mesut/congress_speeches huggingface dataset:
HONORING CHARLES EDWARD CLARK, SR.
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Democrat, GA) \u2014 2023-4-17

I rise today to honor a loving husband, dedicated father, doting grandfather, seasoned executive, benevolent public servant and dear family friend of long standing to my wife, Vivian, and me--Charles Edward Clark, Sr. Sadly, Charles transitioned from this life on March 27, 2023. On April 17, 2023, a memorial service celebrating his remarkable life was held at 11:00 a.m. in Columbus, Georgia at St. Luke United Methodist Church. prgtoken Charles Clark was born in Vienna, Georgia on August 26, 1939, to the union of Elbert and Elzada Clark. The oldest son of 11 children, his early education was in the Dooly County, Georgia School System. He went on to matriculate at Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University) in Atlanta where he became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and earned a B.A. Degree in Business Administration in 1962. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era, rising to the rank of Corporal before receiving his Honorable Discharge. prgtoken Charles returned to Atlanta and went to work at the Urban League, beginning what would become a long and extraordinary career in government and community service. At the Urban League, he met the love of his life, Lillian ``Bunky'' McClung, daughter of former Columbus Mayor Pro Tem, A.J. and Mrs. Helen McClung. They were married in 1966 and to this blessed union were born two children: Charles ``Chuck'' Clark, Jr. and Candace Clark (Trinchieri). prgtoken Charles believed in education and demanded excellence from himself at every stage of his professional career. Hence, while working full time at the Urban League, he earned his law degree from the Woodrow Wilson College of Law in Atlanta in 1971. He began federal executive employment at the Office of Economic Opportunity regional office in Atlanta, moved to the Social Security Administration, then went on to earn a Master's Degree in Public Administration in 1973 from Stanford University in Palo Alto, California. He then returned to Atlanta to be Regional Director for Volunteers In Service To America (VISTA) and simultaneously earned a Master's in Organizational Psychology and Administration in 1976 from West Georgia College in Carrolton, Georgia. prgtoken Also in 1976, when his wife, Bunky, went to Washington, D.C. as part of the Jimmy Carter Presidential Transition Team, Charles became Special Assistant to Veterans Affairs Administrator and future U.S. Senator Max Cleland. He served in several positions in the VA, to include: Assistant Administrator, Office of Personnel and Labor Relations; Assistant for the Office of Human Goals; and Special Assistant to the Deputy Chief Medical Director. Charles later served as Associate Medical Director at VA Medical Centers in Reno, Nevada, San Francisco and Palo Alto, California. Because of his exceptional service, Charles received The Meritorious Executive Presidential Rank Award from the Department in 1995. prgtoken Upon r
INTRODUCTION OF THE SMALL BUSINESS TAX EQUITY ACT
Earl Blumenauer (Democrat, OR) \u2014 2023-4-17

today I introduced the Small Business Tax Equity Act. This legislation would create an exception to Internal Revenue Code Section 280E that allows businesses operating in compliance with state laws to take business-related deductions associated with the sale of marijuana just like any other legal business. prgtoken U.S. cannabis laws are broken and woefully outdated. Section 280E of the federal tax code prohibits anyone engaged in the purchase or sale of Schedule I or Schedule II substances from deducting their business expenses from their taxes. To date, 38 states have legalized medical or adult use marijuana in some form. However, marijuana is currently a Schedule I substance under federal law and therefore businesses operating in compliance with state law are not allowed to deduct the ordinary expenses of running a small business, like rent, utilities, and payroll. They cannot claim the Work Opportunity Tax Credit if they hire a veteran; they cannot depreciate their American-made irrigation equipment; and they cannot take any credit or deduction relating to construction or operation costs if they want to revitalize a building for their operations. prgtoken Prohibiting marijuana businesses from deducting their business expenses means that marijuana businesses often pay federal income tax rates that are orders of magnitude higher than non-marijuana businesses. Disallowing business expense deductions creates a disproportionate burden that can put small dispensaries out of business and prevents many small businesspeople from entering the industry in the first place. prgtoken The Small Business Tax Equity Act will finally allow state regulated marijuana businesses to deduct their business expenses on their federal taxes, restoring equity with other legal businesses and helping make the legal cannabis competitive. prgtoken I look forward to working with the original cosponsors, Representatives Joyce, Lee, and Mace and my colleagues in the House and Senate to enact this legislation and end the harmful prohibition on tax deductions for state-legal cannabis businesses.
HONORING COACH JOHN VICTOR PERRY
Mike Thompson (Democrat, CA) \u2014 2023-4-17

I rise today with Congressman Jared Huffman, to honor Coach John Victor Perry for his service to young athletes as a dedicated little league baseball coach for over 50 years for Westside Little League in Santa Rosa, California. prgtoken Perry has supported little league players in 1,182 games and led them to 713 victories. From 1980 through 1988 and over the course of 143 games, Mr. Perry also coached little league senior teams. Throughout those seasons, hundreds of young athletes have benefitted from Mr. Perry's leadership. prgtoken Aside from his teams' victories, he is very proud that two of his players, Aaron Willis and Kailee Diaz Randall, went on to earn National Little League Good Sport Awards. Both of his players' names are now displayed on a plaque at the National Little League Museum in Williamsport. It is noteworthy that Westside Little League remains the only little league in the Nation to have two of its players honored with this award. prgtoken Aside from teaching baseball fundamentals, Mr. Perry makes it a point to educate his players on the importance of hard work, public service, and the history of baseball. He has devoted his time to maintaining the baseball fields for the leagues. Moreover, Mr. Perry instructs his players to thank their parents in writing for their permission to play on the team, and he snips roses for the players to present to their mothers on Mother's Day. prgtoken , it is evident that Coach John Victor Perry has been a tireless volunteer and outstanding role model for the young athletes of Santa Rosa California for half a century. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor him here today.
ORDERS FOR TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 2023
Debbie Stabenow (Democrat, MI) \u2014 2023-4-17

I ask unanimous consent that when the Senate completes its business today, it stand adjourned until 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 18; that following the prayer and pledge, the morning hour be deemed expired, the Journal of proceedings be approved to date, the time for the two leaders be reserved for their use later in the day, and morning business be closed; that following the conclusion of morning business, the Senate proceed to executive session to resume consideration of the Plumb nomination postcloture; further, at 11:30 a.m the Senate vote on confirmation of the nomination; that the Senate recess following the cloture vote on the Solomon nomination until 2:15 p.m. to allow for the weekly caucus meetings; further, that if cloture has been invoked on the Solomon nomination, all postcloture time be considered expired at 2:15 p.m. and the Senate vote on confirmation of the nomination; finally, that if any nominations are confirmed, the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table and the President be immediately notified of the Senate's action.
HONORING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF MATTHEW "MAC" McCLUNG
H. Morgan Griffith (Republican, VA) \u2014 2023-4-18

I rise in honor of Matthew ``Mac'' McClung of Gate City, Virginia, who on February 18, 2023, won the NBA All-Star slam dunk contest. With just over 2,000 residents, Mac's incredible accomplishments have put Gate City on the map. prgtoken After graduating from Gate City High School as a three-star recruit in 2018, Mac played college basketball for Georgetown University and Texas Tech University, before declaring for the 2021 NBA draft. I've followed Mac's basketball career since high school, attending a few of his Gate City and Georgetown games. prgtoken Mac has worked hard on his craft, playing in the NBA G league since turning pro. He won NBA G League Rookie of the Year for the 2021-22 season. In February, Mac was not only the first NBA G League player to participate in the NBA All-Star slam dunk contest, prgtoken but to also win it. I was glad to be able to watch Mac's incredible win live. prgtoken After the dunk contest, Mac signed with the Philadelphia 76ers. On April 7, Mac won the NBA G League title with the Delaware Blue Coats. Two days later, he helped the 76ers defeat the Brooklyn Nets in their final regular season game and netted a near-triple double with 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists. prgtoken Mac's hard work and dedication have made all of us in Southwest Virginia proud. His professionalism when talking with members of the media continues to impress me. Even with his new-found fame, Mac continues to be a gentlemen. prgtoken I congratulate Mac on his win in February and wish him continued success in basketball. I look forward to following his career. I am confident it will be a long and fruitful one.
PROVIDING FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISAPPROVAL OF A RULE SUBMITTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY, CORPS OF ENGINEERS, DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY--VETO MESSAGE FROM THE...
Tim Burchett (Republican, TN) \u2014 2023-4-18

I appreciate the chairman and his leadership. prgtoken , I rise in support of overriding President 's veto of H.J. Res. 27. Overriding the veto would get rid of a administration rule that hurts American landowners, small business owners, and farmers. prgtoken Back in 2020, the EPA addressed a longstanding problem. It got rid of a broad and confusing definition of waters of the United States, also known as WOTUS, and replaced it with a definition that was much more specific and easier to understand. But no good deed is left unpunished. prgtoken , landowners need to know if their body of water meets the definition of a WOTUS, because if it does, then it is subject to much, much stricter environmental regulations. prgtoken Of course, the administration is doing what it does best, and it is messing up the situation. prgtoken It is like my dad used to say about education: The problem we have with education is we called in the people who created the problem to fix it. prgtoken That is what they are doing. prgtoken It repealed that clear definition of a WOTUS from 2020 and replaced it with a more confusing and ambiguous one. This means a lot more landowners, small business owners, and farmers will need to hire expensive lawyers and consultants just to figure out if their body of water now qualifies as a WOTUS. This is another example of bringing in the bureaucrats to fix a problem that they have created. prgtoken A lot of my constituents are farmers and landowners, of course. Many are both of those. It is hard enough for them to take care of their land and follow these crazy environmental regulations without adding the burden of trying to figure out what these regulations are in the first place. prgtoken Basically what we have done is we have taken this away from the mom and pop farmers, the people who have inherited the land and who respect the land. No one respects the land more than a farmer, . We are replacing it with multinational globalist corporations who control politicians like the puppet masters that they are. prgtoken This administration needs to stop throwing bureaucracies at every situation it can get its hands on. prgtoken , it just doesn't work. This time it will hurt Americans who work hard to take care of their land and their businesses.
Tax Day (Executive Session)
John Thune (Republican, SD) \u2014 2023-4-18

today is Tax Day, and I think it is probably fair to say it is not most Americans' most favorite day. No one enjoys writing a check to the IRS or contemplating just how much of his or her yearly earnings goes to the Federal Government, especially when the Federal Government doesn't always make the best use of taxpayer dollars. prgtoken If you have a question for the IRS, things can get even more grim. The IRS does not exactly have a reputation for excellent customer service. During fiscal year 2021, the Agency answered just 11 percent of the 282 million calls it received--11 percent. That means that 250 million taxpayer calls went unanswered--250 million. And 2022 was barely better. During fiscal year 2022, 87 percent of taxpayer calls-- 87 percent--went unanswered. Any business with a customer service record like that would soon be out of business. prgtoken That is not even the worst of it. On top of its customer service problems, the IRS has a troubling record of mishandling taxpayer data. Everyone remembers the infamous targeting of conservative groups for extra scrutiny under the IRS. Then there was the 2021 leak or hack of confidential taxpayer information that ended up in the hands of the left-leaning organization ProPublica and was used to advance a partisan agenda. Last September, the IRS reported that it had inadvertently posted confidential taxpayer data for around 120,000 individuals on its website. Then, after fixing its mistake, the IRS inadvertently made much of that same information public again just 2 months later. prgtoken It is no surprise that interacting with the IRS doesn't exactly inspire confidence. Given the IRS's record, you would think everyone could agree the Agency is ripe for reform however, apparently thought the Agency was simply ripe for more funding, a lot more funding--funding targeted not toward reforming taxpayer services but overwhelmingly toward increasing tax enforcement. prgtoken The so-called Inflation Reduction Act passed last August contained a staggering $80 billion for the IRS. Just 4 percent of that funding--4 percent out of $80 billion--was earmarked for improving taxpayer services. More than half, roughly $46 billion, was earmarked for increased audits and other tax collection efforts. prgtoken But that is not all. President is now proposing to boost the IRS's budget by 15 percent next year--over and above the massive funding boost the IRS already received from the Inflation Reduction Act. And it doesn't even end there. The President's budget would also provide a separate and additional $29 billion to the IRS for enforcement--again, in addition to the $46 billion for enforcement the IRS received last August. prgtoken I don't need to tell anyone that President 's campaign to flood the IRS with unprecedented funding is motivated not by a desire to improve the Agency's performance but by a need to find money to h
REVENUE NEUTRAL PERSONAL CONSUMPTION TAX
George Santos (Republican, NY) \u2014 2023-4-18

the American people need tax relief, and I rise today to share my unapologetic support for the FairTax Act. prgtoken Taxes continue to skyrocket in States like New York. Many of my constituents pay nearly $50,000 in local taxes. Of that amount, $10,000 can be deducted from gross income. The rest gets taxed twice. prgtoken I have introduced two bills regarding tax deductions: H.R. 1260, the SALT prgtoken Relief Act, and H.R. 2634, the Alimony Relief Act. Both of my bills seek additional deductions for taxpayers forced to submit to government-directed payments. prgtoken Regarding alimony, I hope to repeal the section of law within the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that places the tax liability of government- mandated payments on the person who makes the payment and not the payee. Why should the person earning the money but not spending it pay the tax liability? prgtoken Mr. Carter's FairTax Act ensures that we pay taxes on what we buy rather than on what we earn. It would make both of my bills unnecessary. The hours spent every year doing tax returns wouldn't be necessary, and Americans would have more time to spend with their families. prgtoken I hope we can make real progress on the FairTax Act, but in the meantime, I would welcome my colleagues to support my efforts. I look forward to the day when a simpler tax code is afforded to all of our constituents.
HONORING THE MEMORY OF MILES ISBELL
Doug LaMalfa (Republican, CA) \u2014 2023-4-18

today, I honor the memory of Miles Isbell. Today would have been Miles' 12th birthday. prgtoken At the age of 9, Miles was diagnosed with brain cancer. While undergoing treatment, he refused to stop living his life to the fullest extent possible. He stayed active in school while undergoing treatment. He became a real-life trouper and outspoken candidate for cancer research while, in one night, raising $3 million for a brain cancer research facility. prgtoken Last September, the players on the San Francisco Giants baseball team wore pediatric cancer bracelets in Miles' honor. They brought him to several games, and he was able to meet several of the team's star players. prgtoken Miles had a tenacity that few of us could match. Despite the difficulty of his diagnosis and treatments, he never once uttered the word ``cancer.'' Indeed, this hat says: ``Smiles for Miles.'' prgtoken Sadly, he passed away on October 21, 2022. The mark he left behind is indelible. He touched many lives. He showed everyone around him what courage and strength in the face of darkness looks like. May we honor his memory and remember his bravery. prgtoken Miles is now resting peacefully in the arms of the Lord. We in northern California mourn his passing. He will be missed every day. I can think of no better person to honor on this floor.
LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Mike Lee (Republican, UT) \u2014 2023-4-18

wildfires pose a significant threat to the safety and well-being of our citizens, particularly those living near Federal lands. One way to protect against wildfires is with the use of fuel breaks. prgtoken Fuel breaks are--think of them as firewalls, firewalls for our communities. They are manmade areas with a reduced fuel load that are set up to act as a barrier to slow the spread of a wildfire. They slow it down and make it so the fire can't spread as quickly. prgtoken In 2021, Congress created a series of categorical exclusions specifically for the creation of fuel breaks. That was good. They were intended to protect communities adjacent to Federal land from the devastating effects of wildfires. However, the Federal Agencies responsible for implementing these prgtoken exclusions have been bogged down by regulatory delays. prgtoken These delays are really problematic, and they are adding up, especially in certain parts of the country where there is a lot of Federal land and where there is a lot of Federal land near where people live. For example, in California, there are 5.1 million homes in the wildland-urban interface. The Forest Service and the BLM will never have the capacity to protect these homes. The hands of the States shouldn't be tied while they watch their homes being burned. prgtoken So Congress did a good thing by creating these categorical exclusions, but it has been more or less rendered--I think by mistake-- a dead letter in many areas because of these regulatory problems. prgtoken Rather than throwing the baby out with the bathwater, we need to make this one work. My amendment aims to do precisely that. It aims to create a process for States to assume responsibility for the environmental analysis, approval, and execution of these projects. By allowing States to take on these responsibilities, we can expedite these critical projects for community protection. prgtoken The safety and well-being of our citizens and our communities are at stake. By passing my amendment, we can take a significant step toward protecting our homes, communities, and critical infrastructure from the devastating effects of wildfires. prgtoken , I call up my amendment No. 80 and ask that it be reported by number.
RECOGNIZING MARTHA ZOLLER
Earl L. "Buddy" Carter (Republican, GA) \u2014 2023-4-18

I rise today to recognize Martha Zoller, who was recently named TALKERS magazine's 2023 Woman of the Year. prgtoken Ms. Zoller has been known as a well-respected conservative voice in talk radio since the start of her career in 1994. Ever since then, she has kept people across the State of Georgia and the Nation informed on the news and the state of American politics with her radio broadcasts. prgtoken In addition to her time in radio, Ms. Zoller has served in the political world, as well. She spent time as the State director for field offices for Governor Brian Kemp, and she was a senior staffer for Senator David Perdue from 2014 to 2018. prgtoken Ms. Zoller's career in both radio and politics, while also being a mother and grandmother, is a testament to her character and commitment to both her family and her community. prgtoken , I congratulate Ms. Zoller again for being named TALKERS' 2023 Woman of the Year.