mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3746, FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 2023
Steve Cohen (Democrat, TN) \u2014 2023-5-31

we protected Social Security, Medicaid, and Medicare in these bills. We needed a clean debt ceiling. We didn't get it. The fact is, the s brought us to this brink because they wanted to extract political damage on President , and if the American people were there as collateral damage, so be it. prgtoken When was President, they approved every extension of the debt relief, and yet when is here, no. This is extortion, but we have to deal with it. It is for the benefit of our country and the world's economy, and I will vote ``yes.''
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 2023
Jimmy Panetta (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-5-31

I support the bipartisan budget agreement to raise the debt ceiling because if we don't, we will devastate the global markets and undermine the faith of the world's most important financial system, the United States of America. prgtoken I support a clean raising of the debt ceiling, but elections have consequences. My colleagues on the other side wanted to use their leverage for concessions. In a divided government, governing means compromise, and it gets us this bill, legislation that would: one, raise the debt ceiling until 2025; two, stop the drastic cuts desired by the s and protect Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. prgtoken Although it limits SNAP for certain ages, it expands those types of benefits for veterans and our homeless. prgtoken Finally, we protect the historic legislation we passed last Congress to invest in our infrastructure and manufacturing, reduce drug costs, and care for veterans. Part of this bill even furthers our transition to clean energy. prgtoken I will vote for this bill, but we have a lot more to do if we want to get serious about reducing our debt and deficit. That only begins when we stop governing by crisis and start governing by leadership.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 2023
Suzan K. DelBene (Democrat, WA) \u2014 2023-5-31

I rise today in support of the Bipartisan Budget Agreement. This deal will protect American families and our economy from a devastating default on our Nation's bills in just 5 days. It will also shield our veterans, seniors, law enforcement, and schools from the worst of the extreme demands my colleagues issued while holding our economy hostage. prgtoken This deal is far from perfect, but we can't allow perfect to be the enemy of the good when the stakes are this high. A default would mean an immediate recession, millions of jobs lost, devastated retirement accounts, and higher borrowing costs for Americans. prgtoken Compromise means that no one gets everything they want, so we have a choice between a catastrophic outcome or a chance to move forward with a bipartisan compromise. The worst outcome here would be a default. prgtoken , let's get this done and over to the Senate so we can take default off the table.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 2023
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2023-5-31

I rise in support of H.R. 3746, the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023. prgtoken This bill is not perfect. Some will say that it is not even good. But I say it is better than the extortion bill pushed through this House last month by this majority that would have forced Congress to either default on paying our nation's bills or make devastating cuts that would hurt the health, safety, and well-being of the American people. prgtoken This bill prevents a default that would trigger an economic catastrophe, a global market panic, and a job killing recession. prgtoken The most egregious cuts that the s originally proposed last month in their Default on America Act will be avoided. prgtoken Cuts that were originally proposed to the Toxic Exposure Fund created by the bipartisan PACT Act have been reversed as have the reductions in veterans' health care and benefits. prgtoken I have been very concerned about the cuts to rural development programs, nutrition for women and children, and funding for economically distressed farmers which have been reduced. prgtoken We must pay our debts and debate issues of spending and revenue through regular order and not under threat of default. prgtoken No, this bill is not perfect. And to many it may not be good. But it is a better way forward than the chaos and consequences of a first ever default on the full faith and credit of the United States.
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 2023
Danny K. Davis (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-5-31

I commend President , Leader Jeffries, and all of our negotiators for the great work they have done to keep us from defaulting on our debts. prgtoken This agreement protects critical funding for children and families. I am especially pleased with the protections for homeless youth in school, foster children who have aged out of care, and veterans in need of health services. It protects Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. prgtoken This bill protects historic investments in clean energy. It also protects the 40 million student loan borrowers under President 's student loan relief plan, and it provides relief for some of my concerns about SNAP and work benefits and work requirements in TANF. prgtoken I still have some serious concerns about how it affects the environment and responds to climate control issues. The bill is not everything I wanted, but it does give us an opportunity to pay our debt and protect the good work we have done during the first term of President .
ASIAN AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH SPOTLIGHT: DR. VIJAY G PRABHAKAR'S IMPACT IN CHICAGO AND BEYOND
Jonathan L. Jackson (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-5-31

as we close Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I rise to celebrate the remarkable contributions of Dr. Vijay G Prabhakar, a Chicago-based Asian American leader whose dedication to public health, community service, and multi- ethnic unity has enriched our society. The story of his achievements, from the earliest days of his career to the present day, underscores his commitment to our community and the global stage. prgtoken As we find ourselves not even midway through the year 2023, I find myself standing in awe of the staggering breadth of achievements already accrued by Dr. Prabhakar. His illustrious record of accomplishments this year alone puts into sharp relief a lifetime's work of many, reinforcing the fact that his relentless dedication and commitment to service is truly unparalleled. prgtoken Starting the year with strength and vision, on January 4, Dr. Prabhakar led the successful launch of the GSA India @75 Expo USA Metro Cities Sequel in Washington, D.C. Together with esteemed colleagues including Congressman Danny K. Davis, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Delia Ramirez, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, and myself, we are aiming to strengthen U.S.A.--India relations across six major American cities in 2023. prgtoken Later that month, on January 28, I had the privilege to launch the Global Eye International Institute of Leadership in New York City. This institute, a brainchild of Dr. Prabhakar, offers short term leadership courses to ethnic minorities on a broad range of subjects, preparing and empowering future minority leaders in America. On the very same day, the World Malayalee Council, New York Province recognized Dr. Prabhakar's efforts with a Distinguished Leadership Award. prgtoken In a further testament to his tireless dedication to community service, Dr. Prabhakar launched the Gandhi King Center for Non-Violence in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago on February 1. This initiative, aimed at reducing gun violence through grassroots community participation, is yet another example of his innovative approach to problem-solving. prgtoken March brought a memorable celebration as Dr. Prabhakar organized the India Unity Day to commemorate the historic defeat of the Anti-India resolution in the City of Chicago. prgtoken His relentless efforts were recognized by the United Punjabi Association, USA, which honored him with the Distinguished Community Leader Award on April 15. prgtoken In May, Dr. Prabhakar represented our nation as a Special Guest of Honor at the dedication of Asia's largest Christian Church in Warangal District, India. His dedication to public service extended to the sports domain as he met with Mr. Jay Shah, Secretary, Board of Cricket Control of India, to discuss the launch of the North American Cricket Promotion Council in the U.S.A. prgtoken Most recently, Dr. Prabhakar was chosen as National Chairman of the Asian American Restaurants Association. This is yet a
HONORING SHUKRI JAMA
Ilhan Omar (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2023-5-31

I rise today to honor Shukri Jama, a dedicated member of my team for the last three years. Since December 2019, Shukri has loyally served the constituents of Minnesota's 5th Congressional District. prgtoken Shukri was born in a refugee camp that bordered Somalia and Kenya. After arriving in the United States, she moved to Minnesota, as part of the UNHCR Refugee Resettlement Program. Shukri later moved to Nebraska where she attended middle and high school. She later received her bachelor's degree in political science at South Dakota University. Her experience as a Somali refugee inspired her to pursue a career in public service. prgtoken During Shukri's time in my office, she has proven to be a talented, brilliant, and capable young woman. During her tenure, she has helped our constituents through answering our phone lines, responding to letters, managing our robust intern program, and helping the overall functioning of our office. It has been my pleasure to get to know Shukri and watch her develop her confidence and skills. I am incredibly grateful to her, along with my entire staff who work tirelessly to advance the interests of Minnesotans and the American people. Shukri has been an invaluable asset to my team, and I cannot wait to see the incredible things she will achieve. prgtoken On behalf of Minnesota's 5th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring and thanking Shukri for her service. Her contributions to my office and the constituents of the 5th District will be forever cherished. It was an honor to get to work alongside her to advance a more just world. Shukri 's quick wit and love for Taylor Swift will be missed in the office each day, and I wish her all the best in her future endeavors.
HONORING PETER L. GOVE
Betty McCollum (Democrat, MN) \u2014 2023-5-31

I rise to honor Peter L. Gove. Peter will be recognized later this week by his colleagues, friends and family for more than 50 years of exceptional leadership to conserve Minnesota's environment, especially its rivers and national parks. prgtoken Thanks in no small part to Peter's efforts, Minnesota's Fourth Congressional District has two incredible national parks to enjoy in our front and back yards--the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area (MNRRA) and the prgtoken St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. Peter gets results the old- fashioned way--by earning them--through tireless advocacy, vision and forging lasting relationships. When he sees a need for action, he doesn't just talk about it, he rolls up his sleeves and does something to protect cherished natural places for everyone. prgtoken Peter's success at advocacy draws on his experience as former Chief of the National Park Service Office of Legislation in the Carter/ Mondale Administration and lead environmental staffer and later Commissioner for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency under former Governor Wendell Anderson. He worked closely with the late Congressman Vento and late Senator Durenberger to secure passage of legislation designating MNRRA as a national park in Congress in 1988. He was appointed the first chairman of the Mississippi River Commission by the Secretary of the Interior to develop a comprehensive plan for MNRRA and founded Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR in 1993 and remains on its board. prgtoken Later, he worked with former Vice President Walter Mondale to expand the St. Croix River Association. He is an outspoken supporter of protecting Mid west national parks from ever present development pressures, particularly when they threaten the water resources and scenic beauty of our national parks. prgtoken After his effective service in the public sector, Peter had an equally distinguished career as an executive for two Minnesota tech companies, St. Jude Medical, Inc. and Control Data Corporation, before retiring in 2005. Throughout his various roles, he remains engaged in the community and in protecting our special natural places. prgtoken Peter served as past chair of the St. Croix River Association Board, Trust for Public Land Minnesota Advisory Board, and the National Park Conservation Association Upper Midwest Regional Council. He is also a Trustee of Northland College in Ashland, Wisconsin and chair of the Episcopal Homes of Minnesota Board. prgtoken His ongoing work for protection of resources and increased federal funding for parks, has earned him numerous and well-deserved honors, including NPCA's Marjory Stoneman Douglas Award, Wild Rivers Conservancy's Nelson-Mondale Legacy Award, and the Department of the Interior Public Service award in 1995 from then-Secretary of Interior Babbitt. prgtoken It has been a privilege to call Peter a trusted ally, advisor, and friend throughout my service in Congress. I have alwa
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 3746, FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY ACT OF 2023
James P. McGovern (Democrat, MA) \u2014 2023-5-31

the balance of my time. prgtoken The gentleman is absolutely right that COVID did add to the deficit, but he neglected to mention the multitrillion-dollar tax cut for the rich that was unpaid for. prgtoken , I think there is a difference between and s. I think that have proven that we can govern and that s have proven they cannot. prgtoken We have seen the great things that government is capable of doing. prgtoken In the last Congress, with in charge of the House, we invested to rebuild our neglected infrastructure: airports, roads, bridges, and ports in all of our communities. We will see the benefits of that infrastructure bill for years and years to come. We brought manufacturing back to the United States. We passed the CHIPS and Science Act to drive innovation and create good-paying jobs. We made the largest investment in climate, protecting our water and our air. We strengthened our supply chains and set up new programs to support minority businesses. We lifted a record number of kids out of poverty in this country. We ensured that our veterans get the healthcare they earned. prgtoken It is possible for us to deliver for the American people, though I haven't seen much of it this year. Instead, s spent a week in January trying to elect a . s spent the last 5 months trying to destroy everything that we built over the last 2 years. They have only enacted three laws in 5 months, and those laws don't do much. prgtoken The bill we are debating today may become their fourth law. It will be their biggest legislative accomplishment of the year. Think about that. The biggest accomplishment will be ending a crisis that they created. prgtoken We have wasted time going back and forth on how to pay our bills. The fact that we have had to bend and contort ourselves to get this done, to prevent our economy from falling off a cliff because s wanted to play games, is unconscionable and doesn't bode well for the future. prgtoken Finally, let me say, I plead with my colleagues on the side to stop this assault against the poor. Every concession in this bill, every demand that s made in this bill, hurts somebody. It hurts the most vulnerable in our country. Going after SNAP for older people, a measly $6 a day benefit, shame on you for doing that. prgtoken We are here to help people. We are here to uplift people. We are not here to demean people. We are not here to try to punish people. prgtoken Quite frankly, the narrative that the s have been utilizing in this whole debate doesn't reflect the reality. Talk to the people in your district who are struggling. Let them tell you how difficult it is to make ends meet and how maddening it is to not know whether you can put food on the table. prgtoken We can do so much better, but you have to stop this assault against the poor, against the vulnerable in this coun
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL UNDER CHAPTER 8 OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, OF THE RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION RELATING TO ``WAIVERS AND MODIFICATIONS OF FEDERAL...
Richard J. Durbin (Democrat, IL) \u2014 2023-5-31

my colleague Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has been my friend and ally in many causes, and we notably disagree on others. He recognizes--and I share with him--the importance of continued support for Ukraine. He has been a steadfast partner in support of that country and holding Russia accountable for war crimes, but not addressing the manufactured debt ceiling crisis also could threaten to undermine continued U.S. support. prgtoken My colleague has raised concerns about the level of growth of defense spending in the bipartisan debt deal that was announced this last weekend. Specifically, the budget for the Department of Defense for fiscal year 2024 is $886 billion, at a 3-percent rate of growth over the previous year. That funding level does not threaten our national security. We are still, and we will be for the foreseeable future, the global leader in defense spending--the world's global leader in defense spending. prgtoken Now, there are valid concerns about China and Russia and the amount of money they are spending on the military, especially with the war in Ukraine and aggression in the South China Sea. prgtoken I have a chart here which demonstrates, in one respect, the difference. You can clearly see, when you look at the United States expenditure, when it comes to military spending in the year 2022, that it is dramatically larger than any other country. In fact, when it comes to our defense budget, the United States continues to outspend the next 10 countries in the world combined. prgtoken In the decade following the horrific attacks on September 11, U.S. military spending increased 50 percent, adjusted for inflation, compared to a fraction of that for other discretionary spending priorities. prgtoken Our spending wisely goes to competitive pay for servicemembers--to recruit and retain the best, most powerful, all-volunteer force. On average, the Chinese Army pays their soldiers $108 per month, compared to $1,733 per month average here in the United States. prgtoken Russian contract soldiers can make $1,100 a month. Conscripts can be paid as little as $25 a month in Russia. prgtoken Our spending has gone toward 11 world-class aircraft carriers. China just barely acquired a third carrier, which according to even Chinese analysts is still a long way from competing with the United States in that category. prgtoken Finally, our spending goes toward maintaining a global presence, ensuring sea lanes are open to commerce, and fostering stability in key areas of the world. Russia and China don't have that priority. Instead, they focus on aggression closer to their borders and exploiting other nations. prgtoken Now, much of the current budget discussion is also focused on responsible spending and oversight, and Congress has an important oversight responsibility. prgtoken Pentagon spending keeps increasing--and not just because of inflation but because of increased prices from defense compa
58TH ANNIVERSARY OF HEAD START
Ben Ray Luján (Democrat, NM) \u2014 2023-5-31

I rise today to commemorate and extend my heartfelt congratulations to Head Start on its 58th anniversary to celebrate the program's 58 years of providing early learning to more than 30 million children since 1965. As the only Head Start alumnus along with Senator Raphael Warnock serving in the U.S. Senate, I am proud to honor this transformative program that has made a significant and positive difference in the lives of millions of children and families across our great Nation. prgtoken Head Start's legacy is one of hope, opportunity, and equity. Since its inception in 1965, this comprehensive early childhood education program has been a beacon of support for vulnerable children and families, helping break the cycle of poverty and providing a strong foundation for success. By prioritizing the educational, health, and developmental needs of low-income children, Head Start has been instrumental in leveling the playing field and ensuring that every child has an equal chance to thrive. prgtoken My personal experience as a Head Start alumnus fuels my unwavering commitment to championing policies that strengthen early childhood education and invest in the future of our Nation's youth. I understand firsthand the profound influence that Head Start can have on a child's life, setting them on a trajectory towards academic achievement, social-emotional growth, and lifelong success. By nurturing the whole child and fostering a love for learning, Head Start equips children with the tools they need to reach their full potential. prgtoken Head Start has demonstrated its ability to adapt and evolve with the changing needs of our society. Over the past 58 years, the program has expanded its reach, providing comprehensive services to millions of children and families. Head Start has embraced innovation, incorporating evidence-based practices and leveraging community partnerships to ensure that children receive the highest quality early education and support services available. prgtoken I applaud Head Start's ongoing commitment to inclusivity and diversity, recognizing that every child brings unique strengths and experiences to the classroom. By embracing cultural competency and promoting bilingual education, Head Start celebrates the rich tapestry of our nation and prepares children to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. prgtoken As we celebrate this important milestone, we must also acknowledge the challenges that lie ahead. Access to high-quality early childhood education remains a critical issue for many families, especially those living in underserved communities. As Head Start continues to grow and evolve, we must redouble our efforts to ensure that all children, regardless of their ZIP Code or socioeconomic background, have access to this life-changing program. prgtoken Head Start's success is a testament to the power of investing in our children and communities. The return on investment in