mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
PROHIBITING INDIVIDUALS CONVICTED OF DEFRAUDING THE GOVERNMENT FROM RECEIVING ANY ASSISTANCE FROM THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Kweisi Mfume (Democrat, MD) \u2014 2023-11-28

my thanks to Chairman Williams and to the ranking member, Ms. Velazquez of New York for their leadership. She and I were having a conversation reminding ourselves that 84 percent of all of the loosening of the guardrails that created the problems occurred while the previous administration was in office. It is important for the facts to be noted in that regard. It is not in an effort to cast aspersions, but it is in an effort to make sure we tell the truth. prgtoken , I rise today like the gentleman from Texas and the gentlewoman from New York in support of H.R. 5427 which prohibits, as you have heard, individuals convicted of defrauding small business pandemic relief programs from receiving future non-disaster financial aid assistance from the administration. prgtoken It sounds like it is common sense to me. If you put your hand in the cookie jar and you steal the cookies, why should you be rewarded later for that? prgtoken To this day, our Nation has to reckon with the fact that the consequences of that decision in 2020 to fast-track the allocation of the pandemic relief funds by weakening and removing the internal controls really caused the problems. It was a recipe for disaster. prgtoken Are we even astonished that something like this would happen? prgtoken This is why so many of us argued against this in 2020. prgtoken While many of these antifraud controls are being reinstituted by the Small Business Administration, fraud in these programs has run rampant. We let the horse out of the barn and are wasting time looking at it instead of trying to find a way to get it back in. So that is what this measure does in many respects. prgtoken As the ranking member of the Small Business Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations, I have been, like many of my colleagues on the committee, incredibly concerned by the misuse and the abuse of pandemic relief funds. prgtoken Why? prgtoken It is a very simple answer: These funds could have been used to protect jobs. They could have been used to lift small businesses out of financial distress as they should have, and they could have created a circular flow of income in so many communities, urban and rural, throughout this country. prgtoken Instead, they lined the pockets of thieves and fraudsters. So that is why I am pleased to be the ic co-lead on this along with Mr. Williams. prgtoken This bill amends section 16 of the SBA Act to prohibit, as we said before, anyone convicted of crimes related to financial misconduct or making false statements with respect to small business pandemic relief moneys from not being able to receive nondisaster financial assistance in the future. It is kind of common sense. It really is. prgtoken So this bill ensures that those who knowingly and willfully stole Federal funds are not given a similar opportunity in the future. prgtoken , I, again, thank the ranking member, Ms. Velazquez of New York; the chair, Mr. Williams of Te
CITLALLI CUMPLIDO
Brittany Pettersen (Democrat, CO) \u2014 2023-11-28

I rise today to recognize Citlalli Cumplido of Denver, Colorado for receiving the United States Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship. As part of this prestigious honor, Citlalli traveled to the Czech Republic to study abroad. prgtoken U.S. Study Abroad programs are an important component of the federal government's efforts to ensure Americans of all backgrounds have the opportunity to gain global experiences and work across our borders to help address our world's greatest challenges. The Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship provides exceptional undergraduate students with the opportunity to expand their cultural proficiencies, study critical need languages, and conduct STEM research. The scholarship has empowered over 41,000 individuals with financial need to engage in people-to- people diplomacy and prepare for distinguished careers in public service. prgtoken I commend Citlalli for pursuing an exemplary international education and representing America abroad as a citizen ambassador. This scholarship rightly recognizes a commitment to academic excellence. Mr it is a privilege to recognize Citlalli's many accomplishments.
CONGRESS NEEDS TO REGULATE THE SALE OF AMMUNITION
Robert Garcia (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-11-28

. Madam , it is undeniable that we have a gun problem in our country and that too many people lose their lives to gun violence every single day. prgtoken We can't take on the issue of gun violence without also addressing ammunition access for criminals and for those who are choosing to harm others across our country. prgtoken This means holding people and institutions accountable for their role in the public commercial ammunition sales that can get into the wrong hands. prgtoken Just a few weeks ago, The New York Times released a report indicating that ammunition produced at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant has also been sold widely in the civilian marketplace. Ammo from Lake City has been seized from drug dealers, violent felons, and even rioters from January 6. prgtoken Ammo from the plant has been tied to at least a dozen mass shootings, including at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh and at the Robb Elementary School in Uvalde. prgtoken Let me be clear: This is completely unacceptable. prgtoken We are demanding oversight, not just over this plant, but the commercial sales of ammunition that is subsidized by the U.S. Government and then is turned around and used in mass shootings across the country. prgtoken We also need to pass my bill, along with Senator Elizabeth Warren's bill, the AMMO Act to regulate ammunition sales across the country. This is a serious challenge. People are losing their lives.
Nomination of Margaret M. Garnett (Executive Session)
Charles E. Schumer (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-11-28

so in a few minutes, we are going to proceed on the nomination of an outstanding public servant, Margaret M. Garnett, whom I was proud to recommend to President as district judge for the Southern District of New York. She is a proud resident of Brooklyn, a brilliant legal thinker, and someone whose entire life story has been defined by public service. prgtoken She has had more than a decade of experience prosecuting cases, ranging from murder to robbery, to financial fraud, and more, as part of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York. Fifteen times, she has tried a case all the way to jury verdict, including what was, at the time, the largest tax fraud case in U.S. history. prgtoken But Ms. Garnett is also a fierce defender of the rights of the accused. She was instrumental in exonerating five individuals wrongly convicted of murder. prgtoken She once said that ``our job is to do justice, and that is a much broader task and quest than racking up convictions.'' prgtoken Our courts need more public servants like Margaret Garnett, described by her colleagues not just as brilliant but wise, not just determined but kind, not just an outstanding lawyer but a true friend and defender of our system. prgtoken If anyone--anyone--has mastered the recipe for serving as an excellent jurist, it is certainly Margaret Garnett. So I was eager to recommend her to the President for the Federal bench, and I am proud to support the nomination of Margaret Garnett today and encourage my colleagues to support her as well. prgtoken .
TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL KAREN A. BERRY
Christopher A. Coons (Democrat, DE) \u2014 2023-11-28

it is with great pleasure that I rise, along with Senator Tom Carper of Delaware and Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester of Delaware, to honor BG Karen A. Berry, a Delawarean who has provided exemplary service to the National Guard. prgtoken With more than three decades of distinguished military career service dedicated to the National Guard, BG Karen Berry has represented Delaware in a variety of leadership capacities, including company command of the HHC 280th Signal Battalion and Officer Candidate School, 193rd Regional Institute, and the 261st Tactical Theater Signal Brigade. She completed a yearlong deployment serving as the deputy commander of the 335th Signal Command in Afghanistan, acting as the senior communications officer and providing essential guidance for the communications network theater. Moreover, in 2019, she transferred to the Connecticut National Guard, serving in two key leadership positions: assistant to the Adjutant General Army and the Director of the Joint Staff. There, she oversaw the training and deployments of the Connecticut Army National Guard and ensured mission readiness and support to State and Partnership Programs between Connecticut and its partner Uruguay, a role critical to the success of countless overseas missions. prgtoken Brigadier General Berry has built on her extensive experience to lead with practical knowledge. Her educational background includes a bachelor of science in agricultural engineering and technology from the University of Delaware, a master's degree in education from Salisbury University, and a master's degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College. Her promotions and list of major awards over the years are extensive and include National Defense Service Medals, Army Commendation Medals, and Delaware National Guard Medals for Military Merit, just to name a few. prgtoken Brigadier General Berry is also the first female Army guardsman to hold a brigade command in the Delaware Army National Guard, as well as the first female in the Delaware Army National Guard promoted to the general office rank of brigadier general. Brigadier General Berry has opened the door for countless others to follow, serving as an example of strong leadership, phenomenal work ethic, and service before self. prgtoken Brigadier General Berry has provided reasoned, invaluable, and experienced counsel while serving as chair of my Military Service Academy Board since my arrival in the Senate. A hallmark of Brigadier General Berry's leadership has been her high regard for the servicemembers she leads and their families. Brigadier General Berry has also been instrumental in forging enduring relationships with local community members and organizations. These bonds will serve the Delaware National Guard and Delaware communities well for years to come. prgtoken The values of hard work and serving others are second nature to the Berry family. Karen, her husband MG
REAFFIRMING THE STATE OF ISRAEL'S RIGHT TO EXIST
Jared Moskowitz (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2023-11-28

I conclude with this: Anyone who believes that Israel doesn't have a right to exist is calling for genocide. We hear that word thrown around a lot now on prgtoken social media, ``genocide.'' We have a war in the Middle East. We don't have genocide. prgtoken If you believe a country should not exist, the millions of people in that country should also not exist, which means you are calling for genocide. prgtoken , I urge everyone to vote ``yes'' on this resolution. Israel has a right to exist.
INTRODUCTION OF A BILL TO DESIGNATE THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA AS AN EMPOWERMENT ZONE
Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democrat, DC) \u2014 2023-11-28

today. I introduce a bill that would designate certain areas of the District of Columbia as empowerment zones. This bill would effectively reauthorize many of the unique federal tax incentives for business investment in D.C. that expired in 2011. D.C.'s downtown, which has been the economic engine of the city, has been particularly hard hit by the increase in remote and hybrid work since the COVID-19 pandemic. making this bill especially important. prgtoken In 1993, Congress created the national empowerment zone program to encourage investment in low-income communities and delegated to federal agencies the authority to designate communities as empowerment zones. D.C. was not among those so designated. However. in 1997. working primarily with s in Congress, I created federal tax incentives for investment in D.C. by businesses and individuals. The business incentives were similar to, but more generous than, those available under the national empowerment zone program. I got the D.C. incentives reauthorized regularly until 2011, when Congress refused to extend the D.C. incentives. At the same time, Congress extended the national empowerment zone program, and the program was last extended through 2025. Under my bill, low-income neighborhoods in D.C. would be treated as empowerment zones as long as the national empowerment zone program remains in effect. prgtoken Congress has recognized that the benefits of tax incentives for investment in economically distressed communities outweigh the costs, as it has continuously extended the national empowerment zone program. The tax incentives for D.C. were the only tax incentives for a big city that were not extended, even though they were initially created by s, with the help of several . prgtoken The expiration of the tax incentives for D.C. was tragically timed, as the low-income parts of D.C which needed the incentives most, were ready for revitalization. As we work to revitalize downtown D.C. and Wards 5, 7 and 8, the need for these incentives for D.C. is of paramount importance. The tax incentives for D.C. were effective and their costs were de minimis. prgtoken I strongly urge my colleagues to support this bill.
SMALL BUSINESS CONTRACTING TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2023
Chrissy Houlahan (Democrat, PA) \u2014 2023-11-28

I rise today to urge my colleagues to vote for my bipartisan and very much commonsense legislation, the Small Business Contracting Transparency Act, that will help level the playing field for underrepresented entrepreneurs across the country. prgtoken I thank my colleague, Representative Pete Stauber, for his partnership on this legislation. Furthermore, I thank Chairman Williams and Ranking Member Velazquez for their leadership in advancing this legislation through the Small Business Committee on a unanimous basis. I thank them for me being able to stand on their shoulders on this. prgtoken As a former entrepreneur myself, I understand the many challenges that come with running and scaling a business. Every day brings a unique challenge. I regularly hear from businessowners in my own community, in Pennsylvania's Sixth District, who are navigating inflation, supply chain challenges, workforce needs, and so much more. prgtoken One way that our Federal Government can help protect entrepreneurs is to address these issues and ultimately succeed. One way they can do that is by providing contracting opportunities for small business owners. For entrepreneurs who are seeking to do business with our Federal Government, I know that every single contract secured or lost can be the difference in keeping Americans on their payroll or losing them, expanding or scaling back their operations, or beating or missing their projections. prgtoken That is why the Federal small business contracting programs are so very important. Through these programs, the Federal Government maintains its various statutory goals that ensure equitable participation by small businesses, and importantly, by underrepresented small businesses in Federal contracting. prgtoken Across various agencies, the Federal Government aims to provide 5 percent of Federal prime contracts to women-owned small businesses, 3 percent to service-disabled veteran-owned businesses, and 3 percent to the Historically Underutilized Business Zone, otherwise known as HUBZone, small businesses, as well. prgtoken While figures like 5 percent or 3 percent may not sound a whole lot like large targets, our Federal Government, unfortunately, struggles regularly to meet them. prgtoken Indeed, in fiscal year 2022, the Federal Government failed to reach its target goals for both women-owned businesses and HUBZone small businesses, as well. Even more troubling, the Federal Government has only met the statutory goal of awarding 5 percent of contracts to women-owned businesses twice in the last 23 years. prgtoken In addition, the Government Accountability Office, or GAO, has cited deficiencies in the Small Business Administration's oversight of the program. prgtoken It is clear that disadvantaged entrepreneurs continue to be underrepresented when it comes to Federal contract funding, and that is hurting the economy, both at a micro level and at a macro or national level. It is we
RECOGNIZING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF TINA SCARPELLO WEBSTER
Brian Higgins (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-11-28

today I am pleased to recognize this year's Mercy Devotion Honoree at Mount Mercy Academy, Tina Scarpello Webster. For over a century, Mount Mercy Academy has been a beacon of light and an indispensable institution within our community. With a unique focus on academic excellence, women's leadership, and a commitment to building a just society, it is only proper to commend the alumni who have contributed to this much-deserved reputation. prgtoken As a staff member at Mount Mercy, Tina has been afforded the rare opportunity to make a tangible impact on the hearts and minds of countless students. Upon graduating from Erie Community College, Tina's brief time working in North Carolina made her recognize her passion and love of our community in Buffalo. Upon her return, Tina eventually found her way to working at the school that she, and her sisters Cheryl ('82) and Joelle ('84), love so dearly: Mount Mercy Academy. She assumed the roles of Recruitment Manager, Director of Admissions and Communications, newsletter creator, class moderator, club facilitator, and social media coordinator, among a myriad of roles. Tina has been the cheerleading coach for even longer, this skill has shaped her work on behalf of her alma mater. There is no shortage of ways that Tina has bettered the Mount Mercy community, and she shares this enthusiasm in Buffalo, as well. She has volunteered with the South Buffalo Football Association for twenty-five years, assisted in the creation of the Brian Bauer Memorial Golf Tournament, and coaches Buffalo Envy, another local cheerleading team. Tina has been an inspiring mentor to young women in Western New York, and her hard work at Mount Mercy makes her an excellent role model. prgtoken The award recipients and honorees tonight for Mount Mercy Academy's 22nd Annual Dinner have exceeded the already rigorous standard for the members within this community. Mount Mercy's values and commitment to service are steeped in decades of tradition, and Tina Scarpello Webster continues to live these values in her career and relationships.
HONORING THE ST. PAUL AME CHURCH'S 126TH ANNIVERSARY
Lois Frankel (Democrat, FL) \u2014 2023-11-28

I rise today to honor St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Delray Beach, Florida, on its 126th anniversary. This significant milestone is a testament to the enduring spirit of faith and community that has thrived within its walls since its inception. prgtoken St. Paul AME Church. originally named Mt. Tabor, held its first service on November 19, 1897, in what was then called Linton. St. Paul was the second church established in the area that would become Delray Beach in 1964. Prior to relocating in 1902, St. Paul shared a building with the first church in Delray, Mt. Olive Baptist. The fact that it has weathered the test of time, evolving and adapting over the years, speaks to the resilience and commitment of its congregation. prgtoken Reverend James C. Watson, Jr. and First Lady Viola Watson are committed community leaders and their dedication to St. Paul AME Church is a steadfast commitment to fostering spiritual growth and community engagement. prgtoken As we celebrate the 126th anniversary, we must recognize that St. Paul AME Church is part of a broader legacy. The African Methodist Episcopal church founded in America in 1787, has a rich history of promoting both spiritual enrichment and social justice. St. Paul AME Church stands as a local embodiment of this legacy, contributing to the cultural and spiritual tapestry of Delray Beach. prgtoken Pastor James and First Lady Viola Watson's commitment to St. Paul AME Church and their service to our community is remarkable. I congratulate them on 126 years of service and wish them continued success.
THE PUBLIC SERVICE REVIEW
Mark Kelly (Democrat, AZ) \u2014 2023-11-28

a great privilege of my job as a U.S. Senator is having the opportunity to meet young people who are eager to serve. Talented young leaders like those featured in the Summer 2023 edition of ``Public Service Review'' inspire me, and I am hopeful their stories will inspire others. This edition features insightful reflections from aspiring public servants with diverse backgrounds and interests who are passionate about serving their communities, their country, and the world. prgtoken The 10 authors featured in the Summer 2023 edition are Jamya Davis of Xavier University of Louisiana, Lydia Sigman of George Mason University, Rohini Achal of the University of Washington, Christopher Robinson of Mississippi State University, Mateus Voltolini of the University of Southern Maine, Samina Patel of Georgia Institute of Technology, Tatyana Mayo of Howard University, Julia Comino of American University, Brina Ratangee of Vanderbilt University, and Tony Ruan of Yale University, whom I had the pleasure of having in my office as an intern and speaking with for his article. prgtoken The ``Public Service Review'' is produced by the Stennis Center for Public Service, and the Summer 2023 edition is available at www.stennis.gov. I encourage all to read it.
PROHIBITING INDIVIDUALS CONVICTED OF DEFRAUDING THE GOVERNMENT FROM RECEIVING ANY ASSISTANCE FROM THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Nydia M. Velázquez (Democrat, NY) \u2014 2023-11-28

this bill prohibits anyone convicted of defrauding the government with respect to the SBA's pandemic programs from receiving loan disaster financial assistance from the SBA. prgtoken While there may be disagreement on the actual estimates of fraud in the pandemic programs, it is clear we need to work together to protect their integrity. prgtoken Administrator Guzman has taken steps to put strong controls into place that would prohibit anyone convicted of fraud from receiving financial assistance, and this bill will ensure those controls remain in place with future administrations. prgtoken I thank Chairman Williams, Mr. Mfume, and Mr. Bean for their efforts, and I urge my colleagues to support the legislation. prgtoken , I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on H.R. 5427, and .
PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITIES FROM FAILURE TO SECURE THE BORDER ACT OF 2023
Mike Collins (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-11-29

you would think by just listening to this debate that we were sitting here debating funding and we were debating guns, and that is actually not the case. prgtoken You see, Mr. Chair, what the administration is trying to do is just another glaring example in a long list of glaring examples of what they have done to destroy the American fabric as we know it. prgtoken Mr. Chair, you can look at inflation, and you can look at the wokeness in the military, but this is actually about an invasion, and now they are wanting to take a national park and turn it into a migrant camp. prgtoken I want to tell you something, Mr. Chair: If you give this administration an inch, they will take a mile. That is just the beginning of this. prgtoken People want to go see their national parks. They want to go see the Grand Canyon. They don't want to see a grand caravan. prgtoken Instead of punishing Americans for its failures, the administration should look to actual long-lasting solutions to the border crisis. House s, , knew exactly right. We have already acted by passing H.R. 2, the Secure the Border Act. prgtoken Mr. Chair, I want to urge all of my colleagues to support this bill and protect our national parks.