mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
RECOGNIZING KAREN L. KRISCH
Glenn Thompson (Republican, PA) \u2014 2023-9-19

I rise today to recognize Karen L. Krisch of Centre County for being named the 2023 National Distinguished Principal of the Year. prgtoken An educator for 29 years, Principal Krisch has served in her current role as principal at Marion-Walker Elementary School in the Bellefonte Area School District since 2017. Previously, she was principal at Bellefonte Area Elementary School, principal and vice principal at the Bellefonte Area Middle School, and an assistant administrator for the Bald Eagle Area School District. She also taught vocational education at the secondary level for 6 years, specifically to high-poverty students. prgtoken Principal Krisch encourages the staff and teachers at her school to expand opportunities for students resulting in excellent representation at the annual reading competition, participation in Bellefonte READS, and raising nearly $10,000 per year for the Four Diamond Fund through the school's minithon. prgtoken Outside of the classroom, Karen participates in a polar plunge each year to raise funds for the YMCA antihunger program and she is a Pennsylvania Master Naturalist volunteering frequently for conservation and State park programs. prgtoken , I congratulate Principal Krisch on this tremendous achievement.
RECOGNIZING KPI CONCEPTS
Joni Ernst (Republican, IA) \u2014 2023-9-19

as ranking member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American entrepreneurial spirit. This week it is my privilege to recognize KPI Concepts of West Burlington, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the Week. prgtoken KPI Concepts was founded by Craig Upton in 1984 out of his garage in Burlington, IA, building cabinetry for local businesses. Two years later, KPI Concepts moved to a 4,200-square-foot building with a workshop. The original building was expanded to 42,000 square feet between 1986 and 2006, and in 2007, they purchased an additional 65,000-square-foot location. The second location expanded a few years later. After starting as a commercial cabinetry business, they evolved to manufacture wind turbine blade components in 2008 with the KPI Composites division. In 2013, they added a west coast location in Hurricane, UT, while maintaining their West Burlington headquarters. Over the years, KPI Concepts has grown to include the KPI Metals division as well. Today, KPI Concepts is focused on providing innovative products to the wind energy industry. Throughout this history of business growth, the company's employees have been instrumental to its success. prgtoken As with many founders, Craig's journey to founding KPI Concepts had many chapters. After graduating from Burlington High School in 1973, he went on to attend Southeastern Community College, where he earned an associate's degree in mechanical technology. He later went on to work as a design draftsman, welder, and in the data processing department. When he lost his job, his father, who had a passion for woodworking, urged Craig to pursue his dream and start KPI Concepts. In addition to being the Founder of KPI Concepts, Craig Upton has given back to the community. In 2014, he was recognized by Southeastern Community College with the Distinguished Alumnus Award. prgtoken The KPI Concept's team has been awarded for their contributions to the industrial services industry. The KPI Metals team was awarded the Manufacturer of the Year Award by the Greater Burlington Partnership in 2017. Due to the hard work and dedication of the KPI Concepts employees, they celebrated their 39th business anniversary in 2023. prgtoken KPI Concept's commitment to providing high-quality wind turbine parts, commercial cabinetry, and metal manufacturing services to customers throughout the United States while maintaining their Iowa roots is clear. I want to congratulate the entire team at KPI Concepts for their continued dedication to providing industrial services to Iowans. I look forward to seeing their continued growth and success in Iowa.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
John Cornyn (Republican, TX) \u2014 2023-9-19

I remember when title 42 went away--the COVID public health order that the Border Patrol used to expel people from the border region in the interest of public health. There were many people who expected a surge of migration recognizing what a moneymaking opportunity that human smuggling and drug smuggling is for the cartels that control much of the U.S.-Mexican border. prgtoken And for a while it looked like maybe--just maybe--that surge would not happen. But despite the administration's best efforts to downplay or distract from the situation at the southern border, we now see the border crisis in full flower. prgtoken Preliminary data secured by the Washington Post shows that last month--last month--a record number of migrant families illegally crossed the southern border. prgtoken In August, the Border Patrol arrested more than 91,000 migrants--in August--people who entered the United States as part of a family unit, the highest number we have seen in a single month. But it is not just the families; apprehension numbers have increased dramatically over the past couple of months in all categories. prgtoken We have gone from just under 100,000 detentions in June to 132,000 in July, to more than 177,000 in August. I would point out that much of the migration we have seen into Texas has been seasonal because it has been very hot, and it is dangerous for migrants to make the dangerous trip from their home to our border. But that hasn't happened this year. It got worse and worse the hotter the summer months got. prgtoken So when you include migrants processed through the ports of entry, the Washington Post is estimating roughly 230,000 migrant encounters in August--230,000. prgtoken This would make it the busiest month for border crossings this calendar year. As I said, since title 42 ended in May, the administration has tried to spike the ball and declare victory. They pointed to a temporary drop in border crossings and said this is the proof that their situation was under their control, but that is obviously not the case. prgtoken We have just experienced the busiest month in family crossings on record and likely the busiest month for overall crossings this calendar year. As the New York Times reported, in August alone, nearly 82,000 migrants passed through the Darien Gap, the sole land route to the United States from South America, describing it as ``by far the largest single-month total on record.'' prgtoken And the border crisis isn't getting any better. If anything, it is getting worse, and communities in Texas and those across the Nation are beginning to feel the strain. El Paso, for example, right across the border from Juarez, in West Texas, is in the midst of a surge in border crossings. It is seeing an average of 1,200 encounters per day. prgtoken The leader of Rescue Mission El Paso, which provides migrants with food, clothing, and shelter, said: We've lost track of what c
HONORING BASIS ORO VALLEY SCHOOL
Juan Ciscomani (Republican, AZ) \u2014 2023-9-19

I rise today in honor of BASIS Oro Valley, a school in my district that has been included in U.S. News & World Report's 2023 Best Public High Schools, securing the 21st position. prgtoken This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, educators, and the entire school community. prgtoken BASIS Oro Valley prides themselves on their award-winning STEM curriculum and liberal arts program to help children pursue their dreams. prgtoken From advanced AP courses to high-level music classes, this school has something for everyone. prgtoken The average ACT score for BASIS Oro Valley students is a 32 and the average SAT score is 1368. This is one of prgtoken the best high schools in the country and it is located right in Arizona-06, my district. prgtoken This school, which has only been around since 2010, has made a huge impact on our community. I am so proud of the teachers who make this a great experience for the kids and the kids that push themselves to be better every single day. prgtoken I am proud to represent this outstanding school in Congress and to recognize the BASIS Oro Valley school here today.
Farm Bill (Executive Session)
Tommy Tuberville (Republican, AL) \u2014 2023-9-19

this is my third year serving on the Senate Ag Committee. This is my first time getting to work on a farm bill. The farm bill comes around every 5 years. It sets national policy on agriculture, nutrition, conservation, and forestry. prgtoken In less than 2 weeks, at the end of this fiscal year, the current farm bill will expire. prgtoken In 2018, this bill had a pricetag of $867 billion, right--$867 billion 5 years ago, in 2018. Now, we used to think that was a lot of money, but the upcoming farm bill is almost double that amount at roughly $1.5 trillion. This is the first trillion-dollar farm bill in our Nation's history. prgtoken The enormous pricetag of the bill is driven by an 84-percent increase in SNAP, or Federal nutrition assistance, and a 58-percent increase in conservation programs--in other words, a huge increase in welfare and climate spending. Most of this new spending does not offer support for farmers. prgtoken The $559 billion increase in SNAP funding was done directly by the Department of Agriculture through updates to the Thrifty Food Plan. In other words, nobody in Congress voted for this. The $35 billion in conservation funding was done through the Inflation Reduction Act of last year. are pushing through priorities that cater to climate activists and lead Americans to become dependent on welfare benefits. Approximately 82 percent of the upcoming farm bill goes to SNAP, commonly known as food stamps. Four percent goes to conservation. prgtoken Just yesterday, we hit $33 trillion in debt for this country--yes, I said that--$33 trillion. That will be picked up--this tab--by our grandkids and their kids. prgtoken This graph here, developed by the Farm Bureau Federation, showcases the enormous increase in nutrition spending and the steady decline of farm spending over the last 50 years. As you can see, SNAP spending has almost doubled what it was 5 years ago. How is this even possible? Has poverty doubled in our country in the last 5 years? Of course, it hasn't. prgtoken The poverty rate has been between 10 and 20 percent during my lifetime--10 to 20 percent. We spent $20 trillion in the war on poverty, and we have not even moved the needle. What does that mean? That means we are not doing our job. All we are doing is we are paying for somebody else to do it. So it doesn't work. prgtoken Yet I never hear my ic colleagues consider how we fight poverty. We just give out money. If my colleagues on the left cared about poverty, then they would want better results. But nobody wants better results here. They want votes. Welfare spending--if we would ever get it in our heads--welfare spending does not lift people out of poverty. Are we ever going to realize that? It simply makes people more comfortable remaining in poverty, and that makes it wrong. It makes it wrong for this body that we continue down this path of poverty and not helping poverty. prgtoken Food stamps are
CONDEMNING THE ACTIONS OF NEW MEXICO GOVERNOR MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM
Ben Cline (Republican, VA) \u2014 2023-9-19

I rise to recognize the Clarke County High School women's soccer team for winning the Class 2 State title, the program's second State championship in 3 years. prgtoken After working hard all season, the Eagles left it all on the field and defeated the Central of Wise County Warriors by a score of 7-0. prgtoken These talented student athletes include Avery and Sidney Shinabery, Danyelle Franz, Makenna Jarvis, Kelsey Elrod, Ivana Betancourth, Heather Cartagena, Bailey Mayo, Olivia Morise, Summer and Madison Toone, Audrey Price, Campbell Neiman, Morgan Walker, Ella O'Donnell, Lilly Suling, Tatiana Garcia, Kyleigh Goforth, Leah Mitchell, Krysna Miranda, and Noelle Whalen. prgtoken Throughout the final game, the team overcame challenges, displayed superior skill, and dominated possession of the ball. prgtoken This was Coach Ray Hawkins' first year as head coach; and under his leadership, the coaches, players, and staff built up their confidence to achieve their goals, and they did just that. prgtoken Congratulations, again, to the Clarke County High School women's soccer team on this incredible achievement. Recognizing Martha's Meals on Wheels
DICTATORS OR DEMOCRACIES
Joe Wilson (Republican, SC) \u2014 2023-9-19

sadly, the world is in a conflict we did not choose, between dictators with rule of gun opposing democracies with rule of law. prgtoken War criminal Putin began the current murderous conflict invading Ukraine in February 2022, shocked to find that the Ukrainians courageously resisted. President provided Javelin missiles and tried to deter Putin with troops in Poland. prgtoken Today, the West is united, with Sweden and Finland joining NATO, as the European Union surpasses American aid for Ukraine. Simultaneously, the Chinese Communist Party denies Taiwan's existence and the regime in Tehran continues nuclear missile development to achieve death to Israel, death to America. prgtoken Fellow dictators clearly see the conflict as dictator or democracy as North Korean Kim Jong-un joins Putin. Supporters of democracy must remain united as there is no third side to achieve peace through strength. The choice is clear: Dictators or democracy. prgtoken In conclusion, God bless our troops who successfully protected America for 20 years as the global war on terrorism continues, moving from the Afghanistan safe haven to America with 's open borders.
NOTICE OF INTENT TO SUSPEND THE RULES
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2023-9-19

I submit the following notice in writing: In accordance with Rule V of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby give notice in writing that it is my intention to move to suspend Rule XVI and Rule XXII, including germaneness requirements and dilatory provisions, to offer the following amendments, either as floor amendments, or as motions to recommit with instructions: Vance No. 1210, Lee No. 1121, Cruz No. 1176, Rubio No. 1159, Rubio No. 1237, Hawley No. 1200, Marshall No. 1161, Braun No. 1182, Paul No. 1226, Paul No. 1217. Scott of Florida S. 2721, as amended with a Scott of Florida- Rubio substitute amendment.
HONORING LISA ECK
Kevin Kiley (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-9-19

I recognize an exemplary individual who interned in my district office this summer. prgtoken Jaime Robles ensured that people's voices were heard, by taking down their concerns and sharing them with me. He even helped people renew their passport and access the services and benefits they are entitled to receive from the Federal Government. prgtoken Jaime is a recent graduate of Sierra College in Rocklin and will be attending UC Berkeley in the spring to major in economics. He served as vice president and student senator of the Sierra College Student Senate, vice president of student engagement for the social science club, and is a Phi Theta Kappa honor society member. Jaime is also bilingual, and I have repeatedly been impressed with his ability to utilize that skill and serve our Spanish-speaking constituents. prgtoken , Jaime has been a pleasure to have in my office and, like all our interns, has been a tremendous help to me and my team in serving the people of the Third Congressional District of California. I am incredibly grateful that he chose to invest his time and talents with us. prgtoken On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I thank Jaime for his commitment to public service.
PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 1435, PRESERVING CHOICE IN VEHICLE PURCHASES ACT; PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF H.R. 4365, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2024
Tom Cole (Republican, OK) \u2014 2023-9-19

such time as I may consume. prgtoken , last week the Rules Committee met and reported out a prgtoken rule, House Resolution 680, consideration of H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2024, under a structured rule. prgtoken It provides 1 hour of general debate equally divided and controlled by the chair and ranking member of the Committee on Appropriations or their designees. It also makes in order 184 amendments; more than 75 percent of those eligible for consideration. Finally, it provides for a motion to recommit. prgtoken I rise today in support of the rule and the underlying legislation. prgtoken , our democracy remains a beacon of hope to the entire world. Billions of people across the globe look to the United States as a leader in freedom and liberty and as a protector of peace. From the very moment our Nation was conceived, a strong national defense has been a differentiator of democracy. Essential to protecting the homeland, international order, and the American people from those who would seek to do us harm, we must never lose sight of the need to maintain a strong defense. prgtoken Although our men and women in uniform give of themselves every day, they cannot do their jobs unless Congress does its job. Only Congress can provide the funding our military needs to fulfill its duties. That is our responsibility. Today we move forward with that commitment as we take up H.R. 4365, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2024. We must do our duty and make sure that our brave military members can move forward with theirs. prgtoken With evolving threats, we continue to face a struggle seen throughout time. The contest between freedom and tyranny is not far from us. From Vladimir Putin's unjust and illegal invasion of Ukraine, to China's posturing in the South China Sea, to continued threats posed by extremists and terrorists, hostile actors are looking for weakness. Yet, America's Armed Forces remain ready to meet any challenge wherever it may arise. Continuing to meet those threats requires an appropriate investment of national resources. With today's measure, we fulfill that commitment and ensure that our Armed Forces will have the resources they need to meet any foe anywhere in the world at any time. prgtoken The bill before us provides full funding for the national defense. It appropriates $826 billion in new discretionary spending, which is a modest increase of $300 million over the President's budget request and nearly $29 billion, or 3.6 percent, over the fiscal year 2023 enacted level. prgtoken H.R. 4365 makes targeted investments that support critical priorities. Perhaps the most important of these priorities is to reinvest in our servicemen and -women. The bill provides a 5.2 percent pay raise for our servicemembers. For junior enlisted servicemembers, we provide an historic pay increase of an average of 30 percent, ensuring th
HONORING GARY KROESCHEN FOR RETIRING AS CHAIR OF THE MARSHALL COUNTY BOARD
Darin LaHood (Republican, IL) \u2014 2023-9-19

I would like to honor and congratulate Gary Kroeschen on his retirement as Marshall County Board Chairman. prgtoken Gary has dedicated much of his career to serving the people of Marshall County. Throughout his incredible career. Gary served on the Marshall County Board, Bennington Township Board, and Toluca Park District Board. Serving on the Bennington Township Board and the Toluca Park District Board for nearly 20 years, Gary also served on the Marshall County Board for 16 years and 11 of those as Chairman. He retired from this role on September 14, 2023, marking the end of his exceptional tenure serving the Marshall County area. prgtoken Like his work serving the people of Marshall County. Gary was a small business owner of Kroeschen Plumbing and Heating Inc in Toluca, Illinois. Gary exemplifies the values of public service and hard work. prgtoken I want to express the utmost gratitude to Gary. I am certain that my fellow Illinoisans feel the same pride and respect towards him that I do. He has undoubtedly improved the lives of Marshall County residents and Central Illinoisans more broadly. Most importantly, Gary accomplished all this while being a loving husband, father, and family man. I congratulate Gary, and wish him happiness and relaxation in retirement.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Rand Paul (Republican, KY) \u2014 2023-9-19

the Senate still mandates a COVID booster vaccine for pages. The Senate COVID vaccine mandate for pages continues despite the fact that the Senate voted 83 to 11 to repeal the military COVID vaccine mandate. So why in the world would we continue a mandate on pages that we have repealed for our soldiers? Is there any science to support continuing this mandate? The answer is an emphatic no. prgtoken The science has been clear since the early spring of 2020. Healthy children are not seriously affected by COVID. In fact, several large studies show that healthy children are rarely hospitalized and that deaths from COVID in healthy children are virtually nonexistent. prgtoken Dr. Martin Makary of Johns Hopkins describes a large, nationwide study in Israel that found that the risk of COVID death in people under 30 with two vaccines was essentially zero. A nationwide study from Germany showed zero COVID deaths among children over 5 who had no comorbidities. Even the head of the WHO, Soumya Swaminathan, concluded that there is no evidence right now that suggests healthy children and adolescents need boosters. Yet here we are, with desperately clinging to COVID vaccine mandates for young people who have essentially zero risk of dying from COVID. prgtoken Common sense should prevail, and the Senate should repeal this mandate, just as we did for our young soldiers. We shouldn't allow politics to infect and cloud commonsense judgment. prgtoken The vaccine committees that make recommendations for vaccines actually don't recommend COVID boosters for young, healthy individuals. The FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee voted to limit COVID vaccines to adults over 65. They wanted, because of the risk profile of the COVID vaccine, to limit it to people who were at risk for dying from COVID. A CDC vaccine panel also voted against recommending boosters for young, healthy individuals. But these committees that have lifelong scientists on them who voted not to advise the booster vaccine for adolescents were overruled by a political appointee, appointee Rochelle Walensky. prgtoken Dr. Paul Offit, who is the director of the Vaccine Education Center and professor of pediatrics and infectious disease at Children's Hospital in Philadelphia, wrote that ``a healthy young person with [two COVID vaccines] is extremely unlikely to be hospitalized with covid, so the case for risking any side effects--such as myocarditis--diminishes substantially.'' Dr. Offit, a lifelong proponent of vaccines, even advised his own son not to get the COVID booster. prgtoken The argument against mandating COVID boosters on young, healthy people is not just that they are unnecessary but that the COVID boosters may actually harm young individuals. Reports of heart inflammation or myocarditis after COVID vaccines have been consistent and worldwide. prgtoken A study in the Journal of the American Medical Assoc