nurturing a family are, of course, foundational experiences that bring challenges, rewards, and great joy. For millions of people, however, infertility is a barrier to having children, affecting approximately one in five Americans. Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of doctors, scientists, and researchers though, our country has made great strides in helping better understand infertility and provide treatments and support for people who are struggling to start a family. Tens of thousands of children were born last year alone thanks to IVF. And organizations like Resolve: The National Infertility Association have been instrumental in supporting people who struggle with infertility, as well as raising awareness about this critical issue. Unfortunately, many couples still face financial and other barriers to using this procedure, and I urge my colleagues to consider ways that we can make it easier and more affordable for people to start a family in this way. If we believe that everyone in our country counts and should be free to reach their full potential, then we need to do more to ensure that more Americans are able and free to start a family, so they too can partake in one of life's most rewarding journeys.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [Senate] [Pages S1323-S1331] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. TUBERVILLE: I want to make something very, very clear here. None of these positions the Senator from Massachusetts has mentioned will go unfilled. Each role has its commander in place until the relief is confirmed. That is how the military works. Mr. President, one thing very important to me and to our country is our military. There is only one thing more important, and that is our Constitution that they protect. For that reason, I object.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [Senate] [Pages S1323-S1331] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: SENATE
Mr. DURBIN: I have two statements for the Record that I want to enter into the Record, but I would like to say my debt of gratitude to the Senator from Massachusetts. Members of the Senate go to parades and salute the military, and we give speeches on the floor about how much we appreciate them and their sacrifice. This is an illustration of the Senate at its worst. We should be standing behind these men and women who have given their lives to our country, who will risk their lives for our country, some earning Bronze Stars, Purple Hearts for doing it. Listen, I want to tell you, if we are respecting these men and women, we should give them the promotions they have worked their whole lives to achieve and, in so doing, keep our military the strongest in the world. I respect these men and women, and I think what is happening on the floor of the Senate is not only dangerous but it is insulting. That is the only word that can be used for one Senator to hold up 184 men and women and their promotions in the military. I never thought I would see that day in the U.S. Senate. Whatever the reason, it is time to bring the charade to an end. We can debate the policy in the committee and on the floor, wherever we wish; but when it comes to these individuals, do not hold these men and women in the military hostage to the political debate on the floor of the U.S. Senate. I commend the Senator from Massachusetts for raising these issues.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Page H1944] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. SCHWEIKERT: I move that the House do now adjourn. The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 9 o'clock and 7 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 10 a.m. for morning-hour debate.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1938-H1941] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. JACKSON : it is with great honor that I rise today to coanchor this CBC Special Order hour along with the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick), my distinguished colleague. For the next 60 minutes, members of the CBC have the opportunity to speak directly to the American people on the default on America act, Speaker McCarthy's draconian plan to default on our debt. The act proposes drastic cuts to vital government programs such as SNAP, Social Security, and housing programs, which serve as lifelines for our communities. There is a group within the Republican Party that are holding these programs hostage in exchange for paying the debt we have already incurred. However, the CBC is here tonight to declare that this approach is a nonstarter, and we will not negotiate over paying the Nation's bills that we have incurred. We advocate for a clean debt limit, a bill that will protect the well-being of our citizens and our Nation's financial stability. This issue holds great importance to the Congressional Black Caucus, to our Congress, the constituents we represent, and all Americans. I now yield to my coanchor, the Honorable Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1938-H1941] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. WATERS: in just a few months, the United States is on track to default on its debt for the first time in history. This is because Speaker McCarthy has unveiled a bill that he claims will fulfill our debt obligations, but in reality it will cut access to critical social programs supporting education, food assistance, healthcare, and housing. It would devastate our economy, and we all know it is a dead-on-arrival bill. It will crash our global financial markets. According to Moody's, under McCarthy's legislation, 780,000 Americans will lose their jobs, and our Nation's unemployment rate will surge. We all know that this pain will be borne disproportionately by people of color. Republicans must put an end to this needless political theater and raise the debt limit, as they did three times with no problem under the twice-impeached and newly indicted former President Donald Trump, who signed $4.7 trillion in new deficits into law. Not only that, but they must do so without any cuts or reductions to housing funds given the terrible state of affordability in America. Mr. Speaker, I urge my Republican colleagues who care about our economy--or who say they care about our economy--and the American Dream to get serious and work with Democrats to avert a catastrophic default by supporting a clean bill to raise the debt limit. Mr. Speaker, this should not be about politics. This should be about whether or not you love this country and whether or not you believe that we should pay our bills, whether or not you think it would be horrible if this government is to shut down. If we don't pay our bills and the government shuts down, employees will not be able to put food on their tables. They will not be able to pay their mortgage or their rent. They will not be able to support their children in the ways that they should be supported. This is serious business. Now, this business of Mr. McCarthy trying to negotiate with the President of the United States to say: Well, if you do what I want you to do, then I will support debt limits. Mr. Speaker, we cannot do what the majority wants us to do because, first of all, they don't know what they are doing. They are putting this country at great risk.  {time}  2015  What you are saying is you don't care about the debt. You don't care about the fact that there are people waiting to be paid that we owe. You don't care whether or not there is a government shutdown. You don't care whether or not these jobs are lost. I am saying to you: We will not support that kind of so-called negotiation. We will not support your putting this country at risk in the way that you are doing. You need to come to grips with the fact that we have to raise the debt limit, and it has been done historically when it has needed to be done, and we expect you to do it. I leave this moment by saying to you: We are waiting on you, Mr. McCarthy, to do the responsible thing, get with our President, and let's support our country.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1938-H1941] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. JACKSON : I thank the gentlewoman form Florida (Mrs. Cherfilus-McCormick) for her remarks.  Honoring Harry Belafonte
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1938-H1941] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. JACKSON : you have heard from our distinguished colleagues about the American debt cliff that we are facing. All of these issues are of great importance to the Congressional Black Caucus, our constituents, the Congress, and all Americans tonight. With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1935-H1938] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. OWENS: I thank my friend for her remarks. The gentlewoman is a great addition to our Conference. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), who is my good friend.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1935-H1938] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. OWENS: I yield to the gentlewoman from Florida (Mrs. Cammack), who is my favorite Gator of all time.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Pages H1935-H1938] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Mrs. CAMMACK: I thank my good friend and colleague from the great State of Utah, Mr. Burgess Owens, who also happens to be a Floridian by birth. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to add my name to the many of my colleagues who are here today to stand in support of our friend, Enes Kanter Freedom.  Enes has sacrificed his career and put his life on the line to pursue the noble and often dangerous path of fighting for human rights around the world. In a time when it is easy to go with the flow, often at the expense of those in lands far away, he has made the decision to stand up and speak out. As a result of his vocal opposition to the various human rights abuses happening around the world today, including the Chinese genocide of Muslim Uyghurs or the oppressive and often brutal regime in his homeland of Turkiye, he, as a human rights advocate, has had a bounty placed on his head of half a million dollars to anyone who will end his life to silence him from highlighting the atrocities that few dare to expose. Inspired by the United States' example of liberty and justice for all, Enes became an American citizen--he even changed his last name to ``Freedom''--and chose to stand up for what is right even at the expense that cost him so much. Enes embodies the American Dream and has repeatedly displayed the courage, grit, and work ethic necessary to change the world. He has become a friend not just to me but to several of my friends here in the House of Representatives on both sides of the political aisle. However, despite his best efforts here in the House of Representatives, his calls to meet with White House officials and, more pointedly, President Biden have fallen on deaf ears. Mr. Speaker, you have to ask yourself: Why? Why would the White House refuse to meet with an individual as high profile as Enes Kanter Freedom? There is simply no good excuse--at least not one that we can discuss here today. I thank my colleague from Utah for hosting this Special Order and encouraging this administration to step up and meet with Enes to discuss the horrific atrocities happening around the world--moreover, the atrocities that are occurring against Americans who speak out against those who commit these horrific acts. Mr. Speaker, I encourage those who are watching here today: You can be a force for good. You can speak up. You can speak out.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Page H1935] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Ms. STEVENS: I rise today to recognize the incredible and heroic advocacy of Elizabeth Whelan, the sister of my wrongfully detained constituent, U.S. citizen, and Michigander, Paul Whelan. Paul Whelan is the longest detained American in Russia. Since his detention in December 2018, Elizabeth has been his fiercest advocate and tireless champion, alongside her brother, David; and parents, Rosemary and Ed. Elizabeth has spent nearly $100,000 of her own money in the last 5 years to travel to D.C. to meet with political leaders and State Department officials to receive updates on Paul's case, and fight for his release. Yesterday, speaking at the United Nations, alongside U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, Elizabeth directly confronted Russia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Lavrov, and implored him to release Paul and to end their cruel practice of hostage diplomacy. Elizabeth's speech has reverberated around the world. It has made its way to Paul's prison camp in Mordovia. I have been honored to work with Elizabeth for many years and she will always serve as an inspiration to me and my staff. Her words yesterday speak for themselves: ``Paul has not committed a crime, but a crime has been committed against him.''
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Page H1935] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. JOHNSON : I rise to announce this week that I am reintroducing the FAIR Act: the Forced Arbitration Injustice Repeal Act. Forced arbitration has been a concern of mine for some time, and that is why I have always been in support of sponsoring this legislation which would strip away what powerful corporations have imposed upon consumers and workers. That is forced arbitration. These forced arbitration clauses are everywhere. Americans sign away their rights when they buy a cell phone or sign an employment contract. They are forced into arbitration, which is a private, for-profit dispute resolution process, and it bans claimants from banding together. The deck is always stacked against the little guy. That is why I have been championing this legislation since 2007. Momentum is shifting to our side. President Biden signed a law last year invalidating forced arbitration clauses. We have a lot of work to do, and we will continue that with the FAIR Act.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Page H1935] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. MRVAN: I rise today in support of the Fighting Trade Cheats Act of 2023, recently introduced by my friend from Illinois (Mr. Bost). As the vice chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus and Representative from one of the largest steel-producing districts in our Nation, I know it is a necessity that we protect American workers and hold bad actors accountable for illegal trading practices. More must be done to ensure that foreign countries and companies that cheat our trade policies know that their actions will not be tolerated. Mr. Speaker, I thank Representative Bost for his leadership, and appreciate that his legislation will increase penalties for those who harm American manufacturers. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure that all American workers can compete and can, no doubt, thrive when we have a level playing field in our global economy.
[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 25, 2023)] [House] [Page H1935] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
Date: 2023-04-25
Chamber: HOUSE
Mr. TONKO: I rise today to recognize the 30th anniversary of the U.S. Green Building Council, which was founded in April of 1993. This member-led, nonprofit organization has helped countless schools, businesses, cities, and even countries build and operate better buildings that truly transform lives. Their LEED certification program has grown to become the world's most acclaimed and widely used green building system with 105,000 projects in 187 countries. In my home State of New York, over 2,600 projects and over 15,000 homes have achieved LEED certification. At a time when homeowners and businesses are dealing with rising costs, research has repeatedly found that energy-efficient, lower-waste buildings result in major savings. Plus, they boost staff recruitment, retention, and productivity. Mr. Speaker, 30 years ago there was no agreement on what constituted green buildings, let alone any kind of accepted mechanism to certify them. Because of the efforts of the U.S. Green Building Council, our country is moving toward better performing buildings that lower costs and waste, mitigate climate impacts and improve health. Mr. Speaker, I thank the council's staff for all their great efforts and offer my congratulations to this incredible organization. Here is to another impactful 30 years.